Rescue
[Name: Shutra Ignus]
[Age: 14]
[Race: Gandharva]
[Occupation: Protagonist]
[Sub-Occupation: Knight of Conquest Lv.1]
[Special Notes: Prince / Knight of Conquest]
[Level: 9]
Strength: 21Intelligence: 21Agility: 21Dexterity: 21Stamina: 21Endurance: 21Spirit: 21Mana: 21Charm: 17Additional Points: 14
"Hmm."
The boy carefully examined the status window spread out in the air, arms crossed, slowly nodding his head. One stat stood out because it was different from the rest.
"Charm, huh."
In Knight Saga, appearance and charm were separate stats. Appearance referred to how handsome or pretty someone looked, while charm determined how likable they were to others.
Someone you enjoyed talking to for no reason, someone oddly appealing despite plain looks, or someone who just seemed to shine brighter than others.
Conversely, there were also people who looked beautiful but somehow repulsive, or whose very presence made others uncomfortable.
Shutra's appearance was a solid 7 out of 10—extremely handsome. And since he had now become far more charming than "Villager A," his good looks no longer felt wasted.
So the boy focused only on the fact that charm rose differently from the other stats.
"So the growth rate has changed."
At first, every stat increased by 2 per level, but at some point charm only went up by 1.
"Well, I guess it makes sense."
Each character in Knight Saga had a unique growth curve. Late-bloomers gained little early on but skyrocketed later, while genius types like Hero Lok or Zephyr grew well at every stage.
But in his case, every stat still increased by 2—except charm. And with extra points available, his overall growth was even better than Lok or Zephyr.
"As expected of the protagonist."
Smiling at the double meaning, he turned to check his skill window.
He hadn't distributed the skill points earned at Level 9 yet, so no new skills had leveled up, but that didn't mean there was no change at all.
"Heh, so grinding really works."
After returning to the tent with Caitlin and Chris, instead of sleeping right away, he had spent three hours grinding.
On blank paper he practiced writing Dwarven script while training telekinesis with the other hand.
For memorization, rote repetition worked best. He wasn't exactly memorizing Dwarven, but by copying song lyrics he liked into the script, it felt like learning anew.
Thanks to the repetition and translation, or maybe because of his low level, his skill experience went up significantly. With just six more hours of practice, he might reach Level 2.
Telekinesis training was simpler. He just practiced moving small objects on a desk. Right now his power was weak, so he barely made them tremble, but even that helped.
"Alright, let's grind telekinesis to Level 2 first. If you spread yourself too thin early, you don't become a jack-of-all-trades—you become useless. Focus on one thing first."
Still, he wanted to learn magic. Especially healing spells from holy magic.
"Anything's better than nothing. Even Heal Lv.1 would be great."
Nodding to himself, he checked the unchanged skills:
Conquest, Under the King's Banner, Protagonist's Correction.
They were still Level 1, no progress. But he wasn't discouraged. He hadn't tested everything yet.
"Level 10 will be interesting."
Even if a skill couldn't be leveled by normal means, most special skills grew automatically once the character hit certain levels.
Level 10. Just looking at the number, it screamed significance.
It had been that way in Knight Saga, too—Zephyr's unique skill Heir of Darkness and Lok's Chosen One had both leveled up at 10.
"At least one of Conquest or Protagonist's Correction will level up. It has to. Right? Right…?"
Muttering to no one in particular, he closed the status window. He wanted to go hunting immediately, but there was too much to do today and tomorrow.
"Prince, may I come in?"
Right on cue, Karak's voice came from outside the tent.
"Come in."
It was still too early to call it morning, but Karak was already in full armor, even carrying a round shield he normally left behind.
"What are you doing?"
"Just warming up. Are we leaving right away?"
"Things need to be settled quickly, so please understand. This time Prince Chris will accompany us as well."
Information needed to be confirmed as soon as possible—whether the dwarves' portal worked, and whether they could secure the rear of the Red Thunder Tribe's main base.
If they finished this morning, the attack could begin tomorrow or the day after.
"Alright, let's go."
His stomach grumbled from skipping breakfast, but he agreed cheerfully and left the tent.
Caitlin's camp was busy as well. Chris and Caitlin met him at the entrance, their Lycanthrope soldiers lined up behind them.
"Shutra!" Caitlin waved warmly. After last night's alliance, the two felt closer than ever.
"Would be nice if I could check favorability scores."
Unfortunately, there was no direct way. In Knight Saga, you could only check with special items or certain NPCs. Characters who "seemed loyal" sometimes betrayed you instantly—that was the point.
Chris slung an arm around his shoulders. "We packed enough lunches. Let's eat inside the cave. Come on!"
His face looked like a kid going on a picnic. Caitlin sighed and explained, "While we confirm the portal, my troops will clear the monsters. Seira will lead them."
Seira bowed politely when Caitlin gestured.
"So no chance to level up through cave-clearing… oh well."
It couldn't be helped. The portal confirmation and tunnel clearing had to happen together.
Chris squeezed his shoulder. "Both the cave and the portal were your discoveries. Expect a reward. Once this is done, life in the Demon King's Castle will change dramatically. Even the other Demon King's children will see you differently."
He said "children of the Demon King" instead of "siblings," betraying a hint of hostility.
"A reward is nice, but I'd rather not attract too much attention yet."
Especially not Zephyr's. But living as the lowest of the low was no option either—some risks had to be taken.
And really, from rock bottom, even a sudden rise might not cause too much trouble.
Besides, he hadn't allied with Chris and Caitlin to hide—he intended to move forward.
When his face darkened, Chris patted his back, misinterpreting. "Don't worry! I'll teach you Beast God Fist soon. You're not ready yet—you'll need special potions. It'll take some time to prepare."
"And I'll properly teach you Aura after this mission," Caitlin added quickly.
He realized he'd promised to learn many things, but hadn't actually made progress on any. Meeting Caitlin's apologetic face, he smiled wryly.
"Beast God Fist and Aura sound great, but I really want magic… wait."
A thought struck him.
"Do I even need to get hit to learn magic?"
So far, he'd learned skills in two ways:
By performing related actions (Basic Swordsmanship, Mapmaking, Dwarven Script).
By being struck first, then awakening (Aura, Telekinesis).
