ã€ŠThe Crusade Wars - Book Despairã€‹


 Prologue - The God Slayer

    ¡°Maintain distance from that old bastard! Do not let his appearance fool you! He is no ordinary exorcist.¡±, yelled the female guardian angel.

    She started to charge her mana on her blade and it started to glow. She chanted to cast a spell, simultaneously.

    ¡°The sun rays of Apollo, hear my plea, give me your strength so I could eradicate my enemies! Inferno Flare!¡± She swung her sword in mid-air, that suddenly created a slashing arc of fire which blasted across the hallway.

    It even incinerated the pillars that supported the temple roof. The pillars started to collapse and the whole temple shook. The temple was built magnificently so it still stood even after it lost its interior support pillars.

    The room got filled with smoke and dust which was created because of the rubbles of marble but there was no sign of the cripple old man. The powerful attack had also melted a hole through the wall.

    ¡°Use ranged attacks and maintain your distance! He is no ordinary opponent to take lightly. Guys watch each other¡¯s back. Got it!?¡±, commanded the female angel.

    She tried to search for cripple midst the heavy smog. The broken glass windows and the hole in the wall worked as a ventilator which cleared the air, slowly.

    She was alert and did not even wink as the cripple could attack if he gets an opening! She carefully started to step back to create distance away from the smog and dust.

    But she became worried when there was no reply from others.

    ¡°Say yes mam! when I say something!¡±, she commanded.

    Then suddenly she stepped on something squishy. She looked down her feet to check what she had stepped on.

    To her horror, it was the intestine of one of her comrade, whose guts were cut opened.

    She became paralyzed with fear. All the other comrades were butchered into pieces. Some were beheaded and others were split from their torso and limbs. The blood started to color the entire floor red.

    At the end of the piles of bodies stood the cripple covered in his blanket which had turned dark red from the countless slaughter blood spill.

    He flicked his staff to clear the excess blood on it.

    The female angel was the alone soul survivor left in the temple premise. The temple was protected by an external barrier, so no humans would intervene.

    She lowered her head to hide her frightened expression from the cripple and remained still about a minute or two.

    The cripple waited motionlessly for the angel to make her first move.

    She regained her composure and raised her sword once again. She started to chant another spell and again the sword started to glow, but more fiercely. The atmosphere around her, changed as the sword charged powered by her mana. The rubbles beside her started to float which defied the laws of gravity.

    After completing the chant, she gently kissed the hilt of the sword for good luck and drew her sword to her back so she could swing it with her full strength.

    The cripple bent on his knee and took a sprint start position as an athlete. Although he was a hunchback and walked awkwardly, his posture was perfect than any ordinary athlete. The ground under his front right foot started to crack. He displayed out his superhuman strength even tho he looked like an old helpless cripple.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    He mainly focused on his speed and his weapon of choice was that ordinary looking wooden staff which had butchered all the other angels.

    So in the end, it¡¯s not an ordinary staff.

    The staff still had blood embedded in the cracks and dripped blood.

    ¡°Alalala!¡±, cried out the female angel as charged with her sword.

    She advanced and charged towards the cripple and fluttered her wings to get more boost. The floor, as well as the roof, started to decimate because of the mana-powered sword which was way more vigorous to handle. It seemed a very high level and very unstable magic spell and probably one of her fierce, one!

    The cripple dashed at the female angel in high speed. He kicked the floor as he took a head start and spawned spontaneously in front of the angel and stopped.

    It was too fast for the angel and she did not have enough time to complete her swing.

    Anyone would mistake it to be a teleportation magic.

    The cripple stabbed her with his staff!

    ¡°Die!¡± , howled the cripple, and the staff went through her stomach smoothly, like a knife cuts a butter.

    But than angel''s smug lips curled up.

    The angel in front of the cripple disappeared, and the real angel appeared who was behind and ready to swing the sword.

    The cripple had jabbed the illusional angel created by her and the real one was hiding behind the shadow of the first.

    She easily dodged his jab beforehand and readied her sword to gut him down.

    ¡°Die you piece of shit!¡±, she howled.

    It seemed the old cripple was out of his luck! The time had slowed down, and the iron sword''s swing which was cutting the air as it reverberated. The angel''s chuckle could be heard clearly as she mocked the cripple, for his end is near!

    But the evil grin reappeared inside the cripple''s dark hood,

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a staff.¡±

    The angel guts cut opened automatically and she was knocked backside down the floor. The vital wound that cripples inflicted caused her to loosen her grip on her sword which flew out of the roof and blasted apart the entire temple roof. The temple starts to collapse like a house of cards, splattering the rubbles and dust all over.

    She fell on to the ground and blood started to gush out.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t staff but a scythe!", grinned the cripple.

    The cripple had hidden the scythe''s blade and that''s why his weapon looked like a staff.

    When he charged to stab the angel, she only dodged the staff but not the hidden long blade which she probably never, ever imagined!

    The angel was in an agony as she whimpered and trembled in pain.

    The cripple held on the scythe handle, and his hidden blade appeared out from the invisibility magic.

    The angel still gathered courage and asked,

    ¡°Wh-who are you?¡±

    The cripple hunchback suddenly took out a carcass of a dried goat from underneath the blanket which covered his body.

    He used that dried corpse of a goat to personify himself as a hunchback cripple.

    Now he stood up in a proper posture and unrevealed the blanket that covered his face as well as his bare body.

    He was no cripple neither did he had a humpback.

    He was a young man and looked in his 20¡¯s. Strangely his body was covered in curse tattoos with mysterious symbols all over his body except his face.

    ¡°You! You are¡­¡±,before the angel could finish her sentence, he stirred his scythe gently inside her gut ¡°AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!¡±, she screamed in pain.

    ¡°Call out your goddess, Hera!!¡±, exclaimed the man.

    ¡°Who dares to disturb the sleep of the Queen Hera!!¡±, a scream echoed.

    There the Queen Hera appeared in front of her own statue. She had a bed head, seems she was asleep all this time and was clueless. Her eyes seemed swollen and she yawned.

    ¡°What is this place? Wait..¡± the goddess wasn¡¯t able to identify her own shrine. But when she saw the pile of dead angels, her eyes opened wide.

    Her eyes met the mysterious man.

    ¡°The harbinger of death!¡±, she said.

    He quickly leaped and swung his scythe and dissected her head apart.

    Her head toppled on the ground and rolled while the blood leaked and splattered. Her headless body fell on the ground, motionless and blood gushed out her neck.

    The wife of great king Zeus of Greek gods, Goddess Queen Hera was beheaded in one swoop.

    ¡°So gods can bleed too, huh?¡±, said the man as he viewed the goddess head that rolled on the floor.

    The war was waged by the man who was chosen vessel of the Agathokakological god, who swore to slay the order of the gods and demons, alike!

 Chapter 1.1 - The First day

    The morning sunrise started to enter the windowsill and lit the small one-room kitchen sized apartment. One look at it and you would feel like the room has been robbed. That¡¯s how messy the room looked. The undergarments and clothes were scattered all across the room. The kitchen dishes were unwashed and cockroaches had a great feast with the leftovers and ran back to their cracks as soon as the sunlight hit the room. There were a couple of bed mattress laid upon one another on the floor beside the coffee table. On the opposite side were two kids who were asleep soundly on the futon laid on the ground.

    The alarms started to ring which was placed on the coffee table. It was a vintage old clock which was a housewarming present along with the coffee table.

    It was sharp 6 o''clock.

    Suddenly a hand emerged out of the piles of bed mattress laid beside the table. It slowly tried to reach out for the clock¡¯s snooze button. The hand was wobbly as if it didn¡¯t have any strength. Instead of pressing the snooze button, he toppled the alarm clock off the table.

    The alarm clock fell from the table but was saved by a pair of littered underwear that laid right below. It continued to ring as the sound diminished a bit because of the clothes.

    The mysterious hand went back between the bed mattress and disappeared between the gaps.

    The first one to wake up was the little girl. The little boy beside her was still asleep. She rubbed her eyes and yawned while walked towards the alarm clock, picked it up and turned it off.

    She opened the windows which led the cool breeze to enter the room. The stagnant stench that had covered the room started to disappear.

    ¡°Wake up, brother! It¡¯s already past 6. Hurry up!.¡±, exclaimed out the little girl. She started to excavate her big brother out, who had covered himself under the piles of the futon mattress placed beside the table. She threw aside the futons one by one till her brother¡¯s body was visible.

    It used to get cold during the night time so bed mattress provided the right amount of warmth as they lacked warm bed sheets and had much more amount of futon instead.

    This was the daily life of the three children who had recently shifted to their new home.

    This apartment was pretty small and old. The one room-kitchen was barely 17 x 12 ft in size and even the building was pretty old.

    There laid the elder big brother whose snot leaked out his nose and mixed with the drool that oozed from his mouth and mixed which drenched his bed. He wore a pair of loose shorts and was shirtless.

    ¡°Wake up!!!¡±, she squealed as she shook him by his shoulder.

    ¡°Zzzzzzzz YES! I already wiped the table...zzz¡±, sleep talked her brother.

    She then lowered her lips near his ears, and took a deep breath and screamed,¡±WAKE UP!!!¡±

    He sprang up like a zombie resurrected from a grave. He was scared out of his mind. He reflexively grabbed the alarm from his right hand, ¡°Stay right there!!....I shall... I shall.. blow you up with this hand grenade! Trespasser!¡±

    She glared at her silly brother and wasn¡¯t amused.

    When his vision cleared properly, he realized that there was no trespasser nor the alarm was a hand grenade.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just you, Lilith. Good morning!¡±, he rubbed his eyes and scratched his bed head hair and then took a big yawn.

    This lackadaisical young teenager was none other than Samael Heller. He placed back the alarm clock on the table.

    ¡°So what¡¯s the matter, Lilith? Don¡¯t tell me you sullied your bed again, this time.¡±, asked Samael.

    Immediately his sister chopped her hand on Samael¡¯s head.

    ¡°DUMMY! I came to wake you up! I am not a little child! I have grown up. I am 2 centimeters taller than Abigor!¡±

    ¡°People who say, ¡®They are grown up¡¯ are more immature than the people who don¡¯t'' - According to a research conducted by a renowned psychiatrist and OW! THAT HURTS!¡± and he gently stroke his head. ¡°Can¡¯t you give me a good morning kiss to wake me up, instead?! You are not cute!¡±

    ¡°Hey, I am very popular among the boys, for your information! But hurry up today''s your inauguration day! You also need to prepare the breakfast! I¡¯m very hungry!¡±, mumbled Lilith.

    Despite her mature talks, Lilith was just eight-year-old girl and youngest among the trio. She was more mature then her elder twin brother, Abigor who was still asleep.

    ¡°Holy Fu¡­.Fishy!¡±, Samael corrected his foul wording asit might affect the younger siblings.

    He got up hurriedly in a panic as soon as Lilith mentioned the inauguration.

    ¡°Alright, Lilith wake Abigor ASAP! I shall ready some tasty breakfast!¡° , exclaimed Samael as he ransack the shelves in search of ingredients for breakfast.

    Lilith shook, Abigor¡¯s shoulder by her leg. She was standing upright and did not even bothered to bend a little, just so she could wake her twin brother.

    ¡°Wake up! You lazy swine! It¡¯s way past 6 and I don¡¯t wanna get late, yet again because of your sleepiness. So wake up!¡±, she shouted and almost started to kick him. He was still in a very deep sleep and drooled constantly. The kicks seemed painful but it wasn''t enough to disturb his slumber.

