Chapter 39: The Reunion.

...

"Ufufufu~! You'll make a fine addition for our new Dark Ice Flower~!"

...

"W-Wilmarina... what are you saying?!"

...

Vermut was facing Succubus Wilmarina and her lover, a former knight of the Order. While outside of the Royal Castle, it was filled with battles between the soldiers of Lescatie and the monsters of the Demon Realm. The Royal Guard stood in shambles to witness what become the heir of the Noscrims. How did this happen?

'T-This can't be...! How did Wilmarina become a monster?!' Vermut trembles while her hands, still gripping her sword, are shaking. 'She's supposed to be the new chosen hero to save our kingdom... but how?! What made her becoming a monster?!'

While Vermut hesitates to raise her sword against the person to whom she truly admires. Succubus Wilmarina soon noticed the weakness through the emotions of the royal knight before her lips smiled evilly and making the first step. Vermut felt dread grips her heart once Wilmarina comes closer. The Royal Knight stepped back with fear while trying to muster up her courage.

Thus, she raised her sword in a defensive stance while a silent gulp went through her throat.

"For Wilmarina."

She silently recited these words. That is the creed she swore at the day she was knighted to become a Royal Guard to protect Lescatie and its Royal Family while serving for the Noscrims. But today, everything she had worked for her efforts to achieve the best, was all for nought. The Lilim and her army of monsters had barged through the gates and had already overwhelmed the city, not even the heroes of the Order could stop them.

"I want you to see my side that I've kept hiding~!" Wilmarina sang in a sultry voice as she playfully swings her monsterised sword, Oruforyu. "Oh~! Your face is fledging~! How cute~"

"D-don't c-come any closer...!" Vermut stuttered while threatening the succubus' hero, but the monster still kept going. "I'M WARNING YOU!"

Wilmarina then stopped before her smile widened with a depraving intent. Vermut had seen her pure face before her very world she knew falls apart and now; that face Wilmarina is making truly ruined her ideal image of the hero she once perceived. And thus, the demonic mana that surrounds the Royal Knight assaulted her core without warning until Wilmarina swung her magic sword, taking a hit into the spirit of the Royal Knight.

Vermut knelt to the ground and gasped for air. She felt no injury, but her soul was exposed to monster energy and changed her very nature as a human being. Then Wilmarina knelt to Vermut and raised her chin.

"When you wake up... I'm sure you'll experience the amounts of pleasures, unlike anything you've imagined~!" Wilmarina said in a playful voice. "Now, Vermut... it's time for you to see what is meant to be loved~!"

The Royal Guard dilates in horror before her mind goes numb and the black goo slowly takes over her body. She felt something came out from her hips and rear. Vermut saw a pair of wings and a succubus tail grew out. To her horror, she is turning into a monster. When a single tear escaped from her eye; her vision went dark as if that was the last thing she had ever seen in the moments of her life.

'Everyone... I'm sorry... I've failed to protect her as a knight.'

...

Dragonia Airspace.

...

"Zzzz~... Zzzz~... Zzzz-h-... huh?"

...

"Vermut?... Huh, you're finally awake."

...

Vermut slowly opened her eyes before letting out a yawn while stretching out her arms. While rubbing her eyes, she slowly sat up until she blinks at her surroundings.

"Ugh... what a dream..." Vermut massaged her temples as if her head had been sustained through a headache. "It feels like I went through a nightmare."

"So, what did you dream about?" Vermut heard a voice asked a question, not realising it was someone else.

"I just dreamed... the worst nightmare I never had," Vermut answered with a pained expression until her head went up in realisation. She spun around and saw Olivier smiling at her. "W-wait... what are you doing in my room and-...?! Hold on a second, this isn't even my quarters!"

"Welcome back, Vermut~!" Olivier stood up and happily embraced the Royal Knight with a hug. "So how are you feeling~!"

"I-... I'm fine, but where are we?" Vermut then asked while looking around. "It feels like... where on a ship and why do I feel demonic mana everywhere?"

"Well dear, to answer your question first; we're in Dragonia," Olivier answered while raising her index finger. "Second, we had turned you back to human."

"Wait... we're in Dragonia...?" Vermut's heart fell. How did she end up in the midst of a demon realm filled with dragons? "A-and what do you mean you turned me back to a human?! What in the Chief God's name just happened?!"

"Ha~h!... Dear me, where should I start...?" Olivier groaned while crossing her arms. The musketeer knew she has a lot of explaining to do for the Royal Knight. "Alright, it all happens when our kingdom... went to shit from one to a hundred real quick."

Vermut then reeled by her words of vulgarity; she knew Olivier was gentle and noble in her speeches and for the musketeer; she cursed herself internally that she had spent quite some time with Ash and his companions who swore a lot without shame and she learned it a lot. Guess they were meant to vent out their frustration or smart people were actually more vulgar while being carefree.

Once she explained what happened. The Nation of Lescatie has fallen and Vermut felt her shoulders slumped down in despair. The Kingdom of Heroes, the only hope of the Order and mankind itself, has fallen to the hands of a Lilim.

"This can't be... how did it happen...?" Vermut felt shaken with dismay and remembers the succubus that is Wilmarina. "I thought-... I thought she could bring us hope. For the Chief God and humanity."

"The Lilim and her forces were too strong for us to handle," Olivier said while looking down. "Even the Heroes themselves turned their sides to the monsters... after all, the day they came, it was already hopeless."

"Traitors...? Among us?" Vermut looks up at Olivier in disbelief. "How...? Who is the cause of it...?"

"You might not like it... There actually many." Olivier then braced for the inevitable truth. "Even one of them is the famous heroine. But please, you need to understand her intentions... Her name is..."

When she spoke out about her name and her current whereabouts, the Royal Guard was horrified until blood boiled within her veins. The most generous heroine she knew and trusted had been siding with the monsters all along, right under their noses. With anger, she let out a raging scream.

...

"So... have you calmed down yet?" Arcturus gave Luciana a mug filled with lukewarm water. She appreciated his offer and took a sip while narrowing her eyes towards Sasha, who had a red-hand bruise imprinted on her right cheek. "I know I did the stupidest decision when I have taken sides with the monsters. But please, Luciana, from now on, I need your help to make things right."

"... I still can't believe it..." Luciana grumbled in spite while placing the mug on the table. "No wonder the Chief God no longer talks to you..."

"I appreciate your response." Sasha nods in admittance. "Listen, Luciana. We need to put our hostilities aside and move on."

"... I'm going to beat you into a pulp once we're done," Luciana growled out loud, with anger in her voice. "That will be my repayment for you."

"Absolutely, I-... might as well deserve it." Sasha then smiled and nodded once more. "I think your friend might be waking up at any moment-"

"SASHA FULLMOON!"

"Elaine! Stop her, quick!"

"By the lords, she's going cray-cray!"

Once Sasha heard it, her mind cursed internally as she was going to have another explanation. Meanwhile, Ash heard the muffled screams of rage and stomping noises coming from the other side of the door and hears the knob opened itself. A dishevelled Vermut barged into the room before charging and quickly scanned her eyes to search for the priestess until she saw the frightened look of the former Heroine of the Order. Vermut then went towards Sasha to rip her apart, but the Royal Guard was tackled to the ground in a nick of time by Elen before any violence will escalate and she was held down by Olivier and Elaine.