Magic required a mana awakening. But after that, learning spells resembled the first method more.
"Maybe I should ask them for a magic book? Something basic—like a collection of 1st-circle spells."
Both Chris and Caitlin were warrior-mages. They leaned more toward warriors, but surely had some spellbooks.
But another thought surfaced.
Mage. Prince and Princess. People who knew a lot about the Demon Realm.
"Hey, Chris. Can I ask you something?"
"Hm? What is it?"
Walking side by side, Chris looked at him with a friendly smile. Caitlin blinked curiously too.
Lowering his voice, he asked, "Do you know anything about the Knight of Conquest?"
The Knight of Conquest.
A white-haired woman wearing a golden crown.
He suspected this was why he could learn skills so easily.
"Subjugate, compel, dominate."
Was he literally conquering skills?
It could've been Protagonist's Correction too, but he leaned toward Conquest.
Yet the Knight of Conquest had never appeared in Knight Saga. Would Chris and Caitlin know?
They frowned thoughtfully, but only for a moment. Chris shook his head. "Never heard of it. Caitlin?"
She thought harder, but also shook her head. "No idea. Maybe a nickname? A warrior from the Human Realm, perhaps?"
The title did feel like an epithet. Warriors in the Human Realm loved knightly titles.
Chris clapped his hands. "Makes sense! Maybe it's a Human Realm warrior. They love calling themselves knights."
His eyes sparkled like a boy hearing stories of knights. The boy laughed awkwardly and waved it off.
"No, I don't know either. Just something I remembered."
Only after saying it did he realize how reckless that was. He didn't even know what the Knight of Conquest was, or how others might view it.
What if it was considered dangerous? Even Caitlin or Chris might turn on him.
"Too hasty. I shouldn't talk about it again until I know more myself."
For now, he'd need to investigate alone. Maybe the Great Library had records.
He didn't believe it was entirely unknown—there had to be something written somewhere.
But then…
The white woman with the crown. The red woman in flames. The gaunt man in black robes. The blue man in a skull helmet.
Four shadowy figures flickered in his mind, leaving him dizzy.
"Hey, are you alright?"
He staggered, and Chris immediately turned as if he had eyes in the back of his head. Surprised, the boy stumbled again.
"Hey?"
"Ah, just… still sleepy, I guess."
He rubbed his eyes and yawned. Chris scoffed but smirked.
"Kid, the mission starts the moment we leave camp. Stay sharp."
His scolding tone was softened by his grin. Chris really did feel like a cheerful older brother.
"Want some water?" Caitlin suddenly offered her canteen, smiling warmly like a sister.
"Thanks."
He drank a gulp, touched again by their kindness. They had known him for only a few days, yet treated him so well. No wonder they'd gone berserk when one of them had died in the Lycanthrope campaign.
Handing the canteen back, he caught Chris watching Caitlin carefully stow it. Chris smiled and nodded before leading again.
And the boy couldn't help but wonder:
"Does Chris know?"
That Caitlin wasn't truly the Demon King's child, but the daughter of Galahad, one of the Five Generals?
They were only two years apart—Chris surely knew.
And did Caitlin herself know the truth?
"I'll have to find out slowly."
He walked on. The cave wasn't far.
Since they had already scouted this path, the march was swift.
At the cavern where they'd fought the rock spiders, Seira and the Lycanthropes split into squads to clear side tunnels, leaving only Karak and nine elite Lycanthropes to follow with Chris, Caitlin, and Shutra.
At the dwarven portal, Chris's mages began their inspection. Some even knew bits of Dwarven.
"Prince Shutra was correct. This portal connects to the Eska tributary of the Zhushka Mountains," one reported.
"And it still works?" Chris asked.
"Yes. As sturdy as you'd expect from dwarves."
Dwarven crafts were famed across the Demon Realm. Satisfied, Chris looked at his companions.
"Alright. Let's move."
The portal activated easily—mana poured into the circle, and a blue gate shimmered open. Passing through, they emerged instantly at the other portal.
"See? Simple." Caitlin smiled, nudging him.
He nodded, impressed. "So this is called spatial leap, right?"
Not teleportation, but leap—though he didn't know the difference.
"Don't relax yet," Chris warned. "We haven't secured this passage, or confirmed where it exits."
He led the way with disciplined precision, utterly unlike his earlier carefree self.
Fortunately, the tunnel with the third portal was shorter and simpler than the second.
Guided by the boy (pretending he'd found it by chance), Karak smashed open a stone door.
"Haah, fresh air at last!"
Wind rushed in. They seemed to be mid-mountain.
"Good—less visible from below," Chris muttered, signaling his men. The Lycanthropes darted out like arrows.
"Let's go too. Stay alert."
Once again Chris led the way, followed by the boy, Caitlin, and Karak.
As Chris had said, they were on a mountainside. Thanks to collapsed rocks, old trees, and thick growth, the cave entrance was almost invisible.
"Perfect. No one can spot it from below."
Standing on the slope, Chris looked down the mountain. The boy couldn't help but breathe in awe.
"Wow."
Below stretched the Red Thunder Tribe's camp. Counting non-combatants, more than five thousand orcs were gathered—far larger than Caitlin's forces.
"Even with a rear assault, sabotage will be the main goal. Once General Vandal smashes their front and throws them into chaos, a strike team sneaks in from behind and burns things like that food storehouse over there."
Chris pointed to a corner of the camp. His voice carried a strangely sinister tone.
But then Caitlin narrowed her eyes.
"Something's off. There aren't enough soldiers."
"Huh? Now that you mention it…"
It wasn't night, so the orcs couldn't all be inside their tents—yet the camp looked oddly empty.
"Don't tell me…"
Chris trailed off. He and Caitlin turned their gazes further outward—both gasping at the same time.
On the plains before the camp, two armies were clashing.
They were fighting. That much was clear. But the distance was too great to see details.
The Red Thunder Tribe's camp lay before the Zhushka Mountains' rear wall. On the plain in front, a battle raged in one corner.
"I can't see well! Can either of you?"
He asked in frustration. From their faces alone, he knew the answer—both of them could see, even from this distance.
"Prince, I can't see either," Karak muttered, equally frustrated.
Caitlin, still staring intently at the battlefield, spoke.
"Shutra, focus your aura into your eyes."
