SAO:PoA - Chapter Fifteen

Floor 49, December 22, 2023

The Sun was already falling on the sky. The Royal knights United Army was near to arrive at the feet of the Volcanic Mountains Mederaut. Medium height black mountains, but the sky was turning into red crimson inside by the huge quantities of magma and black gas expelled by the  top of the volcanos, that made impossible to differ night from day just by looking to the sky. Galant and his fellow night stood at the front lines of their army, looking towards the biggest challenge of the journey.

Galant: “It is. Tristan, Percival, advance search in the area for a path that we can follow.”

Tristan: “I shall also send Horus, so that it shall tell us about the inner part of the mountains.”

The hawk opens its wings and flies.

Galant: “we will meet you on the feet of the mountains here in an hour. No more.”

Percival goes south as Tristan travels north in search of a path.

“I will fall back to the last lines of the army, see if we have lost someone.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “Should not someone else go?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “No I am going.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance:  “I shall tell the army we are near, Bors, Gawn with me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn: “yeah.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Bors: “Going.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The remaining girls approached their horses and began conversation

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “You were true.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “Uh? Upon what thing?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “He is not the same.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “My heart would still hope otherwise.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Diana: “I am sorry, what are you speaking about?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “Galant.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kana: “What is happening to him?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “He is taking all the responsibilities by himself like right now. And I do not understand why.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “He just fells guilty.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance arrived alongside the other two knights to the conversation and placed his horse near to Elicia.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Dagonet and already died for us, and Galahad saved his life. He does this so no more innocent lives are taken. That is why he takes the entire responsibility.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “You learned that when you had the conversation with him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Yeah.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “I still cannot see him like this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “Do you love him?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “As life itself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “Then give him time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “we do not have much. The day comes, when we have to face Cerdic’s legions, in open battle.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn: “the only thing he wishes is to defeat Cerdic once and for all, so that no more innocent lives are cut short.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “He forgets that we are still in this death game.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Still, the lives of our friends died at Cerdic’s hands. And now is not just their lives, but also use, and the 500 players on the army. That is he is reason.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “That way he will not be able to take a good decision, with so much pressure upon him. You should take command until he is back himself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “Yes. You are the person he trusts the most.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “There is no one and nothing at our backs.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant arrived from back of the horse. He placed himself in front of the troops