    She started to scream and pressed her legs on his face as she tried to block his nose and mouth to prevent him from breathing.

    ¡°For holy father¡¯s sake, LILITH! I told you to wake him and not kill him!? Go ahead and start heating the bathtub water and I shall send him there directly!¡±, said Samael.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°Good luck with that¡±, saying so she left, for the bathroom.

    Samael quickly simmered an egg in between the sandwich on the frying pan. One of the sandwiches was a short of an egg, tho. He lowered the heat and left the egg to get cooked a bit.

    He undressed sleepy Abigor and carried him to the bathtub and dumped him inside.

    Lilith had already entered the bathtub and was brushing her teeth.

    Abigor woke up and screamed as soon as he entered the bathtub.

    ¡°ITS A TSUNAMI! IT''S-A TSUNAMI!! I can¡¯t swim! ¡°

    Abigor was terrified for a second but then he realized that it was his bathroom.

    ¡°Oh, mornin- hmm¡± Lucifer shoved Abigor''s toothbrush inside his mouth before he could finish.

    ¡°Start brushing your teeth! No wasting time, alright?!¡±, exclaimed Lucifer.

    All of a sudden the doorbell rang.

    ¡°Damn not Mrs. Urchin, again!¡±, Samael said to himself, "Keep an eye on Abigor, Lilith! Don''t let him fall asleep!"

    Dashed out of the bathroom.

    "Hey I am the youngest among you, three! Why should I have to take care of guys! geez!" complained Lilith as she poured out toothpaste foam out her mouth.

    Samael quickly went to answer the door.

    To his surprise, it was none other than Ms. Urchin, the landlady of the dormitory.

    A mature woman in her 40¡¯s stood in front of the door. She wore a bathrobe and her hair was all messed up. She held a cigar in her left hand and her cleavage was visible. She looked like a female mafia boss rather than a landlady.

    ¡°Eh, good morning Miss Urchin. What¡¯s bring you here, so early?¡±, asked Samael. He had a wry smile and his eyebrows started to sweat after he saw Miss Urchin.

    She puffed out the smoke on Samael¡¯s face.

    ¡°Good Morning? How is this supposed to be a good morning?¡±, she frowned.

    Samael waved off the smoke puffed on his face.

    ¡°My apologies, we shall keep the voice to the bare minimum, Miss Urchin. This is the last time!!¡±, he pleaded.

    ¡°You know! The neighbors came complaining. I was about to fell asleep when you guys started ruckus! I forced myself to ignore you folks but then came the neighbors knocking on my door! I ain¡¯t babysitter! So get your shit together or get the fuck out of my apartment.¡±

    Samael was in loss for words.

    ¡°Well, I am really, really sorry! Wanna have breakfast? As a token of an apology?¡±,asked Samael apologetically.

    ¡°I would rather stay hungry than eat that stale rations of the government!¡±, she replied.

    ¡°Guess again. Today''s breakfast is an egg sandwich.¡±, replied Samael proudly with a smile.

    ¡°I would eat shit rather than having breakfast with you, nosy brats! Anyway, I am very sleepy! Gonna crash on my bed. I had no wink of sleep because of John.¡±, responded Miss Urchin sarcastically.

    ¡°That explains the noises last night,¡± he said timidly.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±, asked Miss Urchin.

    ¡°Well have good day sleep, Miss Urchin.¡±, reverted Samael immediately.

    ¡°Hmm. By the way, do you smell something burning?¡±, asked Miss Urchin curiously while she sniffed the air.

    ¡°Yes, your cigar.¡±, answered Samael.

    ¡°I can differentiate the smell of a cigar. This is something else!¡±, said Miss Urchin.

    The sweat condensed on Samael¡¯s forehead.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just your nose playing tricks! I don¡¯t smell any burning sandwiches! Okay bye!¡±, exclaimed Samael and shuts the door on her face.

    She started to return to her home. Her cigar also ran out of fumes.

    She was a bit agitated and as she walked downstairs.

    ¡°What a bunch of weird kids! Even if they don¡¯t have sufficient food for themselves, then why they still invite me over? Are you kidding me? This world isn¡¯t meant for people like you. Only the strongest survive and kindness and mercy is all bullshit.¡±, she babbled to herself.

    Samael quickly turned the gas off.

    Luckily the eggs were saved and only the lower bread of the sandwiches was burned.

    The dishes were set on the table and breakfast was served.

    ¡°So what¡¯s today¡¯s breakfast!¡±, asked Abigor delightly.

    ¡°Hey don¡¯t move for a second.¡±, Samael groomed Abigor''s hair and fixed his school uniform. ¡°There you go, Now it¡¯s your turn Lilith!¡±

    Abigor quickly sat beside the table on the floor table.

    The coffee table was used while being seated on the floor. It doesn¡¯t need chairs which they probably, cant afford either.

    Samael brushed Lilith''s hair and pinned her hair, neatly.

    Abigor and Lilith were in the same class, but their personality and school work performance were like opposite ends of a magnet.

    Abigor was a kind, dumb, and happy go kid, whereas Lilith was very perspective, sharp-willed, proud and a hard worker.

    She was also the class representative and always top in her class.

    Whereas, Abigor was always sleepy, gluttonous and scored poor marks on his tests.

    Just being twins was the only similarity, they had in common.

    ¡°So, Today I made a Fluvellichi Golden simmered sandwich. A traditional and popular dish from the south Erneka Islands. The islands are well known for their sandwiches. It¡¯s the national food in their country. You guys are one lucky shrimp''s, that would be able to devour those cuisines on your doorsteps! So be greatful to your Big brother.¡±, exclaimed Samael cheerfully.

    ¡°Eh? These eggs were leftovers you bought from the restaurant where you worked, yesterday! And this lettuce leaves inside the sandwich was like a week old. Bread was given by Aunt Savonije, wasn''t it?" complained Lilith as she looked sourly "You don¡¯t need to force yourself! I am not a kid that would be fooled easily as Abigor. But I do need the calories, as the job of a class representative is hectic.¡±

    ¡°Why you cocky little runt! You are not cute at all, you knew that?! You act all high and mighty but in the end, you wet your bed! Now eat asap! I need to take the bath.¡±, said Samael and dashed towards the bathroom.

    ¡°I do not wet my bed! That¡¯s was just sweat. Damn you! Teasing me, now and then!¡±, cried out Lilith embarrassingly.

    ¡°By the way Lilith? If you don¡¯t want your sandwich, I could eat it, instead!¡±, asked Abigor who already chowed down his breakfast and stared at her sandwich.

    ¡°No thanks!¡± and Lilith started to eather sandwich even after she complained about it.

    Soon Samael also combed up and dressed in his new uniform.

    It was his first day, so the school had provided them with a school cadet''s jacket which had the logo sewed on the sleeve. He also recieved a badge made out of copper.

    Their insignia was the same as the national Abros''s Imperial Knight''s army, a shield, two crossed swords and a horse head in between.

    The student wore the jacket on their casual, decent clothes. The badge was just an identity proof for the trainee but this was not any ordinary badge. Samael''s badge belonged to one of the most prestigious military training school in the world.

    ¡°All set!¡±, said Samael to himself as he stared at his reflection in the mirror.

    Samael tied Abigor¡¯s shoe whereas Lilith was smart enough to do it, by herself.

    ¡°By the way, when did you eat your breakfast, Big Bro?¡±, asked Abigor.

    ¡°Eh!.... Before you guys came out of the bath. I picked and ate the biggest one as I was the one who cooked it. Damn I disclosed my secret! Anyway, let''s go to your school, I have to drop you and return back to academy as well.¡±, replied Samael while he dodged eye contact.

    Lilith caught a gist, but she did not say anything.

    ¡°No fair! Bro! That¡¯s cheating.¡±, said irritated Abigor.

    ¡°Stop thinking about food and focus on moving your tiny little butt, quickly. I don¡¯t wanna be chewed by Aunt Cecelia on my first day!¡±, replied Samael as he grabbed both his siblings hands and exited the apartment.

    ¡®If so, what¡¯s the explanation for the burnt bread in the dustbin, that I saw?¡¯, thought Lilith as she glared at her big brother.

    Samael noticed Lilith''s stare,

    ¡°What is it?¡±, he asked.

    ¡°Nothing¡±, she replied.

 Chapter 1.2 - The First day

    The hallway door opened and two figures walked out, from the administrative office. Every soldier posted in the hallway raised their arm and gave their salutes. The one who walked in the front signaled to drop their salutes and they returned to their post.

    It was a beautiful female officer who seemed very important person. She had an eye patch on her left eye and had tucked her shirt neatly inside her pants. Dozens of military medals and badge of honor were pinned on her chest and sleeves. Her uniform fit her, way perfectly that not even a wink of a wrinkle was present on her uniform. She had sling her military coat over her shoulder and wore thigh-high leather boots. There was insignia on the hat that glimmered on the reflection of sunlight, proudly which entered through the casement window. Her hat apprehended her uptied hair inside the cavity yet her blonde hair curls escaped and slid behind her ears. She carried a very elegant stainless steel sword. The scabbard seemed dull as it had seen countless battles but the sword hilt was much sturdier.

    ¡°So this year, again we got tons of new admissions, then the last, right?¡±, she asked without turning back.

    ¡°Well this year, the entrance exam was tougher than the last. There were much more eligible applicants than the seats itself. There were few exceptional students who got enrolled directly. They were related to major politicians and some were rare case students who are invited by the academy, itself. Also, the special batch of students would be arriving till tomorrow.¡±, answered confidently a girl in glasses that walked behind.

    She had an oval-rimmed glasses and a long tied ponytail hair that almost covered her back. Her uniform consisted of a shirt, female skirt and thigh high boots. She also possessed a couple of medals but a lot lesser than the first one. On her arms were a couple of bulky books that would easily weigh a kilo or two.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t need some sissy pants kid who just here for the sake of glory! I shall rusticate out such students and monopolize my power as I fit because my word is law and I am the god, here! Hehe!¡±, chuckled, the women with eye patch proudly

    ¡°Madam commander! You cannot misuse your authority as you feel like! Students are here to learn and grow stronger. It¡¯s our duty to educate and train them, so they won¡¯t remain weak. They are the future pillars that would withhold our nation, one day. They shall rise to be great-¡±

    ¡°Hey?! What¡¯s with this philosophical bullshit, this early morning! I am the principal and principal doesn¡¯t get a pep talk, ever. That¡¯s how school work! ¡±, interrupted the commander, irritatedly.

    ¡°Well I know, you are the principal but your also the military commander of the Imperial knight¡¯s army! As your secretary, it¡¯s my duty to guide you in every way possible and follow you until the end of the world.¡±, said the secretary with pride.

    ¡°Secretary?! You sound more like my mom and that''s so annoying, you know that?! You''ll never get a boyfriend with such old hag like attitude!¡±, said the commander as she let a huge sigh.

    ¡°My apologies, but if you behaved a bit more like a lady than I won''t need to pamper you! By the way, getting a boyfriend is too much of a hassle and If I had one then you would have been probably ditched your duties and just charge right inside the enemy lines, head on.¡±, replied the secretary mockingly.

    The commander became a bit frustrated after she heard this mockery.

    ¡°You really know how to get on my nerves, Reeves. If it weren¡¯t for your ability to memorize information accurately, you would have been fired long ago.¡± replied the commander in an angry tone.

    Even after the brutal phrase, Reeves didn''t lose her diligence and remained unaffected.

