Just then Pyon had made his way deep into the castle grounds, still severely injured thanks to the sacrifice of Sirius, and right across from where he was, he saw four adults and two children making their way to the other side of the castle ground, Clover spotted him and was taken aback by how he looked…
"who is that strange person, and is he… is he missing an arm" she said staring back at him, the other turned their gaze to where she was looking and they saw him, thanks to her being able to use Soul Energy, Alice could feel his aura and immediately flagged for danger… "oh no… that is one of the men of Jace, we have to get out of here" she said with a panic, still observing, Vetra then noticed the platter of bodies all around where he stood, and he went white all over… "this isn't good… just how was he able to get into the walls this deep, wasn't captain Sirius in charge of protecting the castle, we have to leave right now… HURRY… GO, GO, GO" said Vetra in full panic as he held on to Clover and propel her forward, as she also held on to here siblings, they all moved faster trying to get away…. "ohhh?… where do you all thing you're going? (menacing smile)… looks like one of them is whom am looking for" said Pyon to himself as he ran forward with inhuman speed towards them, blocking their path…. "why are you all in such a hurry hmm?… I need your help with something, and if you can help me I promise I will be on my way… which one of you is the second princess of this kingdom… princess Clover Von Warmark?" said Pyon with a devious smile.
Just then, Jericho and Erica had finally made their way to the capital, and it was a huge mess, the streets filled with bodies of both the troops of Warmark and the Lost, and also some soldiers not affiliated with Warmark, but Jericho recognized the armor they were wearing, they were the soldiers of Menssai, Jericho froze for a moment upon seeing them, before Erica brought him back from his trance.. "are you alright Jericho" she asked with concern in her voice… "yes… yes, I am Erica… let keep moving, I have a bad feeling about this" Jericho responded and they both moved on towards the castle, while they were on the move, using his Mercury ability, Jericho created a mask and put it on, as he felt it was only a matter of time before he meets one of the more powerful men of Jace, or even Jace himself.
"which of you is princess Clover Von Warmark... (they stared, not saying anything as he continued)… I do know it can't be you lady knight, cause only the people of Warmark have the prepossessing darker skin, with Black or White hair… and it can't be the man or children, for obvious reasons… so… (he said turning his gaze at both Clover and Rose)… it must be between the both of you… (creepy smile)… now tell me, who is it?" he said still with an unsettling smile on his face, Vetra then stepped in front of them, drawing out his pistol, getting reading to fight back… "you are in no sharp or condition to be making demands, just look at you, you lost an arm and an eye too, must have lost a lot of blood too… what gives you the right and confidence to be making demands of us?" said Vetra pointing his pistol at the head of Pyon, he smiled and within the blink of an eye, Vetra was seen flying backwards, as Pyon punched him in the face, seeing that Alice then jumped in front of the others drawing out her sword… "{what was that… I didn't even see him move until he made impact (breathing heavily)… so this is the strength of a Grand General… how truly frightening}" Alice thought as she stared down, Pyon… "so lady knight… are you also going to be foolishly unreasonable like that loud mouth worm?" Pyon asked looking straight into her eyes, she looked around weighing her options, then she acted… "all of you… get closer to me now" Alice screamed, they all got to her side and then she used her ability…
"Soul Technique… Nature's Embrace" said Alice stabbing her sword into the ground, then from it, a couple of large green vines burst out and covered all of them in a dome, to the others surprise, especially Clover, her eyes sparked as she saw and felt the energy that surrounded them.