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We are close to the mountains, let us hasten or steps.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn: “Ok.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere continued looking towards Galant with an upset sight and then looked towards the soil on her horse’s feet. She was disappointed with him and could do much to cheer him up. Noticing this Lance got near her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Remember something Guinevere: you are the heart that beats beneath his chest; he would give all to see you live.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Velron: “They are travelling south-east towards the Mederaut Mountains.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Cynric: “They must have noticed our moves. But how…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Boewolt: “Does not matter. We shall do as the king commands.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How long are they from us?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Half a day’s march, if we march without stopping.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You have proven useful human, which is why the king has forgiven your miserable life.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I just seek to give what he wants, I seek no more.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Understood. We shall continue, and see the hope that remains on their spirits vanished.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Percival: “there are two paths on the north; the same to the south. There are all very narrow even for our army to cross in little time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tristan: “Horus explored the inner part of the mountains. There is a sort of miner facility at half of the way where we could rest and nights fall. After it the way is much easier.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “what of the monsters?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tristan: “No many monsters seen and most of them low level.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “thank you guys.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “what are we doing now? We must arrive there in a day.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “we should have taken the southern path as I suggested.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “we would have even worse problems then.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Bors: “I got an idea.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn: “Break it so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Bors: “In South America, there was a leader of an army, which had to cross the mountains, to fight the Spanish and free his people. But the Spanish knew he would cross them. And so, he divided his army in several parts, commanded by his most trusted officers. In two days he had crossed the mountains.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn: “Your plan would be…”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Bors: “Dividing the army in four commanded by us. We shall meet on the facility, spend the night there and continue upon path to Camlann.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “It is a good plan.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Indeed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “we should divide the army then.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn: “we have 500 soldiers. That means each commander will take 125 players with him or her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “And there are 11 of us: Diana, Kana, Tristan, Percival, Liz, Bors, Gawn, Lance, Elicia Guinevere and myself.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Bors: “Liz is not with us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Bors: “she went to Camlann by teleportation alongside Clarie and Silica. She told me she would prepare us something very important. She did not tell you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “No she did not. But well that does not matter now, then we are 10.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “10 divided by 4 is equal to 2,5.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Percival: “And so we cannot divide in two, there will be 2 groups of two members and the others two, of three.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Yes. Then Bors, you shall command one faction with Percival and Tristan. Other shall be Gawn and Kana. The other Lance and Elicia. And the last one Diana, Guinevere and me. It is okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">All: “yeah.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Very well. We are going right now; we shall get to the miner facility as soon as we can.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">In several minutes, the army was divided into four groups of 125 players each, formed into columns. Galant explained the strategy they would follow in front of the troops, and continued to travel to the east. Galant, Lance, Gawn and Bors took the first, second, third, and forth column respectively. Before departing, each of them wishes good luck the others, and they would send message once they had arrived to destination.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You think Guinevere is right?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“On what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You taking command of the army.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes. Galant is not the same as before, thought he has almost always made the right decision, I now doubt he is taking this one right. ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then why do you do not take command?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Once we arrive to the city I shall tell him, by now the situation is…frail. And I can understand him, why he does this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“For her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“For us. And especially for her. Maybe, if I was at command, I would do the same for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia smiled to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thank you. Know that, I would do the same from you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“In the upcoming battle, stay close to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No YOU stay close to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Once we are done with Cerdic, we shall take some brief holidays. I heard that on the 22nd floor there is a great place to go. A good rest of this would be needed after this battle.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I think so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We soul quicken our steps, see how further is this facility.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So He thought you how to fight?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The Blade Master? Ishi?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yep.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Whoa… Now I can understand. How you were capable of fighting that way. Ishi himself thought you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes he is a tale among the players of Aincrad, right.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I have heard many tales of players of this game: Winter fox, The Flash, The Fighting Irishman, Heathcliff, The Wandering Swordsman, the White Knight… He stands among them. Let us hope, that if we defeat Cerdic, we shall be among that group.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kana, there is one thing I wanted to ask you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“yes, what is it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Once we are finished with this war and we are victorious, what are you going to do?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am sorry I do not understand.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Are you going back to Pendragon Court?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kana noticed in that moment she would have to choose between to paths: she either went back to Pendragon Court with her sister, or she quitted the guild and remained with Gawn. She had to choose between her sister and the Gawn. Between her friends and comrades of her former guild and the new ones from this. This shall not be just difficult for her but also for her sister. What should they choose…?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I… I do not know what to answer you. Thought the situation with you, and your guild is difficult, the Guardians of Darkness, Skieth, Yamato, Clearing the Game, the Player Killers… ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I understand. You do not have to answer me now. I just wanted to be aware that you have to choose.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn made silence for a brief second and looked up on the sky.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But know something.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will agree with any decision you take here, Akira.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How do know…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Galant told me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Uh… Then what of you real life name?