Yesterday’s blizzard continued until dawn, building up a layer of snow as tall as one’s ankles. The winds howled aggressively, whipping up loose powders of snow across the white desert. Flags in the distance flutter violently.

Once the enemies were well within view, Toudo raised a fist, signaling his warriors to position war armaments. Horses towed the two oversized Hwachas into position, each holding thousands of explosive bolts, as pods from the Sacred Tree were put near them to enchant the Oracle’s flames onto them.

When preparations were complete, the army went silent as they watched the enemy slowly lurched towards them. Their numbers at least septuple of Xu’s escort army, and that was excluding the enemies Kihet and Lily defeated.

“Proud soldiers of Xu, listen!” Toudo roared. “For a decade, we have been powerless, we lost many good people and land. Our late Prince was murdered by a traitor who caused this disaster upon us! We bided our time to take back everything we lost, and today marks the day Xu has finally have the power to fight back the foul creatures!”

For many, it was their maiden battle. The greenhorns grip their weapons tightly, counting black dots emerging from the horizon. They were nervous and angry. Adrenaline rushed through their bodies as the General’s speech incited their thirst for vengeance against the Shadows. Although they have survived to this point, some of their loved ones weren’t so lucky. Some watched their families and friends massacred in front of them and some lost their chance to see them one last time.

“The Oracle and Priestess Tomoe are standing with us! Together, they brought light back to the Sacred Tree. We must do our part to assist their mission. We are to open a path for them to go to Vivrus and secure an alliance between our countries. Xu will prosper and be the first contributor to return peace to the world with the Oracle’s guidance!”

The Shadows were now ten kilometers away. Seeing this, Kihet and Lily hopped onto their sled. Veteran shield bearers moved to the front and formed three rows of walls. Spearmen reinforced the defense their spears aimed to the front, while archers drew their arrows at the back and spellcasters readied their magic. Technicians lit the fuses of the Hwachas, then moved to their next destination.

“Stand, bear your fangs, ready your arms! The Shadows come at us with overwhelming numbers, but we will not yield, we will not waiver! We will show those monsters we no longer fear them! Fire!”

The battle began with war cries shaking the air. On cue, a combination of arrows and magic filled the sky.

The monsters popped into black smoke as their numbers in the middle were decimated. Since Xu’s army had launched an assault on them, the Shadows let out barbaric screeches, plowing through the snow and the onslaught of projectiles. Despite a quarter of the enemies fell, the army was still outnumbered.

Now at less than half a kilometer, the soldiers saw the enemies’ hideous deformed silhouettes much clearer. From skeletal appearances to ghoulish forms, it looked like the march of the dead. Everyone’s muscles tensed as they fast approached, bracing for themselves. The war band behind Xu’s army beat their drums at a fast tempo, preserving their focus and morale as the rhythm reverberated through their bodies.

Everyone braced for impact as the first wave of enemies tackled against their line of defense. Spears were thrust forward and skewered at least two Shadows trying to climb over the wall.

Suddenly, a jet of silver flames struck through the soldiers from left to right, incinerating the Shadows but leaving them unharmed. It surprised them, but also cleansed their fears as their foes disintegrated in front of them under the Oracle’s powers.

“Lily, hang tight. We’re going.”

“En!”

Kihet led a company of fifty cavaliers to flank the right side and herd the enemy towards the center. While steering the sled, he leaned against one side as he flicked out his Nagamaki and brandished it onto incoming foes. The cavaliers followed his lead in a wedge formation, mowing down the creatures in their path as they shave the enemy’s right wing then circled back for a temporary retreat.

“Oracle, we are being pursued!” A rider warned.

He tossed a quick glance back and saw they were being chased by Screechers sprinting on all fours.

“Kihet, bring us to the back. I’ll take care of them.” Lily declared, drawing her bow.

She took a kneeling stance and loosened her arrows as fast as she could reload them. Some of them missed, but she was aware of their quick reaction to dodge her arrows. Lily launched her arrows strategically, forcing Screechers to bump into their own kind. Once they were slowed by their clumsiness, she nailed both with one arrow. There was a time an arrow pierced four of them. As the first wave was cleared, a second pack broke off from the horde and chased them.

The Shadows were unending. Whenever one was slain, two more would appear to take its place. With the enemy tailing them closely, it would be risky to proceed with enveloping the enemy.

“They don’t give up, do they?”

Lily reduced their pursuers until the quiver on her back was emptied. As she snatched a new one from behind, her ears caught the familiar sound of a Screecher bubbling over the plains. It was much larger than the ones chasing after them as it gained its size by absorbing its fallen kind around it. A black orb manifested in front of its oversized deformed jaws and once it gathered enough energy, it unleashed a beam directly at Xu’s shield bearers.

A magical barrier quickly intercepted the devastating blast, but it shattered in the process. If another ray of darkness were to be shot, the army’s defensive formation would crumble, but thankfully an attack like that required time to recharge.

Just as a magic circle was deployed over the soldiers, two more Screechers split from the main body and crawled towards the army.

“This is bad! They won’t be able to defend against the next attack!”