Pyon stared with a look of surprise, but it didn't last long, as he got ready to counter… "ohhh… I see, you are one of those humans who can now use soul energy… I must say I underestimated you… and to think I would have learned my lesson by now (sigh)… I truly deserve to be punished… but this little trick won't be enough to stop me" said Pyon as he stepped forward and placed his one attached arm on the vines… "Soul Casting… Fog Dilitirio" said Pyon, then a green mist came from his hands, engulfing the vines, it looked like there were burning and melting away… "oh no, he is getting through, and I can't push my sword any further, it will break" said Alice in a panic, then soon enough a large hole was created and from that hole Pyon reach in and grabbed little Spade before anyone could react… "NO!!!… Spade" Clover and Rose screamed… "now you will tell me which one of you is Clover, or I might accidentally kill this little lady, you have five (5) seconds…. 5… 4… 3" said Pyon, holding on to the neck of Spade, as Clover was about to tell him she was the one he was looking for, Ace interrupted her, sounding very upset…
"give me back my sister… now" said Ace walking slowly towards Pyon, the others tried grabbing him but he broke free… "ohh? And who is this?… if you want her tell me who Clover is young one" said Pyon with a smile, but it only got Ace much more upset… "I said… GIVE ME BACK MY SISTER NOW…. YOU MEAN JERK!!!!" Ace screamed with anger, then something incredible and shocking happened… the ground started shaking viciously and a white aura could be seen around Ace… "I WANT MY SISTER!!!" said Ace then some sonic waves burst out of his hands, together with a very loud noise that sounds like thunder… it hits Pyon in the face, which sent him flying and landing heavily on the ground, a couple of feet away from them, everyone stood frozen with shock, with what they have just witnessed, but Alice was quick to snap out of it, then she and Ace ran to the side of Spade to check if she was alright… "Spade… sis… are you okay?" said Ace with a confused tone… "oh you saved me Lixis… what was that, you were awesome, like a hero… I love you my brother" said Spade filled with excitement and she jumped on her brother and gave him a big hug… "your highness… did you see what I just did?… how was that possible?… how did the prince do that?" asked Rose still consumed by shock… "that is what father was talking about… the world will now be able to use soul energy… but I never thought I will witness it from a family member this soon… how fascinating" Clover responded also still shocked.
After getting surprised like that by the prince, Pyon slowly got to his feet, and his face injuries caused by the blast was healing… "how utterly embarrassing… first that captain took my arm and eye, now a mere child knocked me down, how could I embarrass my lord in this manner… how utterly shameful… (they all turned their gaze to Pyon as he lamented in anger)… I won't forgive this, you all are dying… starting with you, little brat" said Pyon as he ran forward super fast, but then a shot was heard and Pyon was seen dropping to one knee, they then turned their gaze to the direction of the shot and saw it came from Vetra, he slowly made his way towards the others, still coughing up blood and unable to walk straight, and his left arm looks like it's broken, he really looked bad… "Vetra!… you are okay?" said Rose, with a relieved tone… "q-quickly… b-before he r-recovers… m-move… n-now" said Vetra forcing himself to speak, they nod and started moving along, but before anyone could react Pyon had made it closer, grabbing Vetra by his broken arm, filling it with poison, and then ripping it from his body… he screamed in pain, as the others watched in horror.
Then Pyon kicked him and he flow towards the guards that were making their way to their location after hearing all the commotion, and with his last breathe, before going unconscious, he told the guards to go inform the king immediately, and also he apologized for his failure in protecting the twins and the princess, he then lost consciousness as one guard ran off to deliver his message, and two more took him to receive treatment.
The rest of the guards that stayed to protect Clover and the twins were easily dealt with, Alice stepped up, taking out a knife, and going after Pyon with punches and kicks, but he easily evaded them, as he was about to attack back, Alice used the knife and activated her ability… "Soul Technique… Tree Giant" she said, then throw the knife on the ground, performing some backfilps as she gave herself some distance between her, Pyon and what was making It's way from the ground.
On hitting the floor, the knife shattered and a burst of Soul Energy could be felt, seeing this, Pyon also stepped back a little, then from the ground a huge human looking giant was formed, it was nine feet tall, and very bulky, it roared at Pyon, then ran forward, attacking him, it hit Pyon sending him to the other said of the wall, and through the wall, the giant still went after Pyon, giving the others the chance to escape, with the lead of Alice, so far they were making good progress, until, just in front of them they saw someone with one arm blocking their path, and to their horror, it was Pyon… "do you really think wood is a good match for me lady knight?… (they turned and saw the giant almost completely melted, they turned to him again and saw that he was walking towards them)… you will have to try better than that" said Pyon as he pushed himself forward, this time grabbing Ace by the neck and lifting him high, and off his feet, chocking noises can be heard coming from him as he was fading away… "I did promise to kill you first didn't I boy, see I am a man of my word" said Pyon, seeing this Clover and the others were in a panic… "NO!!! Ace… wait, take me, I am Clo....." Clover scream but yet again before she could finish she was interrupted, this time by a very panicked and agitated Spade…. "LET GO OF MY BROTHER YOU MONSTER!!!" she screamed then lifted her hands to the skies, it instantly got cloudy, and then lightning traveled from the sky, to the top of Pyon's head, the pain was so intense he let go of Ace, whom was coughing up a storm and gasping for air.
