The order of the knights had reached their destination an hour before the sun rise. It will give them enough time to infiltrate deeper into the forest.

While they are on their way here earlier, they seen smoke coming out from the center of it.

It could be a trap, so the Marquess decided to only take half of the Knight companions with him and the rest is to wait in position with sir Azai until they hear the agreed secret signal which is the sound of the bird.

They tied their horses away in the trees where they wouldn't be heard or seen. They stride silently, very concious and precise about their movements. Before entering, Knight Commander Ezra signal the Knight companions to a halt.

He picked up small pebble rock and thrown it somewhere.

Without even a time for blinking, a rope trap could be seen out of nowhere. Had they been easygoing, they would probably get caught with that, sabotaging the mission.

These kind of traps are what cause them to be slow and struggle to infiltrate easily.

As much as possible, they want to prevent a loss of life. Marquess Ezra hated bloodshed. He wouldn't unsheathed his sword if not necessary. This people that they are hunting had been deemed a hopeless case.

After carefully checking if there are no other traps left, they get into their designated position. Sir Thitus imitated the sound of a bird. This gives Sir Azai the signal to go and follow them.

The sun has finally risen.

The Knight companions who was armed with bows silently took care of the lurking guards in the perimeter while still hiding. It alarmed the others but it's too late. They could not send a message with their fellow rebels hiding deep in the caves where the hostages are probably held.

Ideally speaking, it's better to attack at night. But inside those caves where it's pitch dark, this could be a double edge sword for them so they took a little bit of risk and decided to go in the morning. Besides, a torch in the night would have given them away. This is better.

After eliminating all the obstacles and guards, The Knight Commander signaled them to check each of the man-made huts to evacuate other civilians who were used to be a slave.

Sir Azai lead that group, while Marquess Beaumont and his group made their way on the center where the caves are located. That is where the mages and witches are probably kept hostages.

Reaching their destination, sir Thitus disguise himself as one of the rebel and shouted.

"Enemy spotted in the Northeast! Enemy approaching in the Northeast!" He shouted. This is to fool and confused the rebels who are caught unaware and to make them go outside, giving the knights the advantages to see how many people are hidden in there since hey can't just casually stride in there for rescue and find out they are outnumbered.

After making a huge ruckus, a group of men came out hastily and Sir Thitus led the foes into the other way to bought time so the Marquess could easily gain access to the cave without having to worry about the guards and focus on freeing the captives.

Inside the cave, the horrible scene appeared before their eyes. Men and women, tied up tightly with rope connecting each other. Some has been barely breathing while others are beaten up. Marquess Ezra clenched his knuckles because of anger until it turned reddish white.

"Who are you? I, Kugh!" Before he can even finish his speech, the Marquess pulled out his sword and stab him.

"Untied everyone and led them outside. Give them water and feed them." He ordered them. The knights companions immediately heed his order.

"Sir Azai."

"Yes, Knight Commander?" Sir Azai immediately come forward as soon as he hard his name. It is scary when the Commander is being like this.

Even for him being the latter's long time friend. He knew that when he is like this, it just meant that he is angry enough which rarely happens. He is a very composed man of virtue and patience. When he's in this state, it means that he just reached his limitations.

"Send out a pigeon, ask the kingdom to write a letter to the Wizard tower for assistance. Tell them that the rescues are out of mana and would be hard to recuperate if wasn't treated immediately."

"Yes, Commander." Sir Azai left while the other knights continued to free up the captives.

Inside the cave, the battle outside could still be heard.

After setting everyone free, they left the cave. They led them to the safe pathway they had used to go there. The Knight Commander was about to follow when someone tugged his robe.

He looked behind and saw a mage who was struggling to speak.

"There's still someone in there. Please help her too." Despite struggling to breathe and sickly, she managed to utter the words and pointed the location.

It was hidden away from sight. The Marquess gather a few knights with him and went. Luckily, no one was guarding. He broke open the door and saw a chained up lady.

Her state was far worse than the others.

She was wearing a rugged cloth and has an unkempt hair, indicating she was here for long. The bruises of the rope had become the color of the yam. She was barefooted too.

Knight Commander Ezra wrapped her in a fabric while the other tried to break the chains. She was unresponsive so the Marquess carried her out.

After making sure that the rebels are all either captured or dead, they trailed their way out until they saw the mages sent by the wizard tower for aid near where their horses are located.

They brought mana stones and started healing their fellow mages. The other was guided through the teleportation gate the mages created earlier so they could receive help immediately without having to travel for too long.

The lady who was in the Marquess arms was still unconscious. He placed her inside the carriage while a high ranking mage assist them.

After having the chance to finally carefully take a look at her face, the Marquess had unconsciously thought that she was beautiful. Since this was during the chaos and all the ruckus, this has just became a passing thought.

The Kinght commander and the Knight companions eventually left the place immediately after checking that everyone was already safe. They rode their horses and made their way back into the Kingdom to report to the King. They were relieved that they could finally go back home.

Amara, the girl who was personally rescued by the Marquess eventually woke up. In a daze, all she could see is the drifting back of her rescuer.

She was a daughter of a powerful mage family in a far away Kingdom. She was held capture when they were sent on a trap mission.

"You're up? Take more rest. You consumed all of your mana, you need to recuperate." The mage told her.

"Who is that?" She asked as she continued to watch the knights galloping on their horses until they were out of sight.

"The Knight Commander of the Royal Knights here in Iridescent Kingdom. He is Marquess Beaumont." The mage answered her back while still using mana stones to heal her.

"His name?" She was very thankful, without that man, she must have been dead by the daylight tomorrow.

"Marquess Ezra." The mage smiled at her.

"Ezra." She whispered the name through her breath then she eventually lose her conciouness too.