Disclaimer: I do not own Ragnarok Online. This story, however, is completely mine and may not be redistributed or used without my approval.

Chapter 2

It was my turn to monitor the night watch. I didn't mind though. The feeling of being back in a peaceful place was rest enough. However, the thought of the previous battle with Dalmar stained my mind. What was that about? Leahcim's Grand General?

"Sir?" A Knight ran towards me and saluted.

"Yes?" I replied looking at the young man.

"Monster disturbance to the North Gate." He reported. "Nothing big, but it DOES look unusual."

"Take me to the gate then." The Knight nodded and lead me to the North Gate of Payon.

These were not monsters from the region...they were from the Magma Dungeon in Comodo. Something was terribly wrong. Nightmare Terrors, Magma Golems...the works. The troop lit up the whole forest with the fire they bore on their backs.

"Bring water!" I commanded. "Wait for my signal, I'll be back." I ran down the stairs and to Dante's house. Knocking on the door, I awaited for answer nervously.

"Yes?" Dante opened the door dressed in his armor. "What is it?"

"Monsters to the North Gate." I started. "Magma Dungeon monsters."

"What!" Dante tied up his sword and took his shield.

"Exactly my thoughts." The two of us ran to the gate as the men readied huge pots of water.

"Dump the water!" Dante ordered without hesitation. "Put out the flames! Gate guards! Open the gates! Archers, prepare fire! Knights ready swords!"

Everyone readied their weapons and prepared to fight. I unsheathed a normal flamberge from my belt instead of the newly forged sword I got the last battle we fought against Dalmar. The blade of that sword seemed too pure to waste on monsters. The gates open and the monsters charged through.

"ARGH!" Dante fell to the floor as a Golem tackled him. "These are stronger than normal! Be cautious!" He shouted as he fought off the Golem. His flamberge pierced the golem's skull and he pushed it off.

Swinging back and forth, my sword merely sliced through the Nightmare Terror. It did nothing.

"Ghost property!" I realized and stepped back. "Holy Cross!" The cross-like skill pierced the phantom horse and it disappears into thin air.

"FIRE!" I heard someone shout from behind. I turn around and see houses catch on fire. The water only put out the monsters' flames temporarily. "GET WATER! GET THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN OUT! NOW! QUICKLY!"

"Hikaru!" Dante pointed at the Valkyrie's Requiem headquarters. Monsters seemed to rally around it, trying to bring it down. "GO!" I nodded and ran to the large castle.