Aura—the very force of life—could strengthen the body. But would channeling aura into his eyes really improve vision?
"…Whoa. It works. I can see!"
Consciously focusing aura into his sight, he saw farther and clearer. What had been mere dots now took vague shape.
"They're fighting orcs, but… not orcs or ogres themselves?"
The skin tone and clothing didn't match. Orcs and ogres favored bare, rugged attire, but these fighters wore black and purple garments, their builds slimmer.
"Tch, this is my limit."
Even with aura, the distance was too great. Chris and Caitlin looked just as uncertain. Chris squinted and muttered,
"They're not General Vandal's troops. Besides, today wasn't scheduled for any battle. And their numbers are too small."
Not every fight was planned, but this wasn't Vandal's camp—it was the Red Thunder's. There was no reason for an unscheduled clash here.
A third army.
And small at that—maybe only a hundred at most. What had seemed like a clash was more one-sided slaughter.
"They'll be wiped out at this rate!" Caitlin cried.
The boy agreed. Since the encirclement wasn't complete, they should retreat immediately. Yet strangely, those troops fought harder, forcing their way into the orc ranks rather than fleeing.
"What are they after? Did something important get taken?"
"Retreating," Chris said.
When the leader—who had been fighting fiercely at the front—was unhorsed, the whole army abruptly shifted. They pulled back swiftly, moving with impressive mobility, and soon disengaged completely.
"Is it over? Who were they fighting?" Karak growled in frustration. Chris ignored him, while Caitlin looked at him helplessly.
The boy exhaled slowly. He still couldn't see clearly, but with the clues, a picture formed.
Black and purple clothes.Exceptional mobility.Not Vandal's forces.And their mounts—horned lizards.
"Dark Elves."
Corrupted elves of the Demon Realm. No doubt about it.
Like dwarves and orcs, Knight Saga's Dark Elves resembled their traditional fantasy counterparts.
They had long ears, slender limbs, and nimble movement. Their skin was bronze or light brown, reminiscent of South American beauties. Both men and women favored revealing attire—not from shamelessness, but because they dwelled in vast rainforests, the Demon Realm's equivalent of the Amazon.
Though corrupted, they were still elves—skilled in spirit arts. And since their corruption came from magic, they were adept spellcasters as well.
Instead of horses, they rode dracos—giant lizards of the rainforest. While weaker in endurance than horses, their explosive bursts of speed made them invaluable tactically.
"But why are Dark Elves here?"
Their rainforest home was leagues away from the Zhushka Mountains. Dark Elves didn't only live there, true, but appearing here out of nowhere made little sense.
"Prince, did you figure something out?" Karak asked urgently. Chris and Caitlin looked at him with hopeful eyes.
"Well? Do you know something?" Chris pressed, while Caitlin's bright, expectant gaze all but said Amazing! in advance.
The boy scratched his head.
"Not sure, but… they seemed like Dark Elves. Didn't you see their mounts? Horns on their heads, sudden bursts of speed?"
Karak still looked confused, but Chris and Caitlin spoke together:
"Dracos!"
No further explanation was needed—except perhaps for Karak, but now wasn't the time to indulge him.
"I can't believe I almost missed that," Chris muttered.
"So that was a draco. First time seeing one," Caitlin added.
Now understanding, Karak widened his eyes. "Draco? Then those guys were Dark Elves?"
"It's just a guess," the boy said. "Too far to be certain."
Truthfully, he'd never seen a draco himself—only their horns and speed gave him the clue.
"Good thing I rode them so much."
In the game, anyway.
"Alright, we're heading back. We need to contact General Vandal and confirm the situation."
They had originally come to discuss the dwarven portal and rear assault plans—but the sudden battle took priority.
Chris quietly explained to the boy and Caitlin, then blew a small horn hanging from his neck. Only Lycanthropes could hear the special sound.
"Let's move."
The Lycanthropes quickly regrouped, and Chris led them back.
At Portal 2, Chris still hurried onward. Instead of Caitlin's camp, they went to his own.
It was the boy's first time visiting Chris's base. The setup was similar to Caitlin's, though twice the size, since Chris commanded twice the soldiers.
"Contact General Vandal. It's urgent."
As soon as they entered his tent, Chris ordered it. Inside, magical communication devices were already prepared.
Mages poured mana into a silver disc standing upright.
"Ooh, like video call magic?"
Exactly. After a minute, the light coalesced into a figure.
"Prince Chris."
The rough voice belonged to a scarred ogre with red skin.
"Hah, feels nostalgic."
The boy felt oddly fond of him—Vandal had been one of his favorite subordinates in the game.
But the ogre ignored him, looking only at Chris. Chris skipped introductions and got straight to the point.
"General Vandal, there was a skirmish an hour ago in front of the Red Thunder camp. It didn't seem to be your troops. Do you know anything?"
"I do. But how did you know?"
Vandal was no ordinary ogre. If Karak was a genius among orcs, Vandal was that among ogres. His words were few, but his mind sharp.
"I saw it myself. And I have more news."
Chris explained about the dwarven tunnel and portal—emphasizing that Shutra had discovered it, a typically brotherly gesture toward Caitlin.
"I see." Vandal nodded gravely. Caitlin stepped forward.
"General Vandal, your turn. Tell us what you know."
"Those you saw were Dark Elves."
As blunt as expected.
"So it was them."
Chris asked, "Why would Dark Elves appear here? Reinforcements from the Demon King's Castle?"
"Similar, but not the same. An independent unit joined on their own. They claimed they were scouting before joining us, but things went wrong."
Many possibilities: wrong turn, unexpected encounter, bad luck.
"As you saw, they were crushed. But worse— their commander was captured by the Red Thunder Tribe."
At that, Chris's face darkened, and Caitlin clenched her teeth.
"So that's why they fought recklessly," Karak whispered to the boy. He nodded unconsciously, then asked,
"Who's their commander?"
"Felicia Doomblade."
The boy needed no further explanation.
The Sixth Princess—Felicia Doomblade. Chris and Caitlin's half-sister.
The Demon King had five queens, and from them nine children.
The Third Queen, Sylvia Doomblade, was the eldest daughter of the Doomblade family—the leading house among the seven Dark Elf clans, essentially a princess of the Dark Elves herself.
Felicia was one of her two children.