Kihet scanned the battlefield for the most optimal path to destroy the enlarged Screechers. “We’ll cut through the field of arrows. The flames haven’t been extinguished yet and we can lose the things chasing us.”

“Should the others follow us?”

“They should proceed to funnel the enemy. In any case, we won’t be responsible for their lives.” He turned to rest of the company. “We’re splitting!”

He quickly tugged on the reins, redirecting the sled toward the enemies. Using the Oracle’s flames, he split a road down the middle. Moments later, the Shadows flooded back into the empty spaces behind like waves crashing into each other.

“Lily, get your bow ready. I’ll get you to position.”

“One arrow isn’t going to do.”

“Aim for the core. They expose it when they’re building up energy. One arrow should be able to crack it.”

“But we won’t get to all three in time.”

“Two is enough. The barrier can hold off an attack and give us time to take down the third.”

“To take down two… Can we make it?”

“I can get us there, but can you do it?”

Lily stuck her thumb out, gauging the distance and watching the direction of the wind. From this far, she could launch three arrows at this distance before two of the Screechers fired.

“En!”

From the back, she swapped to an asymmetrical longbow about five heads taller than her from the top, but the bottom had the same length as an ordinary longbow. It looked unbalanced, but it was stable enough for an individual practiced at different kinds of archery. The ballistics for this bow were taken from a case that contained a few of them. Everything from the tip to its long needle thin shaft and the fletching were carefully assembled using high quality materials.

Kihet only caught a glimpse and recognized the green feathers at the end of the arrows. They were from Ikaga feathers Martha picked up.

-Looks like she found a use for them.-

Lily took a deep breath of the winter air and sharpened her concentration as she drew the bow as far back as she could. Calming her breath, her ears listened to the wind, her eyes were trained at the first passing orb. The target was roughly four hundred meters away and closing the distance. The obstacles were strong winds, and she was on a moving platform. She made minor adjustments depending on the strength of her draw, aim and current position.

Once she felt everything was right, she twisted the bowstring slightly and released a fiery arrow.

At first, it appeared to be a missed shot as it flew several meters off mark. Then suddenly, as if a spell manipulated it, the shooting star curved and sliced the volatile magic growing in front of the Screecher’s mouth, popping the exposed core in the process.

“One down!” Lily immediately drew a second arrow. “Keep me steady!”

“You have a few minutes before I’m changing courses.”

Kihet cleared the path the best he could with his powers. It was thanks to this war horse pulling their sled belonged to Toudo’s, otherwise, any other creatures would’ve refused to bravely gallop through the middle of the enemy. However, it was towing them through the snow at full speed for a while without rest. Even with its trained body, Kihet could tell he was pushing the war horse to its limit.

“And… got it!”

“They should be able to defend against one more shot. After we get the last one, we’re heading back.”

They watched two of the three giant abomination melt into the snow, silver flames engulfing the remains. Immediately, after the third Screecher unleashed another ray of darkness which was negated by Xu’s barrier. They swiftly defeated it then regrouped behind friendly lines.

On their way back, they saw Toudo fighting at the very front.

Kihet suspected the one reason for the General to lead his troops in this reckless manner was because morale had dropped as the army fought in the cold, growing exhausted. The other was, like the motive of the people who participated, for revenge. Toudo stood fearlessly before the enemy, to reinvigorate his soldiers each time he soloed waves of monsters.

“Spellcasters, deploy another set of barriers! Archers, redirect your aim to the left side! Don’t let our Defenders there fall!”

When a group of greater shadows challenged the General, he swept his massive, spiked club and sent a typhoon shredding his enemies and those behind to bits. His show of strength was there to clear any doubts his warriors have about this battle.

He sucked in as much air into his lungs and exhaled. With a smirk, he eagerly waited for the Shadows to replace their fallen brethren. In the corner of his eye, he witnessed three giant creatures melting from the silver flames consuming their bodies. The soldiers behind also caught wind of it and let out explosive cheers as the Oracle and the Priestess made their return and moved to safety.

“Not bad, Oracle. You got a knack for being as reckless as me for diving through the enemy like that.”

“How are things looking?”

“Better than I imagined. I was concerned when the big guys showed up, but with them gone, I can see the land behind them.”

“Oh! That means it’s time to go to Vivrus?!” Lily asked.

“Indeed. And look, just in time. Sayuri’s bringing in your ride you’ll be taking.”

They turned their heads at the approaching caravan escorted by a team of well rested horsemen pulling carts covered with tarps. Martha on the other hand wore a saddening look, her hands clutched before her chest. When her eyes met Kihet’s, she wiped her tears and quickly changed to a sincere smile. Whether she was going to miss them or regret she couldn’t join them on their journey, she understood it was for the best. She was merely a caretaker with her experience in combat next to zero.

Before Kihet could comment about her reddened eyes Martha spoke up first.

“I’m sorry for showing this unsightly side, but I’m alright.”

“Martha…”

“I know. It’s the same as last time I saw you off. I never knew if you’d come back, but this time, the world’s become a more dangerous place. And with you two going out there, I just can’t help myself but worry about your safety.”