As he was about to regain his composure again, Alice used her sword, that she has been saving and activated her ability again… "Soul Technique…. Growth Spare" she said, not holding anything back, her sword shattered, but before then some plants surrounded Pyon, then pierced him all over, leaving no room, he screamed in pain, but as always it was no match for his poison ability, as piercing his body instantly killed them, cause of his venomous soul energy… all hope now looked lost as, he blocked their path yet again… "I told you…. you all are dying here, I will just take both the Warmark ladies, and kill the rest of you… it's over" said Pyon as he ran forward this time with full on blood lust, but then out of nowhere an incredibly hot flame was felt which knocked back Pyon as it was unbearable for him… "I think you are mistaken" said a very familiar voice to Alice, upon hearing it the joy on her face was so bright… "COMMANDER!!" she said with relief… "it is you who will be dying today, tyrant…. it's okay Alice, you did so so well, am so proud of you (she smiled, Alice was fighting back tears as she smiled back at her commander)… now rest up, leave the rest to me" said Erica as she returned her attention to Pyon, whom was getting on his feet again… "just who are you?" .…. "I am the last face you will be seeing alive" she said with a very intimidating stare, and then she attacked him.
Back at the strategy room, a guard that survived the attack from outside the castle walls and gates was there in a panic as he informed the king about the sacrifice and death of the Captain of his Royal guards, Sirius, everyone in the room was left speechless and shocked… "this can't be… not Sirius" said the king still processing the information he had just received… "and where has the threat to our nation gotten to?" Konrad asked, feeling for his brother, who is still shaken by the news, but before the guard could answer, the door was opened again, and another guard made his way in, panicking… "your majesty, I have terrible news.. (the room went silent with dread after what the guard said)… commander Vetra was critically injured and was rushed to the infirmary… (Konrad's heart skipped a beat)… and Princess Clover and the twins are about to be taken by a Grand General of Jace… they are currently within the castle walls" said the guard, then panic ran through the room, with what they just heard… "and what about the lady knight that was also sent to get them?" William asked, also scared of the though of Alice being injured too or worse… "she is okay as of when I saw her, she was the only one putting up a fight against that monster, but am not sure how long she will last" he answered, William felt a little relieved but still very restless, cause he wants to go help her, but he has to protect the king… "oh no Tio… little Spade… Lixis" princess Diamond whispered to herself fighting hard to hold back tears… after a long period of being silent, king Leohart finally spoke… "I have made my decision and no one dare oppose it… (they worriedly turned to hear what the king had decided upon)… I will be turning myself in to get my children back" King Leohart stated boldly… "you can't be serious your majesty" Konrad stated fully against it… "am sorry Leohart, I can't agree with that choice of yours" King Gustavious adds, also against it…. "please father, think this through, the kingdom needs you" Princess Diamond also adds still fighting back tears… "I do not care, my children are in danger, I can not sit here when this could all be over if I just give myself up… I will not hear any argument about it" said king Leohart, he stood up and made his was towards the door, both guards and everyone in the room followed him, he then stopped and asked King Gustavious and Princess Diamond to stay behind but they protested, then William and Konrad spoke and finally it got through to them, King Leohart personally asked Sir. William to protect them, which he easily agreed, then he left with his prime minister and the guards, with a couple dozen other guards joining them after they made their way outside…
"Konrad… I know you were trying to compose yourself back there, when you heard about Vetra, but I know how worried you are, and you don't have to hold it in any longer my little brother.. (Konrad gave a heavy sigh and his face changed to a very worried one)… I know, it's part of being a parent to always worry about your children… do not fret brother, Vetra will be fine" King Leohart said trying to cheer his brother, Konrad gave a bold nod and cleared his throat as they continued their walk.
They headed towards where princess Clover and the others were at that moment, then suddenly they heard a loud noise coming from the other direction, they stood for a while, then out of nowhere a man appeared, he had long dark hair, and a very strange armor they had never seen before, and with him was a few shadow creatures called the Lost, which looked a lot like he was controlling them.