"She was the younger twin, right?"
The Fifth Prince, Sylvan Doomblade, and the Sixth Princess, Felicia Doomblade.
He recalled both from the game. They had belonged to the faction of Zephyr's rival, the Fourth Princess Anastasia Necrion, so his impression of them was mostly as enemies.
"Still, they were more approachable than Chris and Caitlin. At least I saw them more often."
Felicia—proud, pretty, selfish… a typical princess. His memory of her was hazy, since Sylvan had been the greater threat, one of the hardest bosses of the "Day of Massacre" event.
"Anyway, Felicia… why show up now? Trying to steal glory?"
Not impossible. The Demon King's children didn't just take orders—they roamed freely after turning 18. And this year Felicia had just reached 18.
"Maybe she was nearby on another mission and got involved?"
While he pondered, Chris and Vandal continued.
"Do the Red Thunder orcs know who she really is?" Chris asked.
"Hard to say. She may have revealed herself, or stayed silent, or they figured it out. Could go either way."
The difference was huge—was she merely a Dark Elf officer, or a Demon Princess? Their treatment of her would differ drastically.
"Or maybe she's already dead."
Normally, they'd ransom or use her politically. But orcs were violent, and the Demon Realm didn't think like humans.
"And your stance?" Chris pressed.
"If possible, rescue her."
"No negotiation?"
"If they approach first, we'll talk. But we won't bow our heads."
Chris smirked knowingly. The boy also nodded slightly.
This wasn't just because Vandal was a warlike ogre—it was the Demon Realm's nature. Strength ruled. No one risked everything for a reckless princess who got herself captured.
"Typical Demon King's Castle logic."
Even the Dark Elves had fought recklessly, perhaps because they knew it was their only chance to save her.
"I'll gather more intel," Vandal added abruptly. Chris accepted it easily.
"Good. We'll talk again in a few hours."
At Chris's signal, the mages ended the communication.
The boy signaled Karak. "Karak, step outside too."
"Got it. Call me if you need."
Now only the three remained. Chris slumped into a chair with a sigh.
"Our oh-so-great sister has gotten herself captured."
His words dripped with venom. Caitlin shot him a glare, then turned to the boy.
"If she's still alive, we must save her."
She was firm, her resolve plain. The boy nodded unconsciously.
Chris, however, smiled faintly. "Sure, that'd be nice. But don't forget—sometimes not rescuing is also an option."
"Brother!" Caitlin snapped. Chris only shrugged at her fierce look.
"Joking."
"Was he, though?"
His expression said otherwise.
"Cold…"
The Demon King's children rarely got along. They fought constantly. But still, siblings were siblings. Rivalries hadn't turned into full-blown kill-or-be-killed until the Lycanthrope campaign—when Zephyr had twisted everything into a deadly struggle.
But Chris's attitude toward Felicia seemed unusually dismissive.
"Did something happen between them?"
Or maybe their relationship was especially bad. After all, in the game Sylvan and Felicia had often opposed Chris and Caitlin.
And Felicia's fate wasn't even certain. In 512, now, she was captured. But in 513—the start of Knight Saga—she had been alive and well.
"I can't assume the game's timeline will repeat exactly."
After all, his very presence had already changed so much.
"We'll save her. We have to—she's our sister," Caitlin insisted again.
The boy marveled at her kindness.
Chris sighed, then nodded. "Fine. At least we'll pretend to try."
"Pretend?!" Caitlin glared, but said no more. The boy broke in.
"Any plan in mind?"
Felicia's condition was unknown. They didn't even know if she was alive, or where she was held.
Chris shrugged. "No point wasting time. Vandal would suggest this…"
He stood and pointed at the map.
"Vandal's army attacks from the front, drawing out their main force. Meanwhile…"
He placed three figurines at the rear of the Red Thunder camp.
"You, me, and Caitlin strike from behind. If we can rescue her, great. If not… then we don't. It's her fault anyway."
His gaze shifted to Caitlin. She pursed her lips, displeased, then turned to the boy.
"If we rescue Felicia, it'll be a huge accomplishment."
"True. And it'll dump a massive debt on Sylvan, too. Hah, I like that idea."
Chris grinned and nodded repeatedly. Caitlin looked exasperated, but relieved he was at least motivated, even if for petty reasons.
"So… the reason they were nice to me was because Shutra was basically beneath notice?"
At least in Chris's case, that seemed true. Caitlin, maybe not.
Chris chuckled to himself, then rapped the table with sharp thunk-thunk sounds.
"We may have to depart as soon as dawn. So, for now, both of you go back to your camps and rest. I'll discuss the details with General Vandal."
"Brother, you should rest too."
"Yeah."
Even with her displeased expression, Caitlin dutifully looked after him. Then she turned to the boy, and together the two of them stepped out of the tent.
Chris summoned them again that evening.
"The plan is simple."
He placed several figurines on the battlefield map—crafted well enough that their meanings were instantly clear.
"Our three miniatures look like proper tabletop RPG figures."
As the boy admired them, Chris continued:
"When General Vandal lures out the Red Thunder Tribe's main force, we'll raid their camp from behind."
"Really is simple."
It was nearly the same as what he'd said earlier. The boy gave him a look that asked And? That's it? Chris coughed and added,
"I'll charge straight into the center to cause chaos. Meanwhile, you and Caitlin split left and right, leading your squads to carry out your objectives."
The three figurines scattered in different directions. The boy asked:
"By 'objectives,' do you mean rescuing Felicia?"
"Burn the food stores and armory. If you find Felicia, save her. If it gets dangerous, pull out immediately."
So the main mission wasn't rescue—it was sabotage.
"Brother."
"This is more than enough. What else can we do?"
Caitlin grimaced, but didn't argue further.
"Well, we could send spies to confirm where the prisoner's held… but that would take time."
He kept that thought to himself while Chris went over timing, signals, and other details.
"Alright. Rest up, and we leave at midnight. Let's make this count."
"Yeah… time to finally hit Level 10."
The boy nodded silently and stepped out.
Time passed quickly. With Karak and fifty orcs, plus thirty more borrowed from Chris, the boy joined their forces as they crossed the dwarven portal. From a mountainside perch, they overlooked the Red Thunder camp.
"Heh! They'll never guess we're behind them," Karak whispered happily.
