Chapter 7 The Wings Of A Goddess

Duen and Lia descended into the outpost near Havone on their Griffons, retracing their path. After landing and unloading their backpacks, Duen couldn’t contain his excitement.

“This ride never fails to get me pumped. Exhilarating!” he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming. Lia smiled at his enthusiasm.

“Havone has established outposts like these throughout its territories and the kingdoms it has influence over,” explained Lia. “These outposts serve as key strategic locations, primarily used by the Temporal Knights. They enable Havone to move swiftly and respond to the kingdom’s needs in times of skirmishes and wars, allowing them to adapt their strategies and provide reinforcements promptly.”

She continued, “This agility is one of Havone’s most significant advantages and a major reason for the Kingdom’s rapid expansion in the past year. It’s believed that Royal Advisor Beatrice is the mastermind behind this strategy. She’s known for her exceptional strategic thinking.”

Duen listened attentively, absorbing the information about the kingdom’s inner workings. He found it intriguing that not only were the same people he knew appearing in this world, but they were also remarkably similar. Both Beatrice in Sphere and Beatrice in this world possessed exceptional talent and intelligence, attributes that had propelled them to their respective positions.

“Come on Duen, the carriage is waiting,” Lia said, gesturing for Duen to join her. Duen nodded and took another glance around before boarding the carriage.

As soon as they boarded, the carriage took off for Havone. “It’s been an awesome adventure, hasn’t it, Lia?” Duen beamed as he looked out of the window. He clearly preferred the thrill of these adventures to the daily hustle in Solzen.

Lia nodded in agreement. “It was a great trip. I managed to secure some rare ores in Solgandr at the Weaverian Anvil,” she said with enthusiasm. “I can’t wait to craft the medium for this.” Lia took out the quartz white spirit stone and admired it. The mythical-grade spirit stone glowed in her hands.

“I have an idea for the perfect weapon medium for this spirit stone, and I’m going to craft the best one!” Lia said passionately.

“What’s a medium, Lia?” asked Duen curiously as the carriage continued its journey.

“Oh, that’s my specialty,” Lia explained eagerly. “That’s where a blacksmith like myself comes in. The weapon medium is essential because it brings out the full potential of the spirit stone,” Lia elaborated. “If the beast’s powers are defensive in nature, the medium should be a shield or armor. The type of medium plays a significant role in maximizing the advantages of the spirit stone. Your dagger is a great example – it’s the perfect weapon medium for an offensive spirit stone. It’s small and swift, allowing you to modify its material aspects to match your fighting style. You can levitate the dagger for ranged attacks or extend it into a longer blade when needed. Using it in an armor wouldn’t be as effective.”

Lia’s excitement about the spirit stone’s potential surged. “I can’t wait to see the finished product of this stone,” she expressed passionately. However, noticing Duen’s silence and realizing she had been rambling, Lia glanced at him. Duen had drifted off to sleep. Considering his recent recovery from injuries and his exertions, Lia whispered softly, “Rest well, Duen,” as the carriage continued its journey.

As Lia gazed out of the window at the beautiful hills, the fiery baby phoenix emerged from Duen’s dagger and nestled close to her cheeks. Its presence brought a playful giggle from Lia, grateful for their safe journey. “Thanks to you, we made it,” Lia whispered softly, her hand caressing the bird’s spirit feathers. She marveled at her connection with the Spirit of the Phoenix, cherishing its comforting presence as Duen slept peacefully beside her.

As night fell, the carriage finally arrived in Havone, and both Duen and Lia headed home, eager to catch up on much-needed rest.

The following morning, Duen awoke to the melodious chirping of birds outside his window, accompanied by Lia’s familiar voice calling his name. Startled from sleep, Duen bounded out of bed and hurried to the window.

There stood Lia, bathed in the morning sunlight, a picture of elegance in her flowing blue dress. Her long brown hair swayed gently in the breeze. Duen was momentarily entranced by her beauty, causing Lia to blush slightly at his silent admiration.

“Hurry, we need to go to Steve’s office!” Lia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Got it, I’ll be right down!” Duen responded eagerly, his own excitement matching Lia’s as he prepared for the day ahead.

As Lia waited at the gate, Gus returned from his morning walk, his walking cane in hand. “Lia! Good morning! What a pleasant surprise. I’m glad to see both of you back safely,” he greeted warmly.

“Good morning, Prof Gus,” Lia replied with a polite bow. Gus glanced at Lia and teasingly remarked, “Finally, this rascal is going out with a wonderful lady,” causing Lia’s face to turn red.

“We are just heading to meet Steve,” Lia explained, attempting to steer the conversation away from the teasing. At that moment, Duen rushed out of the gate, his face beaming. “Hey, old man! You like her, huh?” Duen teased mischievously. Lia shot a glare at Duen, her blush still evident.

