Atreus and co. had been travelling the countryside since mid-afternoon. From the north, a cool breeze blew that felt rejuvenating on Atreus' skin. The group chatted amongst each other as they travelled down the dirt road, enjoying the scenery. Atreus kept at the front, holding the reins as Drífa pulled the carriage. He could not stop himself from humming a quick tune. In this moment, everything felt perfect. Contentment settled upon Atreus. Drífa kept her head lowered as she pulled the carriage. Then, suddenly, she stopped.

'Oh? And who are you?' Drífa said, appearing to be talking to someone. Atreus looked up, raising an eyebrow.

'Hey, Drífa, why'd you stop?'

'There's a mysterious woman here, Master,' Drífa called out, looking back. 'She wants to speak with you!'

'A...Woman?'

Behind Drífa, Atreus saw a cloaked ninja in black. Atreus recognised her as the same ninja they had seen back in Riyute Village. Atreus looked at her in surprise, climbing out of the carriage.

'You again?' Atreus said. 'You were looking for me?'

'Yes, Shield Hero,' the ninja said. I serve as the Queen's Shadow. I'm Queen Mirella's spy, and I work directly for her. I have an urgent message for you.'

'Well, get on with it,' Atreus demanded. 'There are places I gotta go to.'

'A group of traitorous knights have abducted Princess Melty Q. Melromarc,' the Queen's Shadow explained. 'They are currently holding her captive in a secluded place and are planning on killing her. As the Queen has entrusted me with Princess Melty's protection, I would like to ask that you aid me in rescuing her.'

Atreus raised an eyebrow at her, putting his hands on his hips. At that moment, the rest of Atreus's group emerged from the carriage, gazing in their direction.

'I see,' Atreus said. 'Why don't you save her, then? Can't you see we're on a tight schedule?'

'You can't be serious, Master!' Drífa said.

'My skills in combat can only serve me so much,' the Queen's Shadow explained. 'If you were to help Melty, I am certain you would gain the Queen's good graces.'

'The Queen,' Atreus repeated, then rubbed at his chin, contemplating.

'Master!' Drífa said, pouting. 'Melty's in danger, Master! We have to save her!'

'I agree with Drífa, Mr. Loki,' Raphtalia said. 'If the knights end up killing Melty, that could spell trouble for the whole of Melromarc. You should save her.'

'Why should I? She has done nothing to earn our trust. She's just been ordering us around, like her trash father.'

'How could you say that, Master?!' Drífa said, pouting. 'Melty's been good to us!'

'I agree with Drífa, Loki,' Vandri said. 'Melty, though temporary, was a good companion. She never raised a hand against us.'

'Only because father and I monitored her,' Atreus retorted. 'What if it's a trap? What if Melty is scheming against us?'

'I don't think Melty would try something like that, lad,' Mimir said.

'How could you speak like that about someone you barely know?!' Atreus exclaimed in frustration. 'Remember what happened the last time we trusted someone who wasn't who they said they were? Brok ended up murdered by Odin! Do you want to take that risk once more?'

Mimir opened his mouth to speak, then closed it, speechless. The others stood staring at Atreus in shock, at a complete loss for words.

'Loki...' Raphtalia said.

'Should Princess Melty die,' the Queen's Shadow said, 'Queen Mirellia will have no choice but to name Myne the next heir. Myne becoming a ruler could prove disastrous for Melromarc.'

'She's right, lad,' Mimir said. 'As much as you dislike her, it would be best to save Melty. Only then can we keep Melromarc safe.'

'Why should I risk my life for a country that's been treating us like monsters?' Atreus asked, his face stern. The Queen's Shadow lowered her head, betraying a look of desperation.

'Queen Mirellia has heard of your mistreatment by the King and his daughter,' she said. 'Her husband's cruel treatment of you has angered her severely. The King's summoning of all four Legendary Heroes has enraged the other countries, as they had a prior agreement that each country would summon only one. The queen has been working hard to prevent war. She has vowed to hold the King and his daughter accountable for everything they've done. She will ensure that you get justice. Only please, save Princess Melty.'

For a time, Atreus didn't answer, keeping his arms folded. Drífa whined as she tugged at Atreus's cloak.

