Though it was middle of the night, a portion of empire capital was lit by torches as if it was broad daylight. In a room, a group of women and men were gather all equipped with Empire battle gear.

They were all warriors within the capital who had hastily arrived on the royal summon. Some of them were magicians, skillful technicians, and swordmen. All of them talented in their sphere but it was still strange for them to be present in the royal palace.

The great door to the chamber suddenly opened, and what appeared was a group of men- along with a woman- causing a stir.

Every one of them was well known throughout the kingdom.

At their head was the hero of the empire, Ignis the lightning.

Close behind him was the snow white princess Alba, along with the leader of the adventurer guild. Then there was the famous adventurer Achileus and at the back was one of the strongest and intellectual man in the Empire- Prince Basilius. The firstborn son of Emperor Leo.

As the group stood before the gathered warrior, the youth in white cloak unrolled a scroll in his hand and pasted it on the wall behind him.

It was the detailed map of Capital Adrianople.

The first to speak was the man in his 20s, Prince Basilius whose eyes were filled with vitality.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Thanks for arriving at such short notice."

After the room has quietened down, he continues.

"Normally, we wouldn't bother you neither the Adventurer guild with such a crisis."

Every eye in the room turned to the adventurer Achileus but he remained silent. As eyes can't speak as mouth can.

"However, today is a different situation. We have decided to call upon your help to deal with the situation as quickly as possible..."

The prince advance towards the central table flanked with Alba and Achileus.

"I am Basilius Octavian and I am looking forward to working with you."

He bowed to them.

Princess Alba hesitantly followed her brother gesture, as she bowed demurely to them.

"Normally I would render well deserve praise upon all of you for your deed in the past, but as time is of the essence, let us get straight to the point. Tonight, a portion of the capital..."

here prince raised a finger to the map- eastern districts of the capital - and drew a circle around it.

"...Has been occupied by the followers of Goddess Meira. The emissary of the Republic has also taken refuge there. They have produced a huge barrier around the area occupied. I am certain, you have all seen them."

Most of the present people nodded while others looked out through the palace window to look outside. Wall of palace make it difficult to see the eastern district but disturbance in the city was apparent.

"The barrier doesn't prevent entry nor does it harm us in any way. Though it is found to be soundproof and we couldn't found its source. But I will assure you that that barrier won't affect our Guch in any way."

At this magician, present breathed a sigh of relief.

"The mastermind behind this incident is one of the generals of Republic known to us as Hiranur the man-hunter, an extremely powerful and dangerous woman. Our spies had already confirmed that there are a bunch of Meira's Extremist on the other side of the barrier along with her. They all are equipped with really powerful weapons."

Achileus nodded to Basilius as he said that.

"Strike the head of the snake and body will die....a basic tactic. Does that mean all we have to do is to kill the general and others will follow?"

Basilius turned to acknowledge the speaker, an old man holding a staff in his hand.

"That might be true but difficult. We have already sent a group of assassins after him... They all were killed by her. Her main objective is to cripple us from within so we aren't allowed to make a mistake. We are already at war with Republic."

This news sparked a disturbance among the people present. They had finally realized that the area occupied included warehouse and storehouse along with factories that create weapons for the Empire. If they are destroyed, Empire may not stand to face the ultimate war machine of the Republic.

"How do you know that Republic is behind it? It may be a lone wolf attack by the Extremist."

"We received a letter signed by the minister herself, officially declaring war at us."

"It may be forged."

"Certainly it is not out of question. It may be a rouse by extremist for us to go to war with Republic but we can't ignore the current threat. The enemy hadn't made any movement since they set up the barrier. Most importantly, if the letter is true then our inaction could lead to the worst-case scenario of the entire Republic army teleporting to the capital."

"How powerful is this general than?"

Achileus stepped forward with a stern expression.

"Too powerful for carelessness. She is famous for destroying half the army of Mert in the battle of Republic. We don't have the convenience of underestimating her. Even I fear her raw strength."

"She is powerful enough to invoke fear even in the best."

"How could such a monster reach capital?"

"Republic is hiding such people."

Chaos erupted with Achileus statement. Achileus is considered the pinnacle of human strength a living legend. It was unthinkable that he could be afraid of a monster let alone a human.

"Do not be afraid!"

Alba shouted as she disperses the fear with her soft voice.

"Certainly,Hiranur is strong. I don't know much about her but if Brother and Achileus are being so worried about her than there is a chance that we would be defeated even as a group. But there is no need to worry. In the end, she is a human just like us and we have certain someone on our side who is capable of defeating armies himself."