“Rascal, you better treat this lady with respect, else I’ll knock your…” Gus threatened, raising his knuckles to swat Duen’s head. “Woah!” Duen yelled, deftly dodging Gus’s attempt and pulling Lia away by taking her hand. She blushed further as he did so and gave Gus a quick wave.

“See you for supper, old man. I’ll get your favorite roast goose from the market!” Duen yelled with a grin. Gus watched them go, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he shook his head fondly.

Upon their arrival at Steve’s office, Leon was already waiting for them. “Where is it? Show me?” Steve exclaimed eagerly as they entered. Lia smiled as she retrieved the quartz white stone from her pocket and handed it to Steve.

“Lord Father… this is amazing!” Steve exclaimed, marveling at the stone through an apparatus resembling a microscope. With a sense of pride, Steve unlocked his drawer and withdrew a purse. Leon observed with a hint of envy as Steve handed Lia the purse filled with silvers.

“Here you go! Your payment for the Winged Beast. I must say, impressive!” Steve praised. Lia exchanged a satisfied glance with Duen and smiled.

“Good job, guys. The buyer is the Holy Kingdom of Havone,” Steve informed them. “I guessed it was the Holy Kingdom,” Lia said, grinning confidently.

“As part of the deal, Nightingale Weaponsmith will complete the weapon,” Steve continued, his tone filled with assurance. “I’ve already informed them that you’ll be working on it and will deliver it soon.”

“Nightingale Weaponsmith will deliver the finest weapon to the Holy Kingdom. Thank you!” Lia expressed her gratitude, her voice resonating with confidence. “I’ve already started working on it, and it will be ready soon,” Lia added.

“I’m sure you will,” Steve replied with a nod of approval. “Thank you! I hope we get more jobs together. Good work, team,” he said with a genuine smile.

“Oh yes, Steve, that beast was a Mythical grade beast. The Winged Beast is Zycosas,” Lia revealed, adding a surprising twist to the conversation.

“Mythical grade!” exclaimed Leon, his surprise evident in his voice. “Mythical Grade? Are you kidding me? The bounty they gave was only 10,000 silvers. For a Mythical, it should be at least 30,000 silvers,” Steve expressed, his eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. Lia nodded, observing Steve’s reaction closely. “He seems genuinely shocked, he wasn’t the one,” Lia thought, noting his surprise.

“That’s what I assumed as well. It is Mythical Grade; I checked it in Solgandr,” Lia confirmed, her tone steady. Steve remained puzzled, “Wow, then how did you…?” He glanced at Duen, curiosity evident in his eyes about how they managed to slay a Mythical Grade Beast.

“We were just really lucky,” Lia swiftly interjected, giving Duen a meaningful look. She didn’t want Duen to reveal any more details, and Duen smiled back at her, understanding the unspoken agreement.

“Too bad it isn’t an Ancient. Haha!” Steve commented, breaking the moment with a jest. “Imagine the silvers we’d all make if we could hunt an Ancient Beast,” Leon added, his eyes gleaming with the prospect of wealth.

“Do they even exist?” Steve pondered aloud. “I haven’t seen any Ancient beasts before. I’ll have to see one to believe it exists. Though rumors have it that Havone has a few ancient weapons,” Steve mentioned, sparking curiosity among the group.

Duen was surprised, “Havone has Ancient weapons?” he exclaimed. “Hey, you guys left me out! Duen, not cool, buddy!” Leon lamented, still feeling salty. Duen scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.

Leon continued, “What’s the next bounty? I want to make some serious money and gain fame in Havone. Then I’m going to become a Temporal Knight; that’s my dream!”

Steve reassured Leon, “Hey, the buyer, which is the Holy Kingdom, is pleased. You’ve already made a name for yourself. I’m sure more deals will flow to you guys.” “Yea, of course, you’re in, Leon,” Duen added with a reassuring smile. “Okay!”replied Leon allowing the matter to slide.

After their discussions, the group left Steve’s office, each with their own plans. As they strolled through the bustling marketplace, Leon suggested, “How about heading to the bar for a drink?”

Duen agreed, “Sure.” He turned to Lia and asked, “Are you coming with us, Lia?”

“I can’t. I have to focus on finishing the weapon. See you guys later,” Lia replied, her tone resolute. Duen nodded in admiration, recognizing Lia’s unwavering commitment to her craft. With a determined look on her face, she waved goodbye before disappearing into the crowd. He and Leon then made their way to the bar, ready for some relaxation.

As the hours passed, Lia remained tirelessly in the forge, her dedication unwavering even as darkness descended. With each strike of the hammer, she brought her vision to life, meticulously crafting every detail of the weapon. Finally, as the flames flickered in the forge, she stepped back to admire her creation.