'Master, please,' she said, tears beginning to form in her eyes. 'I care about her, Master. Sure, Melty isn't perfect. I know she can be rude and a little overbearing...But she's my friend.'

Atreus stayed silent for a moment. Then he sighed, unfolding his arms.

'Fine,' he said. 'We'll save her. Where did you say they were holding her?'

'At the Clocktower, in Melromarc,' the Queen's Shadow answered.

'Then we'll go,' Atreus declared. 'I don't think I need to tell you what will happen if you try to trap us.'

'Of course, Shield Hero.'

Drífa chirped happily, pulling Atreus in and hugging him tightly.

'Thank you, Master! Thank you, thank you, thank you!' she said excitedly.

'A-alright! Let me go!' Atreus said, struggling to break free from her as she smothered him with her feathers.

Following the Queen's Shadow, Atreus and company navigated the Clocktower's halls. The group remained vigilant, freezing at the slightest noise. They stopped at a corner, where the Queen's Shadow peered out. Seeing no one, they continued. They finally found wooden doors deep within the Clocktower. A thick metal chain, cold and heavy, secured the doors with a padlock; its links too thick for any ordinary blade to cut through. Atreus nodded to Kratos; the rasp of the Blades of Chaos emerging from their sheaths was the only sound before the grunt that followed. Engulfed in searing flames, the blades glowed intensely as Kratos sliced through the chain, unlocking the door. The Queen's Shadow opened the door, and they entered inside.

They found Melty in a dark corner, her limbs bound with thick rope, a white cloth muffling any sound, and her whole body trembling with fear. Upon the door opening, she looked up, her eyes widening in surprise at the group's entrance. With haste, the Queen's Shadow freed Melty, who then embraced her tightly.

'You...You came to save me,' she said.

'I am here,' the Queen's Shadow said. 'You are safe now. The Shield Hero has agreed to save you.'

Melty glanced at Atreus, who responded by folding his arms. Melty's eyes glistened with gratitude. Terror seized her as she gazed at the Queen's Shadow.

'They're going to kill me,' she murmured, her voice barely audible. 'The knights and Bishop Balmus. They're siding with my sister to kill me and take the throne.'

'Balmus?' Mimir asked. 'Wait, you mean the Pope that healed Raphtalia?'

'Your sister wants to kill you? Seriously?' Atreus said. Melty nodded slowly.

'It's true,' she said. 'Bishop Balmus is plotting to usurp the throne and seize power. He wants to murder me and frame the Shield Hero for it.'

'Do not fear, princess Melty. We shall not let harm befall you,' the Queen's Shadow said, before turning to Atreus. 'I know it might be too much to ask, Shield Hero, but it would be great if you could escort Melty to the Queen.'

'Sure, I guess,' Atreus said. 'Where is the Queen, anyway?'

'At Siltvelt, sorting out matters with the other countries,' the Shadow explained. 'There, at Siltvelt, they will safeguard Melty until everything is sorted.'

'That sounds fine to me. We were going to go there for our class up, anyway.'

'Alright. Let's get out of here, and quickly,' Mimir said. 'I don't-'

'Oi! What are you doing here?!'

The group quickly turned. Outside the room, several knights appeared with weapons drawn. The knight in front snarled as he glared at Atreus.

'So, the Shield Demon kidnaps the princess, eh? Are you going to kill her as well?'

'Kidnap? You're the ones who kidnapped the princess!' Raphtalia said. The knight in front gritted his teeth.

'Knights! Vanquish the Shield Demon!' he declared sharply. Gripping their swords with determination, the knights charged forward with a resounding roar.

With a roar, Kratos charged from the room, his fiery Blades of Chaos slicing down several knights in the first attack. The smell of blood filled the air as the knights raised their weapons, their desperate defence futile against Kratos's relentless assault, leaving a trail of fallen and bleeding warriors at his feet. The commotion drew in more knights; the sound of their heavy boots echoed as they rounded the corner. Horrified by their fallen knights, they froze, then went for their weapons. A deafening roar preceded the knights' charge against Atreus and his company.

'Ah crap. Looks like we're going to have to fight our way out, guys,' Atreus said, as he and the others drew their weapons, prepared to fight. Atreus pulled Melty close to him, raising his shield.

'Stay close to me, alright? Don't do anything stupid,' Atreus muttered. Melty nodded, terrified for her life.