"YOU DAMN TRAITOR! HOW COULD YOU?!" Vermut screamed in rage towards the former priestess while attempting to pry herself free. "I'M GOING TO CUT YOU INTO PIECES!"

Luciana then turns at Sasha with a doubting look before the priestess sighed deeply in regret. Ash never minds about the bickering of the newly liberated woman before closing the door. It will be a long talk before they arrived at Anor Londo.

...

Buffer Regions, Lordran Residence.

...

"So... thou art her friends, huh," Artor said while bringing up his mug of tea before turning at Leia. "And you, dragon... I remember you from a week ago."

On the other side of the couch, Leia remained silent while looking down with a frightened look. She and Shirtiya were welcomed in the wooden cabin to meet the fiance of Alto-Eris. While his fiancee is busy making tea, the two dragon knights were shivering out of fear and worry for their friend.

'How did Alti survive and got this guy as her future husband...?' Leia felt several drops of sweat rolling down her skin. 'Could it be... did she overwhelm him? I know she's quite strong than the rest of the Dragon Knights. Then her training with Death Sentence wasn't wasted for good.'

"Um... about your fiancee... I-uh... how did you two meet?" Shirtiya began questioning. "Thus also, how did Alti fell in love with you since you're the son of... well, Ornstein?"

"How did we meet? That was a few days ago. She just came to my place where I was meditating in the mountains." Artor answer before he did a cocky smile. "At first she demanded my respect for her authority, then for my answers because I have a close connection with my father, then I-... Well, I have to put her down for good. She was indeed an impulsive woman after all."

'Oh... even Alti didn't stand a chance after all...' Leia's thoughts spoke in a deadpan.

"I heard that!" Artor flinched when Alto-Eris raised her voice from the kitchen.

"So then... you nursed her back?" Leia raised her brow in confusion. "But why? I heard you Dragonslayers hunt dragons."

"We may have killed dragons, but only for a good reason," Artor answered with a serious tone as he leaned forth. "But I should not speak from there, it will be... controversial."

As if death were lurking in their surroundings, the dragon knights on the couch grew silent before nodding in response. They wanted answers, but their outrage and demands for his answers would've caused chaos in the house.

"But why did you spare her?" Shirtiya then asked, growing curious. "I mean... her recklessness for revenge should've let you kill her."

"Well, the thing is... I felt pity for her, more than any dragons I've ever encountered. Thus, I hesitated." Artor's answer made them confused until his lips grew into a smile. "I know you're both confused. From my victory on that day; I only saw is a vulnerable woman who was lost and wanted to find her own sun, yet she turns out to be a missing piece of a puzzle for my life. Her existence alone... I believe she is the reason I began loving her and changed my life."

The dragons listened and felt soothing sensations in his words that warmed their hearts. After his small explanation, Artor felt a pair of arms wrapped him around from behind and turn his head around, only to see Alto-Eris smiling at him while the tip of her tail carrying a new mug of tea, only for her future husband.

"Ufufu~! That's really sweet coming from you, dear~" Alto-Eris said in a whispered tone before looking up to Leia and Shirtiya. "Our relationship has been rocky after I met his family... including his father. But for now, I just... want the happiness of my own..."

Thus, the former dragon knight snuggled her cheeks behind his back. "My newfound happiness... with him~!"

Shirtiya and Leia then exchanged glances and before looking back at the couple. The wyvern then picks up a teapot and poured the hot liquid into her empty mug before carefully sipping it.

"Huh... this tea tastes great," Shirtiya commented casually.

"I know, right?" Alto-Eris smiled. "I just put some extra sugar in it."

"Uh... umm, Shirtiya?" Leia then leaned over to the wyvern and whispered. "What will the queen thinks about this?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Shirtiya raised her brow in question. "That guy's already Alti's husband. Then what's so wrong about it?"

"But the thing is; that guy doesn't have any of Alti's scent on him," Leia replied in a whisper, which made the wyvern almost spill her drink. "He doesn't have any hints of demonic mana in him either and could've been an incubus right now."

"What?...huh. Well, say, Artor?" Shirtiya then asked the young Lord. "Do you realise some changes that happened to you?"

"Pardon?... Nay, I did not feel any strangeness in me." Artor replied with a dumbfounded look while scratching the back of his head. "Although, I'm only usual as always."

"Weird, you could've been an incubus right now. Because if a human male mated with a mamono for more than a few times, her mate will become an incubus," Shirtiya replied with information while cupping her chin in wonder while Artor glanced back to Alti with concern. "But still, you lack any hints of mana within you... So, what are you anyway, and why are you even tall? I was being curious because I have never seen humans that can grow as tall as you."

"Well~! For your information; Artor isn't a human being," Alto-Eris answered before Leia and Shirtiya leaned back in surprise at this new information. "He belongs to a race known as the Lords."

Leia and Shirtiya raised their brows. "... Lords?"

"They're kinda like humans. But only taller." Alto-Eris explained while raising her hand way above her head. "Heck, even Ornstein himself and he stood around ten feet tall."

At this moment, the two draconian mamonos widened their eyes in disbelief. The infamous Dragonslayer, Ornstein, stood around at that height? That is even far taller than an average human! Leia and Shirtiya dreaded the fact if they meet Ornstein in person; they can imagine him as some kind of giant human in a suit of golden armour which is indeed the most intimidating person to behold.

"T-ten feel tall...?" Leia gaped as if her entire body trembles in fear. "S-so these... uh, Lords differ from humans and can grow that big?"

"Yep. It was very frightening to see him in person which my lungs wouldn't let me breathe." Alto-Eris then sighed deeply in relief. "But I have to thank Artor; I would've taken been out if it weren't for him."

"So... now to put that aside, have you ever come up with a name of your.. uh, child?" Shirtiya then asked while her eyes brightened with excitement. "I mean, I'm really looking forward to seeing your child! Even though, it isn't a dragon. Then could it be an incubus~!"

Leia and Shirtiya leaned forwards to hear Alti's response in their expectations. The monsters of the demon realm have been wishing that one day they will bear male children if the Demon Lord has enough power to change the metaphysical world. That will be a dream come true to achieve peace between monsters and humanity. But in Alti's case, this is unnatural and unheard of. They knew the Lord of all Mamonos has done nothing yet to achieve the goal.

"Um, it's more complicated than that. It isn't an incubus, but a Lord. Like my fiance, Artor." Alto-Eris responded before the Green Dragon and the Wyvern grew silent. They've never heard this answer to be different from what they anticipated. "But it never tells me if it's a boy or a girl."

The two dragon knights then grew speechless. Hearing this from Alti made them imagining a scenario to witness the birth of a non-dragon female from a dragon egg. Then it will be a bizarre experience to expect a possibility of a female lord, the only non-mamono female to be born from a dragon of Dragonia, to join the ranks of the Dragon Knights. Although, they heard from a fairy tale that there had been a dragon in Gaul that gave birth to humans like the Hero Artos and his sister, the Light Maiden, Gwen. But they've dismissed it as mere rumours.

"I, myself as well, was shocked by this too when I was conceived with a child. But I believe the Kingdom of Dragonia and the Queen will be happy to hear this when my child turns out to be of another race~! Thus I'm expecting a son will be born!" Alto-Eris replied as she expresses her happiness before her ears pick up commotions from outside of their cabin. "Huh... I hear people from outside."

