Apollo''s Pov

    The operation at the kingdom of Lumen ended well, and fortunately, despite the ruckus I made while I fought the king''s brother, nothing happened to the city and its people. We are fortunate that an archmage like Linda was there, she and the rest of the mages made sure that no innocent people would be harmed.

    Even when the very road the people were walking to was already gone, they made sure they wouldn''t be able to notice it. For the ordinary folks, it was just another ordinary day but for us, it was nerve-wracking how we needed to make sure no one would notice the slaughter that was happening.

    One of the Emperor''s commands at that time was no harm shall fall on the people of Lumen, so we made such a move. However, I was a bit confused as to why they had to resort to such use of magic. The conquering spell that was used on Scintilla was something that could be destroyed but at the expense of the city. They could have put a more secure spell but they chose to execute that.

    There is only one thing that I realized, they were simply testing the Crusaders, if they were pure evil then would never care about the people''s lives and hurriedly destroy the spell despite the result being the city''s destruction. However, if they weren''t that bad then they would never do such a thing and the result is how we saw it.

    The mages of the tower were simply curious and so they made such a move.

    It seems he was right a mage''s driving point will always be their curiosity. However, I felt that curiosity was misplaced there.

    Putting those things aside we still need to accomplish another task from the emperor. Eliminating the Crusaders and finding the cure for the World Tree.

    I am currently wearing my protective gear which is technically a nano armor hidden by the mage robe I am wearing. Sir Gavin and the rest of the Blue Moon tower mages have finally created some significant advancements with their research. That is why this nano armour is more efficient than before.

    Find adventures at empire

    "It feels even lighter!"

    I exclaim while moving my body to examine the armour.

    "Can''t we join you guys on the hunt?" Mckenzie asked while embracing his sword. It seems he wants to go.

    "Child the previous hunt was set up with a powerful conquering spell, so the tide of the battle was leaning on us, but now it''s different. We will attack their headquarters so it will be more dangerous. And who knows if those people had set up an anti-magic circle, so stay"

    Jonaf a mage from the Red Sun tower said while Sonya convinced the other children not to come.

    "Apollo do you think you can fix these mechanical knights that we lost?" asked Sir Arthur while I could only shake my head in answer.

    "The core that enables self-healing and power of the soldiers was sliced off, and with its parts cut to pieces it''s impossible for me to so fix it"

    "I see then how many soldiers do you have left"

    "Around a thousand, I think it should be enough"

    "I am a bit worried perhaps we can notify the Blue Moon tower for more soldiers"

    "I don''t think they can produce more since I already took most of the able ones and scraps they have"

    "Still we should notify them, perhaps they can give us some back up"

    "Okay I will send a message"

    I then tapped my communication bracelet and a projection of a keyboard appeared. Immediately I tap the message I want to send.

    A few hours went by, and inside the training hall, the members of the Crusaders started packing and erasing any traces that could be linked to their ominous plan. However, while they continued to burn the files and some documents, the flames started moving aggressively.

    "Mages!"

    "An attack!"

    "Quickly destroy everything"

    They exclaimed while panic began to consume them. It was an unnatural panic since they have an unbreakable will and calm mind, which are assets they are proud of. It was something that every martial artist and weapon user is proud of.

    [Notification Alert!

    The skilled Oppressor has been active!

    The entire city is under its effects decreasing 70% of the enemy''s willpower!

    Alert!

    Enemy morale has been decreased!

    Debuff has been added!]

    No matter how strong a will is, under the might of the system''s created skill, it would crumble immediately.

    Amongst the panic, multiple figures began to take action.

    Silently from the shadows, a person began to emerge, his black armour and cloak were blending well into the darkness. He surveys the area and spots multiple people fleeing the scene.

    Then that figure finally strikes using capsular grenades aiming for his first target. The projectile glints in the dimly lit room, but despite the panic those crusaders were quick to react, deflecting it with their metal gauntlets and swords.

    Explosion transpire but the darkness remains. Soon spells storm in snapping the panic out of the fleeing people.

    With their sanity restored, their senses were able to pick up dozens of multiple opponents, and with their worry gone they rushed forward to attack. They charge forward with their sword drawn, engaging in close-quarters combat. Their movements are aggressive and precise, showcasing their expert swordsmanship and enhanced physical strength.

    Their opponents on the other hand are metallic knights created through the use of technology and magic. Among those inhumane machines, a child-like figure can be seen standing.

    That figure soon joins the battle, countering his enemy''s blade with his own sword. He parried and dodged with graceful, fluid motions. The clash of blades rings out as he uses his agility to stay out of his enemy''s powerful strikes. The unique trait of an archer can be seen being utilized.

    However, the mysterious figure remains hidden by his dark cloak resulting in his opponent feeling dreadful. With his mind being influenced a voice began to speak.

    "KNEEL"

    Commanded by the voice and immediately the warrior fell and kneeled.

    "What?" he questioned, baffled by the situation however before he could even recover, a blade was already aiming at his neck.

    "Damn it!" he exclaimed coating his body with aura.