Nearly four hundred troops were hidden in the darkness. The moon was faint, the night deep—so much so that even the boy couldn't sense all their positions.
Nodding in agreement, he looked forward. The chill night air filled his lungs. Then, in the distance—
"It begins."
Chris's low voice coincided with a thunderous roar. Vandal's army charged, shaking the earth, accompanied by horns and drums that rattled the night sky.
The Red Thunder camp below erupted in chaos—shouts, horns, soldiers spilling out of tents.
The boy glanced toward Chris's hiding spot. Chris caught his eye and signaled: Wait.
"Now?" Karak whispered.
"Not yet. We wait until enough soldiers leave."
The boy explained softly, steadying his breath. This was his first time in a battle this massive, and his heart raced.
How much time passed, he couldn't tell. Then suddenly—Chris and his Lycanthropes surged forward, fast as arrows loosed from a bow.
The boy still waited. His force was eighty orcs total.
When the Lycanthropes howled across the battlefield, chaos doubled. Now it was their turn.
"Charge!"
"Charge!" Karak echoed, and the orcs roared—not with voices, but with weapons raised—rushing down the slope.
Thanks to his boosted stats, the boy kept pace easily. Glancing aside, he saw Caitlin's troops deliberately matching speed with his own. She met his eyes, smiled brightly, and he forced a grin back.
The camp loomed close. He drew his sword, eyes flicking between minimap and reality.
The Red Thunder camp was a maelstrom of fire and screams.
Flames, shrieks, roars, the clash of weapons—it was overwhelming. But there was no time to falter.
"Left flank! Straight to the food storehouses!" he ordered.
With Vandal attacking the front and Chris wreaking havoc inside, few defenders remained. It was almost a free-for-all.
"Uwooo!"
"Kill them all!"
The orcs charged, bloodlust in their eyes.
Karak was unstoppable—a giant with axe and shield, smashing through every obstacle at the vanguard.
The boy fought too, though not directly beside Karak—he supported from behind.
[Dagger Throwing Lv.1]
He had picked it up last night—literally just by throwing a dagger once.
As Karak crushed foes, the boy picked off stragglers with dagger throws, snatching last hits for juicy experience.
"Maybe I should properly learn archery too."
In this chaos, throwing daggers was handier, but a bow had its uses.
"Karak! Veer left—it's the food stores!"
"Ooooh!"
Fueled by adrenaline, Karak bellowed like a beast. The boy counted his dwindling daggers, scanning the area. Caitlin was fine; she needed no help.
"Good, now to the objective… ah, right! Felicia!"
He looked around—but of course she wasn't visible.
"If she's locked somewhere, she might just burn to death…"
Flames raged everywhere. If she was trapped inside, she could suffocate before the fire even reached her.
"So they really didn't plan to save her?"
Chris had started the fires himself. Instead of worrying, the boy barked to Karak:
"We need to find Felicia!"
"Huh? How, Prince?!" Karak yelled back. The boy nearly ordered him to search tents and shacks, but that was impossible.
"No, just keep charging!"
If the orcs valued Felicia, they'd try to move her themselves.
"Yeah, let's count on that."
Slightly guilty but pragmatic, he focused on the minimap. NPCs always appeared as special icons. If Felicia entered his range, she'd show up as a purple dot.
"Even Chris and Caitlin became reliable allies. Maybe Sylvan and Felicia can be won over too… not everyone has to be an enemy."
(Except Zephyr, of course.)
"Prince! The food stores!"
Orcs hurled explosive flasks—flames engulfed the depot.
"Hahaha! Burn, burn!" Karak roared like a villain.
The boy ignored him, scanning again. Objective achieved—now it was time to find Felicia or retreat.
And then—
"Over here! Somebody help!"
A sharp cry pierced the chaos—unlike the guttural orc screams, it was a high, feminine voice.
The boy and Karak dashed toward it. Inside a half-collapsed shack lay several dead orcs. In the burning wreckage stood a tall, silver-haired Dark Elf woman—hands bound, eyes blazing red.
"Felicia?"
Her barely-there outfit, silver hair, and sharp, alluring features left no doubt.
At his call, she blinked—then gasped in shock.
"What—Shutra?! You're fighting here?!"
Her eyes demanded an explanation. He answered with a question:
"How? Who took out the orcs around you?!"
"Me, obviously! I tried to escape during the commotion, but with fires everywhere… Never mind! Free me—cut these ropes! There's a curse blocking my magic!"
So she had already half-fought her way out herself.
"As expected of the Demon King's daughter."
He gestured, and Karak cut her bonds. Then he fired a green flare skyward—the signal for success.
"That means we found you! Now let's get out!"
He waved urgently. But Felicia just stared, dumbfounded.
"You signaled Chris and Caitlin?"
"Yeah! They both came to rescue you!"
(Well, Caitlin did. Chris was… debatable.)
"Best to score points here. If Felicia joins our faction, Sylvan might follow too."
Felicia blinked rapidly, as if stunned.
"Chris and Caitlin? They came to save me?"
"Huh? Is that so shocking? Guess their relationship's worse than I thought."
Her face was conflicted, though—like there was more to it than he knew.
"Forget it—we need to run!"
And right on cue—
"Prince! They're coming!" Karak shouted.
The minimap lit with red dots—orc reinforcements swarming like ants.
"Of course. They realized we're after the stores."
But the fire was already raging. They just needed to escape.
"Felicia! Hurry!"
"Fine, fine! But since when do you call me 'sister'—"
She trailed off as orc warcries closed in. Arrows and axes flew from all sides.
"Kh! Stay behind me!"
Karak raised his shield overhead, shielding the boy. The boy grabbed Felicia's wrist and yanked her toward him.
"Ah—?!"
"Uwooo!"
"Kill them!"
"Fight!"
His orcs roared, their shouts drowning Felicia's startled cry.
"Prince! Hurry!" Karak bellowed, shield still braced.
The boy turned to Felicia, crouched between them.
"Felicia! Any useful magic?"
Like her brother Sylvan was a swordsman, Felicia was a powerful mage.
She blinked, then nodded. "Wait… Shutra! Behind you!"
"What?"
He spun—just in time to see an incoming fire arrow.
"Magic?!"
No time to dodge. Instinctively, he pulled Felicia into his arms, taking the hit on his back.