*Knock!* *Knock!*

"Artor? Art thou in there?"

"It's my sister, I'll go get it," Artor said before Alto-Eris slowly released her hug and her fiance went to the door while calling out. "I'm coming!"

Artor went for the entrance and open the doorknob until a small girl with long red hair barged in, hugging his knees in glee.

"Big brother~! 'tis been a long time!" The little girl smile while looking up at Artor. "I heard from big sister Ciara that thoust have a lover. May I see her?"

Artor then grew a smile before looking up to see his valkyrie sister greeted him while waving her hand and a big female mushroom stood by her side.

"Hahaha~! It's been a while to see thee, Artor." The Mushroom greeted with a joyous tone. "Hast thou been doing well, hm?"

"Oh, everything is going great!" Artor smiled proudly. "I didn't expect to see thee coming along with Ciara and Filia."

"It 'tis my duty to take care of children, Lord Artor." The mushroom bowed humbly. "I've been a caretaker to Princess Dusk of Oolacile for quite a time until ending up in these strange lands."

"Elizabeth has been telling me great stories about Hawkeye Gough!" Artor then turns to his youngest sister, Filia. "Can thee imagine how a giant archer can shoot things while being blind?"

"Heh, I've heard that story too when I was young." Artor then grew a smile while feeling nostalgic. "I think one day I can shoot targets while being blind."

"Alright, alright! Now, let's put the talks aside and greet thine fiancee." Ciara then spoke up while dismissing the talks. "Although... Thine's house has been rowdy yesterday. So I let our visit t' be planned today."

"Wait... thee were there yesterday?" Artor, in his surprise, felt his cheeks grew red in embarrassment. "Huh... I didn't know thoust were there before."

"I've heard from a thing from Ciara which thou hast too much fun with thine dragon fiancee," Elizabeth speaks up while giving Artor a scolding look. "Listen, what will thoust parents think of this when thine beloved conceived grandchildren early on?"

Artor then scratched his head while looking down in shame. "Well, um... ugh. Fine, I'll talk to my parents to sort this out."

"Goodness me, Artor. And thoust still do it recklessly outside of thine wedlock?" Elizabeth then sighed while tilting her head sideways in disappointment. "Hmph, well. The mamono are indeed brash creatures to skip the steps of courtship. At least we can help thee provide support of a new family of Lords."

"I thank thee, Elizabeth!" Artor nods in much to his relief before letting them enter. "Come, thou might also meet her friends as well. They're in the living room."

"Friends of Alti?" Ciara then raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Wait... thoust hast brought in more dragons into thine house?"

"Indeed, they just appeared today and they art Knights of Dragonia as well," Artor replied casually before going inside the cabin. "They art searching for her for a long time when she ran away."

"Oh, sounds nuts." Ciara deadpanned.

Once Artor led his sisters to enter his house, Elizabeth used her light sorcery and vanished from sight. When Ciara and Filia arrived in the living room, Leia and Shirtiya almost spitted out their drinks in disbelief to see a valkyrie just came into their house before Artor introduced them.

"Leia, Shirtiya. I would like you to meet my sisters, Ciara and Filia," Artor said while the little lordress looks up at the three dragons curiously before her brother introduced the black dragon. "Filia, this is Alto-Eris. My lover."

"Wow~! Thou art really a dragon? This is my first time seeing it." Filia said with eyes filled with wonder. "My father talked a lot about dragons from the past! But... he says thine kind is far more different from the Everlasting Dragons."

'Everlasting Dragons?' The two dragon knights, including Alto-Eris, raised their brows in question.

'Hold on... what kind of dialect are they speaking? It sounds weird.' Leia's mind questioned. 'When we met Artor, he speaks in our common language but... for them, their dialect is very off. Is it common in his family?'

"So is she thine future spouse, dear Artor?" The Dragons were then surprised by an unfamiliar voice that has been spoken out loud in the living room. Thus, a huge mushroom sprouted out from the wall through a brief flash of light, which caught the dragons off guard. Then Elizabeth turns her attention towards Alto-Eris. "My~! As expected, she's indeed gorgeous! With such a youthful face to be his wife and becoming a mother to the future Lords."

While Leia and Shirtiya stood speechless to witness a large talking mushroom had appeared in the living room, Alto-Eris then asked with caution. "Uh... who are you? Are you some sort of... Matango?"

"Ohoho~! I'm afraid not, my dear. My kind differs from them. But where are my manners? My name is Elizabeth. I'm the caretaker of Artor, Ciara and Ornstein's latest child, Filia." Elizabeth introduces herself with a polite bow. "Although. Lord Ornstein might be away for a while and... in thine eyes, I can see that it is the first time thoust hast witnessed a mushroom such as I. I remember how frightened Alissa became when I first met her... and thee remind me greatly of her as well."

"S-so... you just called yourself a mushroom?" Alto-Eris questioned.

"I belonged to a race called the Mushroom People, and they hailed from the lands of old Lordran," Elizabeth responded with a slight, hearty chuckle. "I'm not sure if my kind still wanders in this new world... perhaps one day, I might see them again."

"Wait... so his nanny is a... a freaking mushroom?" Shirtiya stated aloud with a deadpanned expression before looking back at Artor and pointing her finger at Ciara. "And what about, uh, Ciara here? How come is this valkyrie is your sister? There's no way your father could've adopted a divine adherent of the Gods."

"Ehehe... well~ I gotta say this, but his mother is an actual valkyrie," Alto-Eris responded with a nervous chuckle while fidgeting with her fingers. "Believe me, I did meet his mother, and they weren't lying."

Both the green dragon and wyvern sat in total silence as their skins went pale in much to their shock. Alto-Eris wasn't lying in her words. In fact, not only her fiance is the son of the infamous dragonslayer, but his mother is a divine adherent of the Gods as well. To sum it up, they've met with the most unusual family, which is more diverse and probably more dangerous than an ordinary monster family. But one thing is unsure for the dragons; how did a Valkyrie give birth to a son?

"This is... getting more bizarre than usual," Leia said out loud in a casual tone as if her sanity has left her senses. "First, a dragonslayer became her fiance. Second, a valkyrie is his sister. Third, a talking mushroom that isn't even a Matango, then what's next? Some strange stone beast that will cause chaos over Dragonia?!"

"Oh fret not dear, thoust should be used to it. Hahaha~!" Elizabeth responded while letting out a giggle. "Now, why don't we have some chit-chat, shall we?"

...

Dungeon City of Anor Londo.

...

"Grraaahhh...!"

The hollowed Silver Knight groaned in pain before falling to its death and dissolving into ashes. Elt panted for air before looking back at Priscilla who weaved her massive scythe to kill a group of hollowed knights in one fell swoop. Elt and Wilmarina were relieved that they have someone with them who was strong enough to fight. As for Wilmarina, she dreaded whenever Priscilla radiates a lot of killing intent with no interest in finding a man.

Thus Wilmarina looks back at Yorshka and sees her wielding a bow made of light and shoots an arrow into the air, then after a while, a hail of arrows rains down from above, killing hollows in a distance.

"We must go forth, the entrance of the city is not far," Priscilla said while leading the monster couple through the streets of the city.