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is fair, is it not: Suzaku, Taichi.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The hour grows late.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes. He has to advance faster.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Did Liz tell u why she left us?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“She but told me that it was a surprise, and if we wanted it, she would have to go to teleport to the Village.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What do you think it is?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“She asked me to go with her, but I could not leave you here, and without a proper explanation, and going of this journey. Then she gave me this explanation I just told you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I understand its okay.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Knowing Liz, it will be something good.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Percival entered his mail box and. He had received a message from Tristan.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Message from Tristan.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He sent Horus on the way to the Facility, and told us that we are near to destination.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright then. I hope we are the first ones.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Diana: “How did you two met?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “a long time ago, when still we were in the real world, as classmates. He was…kind.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Diana: “So you knew him from before you entered the SAO. That means you know his real name.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “I do. All the Royal Knights do.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Diana: “Can you tell it to me then?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “Why do you want to know his name?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Diana: “Yesterday, he was going to tell it to me when Bors interrupted.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “I would tell it to you, but it is his name, not mine, it is for him to decide.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Diana: “I…Its okay.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “I would speak to him, a moment.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She got next to Galant who was riding his horse just in front of her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “The others have arrived to meeting point.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “No one has died?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “no one, fortunately.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “we are lucky to have no lost anyone.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere looked to Galant ho kept on his look to his front. He did not look at her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “may you look at me for a second, please?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “why did you tell Lance to assume mantle as leader.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “I…I…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “do not lie. I overheard conversation. You disappoint me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “I just did what I thought was better for you, just as you do for me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “thank you very much, but it is not required! Leave me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere stood shocked to his response and looked down to the ground while her horse decreased its speed, until she was next to Diana. The archer girl did not know what to say to her. In a point she did not like her due she was with Galant, yet, she did not wish her this.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Diana: “I am sorry.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “It’s okay.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">In few minutes they had arrived to a flatland, which in some meters became a side of a volcano, which was the place where the miner facility was placed. It was a metal construction at the side of the mountain. Down of it, a river of hot boiling magma flowing to the south, where flying lava-like monster flew, near of it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Near the entrance of the facility, the tents had already been placed. Lance and the other Royal Knights greeted the just welcomed upon entrance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “You are the last ones.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “We noticed. You have found something important inside the facility?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn: “We have searched the place. There is nothing of importance, seems like abandoned. ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kana: “There is a large entrance to the east, which becomes a long path to outside the mountains, which could be our way to Camlann.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Bors: “I explored inside the building. What I noticed, is that is that the part of it that is left in the air up the lava, has a sort of invisible deflector shield, which may be for avoiding the structure of being melted by the lava. They are controlled by a computer inside of the Control Room.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Good work, you all.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Now it is 10:15 pm. We should sleep and continue tomorrow early.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Yes. The hour of continuing tomorrow is 8:00. Be ready at that hour and scatter the order among the players.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “We are on it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant went to his tent, near the entrance of the miner. Guinevere accompanied her and got down to sleep with speaking a single word. Galant remained sited on his bed. He looked at Guinevere. He began to think if he had just made the right decision on shouting on her. After a brief time of thinking while having his head seeing the roof, he felt asleep next to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance sharpened his blade and Elicia’s, sited on his bed, just before going both of them to sleep. Elicia entered the tent.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Everyone has been informed, the orders have scattered.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well done.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia removed her armor, forearm and leg protectors, with just her white dress on. They continue to speak without looking to each other.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Have you told Galant about taking command of the Army?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I noticed him angered; the better would be to ask tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I saw Guinevere really sad when she arrived to the camp. Yet, if you what to assume command, you better tell him soon. If we continue like this, we do not know when a shadow will fall upon us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance stopped sharpening his weapon and turned his sight towards her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You burn brightly enough to light darkest night.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I speak about concern, and you offer flatter.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance forces her to be sited on his legs, and hugs her with both hands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I offer truth. Your fire blazes to rival the sun.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because of you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because your heart is strong, and your will, an undeniable force.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance stopped hugging her and let her sit on her side, as he continued speaking.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Once we are done here, we shall buy a home. Rest there for some time. Food, relaxing. We shall clear the game and great each other on the other side. Perhaps even a child, one day. Unluckily I have not had the strength to provide you from this by now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yet, your strength saved me from the Pictons. Gave life back to a girl that witnessed her friends been killed, returning life to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A life, full of blood and battle.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My path has been chosen. I chose to walk by your side, in this life, the real one, and the afterlife.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do not deserve a woman such as you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. You are the only man that truly does.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia began to kiss Lance as he did the same, second by second it became more passionate. They fell to their bed and continued sharing their moment as husband and wife.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 49, December 23, 2023