A roar ripped through the air as Raphtalia and Vandri charged at the knights, the clash of steel echoing as they quickly cut them down. The knights fell before Raphtalia's relentless assault, each swing of her blade a precise strike; the metallic tang of blood filled the air as she cut a swathe through their ranks, securing their escape. Determined to flee, the group broke into a desperate run, hacking wildly at any knights that dared to impede their escape, the air thick with the smell of blood and sweat. Clutching Melty to his chest, Atreus used his shield to deflect the blows raining down on them as they fled. The sounds of battle echoed around them as Ingrid unsheathed itself, flying through the hallways and cutting the knights down. Several knights, attempting to block their escape, were met with the fiery spectacle of Kratos, his blades of Chaos ablaze as he brutally cleaved through them with a furious roar. The sudden noise made several nuns whirl around, their eyes widening in horror as they witnessed Atreus and his group sprint by, leaving a trail of blood in their wake. The air hung heavy with the coppery tang of blood and iron. The group found their path blocked by several more knights, their swords gleaming, and their eyes narrowed in determination. Rino used her magic to send several boulders barrelling towards the knights, crushing them to death and clearing a path.

The party arrived at the entrance only to be confronted by several hundred knights, encircling them. Atreus held Melty close to him as he eyed the knights, gritting his teeth.

'Surrender! You're trapped, Shield Demon!' one knight barked out, clasping his sword. With a snarl, Atreus suddenly charged, leaping and transforming into a wolf. The knight's eyes went wide with terror as Atreus clamped his jaws around him, the knight's screams of agony accompanying his dismemberment.

Terrified, the knights charged, weapons drawn. Kratos drew his blades, decapitating several knights with a series of precise swings, as Drífa charged, dispatching several more with her claws. With a roar, Vandri threw a blast of wind that cut through several other knights, slashing them to ribbons. With a battle cry, Raphtalia and Ingrid moved as one, their blades a blur as they cut down the knights, the air thick with the smell of sweat and blood. Rino kept Melty close to her as she fought off the knights with her magic, taking out several of the knights. Fearful, Melty clung to Rino's robes while observing the horrifying bloodshed.

The nuns watched in horror, their eyes wide with fear, as Atreus, in his wolf form, tore the knights apart; the sounds of ripping flesh and shattering bone filled the air. Atreus' jaws tore through knights, screams and rending accompanying the carnage. Soon, there wasn't a single knight left alive. Returning to his human form, Atreus turned to the group.

'C'mon! Let's get moving!' He shouted. Clutching Melty close, he and his companions fled the Clocktower. They scrambled aboard the carriage, and Drífa, taking the reins, sped away, heedless of who or what she might trample as they made their frantic escape.

'The Shield Demon is accused of abducting Princess Melty Q. Melromarc from Melromarc. He massacred the knights who tried to stop him with his demonic powers. Bring in the Shield Demon, dead or alive! Anyone who sees him is to apprehend him immediately. The person who apprehends him will receive a generous reward.'

The two knights presented a crystal recording to the villagers. The vision depicted Atreus and his group brutally slaughtering the knights at the clocktower; the scene was filled with the clash of steel, screams of agony, and the stench of blood. The onlookers, their eyes wide with horror, witnessed the crystal recording of Atreus's transformation into a wolf and the subsequent brutal massacre of several knights. Hidden in the dense shrubbery, Atreus and his companions watched the knights, the scent of pine needles heavy in the air.

'Damn it,' Mimir said, his voice gruff and filled with frustration. 'News really does spread quickly through here, huh? It's like wildfire—one spark, and suddenly the whole place knows.'

'I agree,' Rino replied. 'We can't show our faces in this country again. Not like this.'

Atreus watched the situation, stroking his chin.

'We'll have to stay away from the villages,' Atreus said, his voice low and cautious, as if the very mention of them might attract unwanted attention. 'If we remain unseen amongst the trees, we can escape before they even know we're gone.' He turned to Melty, who stayed close to Drífa.

"How much longer until we reach the border?'

'A few more miles remain,' Melty affirmed truthfully. Given our current rate of progress, I anticipate arrival by tomorrow evening.'

'Sounds good. It's getting dark. Let's find somewhere to hide and rest. Stick together and be quiet.'