"Damn it! Not Caitlin this time!"
Regret struck too late. Agonizing pain tore through him.
"Shutra!" Felicia screamed. He gritted his teeth, but even through the pain—he felt a rush of joy.
[Mana Control Lv.1 Acquired.][Fire Arrow Lv.1 Acquired.]
Magic!
Releasing Felicia, he spun and shouted:
"Fire Arrow!"
Flames burst from his fingertips. The fiery bolt streaked into the orcs.
It wasn't grand—it didn't annihilate everything before him—but it was his first magic spell. The exhilaration erased even the pain.
"Yes! It works! Real magic!"
"Prince! Are you okay?!" Karak yelled without looking.
The boy opened his mouth to answer—but only a strangled yell came out.
"Hyat-cha!"
He lunged sideways, shoving Felicia aside. Another arrow—this one of ice—was incoming.
"Gah!"
Unlike the fire, the ice arrow didn't explode—it pierced clean through his back. Agony eclipsed everything.
[Ice Arrow Lv.1 Acquired.][HP Critically Low. Danger!]
His health would be flashing red if he could see it.
"Ugh…"
He collapsed. Felicia caught him, panicked.
"Shutra!"
"Prince!" Karak shouted.
He couldn't answer. Taking spells head-on had been madness. He had been greedy—trying to learn magic at any cost.
Felicia flipped him onto his back, yanking out the arrow.
"Ghk!"
"Stay still!" she snapped, pressing trembling hands against his wound.
"Crazy! You're insane! Weak as you are—what were you thinking?! And when did you learn magic?!"
He couldn't hear her properly—he was half-conscious, wracked with pain. But to her, it looked different.
"Shutra… protected me?!"
Throwing himself in harm's way for her?
Gritting her teeth, Felicia forced her focus and chanted. A warm glow flared from her palms—healing magic.
The boy blinked in shock.
"Wait… Heal?"
The warmth sealed his wounds, restored some strength.
[Heal Lv.1 Acquired.]
"Ohhh!"
He had just barely escaped death, but joy was still joy. Whether she realized his elation or not, Felicia kept moving her hands, forcing him to lie flat again.
"Hey! Shutra! Stay with me! Don't you dare die!"
Her sharp shout trembled with emotion, and tears glistened at the corners of her eyes. Lying down, he blinked up at Felicia's face.
"F-Felicia?"
Did she really have this side to her? Wasn't she supposed to be just haughty and arrogant?
"Hey, are you okay? Answer me, will you?"
"I'm fine."
He tried to sound strong, but what came out was a voice already halfway in the grave. Felicia cursed.
"You idiot! Why would you block that with your body?! You think I can't handle magic of that level? Who's protecting who here?!"
"No, I didn't exactly mean to protect you…"
Well, the first time, maybe a little. But even then, it had been half on impulse.
"Anyway, can you stand? Do you want me to cast Heal again?"
He nodded faintly and forced his legs to move. Whether scolding or showing concern, Felicia seemed unexpectedly… favorable toward him.
"Prince! Are you okay?!"
Karak's voice thundered above. Instead of answering, the boy leaned on Felicia's healing hands and said,
"Sis, let's run!"
His voice was stronger now, thanks to her magic. Felicia, reassured, nodded.
"Yeah! Let's go!"
Karak gave them a Really? Now? look, but the boy ignored it. With Felicia at his side and Karak guarding, they fled toward the Zhushka Mountains.
But escape wasn't simple. The Red Thunder orcs, crazed with bloodlust, swarmed them like a tide.
"Damn! What's Chris doing?!"
Not that it was Chris's fault. He was probably fending off twice as many orcs elsewhere.
"Were there really this many orcs left? Is Caitlin alright?"
Worry for Caitlin gnawed at him, but he steeled himself. If anyone could survive, it was Chris and Caitlin—the very ones even Zephyr had avoided facing alone.
"Yeah, focus on myself first!"
A monstrous roar echoed ahead. The answer came from the surrounding orcs:
"Blood Ogre!"
A hulking, crimson-skinned ogre blocked their way, hefting a massive double-bladed axe, snarling with feral menace.
"A mutant ogre!"
Stronger, bigger, meaner than the norm. Its sheer presence rivaled that of legendary warriors.
"We have to break through."
If they stalled, more orcs would catch up from behind. Glancing at Felicia, he made up his mind. Now wasn't the time to hold back.
"Karak! Same as last time!"
"Oooh!"
Understanding instantly, Karak tightened his grip on his axe.
"Under the King's Banner!"
The boy drove the dwarven dagger into the ground. Radiant white light surged from him.
"Kugh!"
His remaining HP plummeted in an instant. His legs nearly gave out—but the skill had activated.
The light converged, streaming into Karak.
"Uwooo!"
Enshrouded in brilliance, Karak bellowed mightily. The nearby orcs howled like wolves, their morale soaring. Felicia, however, gaped with wide crimson eyes.
"Shutra?! Did you just do that?!"
The look demanded an explanation, but this wasn't the time.
"I did!"
"What're you waiting for, let's go!" Karak roared. Felicia scowled, unconvinced, but turned to face the Blood Ogre.
"Uwooo!"
"Guoooh!"
Karak and the Blood Ogre charged, weapons raised. Felicia, sighing at their brutishness, flicked her fingers.
"Grease!"
A slick sheen spread across the ground. The Blood Ogre, charging blind, slipped and crashed down like someone on soap in a bathhouse. Karak didn't miss the chance.
"Die!"
His axe smashed into the ogre's neck.
"Gyaaah!"
It shrieked, trying to rise, but Karak ripped his axe free and buried it in its skull. Blood and brain matter sprayed high, drenching him. Karak grinned savagely; Felicia wrinkled her nose.
"As expected of Felicia."
Karak had struck the killing blow, but the true MVP was Felicia. One well-placed spell had turned the battle instantly.
"Guess I didn't even need King's Banner, huh?"
In pure combat terms, maybe. But the skill gave more than buffs.
[Level Up!]
The merits of the general belong to his king!
"Level 10!"
White light enveloped him. His health fully restored, he shot upright, despite the pounding headache that followed the Banner's use.
Level 10—special in Knight Saga.
"Yes… yes!"
[Protagonist's Privilege has leveled up.]