“It’s done!” she exclaimed, a sense of pride evident in her voice as she lifted the finished shield. The light from the fire danced off the quartz white shield, its surface adorned with the shimmering spirit stone. Lia marveled at the craftsmanship, her eyes tracing the intricate details of the shield.

“Made from the finest quality ore,” Lia murmured, her fingers grazing the smooth surface. “It’s fascinating how the medium takes on the essence of the spirit stone once it’s set,” she mused, a sense of wonder in her tone. The shield, though lightweight, exuded strength.

Lia meticulously sealed the weapon in a protective case and locked it in a vault, ensuring its safety until its delivery to the Holy Kingdom the next day. With her task accomplished, she started preparing to depart from the forge. As she climbed the stairs and securely locked the door to the basement forge, a subtle movement outside the windows drew her gaze.

“What was that?” Lia whispered to herself, uncertain if her eyes were deceiving her. Moonlight filtered through the window, casting eerie shadows that danced across the Nightingale Weaponsmith shop. She couldn’t discern if it was an intruder’s silhouette or merely the play of light and shadow. Her heart quickened as she pondered her next move.

Maintaining composure, Lia retraced her steps to the basement forge. With steady hands, she unlocked the vault and retrieved the weapon case. “I can’t risk it being stolen,” she resolved, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing upon her. “But who would dare steal from the Holy Kingdom?” she wondered.

Clutching the weapon case tightly, Lia navigated toward an alternative exit at the rear of the forge, leading to a concealed tunnel intended for emergencies.

Meanwhile, Duen and Leon remained at the bar, surrounded by lively music while the rest of the town lay quiet outside. Despite a girl’s attempts to capture his attention by cuddling up to him, Duen was lost in his own thoughts that evening. “Everyone I know from my world seems to be here in this one. Is this what they call an alternate universe?” Duen pondered, his thoughts swirling with curiosity. “How is it possible for me to journey to this world?” he mused. The enigma of his presence in this unfamiliar realm gnawed at his mind.

As the lady leaned in closer to Duen, Esh, the baby phoenix, suddenly appeared, pecking at Duen’s ears. “Oww! What in the world?” Duen exclaimed, recoiling and swatting at his ears, causing Esh to disappear abruptly, leaving Duen staring at the bewildered lady.

“Duen, drink up! We’re going to make a name for ourselves in the next hunt. Then, I’m aiming to become a Temporal Knight!” Leon proclaimed with slurred speech, his arm draped around another lady. “You? A Temporal Knight?” the lady chuckled, her amusement echoing through the lively atmosphere of the bar.

“Hey, I’ve got to go, Leon. See you tomorrow, buddy,” Duen announced, bidding farewell to his drunk friend who could only manage a feeble wave before slumping onto the table.

Exiting the lively atmosphere of the bar, Duen found himself in the serenity of the quiet town streets. As he traversed the tranquil roads, Esh reappeared, perching on his shoulders.

“Hey that hurt! What was that for?”Duen remarked, acknowledging Esh’s presence. The tiny phoenix bobbed its head in its usual adorable manner. “You have to stop pecking my ears. People think I’m weird when I flinch,” Duen scolded gently. “Besides, I wasn’t even interested in her; she just kept sticking around,” he explained. “And why are you policing me?” he added, puzzled by Esh’s behavior. As they passed the Nightingale Weaponsmith, Duen couldn’t help but ponder aloud, “Come to think of it, you seem to only like Lia.” Esh turned and hopped around on Duen’s shoulder as if in response.

As Duen conversed with Esh, his eyes caught a glimpse of a silhouette moving within the Nightingale Weaponsmith’s window. “Someone’s inside the armory! An intruder! Could they be after that spirit stone?” Duen’s mind raced with worry, recalling Lia’s cautionary words about hunters and thieves targeting high-grade spirit stones. With Lia in possession of a mythical-grade spirit stone, the situation became urgent.

“Damn it! If Lia’s still in the forge, she could be in danger!” Duen realized, his heart pounding with fear. Quietly, he made his way towards the walls of the building, determined to investigate the potential threat.

Determined to evade the intruder, Lia briskly navigated through the dark tunnel. Despite the pitch-black surroundings, she moved forward confidently, feeling her way along the walls. The tunnel held memories of her childhood adventures, but years of disuse had left it filled with cobwebs and shadows.

As she ascended a flight of stairs, Lia brushed aside cobwebs clinging to her face, undeterred by the eerie atmosphere.

Pushing open a heavy metal door, Lia emerged from the tunnel into a quiet corner, safely distanced from the Nightingale armory. Clutching the weapon case tightly, she strode briskly, her eyes scanning the surroundings vigilantly. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks.