It was then Lily stepped in and hugged Martha. In response, Martha tightly embraced Lily as a single drop of tear managed to drip down her cheek. From the moment Kihet met them, they were never separated and will be for how long his journey will take.

While watching the two exchanged farewells, Toudo handed two letters to Kihet.

“Read this once we get you out there. One’s from her highness and the other, the young prince.”

“You keep the one Kenji sent. It’s going to be a pain to read.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

“Fine.” Kihet took the letters and put it in his back pocket. “And I guess it’s my turn.”

Turning his gloomy attention back to Martha, she stood before him with her arms spread open. Of course, she was embarrassed to act like this out in the open when several eyes were on her. Kihet realized it was Lily’s idea when he caught wind of her smiling suspiciously in the background.

Neither of them said a word as Kihet returned the hug and felt her squeezing him a bit. Then, as if dispelling her worries, he lightly patted her back.

“Do you remember our promise?” She asked.

“If I don’t, you’ll curse me, right?”

“Good.” Martha answer as she took a step back and stared at his face, her expression now filled with confidence. “Be sure to take care of Lily and yourself. And you, Lily, better get your act together, okay? Don’t you dare behave so childishly in front of Vivrus’ ruler.”

“I know, I know already.”

“Good luck.”

Finally, preparations for their journey were finished. Lily climbed to her station at the back, staring into the distance with great expectations of an adventure ahead. Meanwhile, Kihet held the reins and examined the situation in front, ensuring the Shadows are occupied with the soldiers.

“Whenever you’re ready, Oracle. We’ll open a path.” Toudo heaved his mace on his shoulders. “We got archers shooting at them right now.”

“Just give the word, Kihet.” Lily said.

“I’m ready.”

“Right then.”

After Toudo made several signs to a messenger, Kihet saw the front line carefully backing up, funneling the enemy to the center. It was then, the tarps off the carts were pulled off and revealed a large metal casted barrel moved by two large wheels on each side.

“What are those?” He asked.

“This here unlike the lightweight Hwachas, is a heavy caliber weapon we call a cannon. However, it’s still in its prototyping stage. For now, these are the best ammunitions for it.” Toudo said as he heaved a cannonball and loaded it. “And with a bit of your Oracle’s flames, it’d easily clear a whole lot of those Shadows.”

Kihet thought the Hwachas were their secret weapon. Turns out, he was wrong.

Each cannon was operated by a team of technicians; one primer, one cleaner, loaders and an operator who aimed the shot. Once it was thoroughly checked, the fuse was lit, and a blast echoed through the air. It sounded like thunder roaring across the plains. A geyser of snow and dirt erupted from an area, clearing a decently sized crater with platoon of Greater Shadows.

“That’s some destructive power.”

“They’re great at what they do, to destroy bigger targets or lots of em. The biggest weakness is that they’re immobile once they’re set up and it takes time for them to be loaded again. Other than that, they pack a punch that can destroy buildings, walls or a group of shield bearers easily.”

“How do they work?”

“We burn these fire medicine that look like black corns. I was told when they burn, it produces a lot of hot air, but the barrel traps it. Naturally, it’d want to escape and throws the projectile out with it.”

“I see. Is that why you couldn’t deploy them until you knew your safe.”

“Yup. Enough chit chat. Let’s get you outta here with those things clearing the path. Martha, you want to see them off, right? You’re with me.”

“Is that okay?” Martha asked.

“We could use your barriers on the way back. Besides, if anyone else fails to guard you and you got hurt, I think the Oracle’s going to tear the idiots to pieces. I’m the most qualified to protect you.” Toudo scoffed. “Begin phase two of “Iron Rain Stampede”! All assigned cavalrymen, get in formation! We’re going to charge through the enemy and open a path for the Oracle!”

A silent spark exploded into particles of red light, signaling the army to retreat. As Toudo rallied his troops to pull away from the battle, he gave Martha a look, then turned towards the space where her eyes were looking.

“I missed them already.”

“You’re not the only one. Things are only going to get quieter without Pipsqueak around.”

“Yeah… I just wished I could’ve gone with them, but I know I need to stay here. The best I can do is to support them from here.”

“Hey now. Don’t talk like you’re never going to see hear from them again. They could always send letters.”

“That’s true. I’ll be looking forward to them.”

“I know they’re mostly going to be for you, but make sure you let me see them too. This old man can’t go on adventures anymore so I’s like to hear em instead.”

“Of course!” Martha said, turning her horse around and following Toudo. “Umm… General. May I make a request?”

“It’s rare for you to ask for one. If it’s something in my power, I’ll do my best. Speak.”

“I heard we used to tame wyverns back then. I was wondering, since the sacred tree is performing its functions, Xu will reclaim its lands soon. Is it possible for me to learn the technique?”

“You taming a wyvern?” Toudo snorted. “First off, where are you going to get one-oh… I see where this is going.”

“I want to get stronger so when Kihet and Lily come back, I can help them. There’s an Ikaga I mentioned in my report I wish to tame.”