Peace Hunter

In the San Lucia city.

The city was under attack by a massive horde of people and demons. Elsewhere in the city, Nadine was battling some of the attackers. She fought them off using both her long gun and her small gun.

"There are so many of them. It seems they're attacking this city because they want to kill the San Lucia family, include myself," Nadine said.

She continued to engage the enemies before her. While focused on the fight, she failed to notice a demon preparing to strike from behind. She only realized the danger when the demon was already upon her; it was about to slash her with its razor-sharp claws, and the attack was mere moments away from connecting. Yet, before the blow could land, a thick mist suddenly materialized around the demon. The mist appeared only briefly before vanishing just as quickly. Once it cleared, the demon lay on the ground, decapitated. Nadine was shocked by the sight.

"Mist? This technique... could it be...?" she murmured.

She then turned back toward the group of enemies she had been facing earlier. That area was now shrouded in thick mist. Moments later, the mist dissipated, revealing the attackers lying on the ground, drenched in blood. Some of them had even been dismembered. Nadine was stunned once more.

"A slashing technique executed within the mist... that’s Senior Gretta’s signature move," Nadine said.

"That's right," a woman's voice replied.

Startled by the voice, Nadine immediately turned toward its source. As Nadine turned toward the source of the sound, a woman’s figure suddenly appeared. At first, she had been invisible—or perhaps simply unseen, but her form slowly materialized. Once she fully revealed herself, her identity became clear: it was senior Gretta, the very senior who had mentored Nadine back when she was a student at the academy. Gretta was clad in a knight’s uniform overlaid with a cape. Both the uniform and the cape bore an emblem, though it was not the animal crest worn by the Frost Wolf knights or other troop units.

"Senior Gretta," Nadine said, surprised.

"Yes, it’s me. Long time no see, Nadine," Gretta replied.

Just as they reunited, however, several demons suddenly descended upon their location.

"I’d love to catch up properly since it’s been so long, but I have to finish my mission first. You’re in the same boat, aren't you, Nadine? Let’s work together," Gretta suggested.

"You’re right, Senior. I need to complete my mission as well. I’ll work with you," Nadine agreed.

"Good. Let’s join forces to take down these demons and the people attacking the city," Gretta said.

-

In the capital city of San Estella.

Demons and figures dressed as nobles were attacking various locations across San Estella, including its outskirts. On the city's outskirts, many demons and attackers lay fallen, their bodies pierced by arrows forged from various elemental energies.

Meanwhile, atop a nearby building, Alisha was firing arrows at the demons and assailants who were still wreaking havoc in the area. While Alisha was firing at the demons and those individuals, Sophie suddenly arrived at her location.

"Alisha, I’ve finished off the demons and the people involved in the attack at my previous position," said Sophie.

"Good work, Sophie," said Senior Alisha.

Both Alisha and Sophie were wearing knight's uniforms with cloaks layered over them. Their uniforms and cloaks appeared identical to those worn by Gretta. The garments bore an emblem—not an animal crest like those of the Frost Wolf knights or others, but the emblem of the San Fulgen Kingdom. The emblem consisted of the letters 'SFK', standing for San Fulgen Kingdom. Accompanying the inscription were two crossed flagpoles; the letters 'SFK' were positioned exactly where the poles intersected. Knights bearing the San Fulgen royal emblem—rather than an animal crest—were those assigned to guard the capital, San Estella. These troops were under the direct command of the kingdom's supreme commander, Commander Oliver. Seeing Alisha and Sophie wearing uniforms and cloaks bearing the San Fulgen royal emblem meant they were now active-duty knights for the kingdom; the same applied to Gretta. However, the fact that Senior Gretta was currently in the San Lucia city indicated that some knights originally tasked with guarding the capital had been reassigned to assist in other regions.

Meanwhile, Alisha continued firing at the demons and individuals involved in the attack who were within her line of sight. Before long, she ceased firing, as there were no more attackers left in view.

"I’ve finished taking them out here, too," Alisha said.

"Where do we go next? Are we heading to San Fulgen Academy? It seems the demons attacking this place are artificial created by the person plotting to assassinate Her Majesty the Queen and the entire San Lucia family. These demons might just be bait and a distraction; the mastermind's true goal is likely to kill Her Majesty and the Duke of San Lucia, both of whom happen to be at the academy right now. There will probably be far more demons attacking the academy than there are here, since that is where the primary targets are," Sophie said.