“Why are you following me? What do you want?” Lia demanded, her voice steady as she turned around to face the figure slowly emerging from the shadowy trees.

As the figure stepped into the dim light, his eyes glowed with an eerie green hue. He loomed large, draped in a hooded cloak. In his hand, he wielded a formidable bone sword adorned with intricate vertebrae, clearly crafted from the spine of a fearsome beast. A brilliant green spirit stone adorned the hilt, casting an eerie glow in the darkness. Tribal tattoos adorned his face, framing his glowing eyes with an aura of mystique and danger.

Emerging from the shadows, a second intruder materialized, catching Lia’s keen eye. “There are two of them, and they are not from Havone,” she observed, her senses on high alert.

“You have trespassed into the Kingdom of Havone. What do you want?” Lia demanded, her tone unwavering despite the tension thickening in the air.

“The Heeva stone, has the all seeing eyes, we have tracked you down”a female voice declared from the darkness, revealing the identity of the second intruder.

The huntress stepped forward, her figure cloaked in eastern body armor, the gleam of a Katana hanging at her side catching the faint moonlight. A blue spirit stone adorned the hilt of her weapon, its azure hue pulsating with power.

“Bounty hunters. They must be here for the Mythical Grade Stone of Zycosas,” Lia surmised. The pulsating aura surrounding the two intruders didn’t escape her notice.“They are definitely not average hunters; those are live stones,” Lia thought, recognizing the potent spirit energy emanating from the aggressors.

“We are here for the stone of Zycosas. Give it to us, and no blood will be spilled,” the huntress demanded, her gaze fixed on the weapon case.

“Such audacity, attempting to steal from the Holy Kingdom,” Lia remarked. “And if I refuse?” she questioned, her resolve unwavering.

“We will take it by force,” the female huntress declared, her smirk revealing her confidence as she assumed an offensive stance, tightening her grip on her katana. Before Lia could prepare herself, a blue spirit mask materialized on the huntress’s face, and she dashed toward Lia, disappearing like the wind.

“She disappeared!” Lia gasped, taken aback by the sudden movement.

Slash! “Argh!” Lia screamed as pain surged through her, causing her to stumble backward and crouch down, clutching her right arm as blood started to trickle from the deep cut.

“Drop the Stone of Zycosas, or the next slash will land on your neck,” the huntress warned, her katana poised threateningly at Lia. The male hunter observed from a distance, his glowing green eyes fixed on the scene, while his massive bone sword lay on the ground beside him.

Lia turned and bolted, her thoughts racing as fast as her feet. “How did she vanish like that? I couldn’t even anticipate her attack,” she pondered, her injured arm throbbing with each stride. “My only hope is to reach the town square with the weapon and pray for reinforcements. Fighting them alone is futile,” Lia strategized, her breath ragged as she clutched the weapon case tightly.

“It’s pointless to try and escape,” the huntress warned, her voice dripping with menace as she assumed a battle stance. A blue spirit mask materialized on her face, foreboding and mysterious. With a flash of azure light, she lunged forward, disappearing into the ether.

Slash! Lia recoiled in agony as the huntress’s blade sliced through her leg, sending her crashing to the ground. Gritting her teeth against the searing pain, Lia clenched her wounds, summoning the resolve to endure.

“Lia!” yelled Duen as he spotted her and rushed towards her. “You’re wounded!” gasped Duen, concern etched on his face as he kneeled down to check on Lia’s injuries before scanning the hunters.

“Duen!” Lia exclaimed with a mixture of relief and urgency. “They came for the stone…” she trailed off, her voice filled with concern.

Duen’s mind raced as he recognized the two hunters. “I remember them! They were in Girden Heim Forest,” he thought, his gaze shifting between the huntress and the towering male hunter with glowing green eyes.

Enraged by what they had done to Lia, Duen stood up, his gaze burning with intensity as he confronted the huntress. His hand rested on the hilt of his dagger, ready to engage. The huntress remained unfazed, advancing slowly with her katana pointed towards the ground.

“Duen! No, wait,” urged Lia. “What do you mean, I’ll take them out,” insisted Duen, his determination palpable. “No. You can’t use that here,” Lia countered firmly, her eyes locking with Duen’s. “But you’re hurt, I have to fight!” Duen’s confusion was evident.

“Remember what I told you, we have to be extra careful not to reveal it,” Lia reminded him, her hand gently resting on Duen’s to prevent him from revealing his spirit stone. “Lia, these guys, they are not ordinary hunters,” Duen voiced his growing anxiety.

“I know that, I have a plan,” Lia said, opening the weapon case to reveal an oval white shield, light and compact enough for a maiden to wield. A quartz white stone glistened, embedded within the shield.