Amidst the commotion, some of the brighter warriors looked to a certain someone.

"I believe you all know him already. The great summoned hero, the one who was blessed by god Aero himself."

The Alba pointed her finger at the carefree figure behind her, and the entire room went with her.

"The Empire's Hero Ignis!!"

The one encased in Golden armor wearing an open helmet that is somehow seemed stuck on his head. Not any different from others at first look. He suddenly becomes the center of everyone attention. The exclamation of awe and wonder filled the room as they realize the celebrity in their midst.

"Ignis! please come to the front."

In contrast to Alba excitement, Ignis simply raised his hand in reply and murmured something in his mouth and walk to the front.

"Ignis! why don't you introduce yourself?"

Disregarding Alba comment, he whispered few words into her ears.

"It seems like Ignis doesn't want to introduce himself. That's a shame. Alba, may I continue briefing?"

"Uh! sorry, brother, please continue."

Her tone clearly shows disappointment.

"As my sister said, we aren't fighting a losing battle. We have Achileus and Ignis at our side so rest assured we aren't picking a fight we can't win. Then shall I explain the detail of the operation."

Basilus draw a line at the map.

"Our plan is simple. Instead of dividing our strength over to multiple fronts. We will concentrate it on a single front. According to sources, we can reach Hiranur quickest through here. Ignis will lead the charge, followed behind with me, Achileus Rimel and all swordsmen and finally, Alba will stay behind with magicians and provide us with support."

He pointed at the support line of magic casters.

"So who will accompany me?" came a doubtful voice. "Adventurers or Soldiers."

"No, we need them with us to search for survivors. You will go alone. Afterall you are the Empire's Hero!"

"What?"

"Ladies and Gentlemen! We are the bow of Empire. Ready to set loose and pierce the enemies. Our arrow will be Ignis. So let the operation begin!!!"

"Huhh!!"

~Magic caster of the group cast a spell of protection on the gathered warriors.

With preparation complete, Ignis stepped into the barrier.

A silent world spread before him. The street was same as any other street of the capital if you ignored the fact that they were completely devoid of human life and many of residence was destroyed.

"What happened to the residence? I can't sense anyone around here. I should hurry up to Hiranur before this destruction spread."

According to the detailed plan. The soldiers were meant to enter the barrier 5 minutes after Ignis. It was their job to search for survivors and deal with small fries. Ignis objective was only the Hiranur.

Ignis ran through the dark and narrow alley. Nobody else was there. Thanks to his power of sense, he was able to choose the safest and fastest route.

He intended to avoid any extremist looking for a fight while he searches for their general.

Looking up, his line of sight followed buildings above him -in that instant, he felt an impact that stopped him in his track.

On the edge of the roof of a nearby warehouse was- judging by body and appearance- a girl with dark brown hairs. She wears an outfit made completely out of silk. Her necklace, Earing and her accessory made her look like a noble daughter. A complete lady

He was sure of it. Under the false mask of a beautiful lady was the monster- Hiranur.

It seems he hadn't noticed him yet. Ignis doesn't waste any time waiting for a response and lept up the building where she was standing in a single motion. He immediately scales the two stories building. On the roof, Hiranur remained where he had first seen her.

Ignis heart pounding mightly.

He wasn't terrified or scared. The reason behind his beating such was the seductress body before him. He couldn't believe that such a beauty could be responsible for such devastation but the proof was before him.

She watches over the forest of bodies before her. The bodies of men of all ages even the children brutally impaled were arranged in a way that it says, Meira. It explained the lack of life on the streets.

"Is something the matter?"

Ice-cold woman's voice called out to Ignis.

"I came here because I saw a strange woman on the rooftop. What are you doing in Adrianople."

"Can't you see purging heretics..... Are you the only one who has gotten this far in? "

It seems she didn't recognize Ignis. A chosen hero should be famous by now.

"Are you looking for someone else?"

" NO! why would I need to search for anyone?"

"I am confused. Why a beautiful lady like you be responsible for such devastation?"

"You came here to stop me not chat. Right?"

"Sure!"

Ignis draw out the sword he borrowed from adventure guild and slowed his breathing. The technique he was using was the only sword technique he knew. so it seems best to start with such an attack.

The Hiranur gently shook her head.

"I thought you were someone powerful but you proved to be a weakling. How annoying..."

Hiranur stalked forward. Taking one step at a time, Hiranur raised her left, approaching at an unnaturally slow pace.

Once again, his reach Ignis cleared his mind and used the skill (slash). One of the basic skill of an adventurer.

