Inside the bloody cave where the unknown group had just been exterminated, another man appeared, his expression hardened, regretful that no one had surrendered.
"Such hopeless souls…"
"This is the path they follow, Orlog."
"I know, Orion… but it's such nonsense."
"…May their souls rest."
"Rest where? In that hellish realm of the demons?"
"They didn't sign contracts; maybe they still have a chance to repent."
"Bullshit…"
The man named Orlog, a tall knight with a brown beard, hair, and eyes to match, cursed the masked group's actions as nonsense. Beside him, Orion knelt, set down a worn box, and opened it, revealing countless books on demonic summoning.
"So?… Do we just burn them all?"
"Normally we would have to take them to the lord for proof, but since he sent us, who he trusts, there's no need."
"Hah. I guess in the end this hard work wasn't for nothing, Orion."
"Save me from that mouth of yours, please."
"Haha!"
As Orlog chuckled, Orion stood and walked toward one of the walls. He pulled a torch from its mount and threw it into the box, flames quickly devouring the infernal texts.
"I guess our job is over… let's move."
"Right behind ya."
They made their way toward the cave's exit. Flies buzzed around the fresh corpses strewn across the stone floor, and the rising stench clung to the air like rot to bone.
"Ah, the stench… will all this blood attract wolves?"
"Perhaps it will… even so, I don't think anyone will come across this place."
"…"
"?"
Orion glanced at Orlog, noticing for once the man had gone silent. When he caught Orion's stare, Orlog finally spoke, his voice low.
"Demonic summoning… the past is raising its ugly heads."
"Indeed. The Empire became too lax about heresy."
"It's not that, Orion… their efforts are greater for some reason."
"…Something is changing on their side."
Orion raised a brow, surprised to hear Orlog speak seriously for once. He'd always acknowledged the Empire's decay and the church's attempt to counter it through the creation of the Holy Knight Order, but this... this was different.
"May our side also see changes soon, Orion."
"Don't worry… for now, let's hurry."
Outside the cave now, they mounted their horses and turned toward the forest path that would carry them back to their lord. The sun cut through the trees in streaks, shadows shifting like silent ghosts. Leaves whispered as the two rode in grim silence, save for the steady rhythm of hooves pounding the dirt.
Eventually, two horses entered the city of Ranavom, capital of Ranov County, where Orlog and Orion served as knights. The sight struck with contrast.
"It's peaceful…"
"Indeed."
Orion looked around. The city market bustled children playing, citizens bartering, laughter in the air. In the center stood the statue of the county's first patriarch, a symbol of order amid the Empire's chaos.
"Let's hope we can protect it."
"Haha, you sound like an old man."
"…"
Ignoring the jab, Orion kept his gaze forward. Soon, they arrived at the Count Manor, the heart of Ranov, entering to report the mission's outcome.
"We request permission to enter."
"It's granted."
The heavy doors creaked open. Inside stood a man with black hair and noble posture, his presence exuding authority, Count Theodor Ranov.
"The demon worshipers inside Mount Coron were eliminated, and every book was burned to the ground," Orion reported.
"Good, Orion… But Orlog, why are you in your armor?"
"Excuse me, my lord… what?"
"…No armors. To not attract too much attention from the church. This is what I told both of you, but it seems only Orion understood."
"…"
"My apologies, sir…"
"It's nothing. I'll let it pass."
Silence pressed into the room like a second ceiling. The count stroked his beard slowly, deep in thought, his gaze fixed not just on them, but on something beyond.
"You did a good job carrying out this secret mission… so it's time to tell you a little more. You two are the most trusted knights I have."
"We are grateful."
"It's quite hard to see how bad the heresy situation is in the Empire, with all the chaos and the internal wars sparked by the royal family's decline."
"…"
"With a connection, and a spy who bought information from the black market. I located that cave and sent you there. Only to be surprised by this… and not in a good way."
"…"
"And it's not just that location… Seeing this intel was true, I hate to dispatch you two again so soon, but it's urgent."
"Please use us at your heart's content."
"…Good answer. A demonic summoning is taking place near Sturma. Rush there and stop it."
"What if we are too late?"
"Eliminate it."
"With any price?"
"With any price."
"Understood."
"Then more knights and regular soldiers will be deployed with you. Go now."
The heavy doors swung open once more. Orlog and Orion stepped through without pause, already readying to regroup with their allies. As they disappeared into the hall, Count Theodor sat down and began to write, a letter to justify his actions to the church.