The sky was still dark when the carriages were loaded.
Not even the birds were awake yet.
But the evacuation had already begun—nobles, soldiers, children, and commoners crowding the western gates of Airillesta. Horses stamped nervously. Guards whispered. Mana lanterns flickered under heavy silence.
Today was the day… they would leave.
And I would stay behind.
---
My 3rd brother, Hyarus, approached with arms crossed, trying way too hard to look cool.
> "Tch… You better not die or something."
> "I'll do my best," I replied with a smirk.
> "It's not like I care or anything… but I was planning to beat you one day. So don't go getting yourself killed before I can humiliate you properly."
> "So basically… 'come back alive or else'?"
> "Y-Yeah… Something like that. Idiot."
He turned so fast I barely caught the shine in his eyes.
---
The Rest of My Family
Edrin, the 4th prince, gave me a quick salute, trying to hide the wobble in his lower lip.
Nolliem, the 2nd prince, placed a firm hand on my shoulder and muttered,
> "Don't do anything heroic unless someone's watching."
Allcrine, the 1st prince, simply looked at me and said,
> "Make the Lunstein name proud."
Then came Mother.
She didn't say anything.
Just pulled me into a tight hug, trembling slightly.
When she finally let go, her eyes were red… but her smile remained strong.
> "You've grown so much… Alein."
---
The Duke and the Red-Haired Girl
Duke Zuel gave me a single nod of approval. No words—just respect.
But Seraphina lingered.
She didn't say goodbye.
She just slipped something into my hand.
A folded handkerchief… and a single, red ribbon.
> "To remind you of what's waiting when you come back."
Then she walked away without looking back.
---
A King's Last Offer
As the final carriage lined up, Father stood beside me, arms behind his back, his royal cloak fluttering gently in the dawn wind.
> "You've done more than I ever expected, Alein."
> "I haven't done anything yet."
> "That's what I mean. You still have time to change your mind."
I looked at him. The man who had once watched me from afar like a ruler viewing a pawn.
But now…
Now, I saw him not just as my king.
But as my father.
I shook my head.
> "I'm not leaving."
He nodded slowly. Then I stepped closer, placed a hand gently on his arm.
> "But you don't die either."
> "Hm?"
> "You're not allowed to die, Father. We protect this place together… remember?"
A pause.
Then, to my surprise…
He laughed.
> "Very well… Knight of Airillesta."
We stood side by side.
And watched the last carriage vanish through the morning fog.
---
The air had changed.
The moment the last carriage vanished into the horizon, a wind rolled in from the dark forest — carrying with it not the scent of earth or trees…
…but blood, ash, and something ancient.
---
The Kingdom Prepares
All around the capital walls, the people of Airillesta stood ready.
The knights in full armor, lined up in squadrons.
The mages, forming protective wards and fire circles.
The priests, praying over weaponry and soldiers alike.
The archers, stationed on towers with enchanted bolts.
Catapults loaded. Spears raised. Sword hilts kissed for luck.
Every man and woman who could fight… did.
All troops in the battlefield is 2500 in total
The ground trembled.
---
The Enemy Emerges
From the edge of the deep, cursed forest…
They came.
Orcs. Cyclops. Goblins. Hobgoblins. Ogre beasts.
Not in scattered bands—
But as a wave. Unified. Driven by hunger and hate.
Ten thousand strong.
Eyes glowing in the shadows.
They didn't scream or roar.
They just… marched.
---
A King's Voice
I sat atop my warhorse, armor gleaming silver and black, a lance resting by my side, sword at my hip. The weight of the armor dug into my shoulders. But my back did not bend.
Beside me was my father — King Lunstein, already mounted, cape fluttering behind his golden armor, the crest of Airillesta proudly displayed on his chest.
He raised his hand—
And the kingdom fell silent.
Then he spoke.
> "People of Airillesta—"
His voice rang loud and clear, amplified by wind and spell.
> "This kingdom was born from fire and frost. From sword and ash. We are no strangers to monsters."
> "But hear me now—WE DO NOT FEAR THEM."
A cheer erupted.
He continued, voice thundering like the drums of war:
> "They may come in thousands. But we have something no beast can understand."
> "We have honor."
> "We have will."
> "And we have a home worth dying for!"
"LET THE MONSTERS BREAK UPON OUR WALLS LIKE WAVES ON STONE!"
"FOR AIRILLESTA!"
The army roared in unison:
> "FOR AIRILLESTA!!"
---
I turned slightly toward my father and nodded once.
> "I'll fight beside you," I said.
He smiled grimly.
> "Then ride, my son."
We kicked our steeds forward.
Side by side. Father and son.
Steel glinting.
Lances raised.
Knights of Airillesta, chivalry burning in their hearts.
And behind us…
Thousands charged into battle.
End for chapter 6