"Hmph"

Hiranur snorted as her left-hand moves faster than Ignis slash. A sound metal clashing rang through the night air. What happened that Ignis slash was easily deflected.

Slash was repelled leaving her completely unharmed.

Hiranur shrugged her shoulder looking at Ignis. It was not directed at Ignis but rather at herself for allowing such weak warrior stand before her.

But that moment, her eyes widened.

"Eh?"

Before her eyes, long nails of her left hand were all cut down into a neat shape.

"Whew! Ladies should take of their nails or it will catch germs."

"Were you aiming for that?"

"Now we are done with that. Let's get to the real battle."

Does he have few screws loose? He had been sprouting rubbish since they met. All in all, it made her feel uneasy, so she had better kill him quickly.

With that in mind, she stepped forward.

The sword in his hand slashed once again. This time followed by a mighty wind.

It was amazing for a human.

As the gust of wind slashed through her silk clothes throwing her off the roof on to the plaza below.

"Eh!"

Ignis turned with the swing of his sword but he lost his balance as the surface was uneven.

From the behind, the song of drum and battle cry rang.

"It seems operation has truly begun. It's about time I end this and return back.......Doesn't the stars look beautiful today?"

"YouUU!! Engage him!"

Both talked from their lied down position

From house adjoining plaza, few women appeared wearing masks that hide their face and hair...

"Four of them! So you aren't going to fight me alone."

Then a fire blazed up from Ignis hand and he rose up from the ground.

"Here i come...... MOnsters.."

Ignis roared and slashed down on to Hiranur. Hiranur now equip with her sword blocked the attack but the area around them is blown away as a crater is formed below her.

"Ah!"

A fierce battle begins as Ignis pressure on Hiranur slowly forcing her away.

"What are you looking at? Att....AHHH!"

Ignis immediately kick her into a nearby house and turned to the four women.

"Just so you know, If you surrender. I won't harm you in any way."

Ignis shouted out to them in a carefree tone.

"FOR......Meira."

Hesitantly the announced and rush towards Ignis with their magical weapons. Each one of their weapons represented different elements.

Wind, fire, water, ice.

"Pfft! Then here I come."

"HAH!"

One of the women with hardened gloved lunged forward towards Ignis. She began swinging her fist at Ignis trying to hit him but every attack fail.

It wasn't her fault. She moved faster than Ignis can dodge but protection magic from before protected him. Ignis making use of a slight opening slashed at woman throwing her at the other 3 waiting knocking them down.

The mask of the women with the gloves cracked open from the slash revealing her pale skin and blonde hairs.

"A Westerner!! Wait!! Why a citizen of empire following Republic?"

"These women have seen the true light of the Meira and joined us just like Kahraman. You may be powerful but you aren't powerful enough to defeat him. You should also join us."

Hiranur replied from the inside of the house she has crashed into.

Wait, wasn't the name of the person, I met in the lost forest, was also Kahraman. I can't remember it but it seems it was something like that. So the demon lord is allying with Republic. He really is the smart bastard. That what Ignis thought as he approached Hiranur.

"Wait!! Who are you?? What happened to Ignis?"

Hiranur eyes were wide open as he looked at the figure before him. A pure white figure slowly approached him. Taking one step at a time as the ground below him shatter. She watches in horror as that man move towards her with a widened smile. She had never felt fear like this before but the thing before him is definitely worth fearing.

"So, Republic already know about Ignis. This war is going to be fun!!!"

Hiranur closed eyes and started praying to the Goddess. She was prepared to die as she knew only a non-existent miracle could save her from the being before her. She, again and again, requested Goddess for help.

"Please Goddess!! May you be merciful and help me in......."

But, no help came.

-Hours later,

Troops led by Achileus reached the district central plaza, only to find a huge crater in place of what used to be a market. All the houses around it completely destroyed while in the center of it lied a man with 4 unconscious women.

It was Ignis.

"Ignis, What happened here? Where is Hiranur?"

Achileus shouted out to the person below.

"Finally You came!! Can I go back now? I am super tired."

He replied back with his usual tone ignorant of the huge crater around him.

"What happened here?"

"I found her. We fought. She is dead now."

Ignis fly over to Achileus and started walking away.

"SO That's the power of Legendary Hero."

"It's true then, he killed the monks who summoned him with his destructive power. He is not something a human can compare to."

Soldier whispered to each other as Ignis walked through them.

"Tell Prince, that I did what he asked me for so don't bother me with war."

"Sure !! Ignis! But Emperor is asking for you."

"EMPEROR HAS RETURNED??!!"