    They reached to a huge castle door and the main gates opened. The commander and her personal secretary exited the main castle and went to the stairs that led to the pathway from the castle on the hills to the campus down the foothills.

    They trailed downhill on the stairs. The view of the bustling campus was a mesmerizing scene to watch as they trailed downstairs.

    The commander glanced at the campus which was in an uproar because of the arrival of new students who flooded in. The students looked like tiny ants and looked very lively.

    ¡°Indeed, it certainly does look like more students, this year!¡±, said the commander.

    ¡°Of course! This is one of the finest and renowned universities who has the history of nurturing elite soldiers like Bensford Graphite, the two-handed swordsman, Azelinus gunner of the West, Gunther the hammer, and many more! Even you trained here, madam commander, also known as the one-eyed cyclop, the manslaughterer.¡±, replied Reeves.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    The commander burst into laughter after she heard Reeves.

    ¡°Wow! That name sounds badass! But it seems racist. I shall not discriminate between gender. All male or female enemies would get treated the same way. Either it is friend or student or enemy!¡±, exclaimed the commander.

    Reeves let a frail sigh as the commander had ignored the actual point of the conversation.

    ¡°By the way, Reeves? Is it necessary, my speech?¡±, asked the commander timidly.

    ¡°Of course, it is. You are the principal of this academy! The students look up to you, as their role model. Your words will boost their morale! It''s not that confusing. Just tell them what it is meant to be a knight of Abros! How glorious, it is to be a knight. Just say the exact words in the speech, that I gave you. Everything would work fine!¡±

    ¡°Oh about that¡­ I ¡­.uh ...I forgot.¡±, replied the commander in a frail voice.

    She sustained her speed as she trekked downstairs and didn¡¯t turn to face her secretary who was pissed.

    ¡°But I just gave you that, last evening! How careless could you be?!¡±, said the agitated Reeves, ¡°Hold on! Don¡¯t tell me you were drunk last night?! I can¡¯t believe it, madam! I had told you to avoid any booze multiple times yesterday, just so you could utilize the time to read it! Can''t you tolerate just for one day?¡±

    ¡°Well, I had just a sip or two! I also had to complete the paperwork related to the recent attacks on the north-west frontier and submit it to the chief minister of defense. I had gone over the speech this morning, and it was a bit more lengthy and I didn¡¯t understand most of the words!¡±, grumbled the commander.

    ¡°Madam commander! The speech was just 456 words, and you don¡¯t need to understand the words! Just pronounce the words, and the students would understand themselves. The minister of finance and his adversaries are personally attending the ceremony, as her daughter has enrolled, this year. So if you mess this up, he might report directly to the king and I am not letting that happen in my presence.¡±, frowned Reeves.

    ¡°Hey! How about you speak the speech, on my behalf? I am not good with this speech and talking crap while playing with words like that. I shall grant you the honor to give a speech on my behalf, and you shall have my permission and utmost blessings. I shall also increase your salary starting next month. How about that? Great deal, right?¡±, asked the commander as she put her arm around Reeves and acted all friendlier.

    Reeve looked sternly which meant that she wasn¡¯t a bit amused by her offer. She declined commander¡¯s friendly approach and shrug the arm off her neck.

    ¡°Madam Cecelia! You are the principal and also the Commander of the Imperial Knight army! It¡¯s your sole duty to lead the budding youth of Abros nation, who shall one day withheld the pillars of our nation! I can¡¯t just be your substitute, no one does even know who I am! Don¡¯t forget about the finance minister!¡±

    ¡°Alright! Alright! I was just kidding! Sorry, mom!¡±, said sarcastically, Cecelia the commander.

    ¡°No time for jokes! You remember that today is also Samael¡¯s first day, right?¡±, asked Reeves.

    Cecelia¡¯s mood suddenly changed and she looked sober. She doesn¡¯t respond back and continued marching down her pathway.

    ¡°Madam commander? Are you sure, we could just let him join this academy with everyone?¡±, asked Reeves worriedly.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright! He¡¯ll manage, like always. Don¡¯t need to worry about him, he is one courageous brat!¡±, replied Cecelia casually.

    ¡°Mam, I would recommend to transfer him to the special batch! It¡¯s for the best, you won¡¯t know when he could lose his sanity! It¡¯s not safe-¡±

    ¡°REEVES! I said no need to worry!",interrupted Cecelia, "Nothing has happened for seven years! So what the fuck could happen, now. No worries it won¡¯t be the same as before. I enrolled him here because to keep an eye on him up close. Just try to chill or you shall get wrinkles on your face, you already have 2 tho. Ha!¡±, said laughingly.

    ¡°Madam! But with the special batch students, it will be a lot safer for both the students and for Samael.¡±

    ¡°You know the medical test records, right? He is not one of the special students and those are not any normal students, you know that! That particular time, it was different. It was not close to the category of a special student but on another league. I suppressed his sanity and now he is like any normal kid! Seven years and everything is normal.¡±

    ¡°But I think it would be better if you inform him about this, right? He will be alert and cautious in near future!¡±

    Cecelia stopped in the mid stairs and turned back towards Reeves while she looked in her eyes, with a furious look.

    ¡°If I do tell Samael, he would willingly surrender and do as said. But what about Abigor and Lilith? How would they live without their brother? Samael would do anything for the sake of his brother and sister, even if he has to abandon them! And what if he tells out his situation to everyone? There would be massive chaos! He would be executed on the spot!¡±

    Cecelia reverted back to her composure,¡±I would believe that you would keep this confidential between only our former squad comrades, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course! I swear my life, that I would take the secret to the grave and hope Samael to have a good year this time.¡±, said Reeves with a smile.

    ¡°Yeah, hope he won¡¯t get late on his first and make an ass of himself! Otherwise, he would have to face that shit overall once again!¡±, said Cecelia facetiously and resumed her trail down the stairs.

    ¡°You should be thinking in a positive way, my lady! Samael would most definitely be formal and punctual during the gathering. Also, you need to work on your language! A lady mustn''t use such obscene words like that!¡±, scowled Reeves, the personal secretary of the commander.

    ¡°Sorry, mom! I also hope that Samael has a good start this year! And my god why we built the castle on top! When the fuck will we reach the bottom of the hills! I am gonna buy a god damn horse!¡±,nagged Cecelia, the commander of the imperial knight army of Abros.

    Both Cecelia and Reeves later reached downhill and went straight to the great assembly hall of Archangels, the Academy of chivalry.

 Chapter 1.3 - The First day [Rough Map]

    <hr>

    In the town of Campbell, it¡¯s the regular beautiful morning as always.

    The tavern maid unlocked the chicken coop hatch and let the hens out, so she could collect the fresh eggs. The farmer''s eye was swollen but he still milked the cows early. Many other people also have just woken up and are pretty laid back as they stretched their arms and yawn while basked under the sunrise. A boy in a bicycle roamed around the town as he hurled newspaper at doorsteps. Newspapers kept the townsfolk touch with the outside world.

    Campbell is a military town whose main function was to provide hospitality to the soldiers and the students of Archangel Academy. Some people that lived there were personal servants of wealthy noble students who serve their respective master when they could. The town runs pretty late until night. During the morning the soldiers need to report back to their respective stations and the students have their lectures to attend to. That''s the reason the people were very relaxed and sluggish, every morning.

    The academy¡¯s bell clearly reverberated throughout the town which implied the first day of the academy has begun.

    The town was peaceful until a young boy sprung out of nowhere came dashing at a speed like an athlete. His face looked pale and terrified as if his life was at stake. It was none other than Samael.

    ¡°Out of the way!¡±, he screamed and bumped and knocked down the newspaper delivery boy who fell off his bicycle. His newspapers scattered across the ground which was kept in his basket and behind the backseat.

    ¡°WHAT¡¯s YOUR DEAL!¡±, frowned the newspaper boy as he rested on the ground.

    ¡°I am very, very sorry!¡±, replied Samael continued to run without even turning his head. He reached his dormitory and raced on the stairs until he went back to his room.

    He searched throughout the littered room with unwashed clothes, everywhere.

    ¡°AH, there you are!¡±, exclaimed Samael as he picked up his badge and pinned on his uniform jacket sleeve. He wore a new pair of trousers and shirt that he bought from the savings after he worked his ass out in the part-time jobs.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Sadly it was all dusty and drenched with sweat.

    He dashed without even a realizing about his outfit that was all messed up.

    ¡°I am so dead! Aunt Cecelia would chew me alive! Gotta take the shortcut!¡±, he mumbled to himself as he dashed down the stairs and proceed to the partial-forest region which separated the campus and the town. It also had a stream that flowed down the Osp ponds.

    He entered the woods and then crossed the stream over an old log that was used as a bridge. After few minutes of trail through the thicket, he finally managed to reach the other end.

    He reached to the open compound area which was the part of a campus.

    ¡®Thank god! If I had gone through the main gate, they probably have would never let me in!¡¯, thought Samael as he let a sigh of relief.

    But before Samael could take a breath of relief, someone called him

    ¡°Samael boy?!¡±

    Samael startled as he would be severely punished for trespassing through the backwoods was prohibited.

    ¡®I am so dead!¡¯, thought Samael as he gulped down his own spit down the throat, anxiously

    ¡°You is Late! All students, inside hall. Madame Cecelia already shouting. Hurry boy! Hurry!¡°, exclaimed a lady, who held a broom and dustpan on her hands.

    ¡°OH! It¡¯s just you Aunt Savonije! Thank god!¡±, exclaimed Samael as he bends over and his hand on knees as he tried to catch some breath.

    She dropped her broom and dustpan and came rushing to his aid.

    She walked like a penguin as she was not accustomed to the dress. Her English was also miserable as she was the last survivor of a nomad tribe that got killed during a war between Abros and Stezar. She learned a little bit to speak English from her deceased husband who rescued her and bought to town Campbell during the war. She still hasn''t mastered the language and Samael helped her out occasionally in his free time.

    ¡°So Aunt Cecelia has already started shouting, that means the speech has begun! ..... BYE Aunt Savonije! And thanks for the bread! Cya later¡±, said Samael as he starts to run, once again.

    ¡°Okay, Good Fuck!¡±, exclaimed Aunt Savonije.

    Samael stopped right in his tracks and checked if anyone else heard that. He goes back to her.

    ¡°Mrs. Savonije, I think you meant Good Luck! And please I had told you before, don¡¯t listen to those mischievous students who¡¯ll just provide you wrong information about words. Just remember my teaching about language and you shall be fine! Don¡¯t let other students teach you such words! Alright??¡±, told Samael.

    She started laughing as soon as she heard Samael and patted his head.

    ¡°You are funny! Is you jealous? Haha. You are so coot person.¡±, replied Mrs. Savonije smilingly.

    ¡°Eh? Why would I be jealous? Nevermind! I think you mean cute. Anyway bye!¡±

    Samael resumed his pace and raced to the assembly hall. Thankfully, no one saw Samael entering through the woods. But the main problem was yet to be solved.

    ¡°So now where the heck is the assembly hall? ¡±, exclaimed Samael to himself as he lurked around the enormous campus of Archangel Academy.

 Chapter 1.4 - The First day

    The newly enrolled students had been gathered inside the Archangel Grandiose Assembly Hall. One of the biggest indoor auditorium in Abros nation; a marvelously planned structure that could withhold about 60,000 people, easily.

    The students had formed a queue and stood patiently. Some exchanged greetings and names while some students were already former classmates who rejoiced and chattered. There were also some students who just stood without interacting with the other students. Some were shy to talk and couldn¡¯t gather the courage. While some had little too much ego issues who thought that friends are a waste of time. Those were the spoilt brat from noble wealthy family or just a dead serious prodigal genius who excelled in everything.