The group found a shady spot beneath a sprawling oak tree to rest, the leaves rustling overhead like whispers. A hush fell over the group as they sat around a small campfire, the scent of wood smoke mingling with the aroma of their dinner. With a forlorn expression, Melty left most of her food untouched. A frown creased her face, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. It seemed she had a lot on her mind. Following a brief pause, she directed her gaze upward towards Atreus and Kratos.

'Hey...Shield Hero?' she said. Kratos and Atreus turned, their brows furrowed in a frown, their eyes narrowed at her.

'What is it?' Atreus asked.

'Before...You said that my father had been your enemy,' Melty said. 'That he had been doing everything he could to hinder you. Correct?'

'That's right. Yeah,' Atreus said, swallowing a bite of his food.

"I am interested in understanding... What occurred between you two and my father?'

'It's a long story, lass,' Mimir said. 'We'd be up all night.'

'I want to know everything,' Melty affirmed, her voice tight with a desperate need for answers. 'I need to know. I don't care if I don't sleep.'

Atreus and Kratos nodded, becoming stern.

Very well. We'll tell you everything,' Atreus said.

And so Atreus and Kratos recounted their adventures since their arrival in Melromarc, from being falsely accused by Myne, to the King trying to take Raphtalia away. They recounted every detail, no matter how small, in their vivid and comprehensive story. Melty listened, the chilling details of their story painting a grim picture in her mind. When Atreus and Kratos finished their story, Melty sat speechless, her eyes wide with astonishment, as the shocking details of their story sunk in.

'My father...Did all those things?'

'Yes,' Kratos said, the word a low rumble in his chest. 'The King...He tried to hurt my son. I only threatened the King because I wanted to protect my son.'

Do you understand now?' Atreus said. 'You understand why we're so against your family, right?'

Melty gulped, then nodded slowly.

'Of course,' she said. With my sister, I understand why you might hate her. My sister isn't known for her pleasant personality.

'Exactly,' Atreus replied. 'That's why we didn't trust you, at first. We weren't sure if you were going to be anything like the King, or Myne. The last time we trusted someone who deceived us, someone close to us got murdered. That mustn't recur.'

Melty nodded in understanding.

'Well, I can't fault you for that,' she said. 'But I swear, when we reach my mother, she will make everything right. She will ensure justice. For the both of you.'

Atreus simply stared. Then he nodded.

'We'd like that,' he said. Kratos let out a grunt in response.

The group kept to the bushes as they travelled quietly through the countryside, making sure to avoid any villages or settlements. Vandri, ever vigilant, moved silently ahead, her eyes scanning the undergrowth for any sign of movement or danger before returning to report. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, sent shivers down their spines as they listened intently. Fortunately, they never encountered any difficulties throughout their journey. As they reached the border, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues before surrendering to the approaching night. Peering from the bushes, Atreus saw the stark, imposing border, a groan escaping his lips.

'Dammit,' he said.

'What is it, lad?' Mimir asked.

'They've got soldiers all over the border,' Atreus explained, his voice low and urgent, the tension palpable in the air. Hundreds of knights line the border; their armour and weapons creating a formidable sight and an indistinct murmur of conversation filled the air.

'They must've anticipated we would flee the country,' Raphtalia said.

'What are we going to do?' Rino said. 'Leaving may be suicidal. We could get caught.'

'I reckon we just go right through,' Vandri said. 'Loki and Kratos are pretty strong. I can't imagine anyone stupid enough to try and stop us.'

'Well, maybe Motoyasu,' Atreus said. 'And Okaya. He'd find anything to justify trying to oppose us. He'd probably think killing us would make him a legend.'

'The choice is on you, Atreus,' Kratos said. 'We shall follow your lead. What do you wish we should do?'

Atreus rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

'Well...'

A noise from the bushes made the knights swivel their heads, their eyes scanning the undergrowth for any sign of movement. They drew their weapons, their hands tightening around the hilts as they watched Atreus emerge from the bushes, Kratos close behind, the rest of his group trailing after. The metallic scent of steel filled the air, and the sounds of their breaths mingled with the rustling leaves. Both sides stood, glaring at each other, the tension thick in the air. Peering further, Atreus's eyes widened as he spotted Motoyasu, Ren, and Okaya with their groups at the border, the sight both unexpected and unsettling. Rishia cowered at Okaya's feet. She looked like she was gripped in terror.