“The Stone of Zycosas has been bestowed by the Holy Kingdom to the Nightingale family. It is my duty and responsibility to deliver it in good order,” Lia declared, equipping the shield and adopting a determined stance. Duen nodded deciding to trust Lia. “Time to test this,” she thought to herself as she readied herself for action.

“Miyabi, let’s finish this quickly before more trouble arrives,” said the male hunter. Miyabi, the huntress, nodded in agreement.

“I’ve given you enough warning,” Miyabi declared, assuming a battle stance. “The next attack will end it,” she whispered as she readied her katana, and a blue mask materialized around her face. Duen held his breath, watching anxiously as the tension mounted.

In a flash, Miyabi charged forward, disappearing like the wind. “That’s fast!” gasped Duen in shock, his eyes darting to keep track of her movements.

“I can’t see you, but your trajectory is a straight dash towards me. I will feel your spirit and time it!” exclaimed Lia as she swung the white shield. The Stone of Zycosas glowed, releasing a crescent moon energy beam.

Ping! The energy beam attack caught Miyabi off guard, forcing her to parry it desperately. It pushed her backwards, causing her to lose her balance momentarily.

Lia clenched her fist and enchanted the stone of Zycosas, causing it to glow brightly. With determination, she summoned a white energy ball, channeling her power into it. With a forceful punch, she sent the energy ball soaring into the sky.

Boom! Bright fireworks burst forth, illuminating the darkness with a dazzling display of light.

The sudden brightness captured the attention of anyone nearby, casting a brilliant glow over the entire area. “Lia, you’re such a tactician. Shooting the bolt into the sky as a flare to attract attention, knowing that it’s in Havone’s interest to defend us—brilliant,” thought Duen, as he looked at Lia with admiration.

“I just need to buy time, and the Havone army will come,” Lia thought determinedly.

As the hunters shielded their eyes from the glare, Lia quickly enchanted the shield. In an instant, its shape transformed into a blade claw. With swift and precise movements, Lia charged forward, unleashing a series of slashing attacks.

Miyabi countered with equal ferocity, her katana slicing through the air with deadly precision. The two women engaged in a fierce exchange, their weapons clashing rhythmically, filling the air with the sound of steel meeting steel.

As the fierce battle raged on, a battalion of Havone guards, torches ablaze, arrived at the scene. Relief washed over Duen as he witnessed their arrival. “We’re saved!” he thought, watching the guards march in formation.

“There’s the Crown Prince,” Duen noted, spotting a regal figure in royal robes accompanied by Pete, who approached to assess the situation. “Your Highness, rogue hunters seek to steal the Stone of Wings,” Pete briefed the crown prince, urgency evident in his voice.

Duen’s gaze then landed on a towering figure, the Temporal Knight Silverwolf, his silvery mane billowing in the wind. Clad in resplendent silver and gold armor, and equipped with silver battle gauntlets, he exuded a calm aura of authority and strength. His white cape trailed behind him, adding to the majestic aura that commanded respect and awe from all who beheld him.

Another towering figure with fiery red hair emerged. Standing at an imposing 6 feet and 3 inches, he exuded strength and authority, his muscular frame clad in resplendent silver armor adorned with vibrant hues of blue, red, and gold. A white cape billowed behind him, a symbol of his status as a Temporal Knight, while a massive Greatsword and shield rested on his back.

“Heretics! Trespassing into the Holy Kingdom,” declared the red-haired knight, his words echoing with righteous indignation.

“Two Temporal Knights! We’re definitely saved!” exclaimed Duen, a sense of relief washing over him as he observed the formidable presence of the Temporal Knights and soldiers standing in resolute formation.

“Prince Anton, shall I intervene and stop those rogue hunters?” inquired Silverwolf, his demeanor poised for action.

“Just a little longer, Sir Will. I’d like to see the new weapon being tested,” Prince Anton responded, his hands raised in a gesture of patience. Silverwolf nodded in acknowledgment, bowing respectfully to the prince.

“With the Holy Knight Rafaela and Silverwolf by our side, there’s no rush. They don’t stand a chance,” Prince Anton remarked, a confident smirk playing across his features.

The intense battle between Lia and Miyabi raged on as Miyabi executed a forward thrust with her sword. Lia, displaying remarkable agility, leaned backwards to evade the thrust and countered with a swift flip into a kick, connecting solidly and sending Miyabi soaring upwards into the sky. Lia seized the moment, calculating her next move as Miyabi struggled to regain her balance midair.

“You can’t use your agility in midair. I’ll finish you,” Lia thought determinedly as she leapt, her claw poised for a decisive strike aimed straight at Miyabi. However, Miyabi’s response was swift and unexpected.