"I'm glad we had them on our side." Wilmarina breathed in relief. 'Once we get out of this city, perhaps we can invite them to the Demon Realm. Then we can have a chance to apprehend Ash Cyrus!'

Then the hero succubus grew a sickening smile while the three were unaware of her clear intent. 'Once when we have taken him out, then we'll extract his so-called "Dark Soul" to conduct experiments and find any weaknesses to corrupt his core!'

'But still... I need to know what the Lord Souls actually are.' Then Wilmarina's eyes steeled in determination when they met another group of hollows. 'And what powers do they behold...? Perhaps they can contribute greatly to the Demon Lord!'

"Damnit, they're all coming from all sides!" Elt warned as he prepared his longsword. "Stick together, everyone!"

Once the silver knights caught the sight of trespassers and charging forth with their weapons raised. Yorshka then chants a small prayer and held her chime up high before a flash of light blinded the hollows which made them flinch back until Priscilla spins around as her scythe had a longer reach to take them out in their surroundings.

One Silver Knight get on its senses and raised its sword towards Yorshka. Elt noticed the hollowed knight and tackled the Silver Knight into the ground before ending its life while plunging his sword through the eye slits.

"Whew... are you alright?" Elt asked, Yorshka nodded. "Great, we won't be staying here for long before more comes."

"Thine tenacity and bravery... thou remind me of a human I've once met," Priscilla said while reminding her of someone she knew. "A human warrior who came lost in the lands of Ariamis."

"You remind me of him?" Elt then asked and Priscilla nods. "Huh... so who was that guy? I would like to know..."

"Thoust, ask of his name? Very well." Priscilla then answered before looking up with a smile on her face. "His name is Ash Cyrus, without a doubt. He came to Ariamis by accident with no ill intent. I grew to realise that the inhabitants are hostile to anyone who does not belong. So I provided him with a safe passage to return to whence he came."

Elt and Wilmarina stood silent when Priscilla mentions his name. Did the Crossbreed know something of the Silver-Blue Knight before they met her? Thus, Wilmarina turns to Yorshka for answers.

"Do you know of a man named Ash Cyrus as well?" The Hero Succubus then asked.

"Oh? Do thoust mean the Ashen One? Yes. I've known of him." Yorshka replied with a smile on her face before Wilmarina felt a gulp went down through her throat. "When I was imprisoned on the tower by Aldrich, he came to Irithyll to end his reign for once and for all. His courageousness alone freed my brother as he passed away. Yet I remain to stay in the tower to pray for my brother once he left Irithyll... until the day, the darkness consumed the world whole before I meet Priscilla in this contorted city of Anor Londo."

'These two admired that man... this isn't good.' Wilmarina grits her teeth in disbelief. 'When they found out my intentions, then our efforts to search for the information we have were all for nothing! Unless if that wretched Astoran was around here somewhere.'

"I... see." That was all Wilmarina has to say before she turns around to another pathway. "We have to keep moving."

The two crossbreeds were left dumbfounded and curious when they sensed something in Wilmarina which emitted fear. Elt did not say another word before making a silent hand gesture to the crossbreeds to advance. Once they took another pathway, little did they know, a purple phantom from a nearby corner observed them running.

"Ahahaha~! Another group of hares has come to play~! I'd better avoid myself from being confronted by those crossbreeds."

The Moundmaker Phantom Wilmarina smiled wickedly before disappearing herself into the dark corners of the alleyway.

...

In the next few blocks away from the monster couples and the crossbreeds; Ornstein, his wife Alissa, and the Silver Knight Ledo stood in the middle of the city centre while being confronted by several groups of hollowed Silver Knights coming from all directions.

"Goodness, there are a lot of these knights everywhere!" Alissa grits her teeth before seeing another silver knight wielding a spear charging in. "Better to take him out."

The hollow crouched down and fling itself towards the Valkyrie, raising the spear and releasing a malevolent aura of killing intent. Alissa stood with a defensive stance to counter until her husband intervenes as he pierced the head of the Silver Knight through the helmet with his spear before flinging the hollow against the wall.

"Huh... thank you, dear." Alissa smiled at Ornstein in much to her relief.

"Thou art welcome." Ornstein appreciated her words. "Let's not linger here further. More hollows are coming."

"Lord Ornstein! Beware!" Ornstein and Alissa then turn around to see Ledo prepares his weapon. "We have Gargoyles incoming!"

The pair then looks up and saw a group of Lightning Gargoyles charging through the streets, heading to the three trespassers. The Dragonslayer, the Valkyrie and the Wandering Silver Knight readied their weapons for a counterattack until, in a sudden, Ornstein heard an eerie sound coming from the skies. He looks up and saw a massive arrow and tore itself into the ranks of the Gargoyles. To Alissa and Ledo's surprise, the arrows struck the gargoyles one by one with deadly accuracy before the winged stone beasts fled back in retreat.

However, Ornstein felt something... someone was already here. He turns around to see the source from where the arrows were coming from and noticed a giant in a distance. He widened his eyes in disbelief to see a familiar face, even from a faraway distance.

"... Gough?"

Gough smiled behind his helmet. While standing on top of the tower, he felt a familiar aura radiating from a person he knew. Even from a far distance from which the figure is not noticeable to anyone, the giant knows the power of his superior.

"Captain... It's been a long time."

...

Dungeon City Entrance of Anor Londo.

...

"So we're here~!" Lythia called out to the adventurers who gathered themselves at the ship's railings. "Welcome to the forbidden land where no one would ever dare go here!"

Their dragon guide tries to impose herself to be scary as possible to terrify the adventurers. After all, the mamono felt sorry for the companionship if they ever step their feet into the dangerous city filled with deadly traps and monstrosities they call Anor Londo. But for the companionship, Ash and Co. had been to dungeons several times and faced the most hideous monsters they've encountered prior to coming to Dragonia.

"We've been here and there. Looks like we've been through shit." Elen muttered with disinterested eyes before teasingly nudging her elbow to Olivier. "Heh~ Heh~? You get what I'm saying?"

"I know what you mean, dhampir." Olivier exhaled deeply. "At least, we are indeed, going back to a bloodshed... speaking of which."

The Lescatian Musketeer then noticed two women approached her from behind. Olivier turns around, then saw Luciana and Olivier were wearing new sets of outfits and armoured parts until Ash and Sasha came along.

"How do you feel wearing it?" Sasha asked Luciana with a smile. "Those sets of armour did provide you some actual protection!"

Luciana looked down at her new set of clothing, the black leather armour. It wasn't much armoured, but it was light which gives her more mobility and, for Vermut, she wore an Alva set, which has much more protection and is heavier than Luciana. Although Vermut didn't like the shape and colour of the armour she was wearing, which made her look like a villainous knight from a fairy tale.

"It feels weird to see me, an Imperial Guard Knight, wearing such armour that belongs to some villain," Vermut commented, disheartened while looking down in shame and disgust. "I'm a Knight of the Order belonging to a Noble Family, but why do I deserve to wear this?"

"Well, there are no other choices then," Sasha spoke up with a heartful compliment. "You actually look good in your armour. You'd probably scare your enemies to death~!"

"Silence, traitor," Vermut growled while raising up her gauntlet. "I look more like a villain, not a hero!"