'It's you!' Motoyasu yelled out, gritting his teeth as he held his spear. 'Have you come to die, Monster?!'

'The Shield Demon,' Okaya said, the chilling rasp of his voice echoing in the silence as his dead eyes fixed on Atreus with a disturbing smile. 'A most unpleasant sight. Tell me, what have you done with the poor princess?'

Without warning, Vandri shoved past Atreus, glaring intensely at Okaya's group. Beside Okaya stood Gred, his gaze fixed on Vandri in a frown. His eyes then widened, revealing a look of profound shock and horror, as if confronted by a ghostly figure.

'You,' Vandri growled menacingly.

'Is that...?' Atreus asked.

'Gred,' Vandri said. He's the rat who sold me out to those bandits.

If looks could kill, Vandri's furious glare would reduce Gred to ashes in an inferno of wrathful fire. Gred visibly trembled, his face draining of colour as a cold sweat slicked his skin. Vandri grasped her sword hilt, preparing to unsheathe her weapon. Atreus grasped her hand, compelling her to return her sword to its sheath.

'No,' Atreus said. 'We must solve this peacefully. We'll fight if nothing else works.'

'Fine,' Vandri replied, her nostrils flaring. 'But I want to kill the fucker.'

'Shield Demon!' one knight said. 'What have you done with the princess?!'

Atreus nodded, and Melty came out behind Drífa. Sweat poured down her face as she faced the knights.

'Princess Melty! Get away from the Shield Demon!' the knight shouted. With a defiant stance, Melty stood firm, then shook her head, a slight tremor in her shoulders.

'I have no such intention,' she said. 'I am aware of the rumours circulated by members of your knighthood. I wish to dispel them.'

'There is nothing to dispel,' the knight said. 'We know the entire story. The Shield Demon is holding you captive and intends on killing you.'

'He has not!' Melty retorted. 'The Shield Hero saved me! A group of corrupt knights abducted me, intending to murder me and framing the Shield Hero for it! He intends on taking me to my mother, where I shall be safe!'

'Lies!' the knight yelled out. 'The Shield Demon is dangerous! He kills everyone who gets in his way with his demonic powers, and he'll kill you, too!'

'He does not!' Melty said. 'I know that the Shield Hero has powers that many find unnatural. But he has not raised a single finger to harm me! He has been protecting me!'

'Oh, really?' Okaya said. 'And how are we supposed to tell if you're not lying?'

'She isn't,' Raphtalia said, stepping forward. Examine her. Notice how she does not have a single injury on her? She's safe with us.'

'And what makes you so sure of that?' Motoyasu said, gritting his teeth. 'What if that cowardly Loki's lying?'

'I don't think he is,' Ren said. 'Think about it. She's unharmed, right? And she's defending the Shield Hero. Why would she defend him?'

'They brainwashed her, that's why!'

A malicious smile stretched across Malty's face as she emerged from behind Motoyasu, her gaze fixed on Atreus. Atreus winced as her voice, shrill like a siren's call, scraped against his eardrums.

'Brainwashed?' Ren said, raising an eyebrow. 'But...Is that even possible?'

'Oh, certainly,' Malty said. 'That's why he could get Rino on his side. He has a brainwashing shield, and he's used it on his entire party.'

'That's not true...Is it?'

'Myne's word is as good as gold, so if she says it's true, I believe her!' Motoyasu said confidently. Rino, I vow to deliver you from the Shield Demon!'

'We're not brainwashed!' Rino said defensively. 'Loki has been nothing but kind to us! That's why we've been on his side this whole time!'

'Yeah right. That's probably what he's making you say,' Okaya said. A malicious chuckle rippled through the rest of his party, the sound like the scrape of stones. Atreus stood rigidly, his glare burning into them, a silent challenge in his eyes.

'Whatever,' he said. I refuse to argue with any of you. You wouldn't listen to me either way. I'm gonna leave this country and take Melty to the Queen. If any of you value your lives, you will not try to stop us.'

'The hell you are!' Motoyasu said. 'You ain't leaving! I swear I won't rest until-!'