“Argh! Stone of Tengu, Release!” Miyabi roared, unleashing a powerful surge of energy that rippled through the battlefield. The blue stone embedded in her Katana glowed intensely, and behind her, spirit wings resembling those of a crow materialized. With newfound speed and ferocity, Miyabi swooped towards Lia, her blade flashing with deadly precision as she launched a rapid series of slashes. Lia deftly parried the onslaught, her movements fluid and calculated, before executing a nimble somersault backwards to reassess her strategy.

“Wait, why are they simply watching and not intervening?” observed Duen anxiously. Feeling a sense of urgency, he decided to take matters into his own hands and ran over to the entourage.

“Please, help! Lia is hurt,” exclaimed Duen as he approached, his voice tinged with concern.

“Kneel! May your insolence be forgiven,” commanded Pete, his tone firm and authoritative.

“Pardon me, Your Highness,” Duen responded respectfully, immediately complying and kneeling with his head bowed.

“Patience, I would like to see the new weapon being tested,” said Crown Prince Anton, casting a brief glance at Duen before returning his focus to the ongoing battle.

Meanwhile, Lia remained focused, analyzing the situation as she stood firm in front of the huntress. “I was right, that’s a live stone; she released it,” Lia analyzed, her concentration unwavering. “I am Miyabi, warrior of the Orient and bearer of the Stone of Tengu. Surrender the Stone of Zycosas or die!” Miyabi’s voice echoed with determination as she crouched into a sword stance, a blue energy beam gathering and pulsating around her blade.

“Arghhhhh!” Miyabi’s roar pierced the air as she unleashed her Katana, sending a blue blade beam hurtling toward Lia. “Stone of Wings, Release!” Lia’s voice echoed with determination as a surge of energy swept through the battlefield. Boom! The blade beam collided with Lia’s defense, engulfing the area in a blinding explosion. “Lia!!!” Duen’s voice echoed with concern.

As the smoke and debris cleared, the beautiful white spirit wings of Zycosas surrounded Lia, who stood firm behind her glowing white shield. The quartz white stone of Zycosas emanated a brilliant light. “She blocked it. The Stone of Wings is magnificent,” remarked Pete, his voice filled with awe.

“This form is the perfect medium for the Stone of Wings. Excellent defense, and its closed-range combat is very effective,” Lia analyzed as she observed the white spirit wings surrounding her. Suddenly, “Argh!” Miyabi roared as she vanished and reappeared behind Lia, her black wings slicing downward with her Katana.

Lia swiftly blocked with her shield, then enchanted it into a sharp claw resembling that of Zycosas’s horn and retaliated. Miyabi skillfully parried the strikes, then ascended higher with her black spirit wings. Undeterred, Lia pursued, soaring into the sky with her white spirit wings, launching lightning-fast slashes in a relentless assault.

Duen observed with awe as Lia tapped into Zycosas’s power, her affinity with the spirit stone shining through her movements. “Her affinity with Zycosas is remarkable,” Duen analyzed as he watched intently.

Both women engaged in a graceful dance in mid-air, their attacks and defenses flowing seamlessly. As their weapons clashed, the wings of white and black circled each other, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

“The Wings of a Goddess, she looks almost like she is dancing. Beautiful,” Prince Anton remarked, dazzled by Lia’s power and grace.

“She is Lia Nightingale, the master blacksmith of Nightingale Weaponsmith,” Pete explained. “You fancy her, your highness?” Pete asked with a smile. Prince Anton returned the smile, leaving his thoughts unspoken.

“Lia charged forward, spinning into an attack. Miyabi parried her blade, but Lia’s white spirit feathered wings followed through, slicing Miyabi with razor-like precision. Slash! Miyabi groaned as she lost control in mid-air. ‘Zycosas is the King of the Sky,’ Lia declared. ‘Now to finish this!’ she yelled, spotting an opening. ‘Argh!’ Lia thrust her claw towards the dazed Miyabi.

Ping! Lia’s attack was parried by a long bone whip! ‘What!’ Lia exclaimed in surprise as she turned around, seeing the male hunter with his green glowing eyes holding the huge bone sword, recoiling the weapon like a whip.

‘Stone of Heeva, release!’ he roared, his green eyes glowing as a wave of spirit energy surged through the battlefield. ‘That guy! That bone sword can be used like a whip?’ Duen observed, shielding his eyes from the wind and dust.”

The male hunter, swung the bone sword with tremendous force, aiming directly at Lia. In a split second, Lia transformed her claw into a shield, intercepting the bone sword’s powerful strike just in time. The impact reverberated through the air, knocking Lia off balance mid-air.

Seizing the opportunity, Miyabi lunged forward, slashing her katana at Lia. Reacting swiftly, Lia summoned the white wings of Zycosas, using them to deflect Miyabi’s onslaught. Sensing the moment, Miyabi called out to Gallagher, urging him into action.

“Gallagher, now!” Miyabi commanded.