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant woke up and noticed the hour being 6:45. They should be waking up in 15 minutes to continue on their way to the village. He put on he’s boots, coat, gloves and weapons and went out to the camp to walk a bit and clear his head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He got inside of the building; a long and thin corridor was the entrance. Upon the end there was a mall place like a rectangular. Continuing the corridor, there was the Control Center where all the maintenance of the place was made. Thought there were no people inside, the facility was programmed to support itself. On the same rectangle, there was a staircase leading upwards. Galant decided to go up. Once he got up, he noticed that it was an empty room with nothing inside but windows. Still he noticed someone near the window, watching the camp. He noticed a long black hair, it was Diana.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hey.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Uh, God. It is you Galant. You scared me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sorry, it was not my intention.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You also woke up early?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah, sort of. I decided to go for a walk to clear my head.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Of today after what you said to Guinevere?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I was not right.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No you were not.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will give her an apology her tomorrow, she is on deep sleep right now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A brief moment of silence.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So… what of you? Why you woke up early?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I came here to clear my head. Kana told to me something of truth. That once the war is over, we should go back to Pendragon Court.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And what of it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do not know if we should go back. She is here with Gawn, and I have made good friends with many people inside of the guild and…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Diana looked at Galant and blushed a bit; he got net to her, with his back upon the crystal window.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“…I am also needed in my guild. There is much to: The Darkness Guardians, Skieth, Yamato, other player killers. Knight, Misaki, Ishi… they all need us. It is not easy to choose for both of us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The answer lies within your heart.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant got his back from the window as Diana looked him directly to the eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is not but what I want, it is also what my sister wishes. I will not see her from my side.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What YOU wish? What do YOU truly want?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I…I…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They briefly continue stare to each other’s eyes, and Diana placed her left hand on Galant’s face Galant began to lean to Diana, as she did the same. They were about to kiss, when Galant heard a sound that distracted him, he turned to the window, and from distance, he could see an army of 200 Saxons, getting out of the mountain path.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shit!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What do we do?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant looked upwards the mountain, and figured out just one plan.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If we can open the mountain, Lava will come out, and so, they will not pass, but they must be given pause.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant broke the window with his elbow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SAXONS! SUPRICE ATTACK EVERYBODY GET UP!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant jumps from the window ending on the camp and Diana follows him next to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Take Gawn, Bors and your sister with you and see breach made into the mountain.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Diana ran to follow gallants others, while Lance, Elicia and Guinevere had woken up and were right beside him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “what is happening?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant began to run towards the Saxons as fast as he could, followed by his comrades.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “Saxons have arrived form the mountain path.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “those shits must have been following us!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “It does not matter now. I have sent Gawn, Bors, Elicia and Kana to the upper side of the mountain, they shall brake the stone, and make lava flew out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “that could send us all to our deaths!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “OUR ARMY IS NEARLY WEAKING UP. IF THEY ATTAKC US NOW, WE ARE DEAD.WE HAVE NO CHOICE!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The commanders of the army arrived to the limit of the camp where Tristan and Percival stood. The srchers were shooting without stop. Among them, there were some other members of the army.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Percival:  “They are nearly 200. We have to advance now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant:  “we do, ATTACK!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant began to run and unsheathed both Balmung and Brave Shield from his back as Guinevere, Lance, Guinevere, Elicia, Tristan and Percival among other players. The Saxons continued their advance, beginning the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant jumped in the air, spinning and slashed the throat of a Saxon while the rest of them engage battle. Lance jumped towards the monster with a double kick. He span of the ground and stabs though the chest other monster.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia killed one monster going to lance back and unsheathes Seiryujin while other monster rams to her with a spear, she blocks the move with her katana and slashed the neck with her tanto knife. Guinevere is not left behind while she slashes the monster with stardust slasher braking in half his spear. The monster took out an axe, but when it tried the move Guinevere locked the blade with Laevatain and stabbed in the body the monster.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Cynric rams his claymore to the players that faced him while holding tight his shield. He noticed Galant facing a Saxons at six meters from him, giving his back to him. The sub-boss immediately rushed to the human leader of the army before Boewolt noticed he was also near to him. But on way he was kicked to the face, he turned to see who was, the second in command, Lance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Cynric.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Cynric: “I thought of killing the commander of you army, but you head will be enough to make me again second in command.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The rammed his sword as lance blocked with his katana his move.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Percival jumped and spinning several times delivering a great blow at a Saxon’s face other came as, he extended Gungir more, and delivered other hit to the monster knees, making it go to the ground. He then stabbed bot monster as Tristan covered him with Sicari slashing a monster with Reaver, and then paring two monsters and the same time and beheading the two in a single slash.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant span in the back of a monster, and then slashed the monster face with Stardust Slasher. Other monster came but Galant divided it in half with Crescent Stardust Slasher. Galant approached Boewolt who noticed he was near and turned to the Royal Knight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Without saying a single thing, they both rammed to face each other. Galant blocked easily the ram of the monsters axes with Brave shield and managed to disarm him with two slashes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Boewolt still did not fall back and grabbed the huge claymore placed on his back. Galant sheathed back his shield on his back and grabbed two kunai from his back, placing it as a double edge dagger on his left hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Velron slashed the back of Elicia, but did not make big damage. Noticing him, Elicia turn around, and slashed, but Velron managed to block the move, and kicked her on the belly. She then managed to slash the body of the boy, and placed her katana right in front of him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “Traitor.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Velron: “Bitch!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance continued to face Cynric but the sub boss begins to gain the upper hand. Lance shashes several times, but is hit by the monster shield, and thrown to the ground monster try to ram his claymore to him, but Lance blocked it and managed to get up. Cynric slashes several times lance and manages to stab him on the lower side of his belly. Elicia noticed this, and was slashed on the body for her distraction.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Cynric removed his sword was about t the liver the final blow when, Guinevere blocked them monster kicked it on the chest. They begin to face Cynric two on one.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant parried a vertical attack, then horizontal and slashes the monster in the side of the body tuning to his back. Then throw the two kunais to the monster back, piercing. Boewolt rammed his sword in a circular move backwards, hitting Galant’s right arm partially, but he manages to kick the monster right Meteor Impact, making him go back several meters. Galant saw Lava flowing from the mountain.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “FALL BACK! EVERYBODY, FALL BACK!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The magma was approaching nearer and nearer, Most of the remaining Saxons and players had begun to fall back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance attack Cynric with a vertical move, but the monster locked and hit him with his shield sending him to the ground. It blocked Guinevere’s attack, and then smacked a hard fist to her face, sending her to the edge of the cliff. She was about to fall when a hand grabbed her; it was Galant, who managed to get her up. Even at the cost of part of Lance left arm, who tried to defend them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The new river of Lava was about to join the bigger one, ad so taking the Royal Knights lives. Guinevere and Galant hand managed to get up and continue fall back to the cam, but looking back Lance could not get up and was very weak. Suddenly Elicia appeared and placed him on her shoulders and charged him to the camp. The lava made a river between the two armies which was impossible to jump.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She continued to walk near his comrades, when suddenly her face becomes one of pain, she had been shot by crossbows from the other side of the river.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tristan appeared and began covering them helped by several kunai throws by Percival.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tristan: “fall back now, we cover you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The recon duo managed to kill all of them; Elicia continued to carry her husband. While the two sub-bosses and Velron, and the monster army watched them from long distance