With a steady hand, Ren grasped Motoyasu's spear, the weight familiar, his expression unchangingly stoic.

'Motoyasu. We can't fight them,' he said. 'Let them pass. We'll be risking our lives by trying to hinder them.'

'Well, it's a risk I'm willing to take, unlike you two cowards,' Okaya said, his smile cruel as he pulled back on the bow, the taut string humming, and took aim at Atreus.

'Bleeding Shot!'

Okaya fired a Bleeding Shot at Atreus. Unmoved, Atreus caught the arrow inches from his face. With one swift motion, he pulled out his bow and fired the Bleeding Shot at Okaya's group. Akkeri's eyes went wide with horror as the Bleeding Shot hit his shoulder, knocking him down and causing him to bleed heavily.

'It's on now!' Vandri snarled, sword drawn, and soared. Vandri's dive sent Gred crashing down. Terrified, he pulled his sword, desperately trying to block Vandri's swift attacks.

'Knights! Eliminate the Shield Demon!' the knight yelled out. Atreus and his group drew their weapons as knights charged.

'Stay close, Melty,' Atreus said calmly. Shaking with fear, Melty grabbed Atreus' cloak and gave a quick nod.

Roaring, Kratos charged, decapitating several knights with his blades. Okaya pulled back on his bow, taking aim at Atreus.

'Boys, kill them now,' he ordered his party. Grinning wickedly, the others attacked, weapons out. Rishia watched in terror as chaos unfolded.

'Please, Okaya,' Rishia began. Okaya's glare silenced her.

Raphtalia nimbly dodged Mald's crazy axe swing, then attacked with a flurry of blows. With a grunt, Mald barely dodged Raphtalia, then went for her neck. Raphtalia slipped under the axe, then a swift kick sent Mald reeling. Mald snarled as he glared at Raphtalia.

'You insolent woman!' Gritting his teeth, he yelled and charged. Raphtalia deflected his furious blows. Seizing Mald's misstep, she swung her sword, inflicting a deep gash in his side. Clutching his injury, Mald lunged at Raphtalia, snarling and swinging a fist. The impact knocked Raphtalia to the ground. Snarling, Mald towered over her.

'Just die already!Mald yelled, raising his axe. In a flash, Raphtalia swept Mald's legs, causing him to fall hard. With a swift movement, she rose and plunged her sword into Mald's chest before he reacted. Clutching his wound, he groaned, then uttered one last groan before expiring.

Gred yelped as Vandri's kick knocked him down. He rolled, dodged, and jumped to his feet. Vandri glared at him, a snarl of rage on her face.

'I've waited for this moment,' she said in a growl. After you exploited my trust, you sold me to those bandits! Finally, I can give some payback for what you fucking did!

Though Gred stood defiantly, teeth gritted, sword in grip, Vandri detected fear in his gaze.

'Vandri,' he said, smirking. 'Vandri, my dear. A pleasure to see you again. Why must we resort to violence? How about we settle this over ale, ay?'

'Enough with the smooth talk, fucker!' Vandri yelled. I'm not letting you manipulate me again! I swear I will kill you where you stand!'

'Emotional much?' Gred made a sneering expression. 'Fine, I'd be glad to dance if that's what you want.

And maybe we can do some lovemaking as well,' he added, eyeing Vandri's body with lust.

Vandri's furious blade whirled as she charged. Gred smirked, dodging Vandri's swings with surprising skill. Gred took advantage of Vandri's mistake to trip her. He stopped her from getting up, jumping on her and holding her down. She clawed at him, snarling, trying to shake him off, but he wouldn't budge. Gred smirked, looking down at her.

'You're a bore,' he commented, looking at her chest. You're still a stunner. I'm going to have fun with you.'

Gred chuckled and started unbuttoning her shirt, revealing her bare breasts with a mad grin. She tried to escape, but he wouldn't let her go. Gred's hold weakened as he gazed at her chest with desire. With a snarl, Vandri wrenched her hands loose. With a firm grip on Gred, she leaped into the air, soaring upwards. Gred's horrified eyes widened as they ascended high into the sky. Vandri smirked, releasing Gred. Screaming, Gred plummeted from the sky and hit the ground. The impact killed him instantly.