    At the balcony on the 3rd floor which gave a quite beautiful view, unlike the students who stood on the floor below. In the upper balcony, right above the students, some important looking officials took their seats. A tiny plump looking man with a french beard who was the main ringleader sat right in the middle. His vibrant clothes clearly stated that he belonged to a rich nobility. The other officials beside him were old men who had dressed in white robes and amulets around their neck. They also carried a couple of books in their arms.

    The chatter within the hall increased every passing second and the students seemed to forgot their main purpose. The arrogant unfriendly students were little annoyed waiting as they watched other students vexingly.

    Suddenly, Joneta Reeves made appearance on the stage as she lugged around her hefty books.

    She crossed the theater stage and after a second or two she returned back after she dropped her books.

    The mumbling noises stopped and the students stood at attention.

    Reeves'' face was soaked wet with sweat and she had a wry smile. She bowed twice or thrice as an apology and went right to the corner of the stage.

    As soon she left, Madam Cecelia entered the stage and stood in the center.

    The crowd started to clap on her entry. She was famous and heroic female commander also known as the one-eyed cyclops.

    The claps echoed throughout the auditorium along with some cheers of students who were a die-hard fan of her tales. Even the proud students clapped against their will. The noble short-fat person also clapped and his subordinates followed him.

    Cecelia wasn¡¯t amused by the applause, she received. Actually, she looked very annoyed.

    ¡°Hey! Hey! What is this? Marriage ceremony? Stop this clapping! My head already in pain!¡±, yelled, Cecelia as her eyebrows twitched in anger.

    What are you talking about? Reeves thinks

    It¡¯s your alcohol to blame for your headache and not the students

    The claps stopped and the students were stunned as the silence invaded the room. The noble officials present on the balcony was also puzzled by her behavior.

    Cecelia scratched her ear with her left-hand little finger and then flicked away the wax, casually.

    Reeves became impatient and tense with every second and watched Cecelia from afar.

    Mam, I said to be polite and act as a lady! You are acting like a wild ape!

    ¡°Well, now this silence is soothing to the ear¡¯s, right? Anyway getting to the matter of the point right away! You guys wanna join the military? The Knights, right?¡±, asked Cecelia cheerily.

    The student''s crowd nodded as an agreement, while some shouted at the top of their lungs, gleefully.

    ¡°Great!¡±, exclaimed Cecelia.

    All of sudden her expression changed with a stern expression.

    ¡°WHY?¡±, she asked with a very pressing tone.

    The atmosphere again changed, and the cheerful students were once again hushed. The students took a second or two and then started to answer in a random coarse method.

    Some shouted,

    ¡°For the nation of Abros!¡±,

    While some added,

    ¡°To protect the citizen of Abros!¡±

    ¡°We will lay down our lives for the nation¡±, screamed enthusiastically, a fellow student.

    Cecelia got infuriated and leaped down the stage, swiftly unsheathed her sword and placed right on the neck of that student.

    The student startled and whimpered with fear. The crowd beside them scattered away to a distance.

    ¡°Well, you are eager to die for the nation! What a patriotic student, we got this year! Fortunately, our medical research team needs a fresh human carcass for study purpose. It would really be beneficial for the people of our nation. Are you willing to volunteer? Abros would be really glad for your patron!¡±, sneered Cecelia.

    The student trembled like a leaf,

    ¡°No! Ple-please! I didn¡¯t mean like this!¡±, pleaded the students.

    ¡°So how about a duel to the death! Just you and me! Whoever loses would volunteer!¡±, a smirk surfaced on her face, ¡°If I win I would get a fresh corpse for the medical research, but if you win then you shall get a corpse along with my post as a commander! HOW¡¯s that? Very tempting offer indeed! Straight from a training cadet to the post of commander of the Imperial Knight¡¯s army!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t ¡­ I can¡¯t defeat you with my skills on a duel! Please mam, I apologize!¡±, wailed the student.

    Cecelia had scared the shit out the student as he trembled and sweated in his boots.

    ¡°Why are you apologizing? You were ready to sacrifice your life for the sake of the nation, right? So why are you backing out now! You said you would die in the name of Knights!¡±

    ¡°No mam, I don¡¯t mean to die, literally.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡±, she replied and put her sword back inside her scabbard. She climbed the stage again and stood in the center.

    ¡°Listen up, you silly punk jerks! Being a knight doesn¡¯t mean just to lay down your lives for the sake of nation! A nation is not just a chunk of land that we work our asses to protect, day and night! It¡¯s the place where the people live and thrive who calls it, Home! When all the people gather up and live in harmony, in a lot bigger community- that is called a NATION! Even the soldiers are an equal part of our nation such as the citizen we protect, so don¡¯t just blabber such stuff about your life, easily!¡±, lectured Cecelia with a fierce expression.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    The students stood awestruck after hearing her words. They started to view the commander in a new light. Even the noble officials at balcony were in a state of shock after seeing the personal traits of the commander before their eyes.

    ¡°So tell me what do you think being a knight means? Anyone define knight in your own terms!¡±, asked Cecelia.

    The students were in a state of bewilderment. They brainstormed for a minute or two and started to raise their hands one by one.

    ¡°You, There dog face! With a mole on your cheek! Speak up!¡±, thundered Cecelia.

    ¡°Eh? My.. name¡¯s Jordan.¡±, replied the student.

    ¡°Just gimme the answer, dammit!¡±

    The boy startles but he answers in seconds,

    ¡°A knight is an honorary post for a soldier that has the duty to serve the country and its people.¡±

    A smile appeared on his face just after completing as he stood proudly.

    ¡°Huh? Even the common soldiers have the same principle, don¡¯t they? So what¡¯s the difference from an ordinary soldier guards? Are you retarded or what?¡±, refutes Cecelia coldly.

    His smile vanished instantaneously and his pride took a heavy blow as well.

    Some hands that raised started to fall down as they also had similar statements on their mind and don¡¯t want to embarrass them as the guy with the mole, Jordan.

    The few remained hands had full trust in their answers.

    Cecelia''s eyes searched through the midst of the raised hands.

    ¡°You there 4-eyes! The girl with blonde long hair like a horse tail! Answer me!¡±

    The blonde student was shocked, she was one of the egoist students who was unsociable.

    Her secretary Reeves quickly rushed towards Cecelia from the back and poked her in the abdomen.

    "Hey! What''s your deal? I am busy! Can¡¯t you see?" Cecelia yelled at Joneta as she turns her head back.

    Reeves grabs Cecelia¡¯s arm, and pull her away from the stage near the corner.

    "What are you doing!! Address your students with a bit more dignity, will you?" shrieked the secretary, timidly.

    "Now don''t start to teach me how to speak to my fellow students, will you! Just go back and stand in the corner like a puppy dog tied to a pole. I got this!", she replied with an evil grin as her eye shone.

    Reeves tighten her grip and pulls Cecelia by her arm.

    ¡°That girl now you just mocked is the daughter of the Finance minister who personally came to attend the ceremony. He is seated on the upper balcony with his officials.

    Cecelia turned her head towards the balcony where the officials who looked aggravated.

    The evil grin disappeared from Cecelia¡¯s face.

    ¡°I see¡­. What a pain!¡±, said Cecelia as she let out a big sigh.

    Reeves loosened her grip and went back to her position in the corner.

    ¡°Now mam, remember the etiquette of a noble lady. Just heed my words, this one time!¡±

    Cecelia returned to the front of the stage and glared at the blonde girl.

    ¡°So could you answer before the lunch break?¡±, taunted Cecelia.

    The girl froze as tremendous pressure overwhelmed her along with mockery thrown from the commander, herself.

    We are so dead! Well, it was nice serving you madam Cecelia!, thanked Reeves in her mind as she facepalmed to hide her distressed expression.

    The blonde student took a deep breath and regained her composure.

    ¡°A person born with a courageous heart and wisdom, trained and ready for any battle. A superior soldier of a nobility that would serve the king and its people. A knight who has a fierce loyalty even in the battlefield. He/She is honored by a sovereign, that has the duty to lead soldiers and king to the path of Victory for the Kingdom. A person devoted to his county, solely.¡±

    The commander continued to stare at her with an amused expression.

    ¡°Um¡­ That¡¯s all my lady.¡±, adds the blonde girl.

    The students were charmed by her answer and started clapping. The officials clapped and praised the chubby minister who smiled with pride for her daughter.

    ¡°What are you babbling, nonsense! I didn¡¯t understand a shit you just said! Courageous heart? Nobility? Sovereign? Can we eat it?¡±, scowled Cecelia furiously.

    The claps stopped and the students were astonished as Cecelia commenced to dominate over their souls. Even the egoist and proud students were displeased with the commander''s personality.

    Commander leaned back and gazed back at the students. Now all hands went down because of her disapproved reaction as the students doubted that their answers would not satisfy the commander.

    Seeing no one else left to answer.

    "This is my domain, and here I am the order and I am the law!¡±, roared Cecelia, ¡°If I say to sit, you will sit! I say jump. You will jump! If I say Die, you will Happily DIE!"

    A spark of fear arose among the students. They sensed the intimidating aura of the commander, the one-eyed cyclops. All they could do was stand and listen.

    ¡°The most important thing in my academy, all the students of the Archangel academy would be treated equally! If you are some lowly peasants son or if some royal wealthy nobility offspring, I DON¡¯T CARE! Your skills set and capability is the most crucial element of being a knight.¡±

    Her voice echoed throughout the auditorium that even the officials on the balcony seemed uptight.

    ¡°Currently, you guys are nothing than a clay, useless! But this soul-crushing training and drills would straighten up your shit together. You¡¯ll need to follow all the rules of the campus! Disobey rules mean disobeying ME! And you won¡¯t like to get on my bad side! Trust me, you¡¯ll regret it!¡±, grinned Cecelia who looked absolute evil.

    Reeves lowered head in shame. The Officials and the minister stood dumbfounded.

    A smile appeared on Cecelia¡¯s face, once again,

    ¡°You all should get along with each other and respect everyone, including teachers as well as your fellow classmates. Later, you¡¯ll be assigned to a team by the teachers to perform various tasks in hand! So it¡¯s best that you get friendly with everyone!¡±

    Then again the smile disappeared,

    ¡°Your classmates are your comrades from now on. Protecting your comrades is one of the top priority along with completing the mission, in hand! ¡®A Knight protects the country and it¡¯s citizen¡¯, is okay. But if you can''t even protect the person beside you, your comrades! Then what good could you be for the nation? And always prioritize your life second to nature, after the mission and the lives of your teammates! If you just get scared the shit out of you when the time calls for sacrifice than you are no good as dead! Get out my sight this instant, and don¡¯t ever return back!¡±

    Cecelia waited for a second or two than she took a deep breath and with all her lungs,

    ¡°Anyone has ANY doubts or questions, SPEAK UP NOW!¡±

    Her scream echoed throughout the hall. The students were tensed and dumbstruck as they tried to interpret the things going around as well as the officials.

    ¡°Anyone at all?¡±, she asks in a sharp tone, ¡°Well if anyone wants to bail out, now''s the right time! You would be reassigned to normal soldiers post if you can¡¯t keep up with Knight¡¯s, which happens a lot! You can¡¯t back out later and never ever would get the chance to become a Knight! Knight¡¯s chivalry is no child¡¯s play, don¡¯t regret later.¡±

    Every student stood still and didn¡¯t even moved a muscle. The room''s air suddenly felt heavier than before.