The man then stepped forward and gave a sarcastic bow to king Leohart… "it's an honor to meet your acquaintance your majesty… I would have been here sooner but your soldiers are very strong, not to mention the ones from Righteous whom can now using soul energy" the man stated still bowing… "who might you be?" king Leohart asked, weary… "oh pardon my rudeness your majesty… (he lifted his head)… I am Demiurge… the right hand of the prince of this world himself… my master… Lord Jace Von Menssai" Demiurge responded with a polite tone… "what do you want?" Konrad asked, hoping he wasn't here for what he was thinking… "I am here for his majesty of course, my lord has business with king Leohart you see, and am just here as an envoy to bring him to my lord, am not here to cause any trouble, I hope you will be as reasonable as the rumors say you are, your majesty" Demiurge said, with a grin on his face… "the insolence… get behind us my king" the guard said, trying to protect their king… "we could always do it the difficult way, but am not sure my lord will be happy about that, so I beg of you, let's make this easy" he said starting to get annoyed, king Leohart stepped forward a little then asked.. "if I go with you… right now… you-you swear to leave my daughter alone?" king Leohart asked with a soft, pleading tone… "oh… you mean, the second princess, her highness Princess Clover? (he responded with a yes)… am sorry your majesty she is coming with us too, my lord also needs her… so will you come with me?" Demiurge responded, king Leohart tone went from pleading to angry, he then sent a few guards to Princess Clover and the twins location, as he turned his back at Demiurge and stated… "I have no business with the likes of you, I am in a hurry to go get my daughter, am not going with you" he walked off, to Demiurge dismay… "I thought I could solve this without causing trouble… but I see I was wrong (he snapped his fingers and some dead soldiers appeared beside him, they were the ones he had killed before making his way to the castle… they were some that uses the pistol of Warmark, and others that uses swords but also uses soul energy)… I guess I will have to drag you to my lord" he said sending his army forward, the guard stepped in between the undead army and their king, fighting them off to the best of their ability, but anyone that fell gets resurrected again by Demiurge, so it was never ending.
It continued until there were just eleven guards left and they formed a cycle around their king… "now… I will ask on last time…. will you come along quietly, or do I need to use more force?" ... "he will never… we won't let you get to our king, monster… we will die here before you touch our king" the guards not ready to back down or lose, answered before king Leohart could speak, he felt really proud of them…. "I guess you've made your decision… kill them all, and take the king alive" Demiurge commands his army, and they ran forward, but just then they heard a voice coming from the sky… "Soul Casting… Silver Blade Storm" the voice called, then a rain of small sliver daggers came down from the sky and completely annihilated the undead army, forcing Demiurge to also take cover, when the dust settled a man in a sliver mask can be seen standing between king Leohart and the undead army of Demiurge… "who-who are you?" the king asked… "your majesty am an ally, am here to help, and don't worry, your daughter the princess and everyone with her will be fine as well, someone I trust has gone to assist and bring them back to you… we can talk better after this" the masked man responded… "how dare you interfere with a private matter such as this… who even are you peasant?" Demiurge asked, feeling very upset now… "I am the one you will be facing now, right hand man… (Jericho sensed his soul energy and it was so so power, and much more than any other he had felt, not even the Grand Four he had met had this much, Jericho felt instant relief he was the one that decided to come here instead of Erica)… you don't seem like an ordinary human, your energy feels a lot like something else" Jericho said staring down at Demiurge, he smiled and replied… "funny, 'human'… I could say the same about you (to him Jericho had a godly aura, which was very confusing cause he also felt like a human too)… why are you here?… this isn't your business… {this can't be the brother of lord Jace, he just doesn't feel human, he doesn't even feel like master Jace, whom is now the flesh and blood of a very powerful true god… I have a bad feeling about this}" Demiurge responded, and ended it thinking to himself… "as you heard me say, I am an ally of Warmark, and this is war, is it not?… yeah then I have every right to be here, don't you think?" said Jericho still staring… "well then… I guess you are ready to die" said Demiurge as he sent his undead army in again… "oh, I think that's suppose to be my line" Jericho replied then ran forward to attack.