With precision, Gallagher launched his bone sword, its vertebrae extending like a whip toward Lia. The bone sword coiled around Lia, ensnaring her in its grasp, the vertebrae tightening like a vice.

Lia gasped for breath as the pressure intensified, her struggles proving futile against the relentless grip of the bone sword. Gallagher, sensing the urgency, glanced toward the looming presence of two powerful auras nearby.

“We must end this and depart swiftly,” Gallagher declared, his resolve unwavering as he held Lia aloft in the air.

With a primal roar, Gallagher swung Lia forcefully, sending her hurtling toward the unforgiving ground below.

The battlefield trembled with the impact as Gallagher forcefully slammed Lia onto the ground, sending clouds of smoke and debris billowing into the air. “Lia!” Duen’s anguished cry pierced the chaos as he sprinted towards her, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his dagger.

Amidst the settling dust, Silverwolf emerged, grasping the bone sword with a solitary hand, halting the fatal descent with astonishing strength. Gallagher, taken aback, watched as Silverwolf delivered a mighty blow, shattering the bone vertebrae and freeing Lia from its grasp, lowering her to safety.

Lia, now safe in Silverwolf’s arms, was gently handed over to Duen, who held her close. “She’s unharmed, if you’ll excuse me,” Silverwolf assured, his demeanor cool and composed as he turned his attention towards the hunters.

With measured steps, Silverwolf advanced towards the intruders, his presence radiating an eerie calmness.

In Duen’s embrace, Lia’s gaze meets his with a fleeting smile before succumbing to unconsciousness. “Lia, you’re safe now. Rest,” Duen murmurs, relief washing over him as he cradles her close. Casting a glance towards the impending clash, Duen notes, “That man, his speed is astonishing. I didn’t even see him enter the fray.” His voice barely above a whisper as Silverwolf strides purposefully towards the encroaching adversaries.

“Argh!” Miyabi’s roar reverberated as she channeled the stone of Tengu, a cerulean aura enveloping her as she infused it into her blade. With another fierce cry, she unleashed a devastating slash, sending forth a colossal blue blade beam hurtling towards Silverwolf. With unparalleled reflexes, Silverwolf intercepted it with a single hand.

However remnants of the blade beam hurtled towards where the crown prince stood. In response, Holy Knight Rafaela stepped forward, his form engulfed in a radiant white light. Two majestic angelic wings materialized, shielding the prince from the incoming projectile. As the smoke dispersed, Rafaela emerged unscathed, his angelic shield proving impenetrable.

“Your efforts are in vain,” Rafaela declared, his voice unwavering. “The divine protection of lord father is with us.”

“Protect the Crown Prince! I’ll handle them both!” declared Silverwolf, his voice resolute as he surged forward.

Launching into a flurry of punches with his silver battle gauntlet, Silverwolf aimed at Miyabi, who deftly parried each blow with her katana. With a swift thrust, Miyabi attempted to strike Silverwolf, but he effortlessly evaded the attack, countering with a powerful kick that sent Miyabi staggering backward.

As Miyabi struggled to regain her footing, Gallagher observed with his glowing green eyes, his bone sword pulsating with renewed energy as the vertebrae reconnected, ready for another assault.

“Heretics! Lower your weapons and yield, and you may yet live!” Silverwolf’s voice rang out with authority, his long white hair bellowing in the wind.

As Miyabi activated the blue stone of Tengu, its radiant glow forming a mask over her face, she crouched down, preparing to strike. With a fierce yell, she charged forward, vanishing from sight in a blur of motion. Silverwolf remained composed, watching her movements intently.

With a thunderous cry, Miyabi reappeared, swinging her katana with deadly intent. But Silverwolf effortlessly sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. Off-balance, Miyabi leans into her swing, vulnerable. With a swift motion, Silverwolf delivers a decisive kick to her back, sending her hurtling several yards before crashing onto the unforgiving ground.

“I will not repeat myself. By order of the Holy Kingdom, surrender your arms,” commanded Silverwolf with unwavering authority.

Miyabi, still reeling from the impact, felt a surge of frustration. With a primal growl, she launched into a frenzied assault, slashing her katana at Silverwolf in rapid succession. To her astonishment, Silverwolf effortlessly blocked each strike with a single hand.

“What? How is this possible?” Miyabi exclaimed in disbelief. In response, Silverwolf delivered a swift punch to her abdomen, shattering her body armor. With a pained groan, Miyabi was sent sprawling backwards, clutching her stomach in agony.

“Miyabi, wait!” cried Gallagher, realizing the danger. “That’s Silverwolf of Havone,” he gasped, his voice filled with alarm.

Frustrated and determined, Miyabi charged once more at Silverwolf, her resolve unbroken despite the odds.