    ¡°Hmm, So now I ask again, are you willing to die if I order?¡±, asked Cecelia, sternly.

    ¡°Madam, we don¡¯t wanna die!¡±, answered a random student after gathered a little courage.

    ¡°Hahaha! Well answered. Be honest with yourself, the will live is the biggest asset of a soldier.¡±, said Cecelia and smirk appeared,

    ¡°Welcome to Archangel Academy.¡±

    A smile appeared on the faces of the student and they took a breath of relief.

    The officials were in an uproar as they gossiped among themselves in dismay. Although the tiny-chubby minister seated in center, his eyes glowed with respect as he stared the commander.

    Reeves also relaxed, In the end, all goes well. Even, Madam Cecelia is also in good mood. Thank God.

    Everything seems good until the hall door creaked open. All the student''s attention diverts toward the noise. To their surprise, it was a shabby looking boy in a pitiful state. He had dirt and sweat all over his body. His hair and clothes were an utter mess. Half of the shirt was tucked in his pants while the other half wavered in the air.

    Cecelia¡¯s behavior went under drastic change, all of sudden.

    ¡°Glad you made it, Samael Heller!¡±

 Chapter 1.5 - The First day

    The room fell silent as soon as the shabby looking boy made an entrance through the auditorium door. The student''s heads started to turn to take a glance at this mysterious person. The atmosphere of the room became heavy and tense like the calm before a storm.

    ¡°Glad you made it, Samael Heller!¡±, greeted Cecelia, sarcastically.

    Samael bowed deeply,

    ¡°I am very, very sorry! I had to drop Lilith and Abigor to the school! I reached the school on time, but Abigor''s teacher started to complain about his behavior and how weak he has grown in his studies, and also he fells asleep during lectures! His homework also remains pending and -¡±

    ¡°Stop your babbling! I¡¯m not asking for excuses!¡±, thundered Cecelia.

    ¡°Uh... I am really, sorry! This won¡¯t happen ever, again!¡±, apologized Samael as his head hung down bowing. His dark black messy hair wavered in the breeze that entered through the open door.

    The students started to mutter among themselves as they peered at Samael and discussed curiously.

    ¡°Did you hear that? His last name?¡±

    ¡°The commander said, Samael Heller, did she?¡±

    ¡°Well yeah! I heard the same.¡±

    ¡°Is he what, I think he is?¡±

    ¡°Hop in your Queue, soldier! And fix up your attire! what are you? A lunatic drunkard!¡±, frowned Cecelia as her eyebrows twitched and her eyes shrink with anger as she glared at Samael.

    Samael tiptoed and stood in the last of the queue along with all other students. Then he dusted away his clothes as well as his hair. The student that stood beside Samael felt a bit uneasy because of the dust that flew after Samael dusted his clothes. He then combed his messy hair with his fingers as he grazed and straightened the hair between his finger gaps. He even tucked his shirt neatly in his pant and straightened up the wrinkles on the shirt.

    The students stood there staring astonishingly at Samael who was immersed in his grooming, carefreely and forgot about the current situation.

    ¡°Oi! Hurry up Samael, this isn¡¯t your dressing room! Have some decency¡±, mocked Cecelia.

    Like you are the one to talk!,thought Reeves who had an unamused expression as she watched Cecelia¡¯s from behind the corner of the stage.

    ¡°And you people! Face forward!¡±, commanded Cecelia.

    All the students faced forward at once.

    Samael also stood in attentive position after he was done.

    ¡°Did you guys forgot that this is my domain? Who told you to turn your head away from the stage! This is my territory and my word is the law! Get this etched to your memory.¡±, Cecelia said sternly, ¡°Samael tell me what do you think being a Knight is?¡±

    Samael startled and became nervous. Some of the students around him peeked out of curiosity even though the commander commanded them, not to.

    Samael dropped his attentive posture and started to scratch his head and tilt it to the ground. He closed eyes and tried to calm down as he began to think deeply.

    His mind drifted in another dimension along with his concentration in search of the answer, every passing second. A cold sweat started to flow from his forehead which cooled down the nerves that pulsated and was clearly visible on his forehead.

    His face started to turn red and his restless expression told that he was in agony.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have a whole day! STOP THINKING and just SAY IT!¡±, shouted Cecelia whose not well known for her patience, ¡°If I give you a whole day! Your answer won''t change a thing! So reply me, right away!¡±

    Samael¡¯s concentration crumbled in a second! It was a useless farce, just to dodge Cecelia¡¯s question.

    He lowered his head in embarrassment and scratched his chin nervously.

    With a distorted smile, he gathered the courage.

    ¡°Umm¡­ A knight is a high position in the military post with many beneficial privileges, right?¡±

    The students were shocked with such disjointed and incomprehensible answer. They had this displeased expression and their jaw dropped in awe. Some students were pissed who felt insulted. The most students with sour expression were the egoist noble and academical genius, students.

    The atmosphere was really intense as if it would catch fire and explode any minute.

    The students turned their heads to see the commander¡¯s reaction who stood expressionless after hearing his reply.

    Samael¡¯s brow emitted cold sweat and he closed his eyes in fear and embarrassment. Despite academically weak, he worked hard to compensate his shortcomings with sheer physical prowess and hard work. But he got enrolled in the Archangel academy because of a special exception and not because of diligence.

    After sometime expressionless Cecelia¡¯s eyes widened with a smirk.

    ¡°Well, better than other student¡¯s answer¡¯s tho.¡±

    The students were stunned once again!

    Of course the most surprised were indeed the students with egoist as well as the nobles who mostly were the descendant of Knight¡¯s themselves.

    Samael also was shocked his eye opened, wide.

    Then a gentle smile appeared on his face. It was very rare that someone would appreciate Samael''s answer based on intellectual knowledge.

    The unrest among the other students was visible clearly from the stage above. They were anxious for her reason! Why Samael¡¯s answer was better than the brief and optimized answer of the daughter of Finance minister of Abros?

    ¡°Woah! You guys sure look pissed! So you people are angry? Are you feeling insulted?¡±, asked Cecelia with a taunting grin. Her arms rested on her hip as she stood, relaxingly. Her persona proved that she was a sadist.

    The student¡¯s anxiety increased further.

    Only Samael stood with a puzzled look who wasn¡¯t able to comprehend the situation, currently.

    ¡°Well, well! If you guys think that getting a post as a Knight is a glorious and proud worthy, thing! You are so wrong!¡±, said Cecelia.

    The minister seated was also surprised and watched Cecelia curiously while he grazed his french goatee beard as he leaned on the fence of the balcony.

    ¡°Anyone can be Knight! ANYONE! But the deeds you conquer after being a Knight is when you obtain, your so-called GLORY!¡±

    The agitated students started to calm down as they listened carefully.

    ¡°Knight¡¯s could lead a battalion of common soldiers who would obey them faithfully! But to minimize the damage as well as accomplishing your goal depends on the leadership of the Knight. Knight should earn its respect and feat of glory not just with the mere titles, but also with the struggle and endeavors he overcomes through! Then only you would call yourself a True Knight of Abros, proudly!¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    Cecelia¡¯s spoke in a grim manner but it expressed volumes.

    The students understood what Cecelia wanted to say except Samael, who was clueless.

    ¡°My actual question was ¡®What do you people think about being a knight?¡¯ So my actual question was, your opinion! And not lengthy philosophical bullshit! In that manner, Samael answer was vague but close! Knight is just a stepping shoe, an empty shell! You gotta fill the void with the respect that you¡¯ll earn and prove yourself! Then only you shall be called a True Knight!¡±, explained Cecelia in a serious tone, ¡°Now everyone, Samael deserves a clap!¡±

    The commander started to clap and then the students followed her.

    Samael just understood the last phrase.

    I don¡¯t know how! But my answer was just blind shot in the dark!, thought Samael as he gently scratched his head and smiled blushingly. His face turned red and he quivered in delight. Getting praised and applauded by other students and the commander was very extraordinarily rare for Samael.

    The ministers and his subordinates also clapped, although they can¡¯t see Samael through that balcony, who was standing at end of the queue.

    Cecelia raised her arm as a signal to end the clapping and the claps stopped.

    ¡°So now Samael would run 50 laps race across the Academy campus as a punishment!¡±, said Cecelia coldly.

    The delightness disappeared from Samael¡¯s face, in an instant.

    Cecelia turned back to the students,

    ¡°This orientation is complete for today! Student¡¯s go back to your appointed classes. Refer to the billboard outside the hall, which will give you a descriptive information about your sub-divisions as well as your assigned roll numbers! Your training equipment and regular uniform would be provided to you in your classes, according to your roll numbers. Samael meet me in the administrative office, I shall hand out your things, Personally! Class Dismissed!¡±

    The auditorium doorway opened and the students walked out one by one, in a queue.

    Everyone started to leave except Samael who was in a state of shock and stood like a statue.

    The other students walked past him as they gawked in an eerie way.

    The minister along with his underlings had already left the balcony.

    The students all left, except Samael.

    Cecelia noticed Samael who trembled in his boots as he gazed the empty floor. He stood frozen in place like a monument.

    ¡°Samael! Everyone has already left! What are you waiting for?¡±, asked Cecelia.

    Samael came back to his senses, in an instant.

    ¡°Do you need an extra set of laps?¡±

    ¡°NOO! I am leaving already!¡±, replied Samael and dashed out of the auditorium.

    Cecelia giggled than started to head back to the backstage exit, where she entered before. Reeves accompanied her along with the same heavy books, from before.

    ¡°Commander? You forgot about the etiquette of a lady, didn¡¯t you?¡±, questioned Reeves who walked behind Cecelia.

    ¡°Come on! ¡®All well, that ends well¡¯, just don¡¯t start your -¡± before Cecelia could finish, she stopped on her spot as her path was blocked.

    ¡°Greetings! Lady Cecelia! It¡¯s quite an honor to meet you in person.¡±, greeted a short tiny man with a goatee along with old subordinates of his, who stood behind him. It was none other than, the finance minister.

    He got on his knees and grabbed Cecelia¡¯s hand, and gently kissed it.

    Cecelia was annoyed and didn''t like such noble treatment. She stared the bald shiny head of the tiny minister as he bent to kiss.

    Cecelia cheerily answered,

    ¡°Ah! The pleasure is all mine, you better not¡­¡± she stopped at once.

    Somehow, Reeves death stare from behind was very clearly noticed by Cecelia.

    "Behave yourself, madam commander!",whispered Reeves.

    Cecelia then reformed her sentence once again!

    ¡°I mean, hope you don¡¯t have any problems with my way of teaching¡±, and she smiled gently. Although, it was a totally, a forced fake smile.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s absolutely perfect! I really like you¡­ Uh¡­ I mean your style! Of course, you are quite a beauty yourself.¡±, complimented the dwarf minister as he ogled all over Cecelia¡¯s body. His horniness was completely visible, despite married and having a daughter.

    Cecelia''s eyes opened wide in anger,

    she felt like beating the crap out of the minister as well as cut his balls off, for good!

    Reeves grabbed a sleeve of Cecelia with a pinch, benevolently.

    Cecelia took a deep breath and regained her composure.

    ¡°Alright! I shall take my leave now! Have a good day¡±, and bowed and walk past him but the minister grabbed her hand and stopped her in place.

    Cecelia turned back and glared at the minister with bloodshot eyes in rage.

    The minister had a smile like a child looking at a candy, although it was hand grenade this time! Any time going pop!

