The main force has arrived at Peril. As expected, the open land precluded any ambushes. No magical traps, either.

Go. Marquis Crombell looked over the neck of his white horse at the man with the crystal ball who had come to report to him and gestured him away.

I hear and obey.

The Marquis turned back around. Thank you for taking this into account. I didnt even request anything else.

This is your battle, so its only fair that the Marquiss knights lead the way, the Mercenary King replied. Dont worry about it.

How can I not? We both know you need to distinguish yourself in this battle. The Marquis smiled. Our family will never forget your generosity.

When the Mercenary King nodded casually, Marquis Crombells smile widened.

On the outside, it may look like someone foisting gifts on an unwilling recipient, but the reality was different. If all went well, the Mercenary King would become a high-ranking nobleman; he didnt need to grovel, but showing his respect ahead of time could only benefit the Marquis. He knew just how great a man the Mercenary King was.

People still talk about the Battle of Pluto, Crombell whispered to himself. The Kingdom of Hearts had been wracked by a long civil war. The only reason it lasted for so long was because the Mercenary King had massacred all two hundred knights and a thousand troopspractically the Kingdoms entire armyand then took the head of Duke Desito, their commander, for good measure.

This energy The Mercenary Kings feet suddenly stopped.

Gehor looked up. Whats happening?

The Mercenary King squinted at the battle.

Aura Force?

Wha

Was there someone in the Dukes house who could use Aura Force? The Mercenary King scrunched up his face. Its not the Black Knight. His kind cant use Aura Force So it must be him. And it doesnt seem like Aura Cloak.

Marquis Crombell stared at the mercenary, puzzled by his apparently insane muttering.

No way. Someone popped into the Mercenary Kings head. Is it him? The beardless boy?

What are you whispering about?

Marquis Crombell. The Mercenary King turned to him with a sudden intensity. Did you see him, for real?

What are you talking about?

That kid named Joshua Sanders.

The Marquis shook his head, barely containing his rising irritation. Never met him personally, only heard the rumors. Is he here?

His answer came from behind him.

Marquis! Someone just jumped off the walls of Peril Castle. One of their own.

What? His ears perked up.

The man is running toward our main forces right now. Hell meet them soon enough.

What is this bullshit? Thats at least a few kilometers away! I told them to hold position in case of traps. How exactly did they end up meeting him halfway?!

T-They didnt disobey orders. The enemy is moving so fast its hard to believe hes even huma

He didnt get a chance to finish. A noise washed over them that was so loud it stole the sound from the air.

I think the rumors might be a bit wrong

What in the world is this?

We need to catch up, now. The Mercenary King eyed the rising plume of dust ahead while Marquis Crombell beat his chest in frustration.

Summarize the plan for me.

Just focus on moving right now. Otherwise The Mercenary Kings eyes darkened. Youll lose all the knights youre so proud of.

Master, what?

My king

The Pontiers couldnt bear to watch Joshua, their king and master, take on the enemy alone, so they abandoned the walls and flocked to Joshuas side as fast as their legs would take them. Every step they took, they could feel a strange power filling their body and their minds becoming more and more focused on the fight ahead.

When they reached him, he stole their breath away. A suit of shining white armor, decorated with scintillating golden trim, had mysteriously appeared to gird his body, and his blood-red spear echoed the carnage around him. If it werent for the mounds of corpses at his feet, hed look like a hero straight out of a painting; as it was, it looked like a god had descended.

For a moment, Leo could only shuffle forward in an awed daze.

In war songs, sometimes the drums beat in time with the heart; sometimes in time with the body, de Grans recited. Ive heard that scholars spent many years studying the way this harmony affects peoples emotions. A small smile crept onto his lips. In the end, it looks like their hard work paid off. A song for a broken heart, a song for finding new love; music has more power than you can imagine. But war songs war songs are a bit special. He gazed reverently at his king. War songs make us forget our fearssome hormones creep into our brains that make the pain go away. Music is the perfect tool to pluck our strings, but it has clear flaws as well. Today, when I heard your song for the first time, my heart beat so fast.1

Indeed, it was ridiculous to think that sound would distinguish between friend and foe. Unless the king perhaps had special powers.

My king. I dont think this is the right time to say this, but I dont think Ill get another chance, so I hope youll forgive me. All eyes were on Leo as he addressed his liege. Please dont hurt yourself. I do wish My Lord would take better care of his body. For the first time in my life, I have a king I truly wish to serve with all my heart. I dont want to lose this fortune. His voice was heavy with emotion. We will protect you, no matter what it costs.

Joshuas lips curled into a soft smile. That wont be necessary. First of all, the sword wont be pointed at you. Ill take your advice, though, since its one of my peoples first requests.

Being described as one of his people struck a chord deep in Leos heart.

They all felt a vibration under their feet and looked up.

Theyre here.

The main host of the enemy10,000 soldierswas coming, and they had a Superhuman at their head.

Cain clenched his fists and planted himself firmly by Joshuas side. Masters side belongs to me, no matter how much you try.

Leo de Grans eyebrows beetled. Everyone else looked at Cain like hed gone mad.

Wanna bet?

Bet? Cain peered at him.

Whoever takes the most heads will be the one to stand beside the king.

Oh? Cain rubbed his chin thoughtfully. The Mercenary King killed a crap ton of people, so Id better return the favor.

Where does your confidence come from?

Cain chuckled. So what happens to the loser?

If you lose, Im your older brother.

I dont want to be your younger brother.

Well see.

Cain shook his head. I guess you dont know what my nickname is He brandished his sword, already infusing mana into the blade. They call me the First Knight of Sanders.

With that said, Cain took off running.

Wha! This coward!

Joshua stared at their backs for a moment, shaking his head. Then he ran after them anywaystoward an enemy that outnumbered them a hundredfold.