"It seems so, but we can't just go to San Fulgen Academy on a whim without orders. It would be better to search the surrounding area for our other comrades and regroup with them first. If an order comes to go to San Fulgen Academy, only then will we head there to take out the demons and the people attacking the place," said Alisha.

"Agreed," said Sophie.

With that, Alisha and Sophie left the area to search for their comrades nearby.

-

Back at the academy.

Inside the academy grounds, near the main gate.

Miss Karina and Miss Violetta were seen battling King Albert, Duchess Harriet, Duchess Claret, Commander Marshall, Florian, and Princess Amelia. Everyone who had previously been entangled in the magical vines conjured by Miss Karina had managed to break free. They kept attacking Miss Karina and Miss Violetta in an attempt to force their way into the academy grounds, but so far, the two ladies had successfully held them off. Miss Karina had even drawn her sword to fight King Albert and the others.

After a period of exchanging attacks, King Albert and his group retreated toward the ruined academy gate. Meanwhile, Miss Karina and Miss Violetta stood ready to strike should the group make another move to breach the academy grounds.

"Has your wound improved, Violetta?" asked Miss Karina, turning toward Miss Violetta.

"Not yet, Miss," replied Miss Violetta.

"I apologize for being unable to heal you. Your wound was caused by an attack using Dark Magic; it cannot be cured by ordinary healing spells like mine," said Miss Karina.

"It is quite alright, Miss ; there is no need to apologize. It was my own fault for letting my guard down and allowing them to strike me with Dark Magic. I shall be more cautious from now on to avoid being hit by their attacks again," replied Miss Violetta.

"I will be careful as well; their attacks are extremely dangerous," said Miss Karina.

"On another note, Miss I never imagined you were so skilled with a sword. Perhaps we could have a sparring match sometime?" asked Miss Violetta.

"That would be fine, provided it is only occasionally. But rather than discussing that, we ought to focus on fighting them," said Miss Karina.

"You are right," agreed Miss Violetta.

Afterward, Miss Karina and Miss Violetta exchanged glances with King Albert and the others. None of them had yet decided to make a move or launch an attack; they simply stood their ground, watching one another. While they were locked in this standoff, several knights suddenly arrived from behind Miss Karina and Miss Violetta.

"Commander Violetta, Miss Karina, we are here to assist you both," said one of the knights.

"There is no need. Simply stand guard at the rear, specifically at the academy lobby and the central building. These demons appear to be targeting Her Majesty the Queen, Lord Duke and Miss Duchess of San Lucia, who are currently in the central building. Guard that area and intercept the demons should they manage to get past Miss Karina and myself," said Miss Violetta, without turning around or glancing at the knights behind her.

"Understood, Commander," the knight replied.

The knights complied with Miss Violetta's orders and immediately departed to take up their posts at the academy lobby and the central building. Meanwhile, Miss Karina and Miss Violetta continued to stare at King Albert and the others standing before them.

"They don't seem inclined to attack. Should we attack first, Miss?" asked Lady Violetta.

"Hmm, they might have a trap ready if we attack first. It would be better to wait for them to make the first move," said Miss Karina.

"Understood," replied Miss Violetta.

Miss Karina and Miss Violetta remained locked in a standoff with King Albert and his group for quite some time; neither side made a move or launched an attack. Then, a short while later, while the two ladies were still watching King Albert and the others, a knight came running hurriedly toward them.

"Commander Violetta, Miss Karina... I... I need to report something," the knight said, panting heavily.

"Report something? What is it?" asked Miss Violetta, without turning around to look at the knight.

The knight appeared to be struggling to catch his breath. Once he had steadied his breathing, he began to deliver his report to Miss Karina and Miss Violetta.

"Demons have breached the academy grounds. They broke in by smashing through and vaulting over the academy's perimeter walls on every side, except for the main gate."

"There are a vast number of them!" the knight added.

MissVioletta was shocked by this news, as was Miss Karina.

"What did you say?!" exclaimed a startled Miss Violetta.

-To be continued

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