    Reeves became nervous as the atmosphere became very dense. She lugged the books in one arm and reached out for the spare knife for defense, just in case! It would be helpful to defend the minister if madam goes berserk! Although the minister would be good as dead if the commander had made her mind.

    Cecelia stared back him in rage, but she didn¡¯t make any hasty move.

    ¡°Could you accompany me, in my chariot? You seemed tired, let¡¯s take a detour! It would be very relaxing and I know, few good spots! Just you and me time!¡±

    Cecelia glared back coldly,

    ¡°I don¡¯t want fats to collect in my butt as I relax! I got many more duties and responsibilities, unlike some lazy, horndogs! Anyway, I shall take my leave, now! Good day sir!¡±, and she shrugged off the minister''s grip.

    She exited the auditorium whereas the minister stood, frozen in his place.

    Reeves bowed deeply in an apology!

    "I Apologize on behalf of Lady Cecelia! She is under stress because of work, so please Sir forgive the commander for her insolent behavior!" she begged and bowed humbly before the advisors and the Minister.

    The minister stood motionless and expressionless, in a state of shock.

    The advisors were furious!

    "How dare she disrespect the finance minister of Abros like that? We must immediately inform the king, at once!¡±, said one of the advisors.

    The other advisors nodded in agreement.

    ¡°I am really sorry! She didn¡¯t mean that. She really had a bad day!¡±, pleaded Reeves, as she hung her head low.

    ¡°No! Who does she think, she is? Disrespecting the minister of finance, of Abros nation! It¡¯s not the only insult to the Lord but to the entire noble house of Goldclair! Such rudeness won¡¯t be forgiven¡±, said one of the advisors whereas all other nodded like sheep. He approached the minister and got close to his right ear.

    ¡°My lord, punish these lowly heathens! The powerful authority as the commander has poisoned her brain! Let¡¯s report to the king at once, lord!¡±, said the advisor as he looked down on Reeves as a mockery.

    ¡°I like her!¡±, muttered the minister.

    The advisors and Reeves were stunned.

    The minister returned to his senses,

    ¡°Well, indeed she seems very troubled! No need to fuel such tiny matter. She really is a charming beauty!¡±, praised the minister as his eyes lit with respect and cheeks were flushed red.

    ¡°She wasn¡¯t rude! She was just embarrassed when I asked her on a date. That rudeness is what got me charmed! Anyway, ready the carriage. We shall have the date perhaps any other time, I guess.¡±

    The advisors were surprised but just for a second. The advisors were already aware of their Lord¡¯s lecherous womanizer habit, which is why this was not unexpected.

    They followed the chubby minister who seemed in a very good mood and he whistled in joy as they approached the exit.

    Reeves stood still till the ministers left.

    She left a big sigh of relief,

    ¡°Thank god! Minister was a masochist. The first time, I am grateful for a pervert being alive!¡±, mumbled Reeves to herself.

    Reeves also depart from the auditorium in search of the commander, who likes to roam and drink whenever her moods off.

    The academy was lively and noisy, the teachers had handed out the students their respective training equipment, uniforms, books along with much other stuff.

    They had a homeroom introduction session like any normal school. They introduced themselves to their other classmates in front of the homeroom teacher.

    The whole introductions farce went till the late evening.

    Everyone got to know each other except, Samael who still was completing his laps.

    The bell rang and the first year classes for the day was over.

    The students started to leave their classroom.

    Some students were already good friends as they gossiped while walking their way to the dorms. Whereas some liked personal space or just not good with the crowd.

    This is the last lap! Come on my LEGS! You can¡¯t die, on me Now!,

    Cheered Samael to himself.

    His clothes were soggy wet with sweat and dust.

    While he jogged slowly with his last energy reserves. He saw the first year students leaving the campus.

    Seeing them leave, he realized it was getting pretty late. He also needs to collect his stuff and go to his part-time job.

    He regained speed and dashed and completed his last lap!

    And suddenly he leaped down the ground as he lied on his back. His body was almost paralyzed by exhaustion. He lied down and just stared the orange sky which became redder by passing sunset.

    Damn! I screwed up, once again!

    The students glanced at Samael curiously, in a weird way.

    Samael was the talk of every student.

    His behavior and also his last name was a big topic among them!

    Two fellow senior students stood in the corner of the field as they viewed Samael who laid down on the dusty ground.

    ¡°Hmm, so that¡¯s the guy?¡±, asked the first student.

    ¡°Yes¡±, replied the other one.

    ¡°Well, I knew that the infamous son of the traitor would be joining this academy. But I did not know that his adoptive foster parent is from the house of Heller.¡±, said the first guy as he watched Samael.

    ¡°Indeed. This has complicated issues with the other nobles. House Heller would not change their decision and they are even ready to cut off the ties with King, if needed. They won¡¯t hand down the orphans.¡± replied the second student.

    ¡°Well indeed. House Heller is a very important and powerful household. Losing such an ally would be a fatal blow to Abros.¡±

    ¡°So what now?¡±

    ¡°We wait! We can¡¯t do anything at this point! Who knew that Cecelia Heller had adopted the last offsprings of the traitors.¡±

 Chapter 1.6 - The First day

    Samael had completed his laps. Despite being exhausted, he still had to trek up the castle where the administrative office was actually located.

    The castle was located on the top of the hill where you could view the whole Rublor city district easily. The castle lit up orange with the eventide sunrays. It was a wonderful scene but Samael was too tired to enjoy such scene.

    He walked heavily on the grassy hills as he tried to catch his breath. The long trek on the stairs was really a big snag which was the only way that connected the castle and the ground. He somehow managed to keep him on his toes and reached the castle.

    The castle guard opened up the main gates to let Samael enter. The commander had already had issued orders to let Samael in.

    Samael did a quick groom up, his messy attire to avoid Cecelia¡¯s rebuke once again. Then started to enter the castle but suddenly the castle guards interrupt him.

    ¡°The commander is waiting for you in the administrative office.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thanks for the information!¡±, thanked Samael and rushed inside.

    The majestic castle sure was old and enormous. It smelled like tin because of the metal soldier artifacts placed on the wall along with the painting of famous personages. The castle interior was also heavily guarded by soldiers and no fool would directly attack such castle. This castle was pretty old but it¡¯s almost impenetrable because of its location on the cliff which gives it the edge.

    Samael crossed the hallway and climbed up wooden stairs to the office. The wooden stairs made a creaky sound with every counting step. Then he reached the floor as told and went straight to the office. He then knocked on the door twice which was guarded by two soldiers who stood in attentive position.

    ¡°Come in¡±, a voice approved the knock.

    Samael entered and the office which was pretty crowded. There were total five people including Reeves and Cecelia. The room was pretty old and it smelled like timber because of the newly polished wooden furniture as well as the deteriorating old maps on the walls and the shelves of books that covered most of the room. There were a big desk and few chairs. It also had a full body metal armor as a decorative monument that stood in the corner.

    The commander, Cecelia was seated in her desk seat, while Reeves stood behind her.

    There were two men who were heavily built and a young woman that stood in front of the desk. All the three belonged to the imperial Knights army, judging by their military uniform. The two men were ranked as captain, according to the insignia badge on their shoulder.

    The young lady who had familiar face whom Samael didn¡¯t believe to recognize, at first.

    After identifying the lady, a big smile appeared on Samael¡¯s face.

    ¡°Big sis, Sasha!¡±, exclaimed Samael as he happily pounced and embraced her.

    ¡°Long time no see, Samael¡±, replied Sasha as she hugged back and patted Samael¡¯s head, playfully.

    It was an unexpected and a long reunion, they were both happy to see each other.

    All other people watched the reunion quietly.

    After all the hugs were done,

    ¡°So how¡¯s Lilith and Abigor? Still the arrogant and lazy runt as before?¡±, asked Sasha as she smiled with a grim and patted Samael¡¯s head simultaneously.

    ¡°Oh yeah! Same as ever! How long has it been seeing you? 2 years?¡±, questioned Samael, curiously.

    ¡°Well, I was super busy with my assignments and had just returned to Rublor a few hours ago. I was summoned right, instantly as I entered the city! Such a pain!¡±, replied Sasha.

    ¡°For your information, I am still here!¡±, interrupted Cecelia.

    But both, Samael and Sasha ignored her and continued as no one existed in this room.

    The other two captains watched amusingly their nonchalant conversation.

    Samael face suddenly turned gloomy,

    ¡°Are you going back to another mission?¡±, asked Samael pessimistically as he lowered his head.

    ¡°Well, yeah that¡¯s why I was summoned here! Cheer up, don¡¯t get worked up. We shall have a big time together, next time. You, me, Abigor, Lilith and also Mom!¡±, said cheerily, Sasha.

    Cecelia interrupted,

    ¡°Hey, I would rather rot away on my office desk than accompany you kids, as you all throw tantrum. Give me a break!¡±, ranted Cecelia who overheard their conversation.

    ¡°Why not mom? You should really have some family time!¡± asked Sasha and turned to the imperial Knight captains who stood watching, ¡°What about you guys? Don¡¯t you agree? Doesn¡¯t the commander need to take a break and enjoy with her family.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Of¡­ Of course, she should.¡±, stammered the captain, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t she?¡± as he asked the other captain.

    ¡°Yeah! You¡¯re absolutely right!¡±, replied the second captain, nervously.

    ¡°Quit agreeing with their nonsense!¡±, said Cecelia who was annoyed. Reeves watched the scene from behind and giggled happily. It was a rare and happy sight for the Heller family reunion.

    ¡°So why are you, here? Did she summon you too?¡±, asked Sasha.

    Samael left a sigh, which answered away Sasha¡¯s doubts.

    ¡°Reeves handout! Samael¡¯s equipment.¡±, ordered Cecelia, then she turned to the two captains,

    ¡°Captain Arnold and Captain Lynn, I got an urgent assignment. I know you guys have just returned from your mission but I got no one else, at the moment. You gotta team up.¡±

    Reeves started to search Samael¡¯s gear in the crowded and cramped room. Samael stood beside Sasha as she listened to the commander.

    ¡°No worries, chief! My team still has a lot of energy! Is it necessary for two squads to be assigned on a single mission?¡±, asked Captain Lynn.

    ¡°Well, my team has been currently attending the bathhouse! I could assemble right at once after they are done.¡±,added Captain Arnold.

    ¡°Your assignment would be to accompany the weapon expert who shall test out his new prototypes along with two new recruits who needs a field experience. I know this sounds bothersome but I would like you to complete all this, in one swoop. Here is the report about the main objective and its briefing.¡±, said Cecelia as she hands out the report file to Captain Arnold.

    ¡°You should study it thoroughly, as for the assembly, you could take some time and meet up here at 10 pm after having a dinner to your heart¡¯s content! You got a big day ahead. Oh, by the way, my daughter Sasha would join you people as well.¡±, adds Cecelia.

    Samael was handed out his packed up gear in the bag and was ready to go home, but he didn¡¯t want to leave Sasha¡¯s side.

    ¡°Miss Sasha, would you like to join us for the dinner? I would like you to meet up with my crew and get to know each other!¡± asked Captain Lynn and then he turned towards Captain Arnold, ¡°Bring your team too! Let¡¯s celebrate, tonight.¡±

    ¡°Sure¡±, said both Arnold and Sasha in harmony.

    She then turned to Samael,

    ¡°Now I have to go! I promise that we would have a family time, the next time we meet, altogether.¡± and hugged Samael before she leaves.

    Samael hugged back with a teary eye.

    ¡°Now man up! ¡®Real men don¡¯t cry¡¯. It¡¯s not like I am going forever! Keep your chin up and show me your pleasant smile.¡±, cheered Sasha who patted Samael¡¯s head.