Miyabi charged forward, vanishing into thin air as a streak of blue light zipped past Silverwolf. In an instant, she reappeared behind him, slashing with all her might.

“Got you!” Miyabi exclaimed triumphantly. However, her jubilation turned to disbelief as Silverwolf calmly turned around, completely unscathed.

“What…? Impossible!” Miyabi gasped in shock. Gallagher roared in fury and hurled his bone sword simultaneously, its vertebrae coiling around Silverwolf menacingly.

Amidst the chaos of battle, Pete appeared beside Duen, who cradled Lia in his arms. “He hasn’t even used his spirit stone. That power discrepancy is insane,” Duen whispered, his eyes fixed on the unfolding spectacle.

“The heretics do not stand a chance against the Temporal Knights of Havone,” Pete remarked, his gaze unwavering.

“Sir William Beowulf wields the Stone of Ragnarok,” Pete revealed. “The Stone of Ragnarok?” Duen echoed, his curiosity piqued. “It holds the Ancient Beast Gledinir, god of wolves,” Pete explained.

“An Ancient…” Duen began, his voice trailing off in awe. “That’s right, it’s a secret of the Holy Kingdom. You’re lucky to witness Silverwolf in battle,” Pete continued. “His valor and bravery are unparalleled. It is said that in the battle of Kishna, the mere mention of his name on the battlefield caused hundreds of the opposition soldiers to flee.”

“Known as the Pride of Havone. He has never lost a single battle,” Pete concluded, admiration evident in his tone. “Never lost…” Duen’s voice trailed off, awe coloring his words.

“Argh!” Silverwolf’s roar echoed as he shattered the coiled vertebrae around him, a confident smile gracing his lips. “Smiling! Is he toying with us?” Gallagher exclaimed, his disbelief evident.

Miyabi crouched and launched another strike, disappearing from sight once more. “The same trick again?” Silverwolf remarked, taking a deep breath. With a mighty lift of his fist, Silverwolf struck the ground. Boom! The earth split open, unleashing a shockwave that sent Miyabi off balance, hurtling into the air.

Silverwolf charged forward with a powerful right punch. Boom! The impact cracked Miyabi’s eastern body armor, sending her flying backward. She crashed onto the ground three times, somersaulting over a great distance before colliding with a tree.

“Miyabi!” Gallagher’s cry pierced the chaos as he dashed towards his fallen comrade. With gentle strength, he lifted the unconscious Miyabi onto his broad shoulders, his emerald eyes ablaze with determination.

As they hurried away, a massive furry flying creature descended upon them. “What in the world is that? A monstrous bat?” Duen exclaimed, his astonishment palpable. The creature, its immense form spanning 25 feet, unfurled wings resembling stretched skin, its eyes glowing like fiery orbs as it swooped toward the duo.

“That’s a Balon! Don’t let them escape!” Pete’s urgent voice cut through the chaos, urging action to prevent the intruders from fleeing.

“Thinking of escaping?” Silverwolf’s voice thundered as he closed in on the fleeing hunters. Sensing a threat from behind, he swiftly evaded incoming projectiles, his instincts razor-sharp. The vertebrae, charged with green energy, sliced through the air like daggers aimed at him. With calculated agility, Silverwolf executed a graceful somersault and deflected the projectiles with his fists.

While Silverwolf was occupied, Gallagher seized the opportunity, leaping onto the back of the enormous Balon with Miyabi in tow. With a powerful flap of its wings, the black beast ascended into the sky, carrying the fugitives to safety.

“The legendary Silverwolf. The rumors were true… We will meet again,” Gallagher’s voice echoed as they disappeared into the heavens. The vertebrae, now disarmed, returned to their master’s side.

“Do not pursue Sir Will; we don’t know how many heretics there are. Stay and protect the Holy Kingdom,” ordered Crown Prince Anton, his tone firm and authoritative.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Silverwolf responded respectfully, bowing in acknowledgment.

“I want the Stone of Wings secured,” commanded Prince Anton, his voice unwavering. “And see to it that Lia Nightingale receives the best medical care at the royal infirmary,” he added with concern evident in his voice.

“Certainly, Your Highness,” Pete affirmed, bowing in agreement.

“Guards, secure the weapon from Lady Lia and assist her onto the carriage,” Pete commanded with authority. Duen cradling Lia in his arms slowly made his way toward the waiting carriage. Esh, the baby phoenix, appeared and nestled against Lia’s cheek, urging her to stay conscious. Lia managed a faint smile as Esh nudged her.

“You’re so beat up. I shouldn’t have listened to you. We could have avoided this,” Duen whispered regretfully as he carried Lia.

“Thankfully you did,” Lia gasped, her smile fleeting as she closed her eyes to rest. Duen carefully handed her over to the medical guards and watched as the carriage departed.