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Cynric: “SHIT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Velron: “Galant new them would have been defeated if they continued to fight us, so he made his men to make a river of lava.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Cynric looked to the human next to him and the sword clutched on his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Cynric: “give me your sword!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Leave me here, Cia. Save yourself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “No, I will not. Do not talk. I told you nothing will see me from your...AAAAGH!!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She looked down to her chest and saw a blade piercing it. She fell to the ground alongside her boyfriend.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Cynric: “Bullseye. Who has been defeated now, Royal Knights?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “SHIT! TRISTAN KILL THAT SON OF A BITCH!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tristan grabbed Lance as Elicia was grabbed by Percival.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tristan: “there is no time, we must go!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant noticed that if he killed Cynric, he would lose his two friends. After a death stare to him, and he felt back to the camp alongside his comrades.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Once on the camp again, near the facility, they managed to cure Lance, they then proceeded to take out the sword of Elicia’s back. Guinevere was about to give her a healing potion when she stopped her, her body began to bight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “It is useless. I am done.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “no…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Those words made Lance get up and grab her hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Take it. Please, Elicia.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia held his had strongly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “kiss me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They sheared a brief but passionate kiss.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “YokiaOuRyui now yours, alongside Seiryujin. Use them good, and just for good.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “Elicia! Ryuko, please do not.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Elicia: “Thank you, Lance. I love you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She shattered into polygons, leaving nothing but her armor, and her two weapons.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “RYUUKOOOOOO!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance made a loud anger scream. For several minutes, he got out of the tent, with the remaining members of the Royal Knights and Pendragon Court near him. Galant approached his best friend who began crying with his knees on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “I…I am sor...”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “STOP! Do not you fucking say it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance got up and looked to his best friend.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is your fault! Her death”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “Lance, Galant hand nothing…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn grabbed her from the shoulder and nodded his head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Gawn: “This must happen.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “If you had not commanded us to fall back she would had survived!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “and even more of us would join her!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “No even before of that, every command you have made until this moment! EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE HAS MADE THIS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “ALL OF THAT IS IN THE PAST. FORGET IT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “PAST?!?!?!?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “WE HAVE TO DEFEAT CERDIC! AFTER IT YOU CAN GRIVE AND MOURN ALL THE TIME YOU WANT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “NO USELESS!” he unsheathed his katana towards Galant “YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BETRAY US, USING US FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL BENEFIT AND GUINEVERE’S. THIS CANNOT CONTINUE!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere got Gawns hand of her shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Guinevere: “Lance, he did not…”



<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance back fisted Guinevere right on the face, what made Galant even more enraged.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “HOW YOU DARE TO DO THAT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “FROM NOW ONWARDS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAS TO DO WITH YOU! YOUR EXISTANCE HERE IS AN ERROR! YOU ARE SOMEONE THAT MUST BE KILLED! I WILL ASSUME THE LEADERSHIP OF THE ROYAL KNIGHTS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant born out of rage grabbed his sword from his back towards Lance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant: “LANCE!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lance: “GALANT!!!”