    Samael smiled with a grin and wiped off his teary eyes.

    ¡°That¡¯s my boy! Now you look better!¡±, cheered Sasha.

    Samael than rushed to the door and halts,

    ¡°Goodbye, sis! Goodbye, Aunt Heller and Miss Reeves!¡± and waved at them cheerfully, one last time.

    ¡°Hey! No running in the hallways! SAMAEL!¡±, scowled Cecelia.

    Samael didn¡¯t hear her word and already left.

    Reeves and Cecelia had a smile for an unknown reason as she glanced on Cecelia who looked like a worried parent, for once.

    <hr>

    The sun had already set down and it was already dark.

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.Samael trekked down the hill and ran to the pub restaurant in haste.

    The Windy Rose Tavern is an old rundown pub for all people and also the soldier''s hangout spot.

    From the outside, it looks pleasant, intimate and rustic. Hard wooden planks and hard wooden beams make up most of the building''s outer structure.

    It''s impossible to see through the windows, but the energy and excitement from within can be felt outside.

    As you enter the tavern through the heavily used, wooden door, you''re welcomed by joyful music and the smile of a waitress.

    The bartender is working up a sweat but still manages to welcome you with a shortwave.

    It''s as alluring inside as it is on the outside. Tree logs support the upper floor and the decoration lights attached to them. The walls are covered in photographs of personal achievements, all related to the nearby mountain. Some of the people who reached the summit, others simply of happy people.

    The tavern itself is packed. Travelers seem to be the primary clientele here, which could be seen as the best sign you can get. Several long tables are occupied by locals, travelers, soldiers and anybody else who wishes to join. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who-who seem to be strangers to each other, all sitting here because there are no other seats. Though they all clearly enjoy each other''s company. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company.

    The Tavern door opens and the bell rings which alerts the shop owners about the incoming of a new customer. But now it wasn¡¯t a customer, it was Samael!

    The bartender suddenly peeked at the entrance to greet.

    ¡°Oh, you made it! Thought you would not show up, today! Welcome!¡±, greeted the bartender who¡¯s also the owner of the shop.

    He was wiping the wine glasses with a dry cloth and placed neatly on the counter as a shape like a pyramid.

    The shop owner was a really nice old guy. He was bald and had a furry mustache which was his pride. A normal bartender usually wears a butler suit but he wore an apron on his casual clothes and no one dared to complain, as he was the owner himself. Although, people really like him and his drinks.

    ¡°Sorry Boss! I totally screwed up!¡±, replied Samael as he took down the gear bag from his back and stuffed it under the bar counter table. Well, it had really huge space that was used to store dozen carton boxes of champagne, easily. So a big bag was no biggy.

    Samael disrobed his military jacket which was dusty and hooked him on the coat hanger stand. He picked up the apron and started to dress up.

    ¡°Well, you could take the day off! It was a very big day and your outfit and you yourself seemed very drained!¡±, recommended the boss, worriedly.

    Samael continued to wear his apron and the kitchen headwear cap.

    Then he looked at the worried owner and with a smug smile he pumped his fist in the air, with pride.

    ¡°No worries! I shall work hard and become the employee of the month, this time for sure!¡±

    The other waitress and workers overheard his joyful cry.

    Two maids approached the counter after they heard this cheer.

    ¡°Oh, my! So you think you could beat us?¡±, said one of the waitresses.

    Tall beauty with an alluring purple hair and voluptuous bust. She looked like a young teenager but she is in her 30¡¯s. But it would be for the best if you never bring up her age because you don''t like to get to her bad side.

    ¡°Yeah getting all cheeky! You got a lot of nerve, coming late and then challenging the top position head on! You, the employee of the month? Stop joking!¡± mocked another cute blonde girl with pigtails. She¡¯s tiny and cute, but her personality is not. If you mention about her height than you shall have to face her wrath. She¡¯s the same age as Samael and also a fellow student in a normal school, unlike Samael.

    Samael expression dropped suddenly and his determination was assaulted by the two waitresses taunts.

    ¡°Hey! You just wait. I shall be the next best employee than you all would just be speechless and ask for mercy. Just you wait!!!!!¡±, replied Samael sternly as he banged his one of his fist on the bar counter. The sudden smack resulted in wine glasses to tremble and the decoratively placed wine glasses in pyramid shape by the owner collapsed.

    The glass splattered all around the floor and not a single glass lasted.

    The owner became sad as just the only glass that saved was in his hand which was still in the process of cleaning and the final piece to complete the pyramid.

    The two waitress burst into laughter.

    ¡°I am so sorry BOSS!¡± He got on his knees and begged for forgiveness.

    ¡°I am so sorry! You could cut my salary for the mess, I created! I am really, really sorry!¡±

    The boss let out a gasp of depression, just because he could not complete his pyramid.

    ¡°No worries! Well just clean this mess up and start to wash the dishes, already. That¡¯s all for today.¡±, replied the Boss.

    ¡°Right away sir!¡±, Samael dashed to the kitchen and grabbed out the broom and dustpan and started to clean up. He was pretty good at household works such as cooking and cleaning, although he never showed any interest. Cleanliness was something, he never knew that it existed when not reminded.

    ¡°Well, you are pretty good as housewife material! But just if you were not clumsy as you are now.¡±, taunted the blonde waitress as she chuckled with other waitresses.

    ¡°Yeah! I would have you accepted as my husband if you were ain''t a ponderous guy! Ha!¡±, added, the purple headed girl.

    Samael teary eyes swelled up even more as he tried to hide his embarrassed face while he broomed on his knees, carefully.

    Suddenly another waitress appeared with a tray of empty soiled dishes.

    ¡°Girls stop bullying, him! And get back to work!¡±,said the waitress who had long black hair. Beautiful, alluring and looked quite mature but was also the same age as Samael.

    ¡°Here Samael, I shall clean the rest. You go ahead and start to wash the dishes.¡± said the girl with a gentle smile.

    ¡°Thanks, Maria! You are the best.¡±, thanked Samael and passed her the broom and the dustpan.

    He then tucked away, the dishes from the tray and headed straight to the kitchen.

    ¡°Oh so now we are the bad guys! Can¡¯t you just fire the clumsy, good for nothing brat?¡±, complained the blonde waitress as she pouted her tiny face in anger. She looked adorable even if she threw fits.

    ¡°Now don¡¯t get, too worked up! Teasing him is fun! Just keep it bare minimum!¡±, replied the purple headed girl. She loved to tease Samael but was good at heart.

    ¡°Now you too, Sofia?¡±, argued short-tempered blondie.

    Sofia just smiled and went away to attend the customer table.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you turn away your back!¡±

    ¡°For your information!¡±, grumbled the owner with a serious look. He leaned forward on the counter table and stared right into her eyes.

    ¡°For the past 15 minutes, YOU are the one, good for nothing whose throwing tantrums like a little kid,¡±

    ¡°Eh! Sorry boss!¡±, then she got back to attend her customers.

    <hr>

    The evening was very pleasantry and long. Like usual, lots of soldiers and students came to enjoy. Although, the customers changed regularly as many soldiers were assigned on missions, which would take weeks, month or even few years. Some would never return, who had given their lives in the line of duty. Although, the shop never stopped functioning and carried on its duty to entertain the soldiers and relieve them with their sorrows, with serving them with finely brewed ale.

    The soldiers drank till their heart¡¯s content and some even dozed on the table. The music from the banjo played by another part-time working boy entertained the soldiers who sang some most popular songs. The waitress dashed and sprinted across the table to the counter again and again as they served and picked the empty dishes and ale mugs. The bartender sorted the orders and made deliciously served beverages.

    Although you could see the hardworking people in the tavern but, inside the kitchen which was the real deal.

    The head chef tasted the dishes and added spices and perfected the dishes. The underlings would chop the ingredients into fine pieces and obeyed every order of the head chef. The kitchen looked a complete mess but the most messed up place was the basin sink where the empty dishes, ale mugs with leftover food piled up.

    Samael was the one appointed to clear that huge mess by himself. He cleaned one by one thoroughly as he sorted out the leftovers in the garbage and soaped the dishes clean. He was soaked in sweat and soap and his apron has also been spoilt with the stains of food. But his hands keep moving and clean one by one without slowing down.

    It was already 9 pm and Samael shift was over.

    ¡°Samael you gotta start moving! Good work today as usual.¡±, thanked the owner who entered the kitchen to inform Samael.

    Samael turned back,

    ¡°Oh is it already time? Well, I guess I should get moving now.¡±, said Samael with a smile. Although he was pretty tired and didn¡¯t let the tiredness get his best.

    Maria entered the kitchen who was a substitute for Samael.

    ¡°Good work, Samael. You really did a number on the dishes as always.¡±, said Maria with a smile as she wore the apron and prepared herself.

    ¡°No biggie! Good work to you, too. I would be glad to wait and help out but I gotta leave before Lilith and Abigor fell asleep. Thanks a lot, Maria.¡±, thanked back Samael.

    He then wore back his jacket and lugged away his equipment gear bag.

    ¡°Bye everyone¡±, as he waved back goodbye before leaving the tavern on the doorstep.

    The owner, the musician, Sofia all waved back except the blondie.

    ¡°You better not return, back!¡±, replied the blonde girl as she stood in front of the counter returning the empty soiled dishes.

    Samael ignored her and went on ahead.

    ¡°You won¡¯t get a boyfriend with that attitude.¡±, said the owner as he mixed the spirits to make a cocktail.

    ¡°Huh!?... boyfriend?... Who wants that! I got much other stuff to deal with. Boys are really nothing but pain!.¡± she stammered with a flustered look. She placed the dishes and walked away from the boss in haste before he could ridicule her anymore.

    <hr>

    Samael treads back to the dormitory room where the Abigor and Lilith were still waiting. He had his groceries picked along the way and the dinner for today is veggies and the stalemate rice from the government ration, once again.

    He opened up the door through the spare keys. He already handed one to Aunt Savonije who had picked Abigor and Lilith from school. The door still made a creaky voice when opened, despite Samael tried to be careful.

    Abigor was fast asleep and Lilith also woke up in an instant.

    "Welcome home, brother. I was just tired of waiting.", greeted Lilith, as she acted all mature even tho she was just eight.

    "Oh, I am very sorry! Just give 15 minutes and the dinner would be ready! Also wake Abigor after I am done, cooking! He would just create a ruckus and slow me down.", replied Samael as he hurried to the kitchen platform and placed the ingredients.

    The one-room kitchen was very cramped at first but it was very tidier. Aunt Savonije had cleared up the room and it looked a little bigger than before.

    Lilith started to check out her brother''s heavy bag and started to unpack in curiosity, without getting the big brother''s approval. Samael was pretty busy in his cooking but he was quite skillful in it. The smell of veggies started to smitten the room with a nice aroma, that would seduce your taste buds. Abigor drooled in his sleep and chewed the pillow as he mistaken it for food.

    After the cooking was done, Lilith helped to dress the table and Samael served the food and woke Abigor who woke up instantaneously, unlike this morning. For food, Abigor could sacrifice his sleep, easily.

    They all sat down the food, and joined their hands and thanked the food. Abigor was the first to chow down whereas his sister eats with fork and spoon like a noble.

    Samael noticed that his bag was opened up and his stuff was ransacked and scattered all over the place.

    "Lilith! Why did you open the bag, without my permission?", asked Samael who looked pale with exhaustion.