"Heh, you're disrespecting Alva himself." Ash chuckled slightly while crossing his arms. "Do you want to know the story behind that armour you're wearing?"

"Tsk, please. I believe this armour shares a lot of dirty bloodshed in the past." Vermut said with arrogance. "Probably some no-name. You can tell me more about its story. But I would be rather not interested in it."

"Alva is a knight who wore that armour. He crossed many lands to find a cure for a sick Saint named Serreta." Ash then said the story of Alva until Vermut''s ear perked up, immediately intrigued by his story. Hearing stories of Knights saving the Saints were always been her favourite since childhood. "As he travelled across the lands, a witch named Zullie tried to trick him and bring him to ruin. But his dedication in his quest did not stray him away. After many failed attempts, she began to admire him and soon joined in his travels. Perhaps his efforts were genuine."

"A witch helping a knight...?" Vermut then raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Is that even... possible? And how did the story ended?"

"It was a tragedy... after the witch aided him in his travels. Alva soon realises there was no cure and the Saint herself was vanquished from life by the curse. Thus, he relinquished his knighthood." Vermut then widened her eyes in disbelief. She didn't know that person, Alva, gave up for being a knight after the Saint had just died. Then she remembered when she met the Succubus Wilmarina, which brought fear in her heart as if her duty as a knight to protect and serve the Noscrims failed. "He was wracked with guilt and despair. But the story didn't end there... he found a new purpose when the witch, who had once plotted against him, soon gave him a new life to be together. She had spent the remainder of her existence helping Alva in his efforts and soon ending up loving each other. Then thus... they remain as wedded couples... wandering through the lands beyond."

Once Ash finishes his story; some dragons nearby who overheard him have teared up while hearing his tale. As for Vermut, she remained silent and felt pity for Alva that he didn't complete his quest to find the cure for Serreta and relinquished his knighthood for good. At least, Alva in the story seems to be happy with someone, a witch. But one thing that came into her mind when Vermut to think about the story, why did he end up with a witch?

"I heard witches are mamono... but why did he end up with a monster?" Vermut asked.

"No... the witch isn't a mamono," Ash answered while tilting his head sideways. "She's a human sorceress, but her existence was unloved and despised by others until she met Alva. The existence of the knight himself is the reason he drove her to find a new purpose with him as well."

At this moment, Vermut just felt down after hearing that. She admits that her own flaws as a Royal Guard, Vermut is quick to be judgmental without knowing the reason behind the curtains.

"Oh... then perhaps such tragic fairy tales do end up in happy endings," Vermut said with a smile while gazing down on the armour before apologising. "Perhaps I've been too judgemental... then I'm sorry for mocking you."

As if the armour can talk, she felt relieved as if Alva's spirit is patting comfortably her by the shoulders. Therefore, Vermut swore she will wear the armour to live on his legacy.

"Such a romantic story~" Ash felt his left arms were hugged tight by Sasha when she looks up at him with her heartwarming smile. "Perhaps you can tell me some love stories you know~"

"... Are you in a process of being monsterised?" Ash asked out loud while raising his eyebrows, cautious of her behaviour. Yet his question caught her off in shock. "If so, I would ask Arcturus to revert you back."

"H-Huh?! I'm not getting monsterised, you dummy!" Sasha fumed in disbelief as her cheeks grew red in embarrassment. "I'm still human!"

Ash sniffed his nose above her head to confirm her scent. And indeed, she isn't in the process of turning into a monster as if the powers of the reverse blessing are still within her and remain to work out after a couple of days. He looks away while nervously scratching the back of his helmet.

"My apologies... I must be imagining things."

"Hmph, then don't imagine such worrying things about me!" Sasha replied with a haughty pout while crossing her arms. "I'll be fine Ash. So don't worry! I'll be sticking with the others when you're not around!"

After her small brief argument, the airship slowly descents from the skies and docked itself at a nearby cliff. Soon, the bridge fell flat to the surface before Ash, Sasha, and their companions, including a group of Dragon Knights, embark on land. A few minutes later, Sailors tied up Sif from the storage room and lifts him off with a crane before setting the Greatwolf his feet on the hard surface. Ash then comes up to him while rubbing the giant wolf by the nose.

Then Ash asked. "Did you get comfy?"

"Hmph, it was noisy inside," Sif said. "Especially, I've heard screaming throughout the ship."

"Yeah... about that." Ash then turns around to see Luciana and Vermut. Both of them were having looks of awe while staring at the Greatwolf. "We have new allies along the way."

"I see... Greetings, I am Sif." Sif greeted the two shaken Knights of Lescatie. "I am a Greatwolf and a knight. Also, a friend of the Companionship. What art thy names, humans?"

Luciana and Vermut were shaken with dismay. They've never thought they would see a giant wolf that is bigger than the giant horses of Lescatie, and the most frightening of all is that it is intelligent and capable of mental speech. Both the female knights felt their knees tremble in fear when the wolf gazed at them with his judgemental eyes of a beast.

"M-my n-name is Luciana... Luciana Sausare!" Luciana introduced herself with a fearful tone before showing off Vermut. "A-and this is Vermut Rosnair. W-we're the Royal Guards of Lescatie and Knights of the Ice Flower...!"

"Hmm... Thoust radiates with fear." Sif commented before the Greatwolf let out a hearty chuckle. "But lest of thine worries. Thou hast not met a Greatwolf, ever since."

Luciana and Vermut calmed down for a moment until Sif walked past them, then Olivier came to their side. The musketeer smiled while pointing her thumb towards Sif.

"Don't worry, I also have the same reaction as you two when I first met him," Olivier said before turning around. "Now, let's head to the dungeon to get you two warmed up. But what can I say? Welcome to a whole different world~!"

...

"Alright, this is it."

Ash breathes in before he entered through the entrance of the dungeon city. The former Undead felt pain and nostalgia flooded in his memories as if it was only a year ago. But it was a long time after he left Anor Lono. Instead of the cold, lightless city he once knew in Irithyll, it was the same city when he first went to it after defeating the Iron Golem on Sens Fortress.

[Dungeon City of Anor Londo, City of the Gods]

"So this is Anor Londo..."

Arcturus breathes out in awe to see the city bathed under its sunlight and its majestic beauty was breathtaking. The companionship, except Sif, shared the same reactions as him. But for Ash and Sif, nostalgia hits them in their heads.

"Beware, this place is dangerous, and filled with traps," Lythia informed the group as her face expressed dread. "We've lost a lot of our knights in our first wave expedition because of strange creatures that lurk in there."

"Strange... there are some buildings I do not recognise being there." Sif said while looking over the city. "Is it.. the works of Dark Sun Gwyndolin?"

"I doubt it would be him. This place is a dungeon... not the Anor Londo we know," Ash said while hefting his Greatsword over his right shoulder. "We are here to explore this place and exterminate hollows that spawned here."

"Hm... It's been a while I have been to this place when Sir Artorias is around." Sif spoke while looking down with a saddened look. "I still missed the days when I spent some joyous times with the Four Knights of Gwyn."

"The Four Knights of Gwyn?" Sif then turns to Luciana who raised her hand in question. "Pardon my question, I was intrigued by this."