Okaya, meanwhile, peppered Atreus with one Bleeding Shot after another. He smiled maliciously, unconcerned for Melty's safety. Rishia looked on, horrified, as Atreus used his shield to protect himself and Melty. Rishia peered further and saw Akkeri's furious advance on Drífa and Rino; his face contorted with rage, he attacked with unrestrained fury. With a glare at Okaya, Rishia quietly moved away. She fled once she was far enough. Okaya was none the wiser; He didn't even glance back to see if she was behind him.

Drífa and Rino struggled to fend off Akkeri. Akkeri attacked like a crazy animal, swinging at them with his clawed Gauntlets. Drífa evaded Akkeri before clawing at him, cutting him deeply. Akkeri unfazed, continued attacking. Drífa, aided by Rino's magic, fought to keep him away. Akkeri roared and let loose a crazy flurry of swings. Drífa tried to avoid them, but they still clawed her badly, staggering her. Akkeri nailed Drífa with a kick while she was off balance, sending her flying into Rino. They fell down, struggling to their feet while Akkeri rushed at them. Drífa shielded Rino from Akkeri's clawing attack by interposing her body. She endured Akkeri's pummelling, her teeth clenched tight in pain.

A sudden, sharp pain pierced Akkeri's back, making him cry out. He turned and snarled when he saw Rishia. She gave him a defiant glare, holding a bloodied dagger.

Without giving him a chance to react, Drífa swung her claws, inflicting deep wounds. With a yell, Akkeri tumbled to the ground, clutching his injured side. Rishia prevented him from rising, leaping onto him and stabbing at his throat. Despite Akkeri's attempts, he couldn't throw Rishia off. The frantic movements ceased; a rattling groan was his last sound before death. Panting, Drífa pulled Rino to her feet.

'Thank you for saving us,' Rino said. Panting, Rishia nodded.

With gritted teeth and shield raised, Atreus held Melty close. From all sides, multiple attacks targeted Atreus, yet he withstood them. Ingrid circled Atreus, fending off Motoyasu and Parrish while keeping him safe. Okaya unleashed a volley of Bleeding Shots at Atreus, the metallic *whizz* of the projectiles piercing the air, as Parrish's blade flashed, a silver blur against Atreus's and Ingrid's desperate defences. With a ferocious snarl, Motoyasu lunged at Atreus, the spear whistling through the air as it aimed for his heart. Ingrid parried his spear, countering with a flurry of brutal strikes made him stumble backwards. Myne kept her distance, launching one fireball after another at Atreus; the heat from the explosions felt intense. A cruel smile stretched across her face as she showed no concern for Melty. Quite the contrary, it seemed like she was actively trying to kill her, her eyes narrowed in a deadly glare. Terror gripped Melty as she clung to Atreus, the chilling air heavy with the threat of death. Ren and his party watched in shock.

'What are you doing?! Stop now!' Ren called out.

'She needs to be killed!' Myne yelled out. 'In order to save her from the Shield Hero's brainwashing, she needs to die!'

'Yes, Melty needs to be killed. We must save her!' Okaya smiled cruelly, continuing to fire at Atreus. Motoyasu jumped back after Atreus parried his attack, charging up his spear.

'Chaos Spear!' Motoyasu yelled, before lunging. Atreus knew blocking them all was impossible. He clenched his jaw, awaiting impact.

Ren jumped in front of Atreus, blocking Motoyasu's spear with his sword. Ren's wild attacks made Motoyasu's eyes go wide as he desperately tried to block them.

'Ren! What's gotten into you?' he said. 'Has he brainwashed you as well?!'

Ren said nothing but continued fighting Motoyasu. The rest of Ren's group joined the fight against Motoyasu and his companions. This offered Atreus some relief, yet Okaya, Parrish, and Myne still posed a threat. He deflected Okaya's Bleeding Shot before turning to Kratos.

'Father! Some help?!' he shouted out. With a guttural snarl, Kratos turned towards Atreus, his hands still dripping with the blood of the knights he had just slain. He charged, axe raised high, the glint of steel flashing as he saw Myne's hands glow with fiery energy. He let out a ferocious roar, the sound like a wild beast, as he threw his axe at Myne, aiming for her arm.

