Youth's voice cut through the tension, sharp as a blade.
"I could smell the deceit from a mile away when Cristianos spoke. I have ears everywhere, too."
8 hours ago
As the group gathered their gear earlier, Algos had approached Youth, his usual stoic demeanor even graver. He spoke in a low whisper, glancing around to ensure no one else could hear.
"We need to talk," Algos murmured, his voice taut with urgency.
Youth regarded him silently, waiting.
Algos continued, "The Supreme General summoned the five commandos to his office. I managed to eavesdrop. Apparently, he ordered your execution… and he wants to take your eye. They're using this mission as a cover-up so no one suspects a thing. There's no such flower that blooms once every sixty years."
Youth's crimson eye flickered faintly beneath his eyepatch, but his expression remained stone-cold.
Present
Youth's eye ignited with a deep red glow as his power surged. The air around him thickened, pulsing with his fury as dark armor enveloped him. His transformation into Grade 3 was complete—a shroud of darkness accented by the crimson X glowing on his face.
Galleass stared, stunned.
"So it's true. The eye can boost your grade…."
Without hesitation, Galleass and Thavas stepped forward, their weapons drawn. The air grew electric, the promise of battle setting every nerve on edge.
Meanwhile, deeper in the cave, Schneizal, Sequana, and the others panted heavily as the last of the giant scorpions fell, their carapaces split open. The ground was littered with steaming ichor and shattered rock.
Schneizal wiped his brow with the back of his hand.
"Man… that was way too many bugs."
Before anyone could respond, three shadows stepped into view—Cypria, Lefteris, and Milos. Their expressions were cold, their movements deliberate as they began to surround the knights.
Lefteris grinned wickedly, spinning his scythe with a casual flourish.
"Well, looks like it's time to wrap this up."
Clarence froze, his sword trembling in his grip.
"What?" he whispered, barely able to comprehend what he was seeing.
Cypria tilted her head, her twin blades gleaming ominously.
"Pity. I kind of liked you guys."
Before they could act, a deafening boom reverberated through the cave, followed by a flash of light. Algos and Gondikas burst onto the scene, weapons drawn and faces grim.
"What? Algos? Gondikas?" Clarence stammered, his eyes wide with shock.
Milos narrowed his pink eyes.
"The hell? You're not part of this mission."
Algos raised his weapon, aiming it steadily.
"That's true, but I'm not going to sit back and let you kill these people."
Clarence staggered, his voice shaking. "K-Kill?"
Schneizal stepped forward, his sword gleaming as he pointed it toward the commandos.
"We know your plan, you shady commandos."
Lefteris laughed, his voice a harsh bark.
"Oh, yeah?" He brandished his scythe, readying for battle.
Cypria rolled her shoulders, her lips curling into a smirk.
"Guess we're going to have to take out these traitors, too."
Gondikas gritted his teeth, his massive frame tensed for a fight.
"You brats…"
The air turned lethal as the two sides squared off, the cave reverberating with the tension of an imminent clash.
Youth.
Youth stood firm, his darkened armor glinting in the dim cave light. He fixed Thavas and Galleass with an unflinching glare.
"You guys are dirty scumbags—no different from Ketergia," he growled.
Thavas chuckled, his voice dripping with condescension.
"Never been there, kid. We're just following orders from the Supreme General." He gestured lazily with his blade. "Galleass, you take the warbeast. I'll handle Mr. Eyepatch."
"Copy," Galleass replied, his blue hair falling over his eyes as he accelerated toward Vriede.
Vriede barely had time to react before their swords clashed. Sparks flew as the force of the impact sent her skidding back, her boots carving deep grooves into the stone floor.
"Vriede!" Youth shouted, his voice edged with concern.
He tried to move toward her, but Thavas stepped into his path, a wide grin splitting his face.
"Im still shocked you had the ability to turn into a grade 3. That is a very rare gift i mus say" Thavas tells you
"Get out of my way !" You shouted.
Thavas raises his sword and pointed at youth,
"You will be a worthy opponent to test my strength" Thavas screamed as he prepare to fight Youth
Without warning, Youth launched himself at Thavas, spear in hand. Their blades collided with an ear-splitting clang, sending shockwaves that cracked the cave walls. Sparks exploded around them as their duel began, every strike growing fiercer than the last.
Vriede and Galleass.
Vriede stumbled to her feet, wiping blood from her mouth. Galleass stood across from her, his broadsword held ready, his eyes cold.
"It's over, warbeast," Galleass said flatly.
"You were all going to die anyway."
Vriede's grip tightened on her sword. This guy… He's on a completely different level. But he's still just a Grade 2 like I am. Her thoughts steadied. I can't give up. Think of a plan.
Galleass charged, his speed startling, but Vriede sidestepped at the last moment. His momentum carried him into the cave wall, shattering rock as he impacted.
"You damn warbeast," he snarled.
Before he could recover, Vriede appeared in front of him, eyes blazing with determination, and slashed at him. Galleass barely dodged, countering with a punch to her face. She staggered, but instead of falling, she grinned and drove her fist into his jaw.
The two tumbled to the cave floor, trading brutal punches and kicks. The sickening crunch of bone echoed as blood dripped freely, but neither backed down.
"Fine," Galleass growled, spitting blood.
"Fists, then."
Vriede grinned through her pain.
"Bring it."
On the other side of the cave Sequana unleashed a blast of magic, the bright energy searing toward Cypria, but the commando dodged with ease, her laughter echoing through the cave.
"Is that all you've got, amateur?" Cypria taunted as she charged forward, her blades poised to strike.
Before the attack landed, Schneizal intercepted her, their swords clashing violently.
"Maggot," she spat, glaring at him.
Meanwhile, Gondikas fired a blast from the cannon on his shoulder at Lefteris. The scythe-wielder deflected it with a casual swipe, the energy dissipating against the cave walls.
"What?!" Gondikas cursed.
"Watch out!" Algos shouted as Lefteris lunged forward, his scythe slicing through Gondikas's cannon, leaving it useless.
Clarence stood frozen, shaking as the chaos unfolded.
"What… what's happening?" Clarence stammered, clutching his sword tightly.
"Why are the commandos trying to kill Schneizal and Sequana?"
Schneizal, breathless but steady, crashed down next to Clarence.
"Kid, you alright?"
Clarence nodded shakily. "Y-Yes."
Schneizal gripped his shoulder.
"Listen, kid. I'm sorry to tell you this, but… your heroes are kinda big assholes, tho they are just following orders but they're trying to kill Youth. I need your help."
Clarence's face paled. "But… I'm just a Grade 1…"
Schneizal grinned, rising to his feet with his sword ready.
"Believe in yourself, kid!"
The cave descended into chaos as swords clashed, magic erupted, and betrayal unfolded in every shadow.