"The Four Knights were warriors chosen by Lord Gwyn himself who had fought the war against the Dragons." While Sif explained until Lythia and some dragon knights overheard the lore spoken by the Greatwolf. "Hawkeye Gough, a blind giant who shoots his opponents with a deadly aim. The Lord's Blade Ciaran, the silent assassin who kills dissidents who try to overthrow Gwyn and restoring order. Sir Artorias, goes on by his legend as the Abysswalker who braved the Abyss."

Sif said with no hesitation. He sounds jolly when he tells their lore. The greatwolf and Ash himself knew the tragedy while Sasha, Reginald, and Elen only knew behind the story of a tragic hero Artorias by words, not by their witness. Lythia then steps in to question the large beast, intrigued by this knowledge they do not know of.

"And who is the fourth?" Lythia asked while raising her hand up.

"The fourth... I believe this might disappoint thee to know a person who had slain the dragons." As Sif said this, Lythia felt an ominous aura coming from his mouth and said the words. "He is Dragonslayer Ornstein, the most powerful knight in existence, and he is their captain as well. If thoust would ever meet him in person, I doubt that displaying thine pride filled with arrogance will be thine last."

Lythia and the rest of the Dragon Knights grew in deadly silence when they heard the infamous name; Ornstein. A dangerous dragonslayer who brought the empire of dragons to their knees and not even the Red Queen could defeat him. That tragedy happened twenty-six years ago when the queen and her personal army went beyond their borders into the Buffer regions to apprehend him before getting decimated, leaving all the knights dead and the queen wounded, which costed her arm.

The dragon knights started murmuring, and Lythia stood while shaken. Then this place was once the home of the Dragonslayer?

"Anor Londo is indeed the city of the Gods that belonged to Lordran." Sif then explained further. The word Lordran made a shiver through her spine and she knew the name of that land is where the infamous Ornstein hailed from. "But Lordran... is a kingdom of gods and dragonslayers."

"A kingdom of gods and dragonslayers?" Lythia sputtered out in shock. Vermut, Luciana, Olivier and Sasha, including the dragon knights, reeled back in surprise and disbelief by this new information. "Does that mean these people lived along with the Gods?"

"Yes, but the Gods were, in fact, Dragonslayers themselves," Sif explained its history. "While some Gods aren't. Gwyn and his Firstborn son are the ultimate Dragonslayers I knew. The Firstborn is the one who taught Ornstein to slay Dragons as his pupil. Their results made a mountain of dragon corpses, as far as I could remember. When I was a young pup, I had seen Artorias has slain the Everlasting Dragons, but not in the same league as Ornstein."

"Wait... you're telling me Ornstein is some sort of... a God himself?!" Lythia's tone grew in fear from this knowledge unheard, by the Red Queen.

"The Lords... art in fact treated like gods because of their unfathomable powers," Sif explained with a nod. "I knew some human cult perceive him as a God and revering him as the Deity of Dragonslaying and Knighthood."

"That... is nuts." Militiana, one of the Dragon Knights from the Royal Castle of Dragonia, flat out stated while pointing out her finger in disbelief. "The infamous Ornstein as a god...? Huh, I never knew that guy was worshipped before..."

Sif and Ash raised their eyebrows with a curious expression. By reading their faces alone, they noticed something as if the Dragon mamonos knows about something, regarding Ornstein. Thus, the Greatwolf then asked Lythia.

"Why are you showing dread on your faces?" The Greatwolf asked before the dragons felt shivers on their skins. "Perhaps you've known something about Sir Ornstein?"

The dragon knights tensed as they stepped back before Lythia speaks out. "We... no, our kingdom knows him."

At this moment, both the Silver-Blue Knight in disguise and the Greatwolf perked up out of surprise. Ornstein was here in this world as well?

"However... this may sound nary to you," Lythia then made a silent gulp through her throat before explaining. "Our kingdom... our queen... we are living in fear because of him."

At this moment, the rest of the companionship grew in surprise to hear more about the Dragonslayer, which Ash and Sif had mentioned from their stories earlier. For Olivier, she didn't expect the Legendary Ornstein would be in this realm as well, while Luciana and Vermut remained confused by all of their explanations, which they never heard of.

"Twenty-six years ago... a dreadful tragedy had struck to our kingdom," Lythia explained while looking down with sadness. "Our queen and her knights tried to apprehend Ornstein. From that time, we used to call him the "Golden Knight". When they found him, the world was covered in streaks of lightning as if our existence alone and our love of monster meant nothing to him as if... he was a deranged madman."

Ash and Co. continued to listen to her story. "All of our knights were decimated and our queen... crippled beyond recovery. Then, up to this day, he still remains out there, outside of Dragonia. Slaying Dragons in his path."

Her words of explanation slowly digested in their minds. Sif couldn't help but let out a deep sigh of pity. At least he immediately realises that the dragons of this new realm underestimated a Lordran Dragonslayer and tried to drown him in the pleasures of monsters. It would be an immediate death sentence for those who would dare to challenge him.

"Perhaps it was the fault of thine arrogant pride," Sif spoke while looking down at Lythia with sympathy. "I've known the knowledge of thine kind from my friend... Tarkus. I know Ornstein is benevolent and cunning. Brave and bold he is. But be wary, for no person should dare ignite his ire. The Dragonslayer must've sent thee a warning, I presume?"

Lythia then answered. "Uh... yes, he did. But the Queen does not want to let him go. Her decision is that he should be punished for his crimes!"

"Then... what crime did he commit?" The Greatwolf curiously asked.

"He... he took away the men who will soon-to-be husbands for us!" Lythia answered in determination, yet this confused the companionship even more. "We were looking for a husband, yet he hurt us and then proceeds to kill any of us if we tried to get the men of our desires!"

"... As I remember, thine kind were hunting for mates, either through your charms or capturing them into thine submission." The Greatwolf responded with another sigh of pity. "I should've known. Thine kind hast no free will, minds filled only nothing but shackled with the greed of love. Perhaps thou should learn the meaning of respect. Such of thine reason to apprehend the captain of the knights haveth no meaning."

Lythia tried to answer back, but her senses caught that hearing the words of the greatwolf made her admitting he was right. Then is it their arrogance in their nature did to the kingdom itself all along? Ignoring the warnings of the dragonslayer will only bring ruin because that Lord, the wolf calls him, is an actual god?

"Umm, talk about discussions. I believe we must continue our quest here!" Everyone turned around and saw Elen, who just raised her hand. "We can share our talks later on."

"Y-Yeah, we should need to get going," Daniella added in a worrisome tone.

"Hah~... Indeed, the longer we bicker, the moon will rise by sundown." Junayd sighed in disappointment while crossing his arms. "We must explore this dungeon as soon as possible."

"I heard the legends about the Golden Sentinel Giants," Elaine said while wondering. "Is there a chance we can encounter it?"

"I'd hope not." Arcturus shrugged his shoulders. "This place is dangerous, as they say. So it was filled with hollows."

Once the group went down the stairs, a couple of dragon knights spread their wings flew into the air for reconnaissance. Lythia and Militiana remained to stay on the ground with the group. As they crossed the pathways and streets, Ash is cautious that this area in Anor Londo was indeed different. He hadn't been to this certain place before, and it was truly rebuilt in an even more complicated maze.