The clear voice rang out. He clenched his fist in triumph.
[Protagonist's Privilege Lv.2]
Opening his skill window, he saw a new passive under the Privilege:
[Blessing of the Battlefield Lv.1](Accuracy of ranged attacks against the protagonist is slightly reduced.)
"Hah! A Stormtrooper effect?"
The infamous trope—stormtroopers who could hit anything except the heroes. Action movie logic: the protagonist never gets shot.
"This really is protagonist plot armor."
So perhaps learning magic came from the Conquest perk, while the Privilege gave survivability. Either way, this was incredible. "Slightly" was fine—Lv.1 could grow.
"Anything else? What's the effect of leveling the Privilege itself?"
"Hey! Shutra! What are you doing?!"
Felicia's sharp voice snapped him back. He shook his head and stood. Not the time for theorycrafting.
"Prince!"
"Yeah!"
Answering Karak, he drew his dagger again. The nearby orcs hesitated after witnessing the Blood Ogre's demise.
"Good, let's move."
"Retreat! Pull back!"
He called, and Karak spread the order with bloody axe swings.
Felicia also raised her voice.
"Run, you pigs! With the flames at your back!"
"With the flames at our backs?"
He shot her a look. She smirked, then lifted her arms high.
"Winds—rise and surge!"
A storm gusted from her, fanning the fire straight toward the orcs.
"Whoa!"
It wasn't mere magic—he sensed it clearly.
"Spirits. Definitely spirits!"
Even corrupted, Dark Elves were still elves. And as a princess, Felicia was a born spirit mage.
"But how would I even 'get hit' by that? It's just wind… No, wait—ugh!"
He shook his head. No, spirit arts weren't like magic. They were innate power, not something to be "learned by getting hit."
"Prince! Signal flare!" Karak shouted.
He looked up. A yellow flash streaked the sky.
"Retreat order!"
Chris's command.
"What's going on? Is Chris in danger?"
His thoughts leapt to Caitlin. He shrank his minimap, scanning.
"Need higher ground!"
Climbing quickly, he tracked his own forces. About sixty orcs had made it this far. From above, smoke and fire blurred vision, but the minimap revealed the truth.
"Their forces are massing center and right… where Chris and Caitlin are."
The orcs chasing him had turned back to converge there.
He grit his teeth. Faces flashed in his mind—Chris and Caitlin.
In 516, they would become the blood-crazed monsters of legend. But right now? Chris was seventeen. Caitlin only fifteen.
"Caitlin."
He had to help her. Maybe his escape had been easy precisely because most enemies had gone after her and Chris.
"Karak! Gather the men—we're going to help Caitlin!"
If he had to choose between the two, Caitlin needed aid more. Chris was stronger, with Lycanthrope elites at his side.
"Got it!"
Karak answered readily, but Felicia froze.
"What—you're going back?!"
He didn't waste time explaining. Just nodded once and sprinted.
"Let's go!"
"Ooooh!"
"Uwooo!"
Fired up, the orcs followed. Felicia swore, then shouted,
"Idiot! Wait for me!"
She caught up, summoning again:
"Winds—open the way!"
A corridor of flame parted. He silently thanked her, drawing a dagger. Red Thunder orcs filled the path ahead.
"Karak! Break through!"
"Leave it to me!"
Cackling, Karak plowed forward. Felicia cursed but worked tirelessly—bending fire, laying spells, clearing the way.
"She's really capable."
Even while focused on Caitlin, he couldn't help noticing. She used little direct offense, but her control of the battlefield was masterful.
"Like a goddess of war herself…"
Which made her capture all the stranger. Ambush? Overwhelming foe?
"Prince! Which way?!" Karak panted, gore-soaked.
The boy checked the minimap, then pointed right.
"This way!"
Beyond a towering blaze lay Caitlin's position.
"Sis! Put out that fire!"
He pointed. Likely Caitlin was just beyond.
"What are you, my commander?!" Felicia snapped—but already her fingers formed signs.
"Tornado!"
Mana raged. A small swirl grew into a colossal vortex, sweeping away flames and wreckage alike.
"Thanks! You're the best!"
He shouted with joy. Felicia sniffed, but her lips curved faintly.
"Go, Karak!"
"Ooooh!"
Together, they charged into the whirlwind. Felicia dispersed it at the last second.
"Caitlin! We're here to—"
BOOM!
A deafening blast swallowed his words—and all surrounding sound.
Blood, flesh, and bone rained down—remnants of orcs torn apart. At the center of the carnage, amid piles of mangled corpses, stood a small girl.
Her fist, still clenched, dripped with gore.
"Who exactly did you say needed saving?"
Felicia muttered under her breath, while Karak just let out a foolish chuckle.
Instead of replying, the boy turned to the girl. Splattered head to toe in orc blood, she blinked in momentary surprise—only for it to vanish in an instant.
"Shutra! You're safe!"
Caitlin Moonlight.
Still young, but undeniably strong—her smile bloomed like a flower.
&
Caitlin was not alone. Behind her stood her contracted Lycanthropes, panting heavily, drenched in gore. Like her, they were soaked in the blood of orcs.
"Uh, well… not saving you exactly. More like… coming to help."
It didn't feel right to say he had come "to rescue her."
'Honestly, she didn't even need help, huh?'
The Red Thunder orcs' panic had clearly been caused by Caitlin and her troops.
Wiping the blood off her face with the back of her hand, Caitlin walked over to him. Then she spotted Karak and Felicia standing awkwardly in the rear.
"Felicia unni!"
It was pure, undeniable emotion—half relief, half joy.
Felicia answered awkwardly, "Uh… yeah. Caitlin," and quickly turned her head away as if embarrassed. He couldn't see her face well, but she looked almost shy.
Caitlin only smiled brightly, then turned back to the boy.
"You did great. Another big achievement this time."
It was true, and her sincere praise felt good—but the timing wasn't. Even on the minimap, red enemy dots were still crawling around.
"Thanks. Anyway, sis, let's get out of here. Chris will handle himself just fine."
If Caitlin, barely fifteen, was this strong, then Chris—nearly an adult, with a larger force—would surely manage.
Caitlin glanced back toward where Chris must be, then nodded.
"Yeah. Oppa's strong."