A high-pitched shriek tore through the air as Myne clutched the newly severed stump, her arm slick with blood. A clean chop had taken her arm, leaving a gaping wound that spurted blood, the metallic scent thick in the air. His eyes wide with terror, Motoyasu turned, his hand reaching for Myne as a strangled cry escaped his lips.

'Myne!' he yelled out. The distraction was enough for Kratos to charge, his fist connecting with Motoyasu's gut in a thunderous blow. The impact of the force sent Motoyasu flying through a tree, the wood splintering and cracking around him. Unconscious and severely injured, he crashed to the earth, a spray of dirt and debris erupting around him as he landed.

With a roar, Atreus transformed into a massive wolf, his fur bristling, and leaped onto Parrish, knocking him to the ground. Atreus's jaws clamped down on Parrish, a scream cut short by the sickening ripping sound of flesh and bone tearing apart, the smell of blood heavy in the air as Parrish's body was thrown around like a rag-doll. After killing Parrish, Atreus became human again, and he turned to the others.

'Come on, let's go!' he said. With a chorus of nods, they bolted for the border exit, Ren and his party sprinting alongside them, and Rishia as well, the smell of blood and sweat filling the air. With a ferocious leap, Okaya landed before the gates, his intense stare challenging them to proceed.

'Now, now,' he said. 'I'm not letting you get away, Shield Demon.'

'No time!' Atreus said, snarling. 'Get out of our way!'

'Not unless you want this to happen,' Okaya said, pulling up a crystal. A modified recording of Raphtalia engaged in a sexual act was displayed in the crystal. Raphtalia glared at the crystal, her cheeks flushed a faint pink.

'What is that?' Raphtalia asked.

'What the bloody hell are you getting at?!' Mimir said.

'If you don't do what I say,' Okaya said slowly, his voice dripping with menace, 'I'm going to show this to the entire world. You will be ruined. Surely you don't want that, do you? If not, you'll have to jump off that cliff over there, and-'

Okaya's ultimatum hung unfinished in the air, the words swallowed by the thunderous impact of Atreus' fist as he launched himself forward, sending Okaya crashing to the floor. Atreus snarled, a guttural sound like grinding stones, as he pummelled Okaya with his fists, the sickening thud of flesh on flesh echoing through the air, until Okaya lay motionless and bleeding, a crimson stain spreading across the dusty ground. With a frustrated grunt, Atreus took his bow and smashed the crystal, the recording inside shattering along with it, sending a shower of glittering shards across the floor. Huffing and puffing, sweat dripping down his face, he turned to the others.

'Let's go,' he said. 'We've wasted enough time as it is.'

With a silent nod of agreement, they followed him past the ornate gates of Melromarc, leaving the country behind them.

For a moment, Okaya was plunged into a profound darkness, a void devoid of even the faintest glimmer. The shame and humiliation were so intense, he felt a burning sensation on his skin. The Bow Hero, accustomed to the roar of the crowd and the scent of victory, found himself humiliated; twice bested by the Shield Hero, a warrior he'd dismissed as unworthy—the sting was unbearable. A red haze of anger clouded his vision at the mere thought of it. He couldn't accept it. He refused to.

'No,' he thought to himself. 'No, no. That Shield Hero. I can't allow myself to be ruined by someone like him. I must get my revenge. I will get my revenge!'

His vision brightened. In front of him, a chilling message materialised, the crimson letters like drops of blood, oozing across his vision:

Curse Series Requirements Met

Okaya's eyes shot open. With deliberate slowness, he stood, the pain on his face fading into a distant memory. His bow ignited, emitting a vibrant red glow, before a viscous black substance seeped from it. Okaya offered no resistance as the black goop completely covered his body. Subsequently, another message appeared before him:

Curse Series: Pride Bow Conditions Met

Curse Series: Pride Bow

equip bonus: skill: Iron Maiden

'Shield Hero,' Okaya said, grinning maliciously. 'I will make sure I get my revenge. I will make sure you regret the day you ever crossed me!'

With a guttural roar that ripped through the air, Okaya threw his head back, his fury a physical force. The black goo seeped into Okaya's body, its cold texture seeping into his skin, and he let out a strange, maniacal laugh. Chuckling maliciously, Okaya strolled through the ornate gates of Melromarc, the sound of his laughter echoing behind him as he left the country behind.