Then Sif stopped as he sensed danger and unsheathed his massive sword. Out from the corner, they saw a couple of giant golden sentinels marched out. As the two giants saw the companionship, they immediately charged in. The greatwolf is the first one to act and leapt into the air, Sif spins his sword and sliced the first sentinel into two, the other one tried to retaliate, but the greatwolf spins, hacking off its knees and ending its life by plunging his sword through the armoured chest.

"Whoo! Way to go Sif!" Elaine called out with a thumbs up.

For the dragon knights and the Knights of Lescatie; Lythia, Militiana, Luciana, and Vermut stood in awe to witness the greatwolf display his swordsmanship. They have never seen a massive wolf that can wield a sword only in its mouth. Daniella already knew the capabilities of the greatwolf and saw him wielding it with a sword in his mouth since the Undead's unsuccessful attempt to invade Gerth.

"You'll get used to it." Gerome made a cocky smile while nudging Lythia by her shoulders with his elbow. "Our dog here is the best guy we have in our fellowship!"

"So... who had taught him to wield a sword?" Militiana asked, dumbfounded while pointing her finger towards Sif. "I never knew a wolf can fight like that..."

"It was Knight Artorias that taught him," Ash answered while hefting up his greatsword by his shoulder. "He is a master of the blades, after all."

"By the Chief God... I really wished to see Knight Artorias." Luciana said with a dreamy tone while witnessing Sif in his grand posture. Like a knight covered in the fur of a beast. "I wanna learn his moves~! Those were very fluid, like water!"

After taking out the Golden Sentinels, they've reached another corner to the right and then stopped in their tracks. Elen and Reginald tensed as the smell assaulted her noses while Daniella was about to hurl at the gruesome sight.

"No way..." Militiana uttered in horror, while Lythia remained silent. "These are... the Knights of the First Expedition."

On their path lay rotting corpses of knights from the Knight's Order of Dragonia; ranging from lizardmen, wurms, and some of which are dragons. On the rooftops, there were dead wyverns, and their decaying bodies were impaled by dragonslayer arrows. Ash inspected closely and saw only three husks of Silver Knight armour pieces covered with ash. It seems these knights were overwhelmed by their numbers.

As they continued their path, trails of blood flowed down through the streets. Lythia and Militia were always at their swords ready, but seeing the bodies of the first expedition almost made them vomit. Luciana and Vermut are horrified by the carnage and seeing Olivier and Sasha were unnerved by their surroundings. The Knights had seen a little bloodshed and they have never claimed a life before. Then now, this place takes would make them pray desperately for the Chief God.

"Praying for the gods doesn't help," Junayd spoke nonchalantly towards the two Royal Guards who had begun praying. "We need to keep going. Survival is the only way we can get through."

Vermut would've culled this man down for interrupting their prayer, yet Luciana stopped her and tilts her head.

"He's right... we do need to keep going." Luciana said while looking down. "In this place... I don't think they'll hear us."

"But that heretic-"

"I know... but we shouldn't bicker ourselves here."

As they continued to walk down the streets, Sasha saw a lone Silver-Knight came around a pile of bodies from a few feet away. Once the knight turns its attention to her, it lowered the spear and flung itself at high speeds, which caught them off-guard. Just before the spear would impale the priestess, Ash blocked the Silver Knight Spear with the flat surface of his greatsword in a nick of time before slamming the blade against the hollowed face.

The Silver Knight fell on the bloody pool before Ash heaved his greatsword and ending the Hollow's life with a loud smash.

"Th-that was close!" Sasha then breathed out in relief. "That knight... it looks like that Black Knight in Crucifixion Forest! But... what was its name again?"

"... It's a Silver Knight..." Ash said while looking down at the hollowed corpse before dissolving into ashes. "They are soldiers who fought during the war against the Dragons and served Gwyn, the Lord of Sunlight. Now they're only mindless hollows."

"So they fought in the War against the Dragons as well?" Daniella raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Are you saying... these guys had fought alongside with the Dragonslayers?"

"Indeed. These Silver Knights are Lords. Only lesser ones." Ash replied before advancing through the path until his ears picked up something. "Speaking of which..."

As they continued their way to the Cathedral of Anor Londo, Ash heard sounds from a distance. Sounds of lighting and explosions, as if someone was already here until Lythia and Militiana heard someone coughing. They turned around and saw a single dragon mamono, who slid away from a pile of bloody corpses. It was one of the dragon knights that flew earlier for reconnaissance.

"Mika?... Mika!" Militiana ran over to her comrade, including Lythia. The Royal Guard of the Red Queen helped the fallen knight to get up on her knees. While inspecting her condition, Lythia saw the knight's right wing was torn apart by several massive holes. "Mika! What happened to you?! Is Emily still alright?!"

"D-Damn... gagh!..." Mika cursed as she coughed out blood while gripping her bloodied arm. "Th-Those bastards got us w-with their oversized b-bows and their lance arrows... cough!"

Lythia then asked with worry. "What about Emily? Is she still alright?"

"... They got Emily... sh-... she didn't make it..." Mika grits her teeth, her eyes now filled with regret and pain. "They shot us as soon as we took off into the skies...!"

Militiana and Lythia were shocked by this before looking down with grief. Mika then lifts her head up and heard sounds coming from above. She looks up and widened her eyes in horror; she sees a big group of Lightning Gargoyles coming in their way.

"By the Flames, that's a lot of them!" Arcturus saw them and unsheathed his weapon. "We gotta get out of here!"

"There is no escape...!"

Sif noticed another group landed behind them from the rear. Elaine just rolled away before the Lightning Gargoyle would've killed her with its halberd. Everyone formed a defensive circle while Lythia and Militiana carried Mika near Sif before Sasha came to heal the wounded dragon with a vial of Divine Blessing.

"Damnation... we're surrounded."

Ash steeled himself while raising his black iron shield while facing the Lightning Gargoyles before one of them in the front charged in until something unexpected happened.

*BOOM!*

The wall on the right exploded. A gargoyle was sent flying through and came crashing down by a ten-foot-tall knight covered in gold. The giant stone beast skids through the cobblestone floor before a spear was jabbed into its head, ending its life. The gargoyles stood still and stepped back cautiously from their new adversary. Once the smoke was cleared and looking up to their saviour, Ash and Sif did not expect to see him here, in the midst of the city.

"Hmph, another nuisance tries to ruin my day," Ornstein mocked the dead gargoyle before standing up straight, and soon noticed a familiar face he hadn't seen for quite some time. "Sif... so we meet again."

"Lord Ornstein..." Sif couldn't believe it was him. The Greatwolf then bowed to the Dragonslayer. "I never expected thine presence to be here...!"

The Dragonslayer smiled behind his helmet. He too, never expected Artorias' beloved companion should be here out of all places before turning his attention towards the rest of Sif's companions and rests his spear above his right shoulder.

"Greetings, thou art his comrades. I presume? I art Ornstein, the Dragonslayer of Lordran." He introduced himself in an authoritative voice while his surrounding aura emits the divinity of his light. "Now... what art thee and 'thourt dragon companions trotting around this forsaken city?"

The rest remained silent. Daniella made a quiet gulp, while Militiana and Lythia were shaken in fear to witness his real nature; that this infamous Ornstein was not any other ordinary human but a giant. For Ash Cyrus; he remained calm and better be cautious to get along with their unusual saviour.