Her voice carried absolute conviction. She exhaled deeply, then donned the same serious, faintly cold look she'd had when he first met her.
"Shutra, you lead. We'll cover the rear."
"Got it."
He gave the order, and Karak gathered their orcs. They moved toward the Zhushka Mountains. Felicia, after pouting briefly, fell back to the Lycanthropes' rear line—keeping their retreat secure with her flames.
'She's surprisingly diligent.'
Always grumbling, yet always doing what was asked—almost endearing in a way.
Thankfully, the retreat was smooth. Fewer orcs remained, and Felicia's fire kept threats at bay.
"Are we just crossing the mountains?" Felicia asked once they began climbing. Not knowing about the tunnels, it was natural.
"There's a secret path. Almost there," Karak said, pointing upward. Felicia frowned but let it drop.
Minutes later, Felicia was the first to enter the hidden tunnel. Seeing the portal room, she gasped.
"Dwarven script? These are the dwarves' tunnels and portals in Zhushka Mountain?"
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity—like Caitlin's.
Caitlin beamed. "Shutra found the tunnel."
"Shutra did?"
Felicia's gaze snapped to him, and Caitlin too looked at him with pride.
Getting attention from both a beauty and a young beauty was delightful—though Felicia's questioning stare was a bit tiresome. He just shrugged.
"Let's talk after we return."
"Right. We should go. The operation was a great success."
The voice came from behind. Chris.
Startled, the boy reflexively zoomed his minimap—Chris had already placed an arm around his shoulder, grinning.
"Oppa," Caitlin greeted warmly.
"Yes, Caitlin. I'm glad you're safe."
They were both covered in orc blood, but neither cared. Chris, still gripping the boy's shoulder, turned to the one person who looked uncomfortable.
"Been a while, Felicia noona."
His voice and eyes were nothing like when he spoke to Caitlin or Shutra.
The boy swallowed hard and looked to Felicia. Surprisingly, she kept her composure.
"It has been."
A curt reply. Chris's smile turned sharp, almost predatory.
The boy quickly interjected. "Chris hyung, what about General Vandal?"
He was curious—the battle's outcome could decide the war.
"We'll discuss later. Shutra, that dwarf portal—you can seal it from the other side, right?"
"Uh… yeah, I think so." He remembered such a function existed.
Felicia, however, looked baffled—why ask Shutra? Caitlin explained cheerfully,
"Shutra can read dwarven script. He figured out how to use the portal."
Her expression said, Isn't he amazing?
Felicia looked even more perplexed. Shutra only said, "Let's hurry, hyung."
It took longer than expected for all 400 soldiers to pass through. Once sealed, Seira approached.
"A rest area is prepared. Please follow me."
She had cleared and secured the tunnels.
They entered a chamber arranged like a tented room.
"Well done, Seira. You may leave."
She obeyed. Karak too was dismissed. Left alone, Chris spoke.
"General Vandal won. Yakuzan retreated after seeing his base burn."
Yakuzan—the Red Thunder chieftain.
"Retreated? Not surrendered?" the boy asked.
"Right. He's regrouping his scattered forces. He's not finished yet."
Caitlin asked, "Then General Vandal is pursuing him?"
"Likely. But catching him won't be easy."
Chris spoke with quiet certainty nonetheless.
"Regardless, this operation was a huge blow. Yakuzan's authority is cracked. And we rescued Felicia noona… no doubt, Shutra, you're the hero this time."
He clapped the boy's shoulder. Caitlin's bright eyes made it hard not to smile.
"Thanks. But it's thanks to you two as well."
The room warmed with camaraderie. Chris chuckled, then fixed a cold gaze on Felicia.
"Now, it's your turn to speak."
Felicia frowned; Caitlin looked uneasy. Chris's grin remained, though his eyes did not.
"So. Why were you there?"
"You already know, don't you?"
"I want to hear it from you."
Predatory eyes, like a beast circling prey. The boy thought, Yeah, this is the real Chris.
Felicia bit her lip, sighed, and said,
"I was researching nearby ruins. Heard battle reports, came to help, took a wrong turn… ran into their main force. Need more?"
Just as expected.
"So Chris just wanted to press her, or maybe unsettle her."
Better not to antagonize her. Winning her over was wiser.
"Why don't we all rest? We're exhausted."
The boy eased in. Chris nodded.
"Right. Noona, you can use this room. Attendants will come soon—wash up."
"Hmph."
Felicia snorted but didn't object. If anything, she seemed eager to bathe.
"Then we'll leave you. Rest well, sis."
He hurried to lead Caitlin and Chris out, but—
"Wait."
They turned. Felicia, staring at nothing, muttered softly,
"Thanks. All three of you. You saved me."
"…Huh?" Chris blinked. Caitlin smiled brightly; the boy grinned.
Felicia quickly turned away, raising her voice,
"Forget it! I'm resting! Get out!"
Embarrassment radiated from her back.
The boy smothered a laugh, urging Chris and Caitlin out.
"Still adorable. Careful, or we might get attached," Chris joked once outside. Caitlin smiled anew and turned to the boy.
"I'm glad. Thank you, Shutra. It's all thanks to you."
She clearly meant Felicia.
"Caitlin and Felicia seem fine… Is the problem Chris and Silvan?"
No answer for now. He scratched his cheek, replying,
"It was a team effort. Everyone contributed."
Corny words, but Caitlin nodded happily.
Chris clicked his tongue, slung an arm around him.
"Enough of that. Let's wash up and rest. Tomorrow will be rough too."
His testing gaze lingered.
"He means… Kairam's forces?"
"Right. We can't let them join Yakuzan unharmed."
Kairam, Kaiqin's elder brother, commanded troops just beyond the mountains. Likely still unaware of the battle. Rest was needed, but attack was inevitable.
"Looking forward to more of your exploits, Shutra."
Chris patted his shoulder and left. Caitlin bid him goodnight, then followed.
Left alone, Karak approached.
"Prince, your room is ready. A bath too."
Ever steadfast. The boy chuckled.
"Why laugh, prince?"
"Nothing. Just… somehow you make me feel at ease."
Relaxing at last, he followed Karak. It had been a hard day, but a rewarding one.
Level up, glory earned, magic learned—and a new ally found.
Glancing once toward Felicia's room, he smiled and walked on.