    "Well, Curiosity got the best of me.", replied Lilith as she continued to eat and didn''t even bat an eye.

    "That''s not an even a legible reason!", said Samael as he let out a gasp of irritation.

    The first day was over for Samael that was filled with problems, but this was a tiny fragment and the real problem was yet to be faced.

 Chapter 2.1 - The massacre of Ironcliff district

    It¡¯s past 10, and the grandfather clock echoed throughout the castle in an equilibrium. It was also the time for the shift of the new guards and end of watch duty for the old ones. The castle was guarded by elite soldiers but they were not knight¡¯s. Most of the knights were sent to missions although it was a peaceful time, the hostility of Stezar towards Abros never sought to run out of fumes. The knights were ratting out the Stezar spies despite Abros had sent their own. The game of cat and mice would never end until one of them perishes. The pact of Trost had kept their hands chained but it could not restrain the enmity.

    Although, it was the night the Rublor city glittered like the stars. It was way bright because the city was always busy, and loads of travelers and soldiers flood in and out, at all hours.

    The Campbell town seemed little dull compared to the city, but the energetic and yearning for some fun had soldiers the same enthusiast as the city folks. The streets were filled with soldiers, most were drunk and were helped to be carried to the dorms. Whereas, some of them threw up in the back alley as they had little too much than what they could handle.

    The castle was subtle compared to the city and the town, a little too quiet.

    Although, it looked quite sophisticated castle, underneath there was a rising tension.

    The meeting hall was present on the ground floor of the castle. It was pretty crowded by the group of soldiers which were assembled by the order of the commander, Cecelia.

    The groups were divided in two.

    The one squad belonged to Captain Lynn and the other to Captain Arnold. Their squad consisted of five including the captains, each.

    There were also 2 more young soldiers who stood out of the line. They did not belong to any particular squad team, present. One was a young girl with a pink bob cut curly hair, who stared at other soldiers while she sucked on her candy lollipop. It was clear she was a spoilt brat and belonged to some rich family.

    The other soldier was a young guy who had groomed properly and his ironed uniform personified his character as a very disciplined and down-to-earth person. He would be the last guy to ever break a rule even when the world comes to an end. That type of vibes came from him.

    The two soldier¡¯s personality was flip-side of each other.

    There was also a creepy looking man in a lab coat who stared at the artworks on the wall and grinned as he stroke his chin. He looked in his 50¡¯s and his hair had turned grey perhaps because of old age. His hair was dry and spiny like the aloe vera plant as if he had electrocuted himself to achieve such hairstyle.

    The squad crew was engulfed in chat as they waited for the commander. The people in squads were prolonged friends who had been through a hell lot of missions. Their bonds were stronger like the family ties or even stronger.

    The pink haired brat became restless as she watched the other squad engulfed in talks. She quickly chewed up her lollipop and threw the stick on the floor as she was tired waiting.

    She approached the Captain Lynn¡¯s squad, or to be precise to the captain. Her vibes suddenly changed and she became a lot girly than before. She had an innocent expression and her eyes were wide open along with a bright smile.

    It was clear she was seeking attention from Captain Lynn, whose a very handsome guy with quite a gentleman like personality. Many girls are trying to woo him, but none has succeeded in capturing his heart, yet.

    ¡°Hello, Captain Lynn! I am so glad that I could meet you! I have heard lots of your deeds. It¡¯s a pleasure meeting you.¡±, greeted the pink haired brat as she grabbed Captain Lynn¡¯s hand and shook his hand, a bit forcefully.

    ¡°Oh! Hello there, young lady. The pleasure is all mine.¡±, greeted Captain Lynn back.

    Two female soldiers present in Lynn¡¯s squad looked pretty pissed when this girl started to get friendly. But they controlled their temper because it would make a bad impression in front of Captain Lynn.

    ¡°Man! I heard lots of your tales about your heroic deeds as well as your beauty! You are beyond good looking and handsome than what I imagined, you to be!¡±, praised the pink haired girl as she tried to get on his good side.

    The other two girls eyebrows started to twitch, which was clearly visible. Although they maintained their composure, the aura of hatred emitted was pure malice. Their aura clearly meant to back off from captain Lynn. Even the other people present around clearly understood these girl''s intention. However, the pink haired brat ignored the heavy atmosphere and continued her advance.

    ¡°You are just flattering me! I am nothing so great! Captain Arnold here is much cooler! Let me introduce you to him!¡±, said, Lynn, as he grabs Captain Arnold by putting his arm around his shoulder.

    Captain Arnold was an average looking guy but when it comes to a girl, he was pretty shy.

    ¡°Hey! Cut it out! Don¡¯t forget, why we are called here, in the first place!¡±, shrugged Arnold away Lynn¡¯s friendly approach.

    ¡°You should really work on your communication skill with girls! Otherwise, you shall stay single.¡±, replied Captain Lynn as he let out a sigh of disappointment.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°What about you, Captain Lynn? Are you single? What type of girls do you like?¡±, interrupted the pink haired brat as her eyes shone with curiosity.

    ¡°Hold your horses, you little runt!¡±, joined in the annoyed girl from Lynn¡¯s squad as she intervened between the captain and the pink haired girl. The brat was getting a little too much close to the captain while talking.

    ¡°He can¡¯t just hand out every single detail to little newcomer girl, just because you look a bit cute. Go back and stand in the corner, approach when called to.¡±, joins in the other pissed girl from Lynn ¡¯s squad as her facial expression clearly stated her displeasure.

    ¡°Now ladies, you are being a little too rude. You should try to get along with your juniors!¡±, said, Lynn, as he tried to calm down her female members.

    The expression of an innocent girl from the pink haired brat changed suddenly,

    ¡°You girls are already pretty old for romance, so why don¡¯t thumb up your ass like the single bitches, you are!¡±, replied back the pink haired brat with a savage look with an irked facial expression.

    Everyone was shocked by her reply. She really got a lot of guts to abuse her seniors on her first meet. Everybody was shocked except the man as he chuckled for just a second before controlling his laughter. He was also a squad member of Lynn¡¯s team.

    Lynn had run out of words to say. In that situation, no words could soothe the situation at all.

    The two senior girls just froze after what they just heard for a second, until they unsheathe their swords.

    ¡°THAT¡¯s IT! In behalf insulting your senior, I shall pronounce you to death! BITCH!¡±, scowls the first girl,

    ¡°DIE¡±, howls the second girl as they hurl with their swords and swing it in full strength.

    The pink haired grabs out two twin battle knives from her waist pocket,

    ¡°Bring it on!¡± as she challenges the girls with a wide evil grin and charges to head on.

    But in just nick of time, Sasha Heller jumps in and stops the pink haired brat¡¯s knife charge with her sword. The sword properly defended both her knife¡¯s onslaught with a single sword. It was too quick to see when did even Sasha entered the room, let alone stop the attack.

    Whereas Captain Lynn, stopped the other two girls swords, one with his metal scabbard and the other with his sword which was drawn out of his scabbard.

    The girls had an irritating expression, they seemed annoyed.

    There stood Cecelia on the doorsteps while her arms folded as she watched the drama.

    ¡°What is going on? You started the party without me!¡±, asked the commander cheerily although her fluttering eye made it clear she was really, really upset!

    Suddenly, the mad scientist jumped in-front of Cecelia and grabbed her hand and started shaking.

    ¡°Thanks a lot! For approving my request to test out my babies! I am really glad, that you let me test my babies myself!¡±, thanked the creepy scientist who had no clue about ¡®reading the atmosphere¡¯.

    ¡°Back off, weirdo! It¡¯s better you test your experiments yourself! I can¡¯t let my men die in the process of testing your scientific shit!¡±, the commander turns to the others, ¡°Could someone explain me, what''s going on? So that I could join in the fun!¡±, she glares with fury as she cracked her knuckles as if she was ready to join in the brawl.

    ¡°This is all my fault!¡±, pleads Captain Lynn as he bows down in front of the commander.

    ¡°I beg forgiveness for my junior''s and crew member''s misdeeds! I am a failure as a leader. For I, could not stop their fights, so you could punish me, instead.¡±

    The girls started to calm down. Except for the spoilt brat, the other two girls from the Captain Lynn¡¯s squad felt guilty. Their eyes roll down the floor as they felt remorseful towards their actions.

    Cecelia had calmed down,

    ¡°Alright! You make me look the bad guy here! Anyway, gather around soldiers.¡±

    The pink brat was really a wussy she was still pissed because she was stopped by Sasha as she gawked her fiercely. Although, Sasha knew her glares but ignored her and gathered up with the rest of the crew.

    Even the two newbies, as well as the scientist, joined up.

    Cecelia cleared her voice before starting,

    ¡°Guess, the captains have already read the report I gave. But I would like to brief all of you, once again.¡±

    The commander stood at ease posture with her hands back and her legs a little stretched from one foot to another, in a V shape.

    ¡°The Ironcliff district located in the north-east district has been completely unresponsive for past month. The last report was seeking reinforcements as a recent increase in murders of the citizen. Even the guards and the patrolling soldiers were brutally massacred. We had sent a team of elite soldiers along with a knight to check it out. But there was no news, yet.¡±

    Cecelia than signaled her finger and from nowhere entered Reeves along with a flimsy file and handed the commander. She then again returned back to the corner.

    From the file, she took a thin muddy looking frail paper.

    ¡°This letter which was a message regarding for more reinforcements. Sadly, the messenger was intercepted by the enemy and slaughtered along with the horse in between the route. Thankfully a fellow traveler discovered the corpse and informed the accident. When they examined, this was the letter they found out.¡±, the commander than hands out the letter to Captain Arnold.

    The captain took a minute to read but was quite baffled. He then hands it to captain Lynn who had the exact expression. The other people were quite confused and also curious about the content of the letter.

    The captain Arnold hands back the letter to the commander,

    ¡°Madam. It¡¯s better if you keep the new recruits as well as the weapon technician out of this mission. It¡¯s too dangerous for their first field mission.¡±,replied Arnold with a worried look,

    ¡°Please reconsider.¡±

    Cecelia got an irked expression,

    ¡°Well, I know that! That new girl Caroline Dewitt, her noble house is forcing my hand to send her on a mission as soon as possible. Whereas that new boy Horatio Watson, he¡¯s constantly bugging and protesting outside my castle, just to go on a field mission. And that freak in the lab coat, he just wants to test out his new weapons and I can¡¯t allow him to test it here.¡±

    ¡°But madam¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! I have sketched out the duties. As soon as you are about to reach the Ironcliff district, the new two recruits along with that freak would be separated from the assault squad. The newbie squad would choose a secluded place and guard the creepy freak as he carries out to test his weapon prototypes, in secret. Whereas, the other two assault squad would investigate the district. My daughter Sasha would be joining in as well just to increase the odds on to succeed the mission.¡±

    There was silence in the room and the atmosphere filled with confusion.

    The creepy scientist raised his hands, suddenly.

    Cecelia let out a gasp of depression. Although, Cecelia did not permit him to ask a question he still began,

    ¡°First thing, If I test out my babies, the place won¡¯t be a secret anymore. Second thing, I am not a freak but a genius scientist.¡±, said the self-claimed scientist as he started to rub his chin, again proudly.

    Cecelia became a little cranky,

    ¡°Shut your yapping! You guys are leaving before the dusk of the morning. The enemy spies might notice you, so it¡¯s best you leave in the dark. Any queries?¡±

    They had a lot of questions to ask but they didn¡¯t know where, to begin with.

    "Well, then good luck! Class dismissed", concluded Cecelia who took their silence as a no.