...

Chapter 39: Ends

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The Knight Side Story: Stubborn as Always.

...

Kingdom of Gaul, Auvergne Region.

Farron Residence. ME Year 1073, 15 Years prior to the Fall of Lescatie.

...

Valeria was busy mixing in the ingredients for the new stew she had learned from a certain human chef from Gerth. It's been years since she had been married to the man that wrecked her old home, a small vampire state that her mother has been running for almost five hundred years. Nowadays, things have changed since they left that state and now living a life with her husband and her children.

While her husband is outside cutting wood but speaking of her children...

"OUCH!"

Valeria stopped turning the ladle and turns around to see a young boy coming into the kitchen, crying out of pain.

"Mom! Elen bit my arm!"

The vampire mother gasped to see two small tiny bloody holes in her son's right arm. But what confused her is that her son said Elen's bite is painful, yet it sounds ridiculous to her ears is because her daughter is a dhampir; a half-human and half-monster that inherit their fangs from their mothers and their bites weren't painful, as it was supposed to make them feel pleasurable and comfortable. Except for her husband, who doesn't find it pleasurable at all when he got his first bite from her and her first taste of his blood wasn't pleasurable to her either, as if his blood were made of molten steel that nearly burned off her tongue.

"Elen's bite hurts?" Valeria asked in worry. "How so? She's a dhampir."

"But mom~! It does hurt!" Reginald cried out loud. "I tried to tell her I won't give her the ball and she bit me!"

The vampire mother made a deep sigh, she'd better lecture her daughter not to be stubborn to play her toys around the house and break a vase. Once she got outside of the kitchen, to her surprise, she saw her little daughter is trying to get outside with a ball in her hands.

"Elen? From where did you find that ball!?"

Her little daughter stopped before slowly turning around to see her bewildered mother.

"Uh... um... I found it?"

Valeria couldn't believe what she was hearing. Is it a truth or a lie in her words? But that doesn't matter. How DID Elen find her confiscated ball from a hidden place where she always kept her dangerous toys? Has she been always eavesdropping on them while talking a secret with her son whenever her toys got confiscated?

"Ugh... Elen, give me the ball." Valeria made a strict gesture to hand it over. "Then I will ask later how did you find it."

"No!" the little seven-year-old dhampir whined in defiance. "I wanna play! It's boring to stay inside."

Valeria's glare hardened as she placed her hands on the hips. "Then, young lady, from now on. You are grounded until the next day."

"Eh!? NO!" Elen cried out in despair before her mother swooped in a single flash without warning, grabbing her young daughter in her left arm and the ball on the other. "Nononono! Let go of me! I don't want to be grounded!"

The vampire sighed deeply as Elen trashed her arms around, as she wailed in a fruitless attempt to free herself from her grasp. Then Valeria turns around to her son.

"Reginald, dear. Please help me detain your stubborn little sister." The vampire mother asked until Reginald returns a nod. "Now that's my boy."

...

Elen sat on top of her bed with a defeated pout while glaring towards her mother. Valeria cautiously takes a brief look if her own little daughter would do anything suspicious before she heard the backdoor of the house open.

"Honey? I'm back!"

Valeria heard Hawkwood's voice and quietly told Reginald to prepare the table for dinner.

"Dear, could you prepare the dinner? I need to get a small talk with Elen."

The young boy then nods before heading towards the kitchen. Valerie saw her son went downstairs before entering Elen's room, then see the young dhampir still have that mean look on her face.

"So... Elen, from where did you find the ball?" Valeria asked. "Were you spying on me while hiding it in my room?"

"Mmgh," Elen grumbled in response.

Valeria then exhaled in disappointment while looking down at her with an unamused expression. "I never thought how a very naughty girl you've become."

"Mmmgh!" the young girl grumbled even higher in temper until she finally speaks out. "You don't want me to play!"

"I told you weren't supposed to play inside the house!" Valeria shot back with a strict glare. "How many times should I tell you?"

"I said it was an accident!" Elen responded with tears in her eyes. "I was going to play outside!"

"Young girl, please. Don't talk back to your mother." Valeria's voice, then soon turned bitter and her arms were crossed. "Or else, I will confiscate all of your toys in this room. Is that understood?"

Elen couldn't help but let out a squeal of frustration as she wailed her arms around until making a defeated pout and grunts before crossing her arms. Valeria was satisfied with her answer as the young girl admitted her mother's words. Once she got out of her room, she heard her daughter mumbled while looking down.

"It's not fair..."

Valeria couldn't help but feeling pity for the little dhampir. As a vampire, she grew up and was raised to be a polite woman back in those days. Taking care of a dhampir is a bit different and they grow up with some rebellious personalities, but they're easy to handle. Yet for Elen is much more difficult to handle than she imagined. She knew some dhampir children behaved well after receiving their lectures and their mothers usually taught them senses of pleasures for finding their future mates to cull down their boredom. But in Elen's case, she is much more rebellious than them and did not seek pleasures at all. She is like those of some ordinary human child and behaved like one, unlike a mamono. After her dispute with Elen is over, Valeria closed the door of her room before she noticed a person to her right, who leaned against the wall.

"Did Elen break another vase?"

"Yeah, she is stubborn... as always." She replied with a nod. "Our little girl needs some discipline, dear."

"I know. Unlike our son Reginald, he has some control of himself." Her husband then chuckled. "It's quite rare for our kid to have such behaviour."

"But Hawkwood, I'm worried about Elen." Valeria then said solemnly. "She isn't thinking about having a husband. Then what other purpose does she have in life?"

"Well... I have many answers for that question." Hawkwood said as he shrugged off his shoulders. "I've met people with many backgrounds, but you don't have to force her to find a partner. Dear. Only time will tell and I know she's different from her own kind as a dhampir."

"Honey... what will my relatives think about this?" Valeria placed her palms against her face in worry. "My daughter, who doesn't have a husband past her coming of age... then what mother am I good for?"

"Valerie, stop thinking about that and let it go," Hawkwood said while gently nudging his wife by her shoulder. "It's a life for her to decide. Come, I bet Reginald finished preparing the table and wait 'til she comes down."

...

Sidestory 2: Ends

Author's Notes: Alright, I'm receiving guest reviews about things. But I will oblige to answer.

Guest Review: Now what I think about it, WHY is it all glitter and gold? Last I checked, Aldritch took it over and turned it into a dark hellhole with no light or Silver Knights to be seen.

Answer: As Solaire once said, it is this:

"The flow of time itself is convoluted, with heroes centuries old phasing in and out. The very fabric wavers and relations shift and obscure."

For those who ignored the story, Dungeons are merely copies of the originals and they came from different eras. But with extended areas that are unexplored/not seen in the game. The reason for their appearance in the world of MGE is unknown, only the story knows itself.

Extra Notes:Also, for one last thing. The SB Forum, MGE: Hammer Edition, we've got in contact with the User Aruberg (real name: Ami Ruttberg) is an in/official translator of MGE Side books and quotes:

"I think this old saying is funny because at the moment there were no retcons in MGE."

The said person mentioned something is because of unreliable Japanese translation and mistranslation errors. Therefore; it is confirmed there are no Rectons of MGE since over half a year ago. Only additional lore that went to MGE English Community.