The chains clattered against the stone floor, the sound echoing through the arena as the shield raced toward the wall, their newfound freedom propelling them forward. Luisa's beast-like hands, adorned with razor-sharp claws and scaly skin, moved with deadly precision, shattering the metal bonds that had once held each member captive. Princess Alexandra's gaze was transfixed on Luisa's hands, mesmerized by the feral strength that seemed to emanate from them.
Luisa's eyes met the princess's, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Curious?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.
Princess Alexandra's trance was broken, her feet almost giving way beneath her. She quickly regained her balance and continued running. "No," she replied, her voice breathless. "I was just thinking these chains were a huge problem for us Thorenzians. You shattered them like they were nothing."
Luisa's smile softened, understanding etched on her face. "No, it's fine. I'll explain everything when we get to our hideout. For now, let's just focus on getting out of here."
The shield echoed her sentiment, their voices merging in a chorus of determination. "Right!"
The corridors echoed with the resounding clash of steel on stone as Valerus and Blackthorn engaged in a fierce duel. Blackthorn lunged forward, his blade cutting through the air with lethal precision. Valerus dodged the assault gracefully, his movements fluid and calculated. He countered with a rapid kick, but Blackthorn caught his leg mid-air. For a moment, it appeared Blackthorn had gained the upper hand, but Valerus, undeterred, kicked out with his other leg, catching Blackthorn off-guard and forcing him to stumble back.
"You're quite skilled," Blackthorn remarked, his voice laced with amusement. "Why not join the Black Knights? You would be a valuable asset."
Valerus' eyes narrowed. "Is that an insult?"
Blackthorn chuckled. "No, it's a genuine offer. You're battling a swordsman unarmed and holding your own. Killing someone with your abilities would be a waste. What do you say?"
Valerus' expression hardened. "I'm sorry but I decline. I'm a Thorenzian. I will never betray my people."
Blackthorn's smile momentarily faltered, replaced by a calculating stare. "A foolish choice that will cost you your life," he stated, his voice devoid of emotion.
Valerus stood unwavering, his eyes blazing with determination. "I apologize, but I have no intention of dying!"
Blackthorn's smile returned, wider and more sinister than before. "Oh? How admirable."
The two warriors froze, their gazes locked in a silent challenge. Blackthorn broke the silence. "Tell me, my friend, you are familiar with the technique called 'Hera,' are you not?"
Valerus' expression shifted to a blend of confusion and curiosity. "Hera? I have never heard of it."
Blackthorn's smile widened even further. "What? You are unaware? How disappointing. Well, as you are on the brink of death, I suppose I can show you."
As Blackthorn inhaled deeply, Valerus stood on guard, never taking his eyes off his opponent. What was Blackthorn scheming? What is Hera? Valerus had never encountered such a technique during his time infiltrating the palace.
Abruptly, flames erupted along Blackthorn's sword. Valerus' eyes widened in surprise at the sudden display of fiery power. Where had the flames originated? How had Blackthorn conjured them?
"Now, let us begin," Blackthorn announced, his voice heavy with anticipation.
Without warning, Blackthorn flung his sword, sending a flaming arc hurtling towards Valerus. He dodged the attack effortlessly but found himself targeted by three blazing fireballs. Valerus' reflexes saved him, allowing him to evade each one as his heart raced with a thrilling blend of fear and excitement.
Blackthorn charged forward, his flaming blade slicing through the air with frightening speed. Valerus attempted to dodge, but the blade found its mark, tearing through his armor and searing his skin. As his clothes caught fire, Valerus hastily extinguished the flames, leaving him bloodied and battered.
Blackthorn erupted into cruel laughter. "Hahahahahaha! What did you say earlier? Ah, yes, you planned to teach me how to treat women with respect. How can you impart such wisdom when you lack the knowledge of Hera?" He mocked, his voice dripping with contempt. "Regardless, it is time to end this charade."
As Blackthorn swung his blade towards Valerus, all hope seemed lost. But just as the weapon was about to make contact, Princess Athena leapt into action, her sword gleaming in the dim light. She effortlessly blocked the attack, her eyes filled with an unwavering determination.
Blackthorn's shock was palpable as Princess Athena intercepted his attack. "Lady Athena, why are you shielding the enemy?" he questioned, his voice laced with bewilderment.
Princess Athena's aura surged, the atmosphere trembling under its intensity. "You fool, Blackthorn! What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, her voice escalating. "Why did you attack my mother?!"
Blackthorn attempted to explain, "It was your father's order—"
But Princess Athena cut him off, her anger reaching its peak. "I care not for my father's orders! Anyone who tries to harm my mother is my enemy!" Her aura intensified, overwhelming Blackthorn with its might.
Realizing the gravity of his situation, Blackthorn's thoughts raced. "To face the White Knights is a challenge in itself. But to challenge the 3 Generals is suicide, and Lady Athena is said to be the strongest of them all…"
Princess Athena's smile was icy and calculating. "Foolish Blackthorn, surely you didn't forget that I, Athena Uranus, Princess of the Vylonia Empire and one of the 3 Generals, can also wield Hera."
Blackthorn, fear etched on his face, fell to the ground in supplication. "Please, Lady Athena, forgive me."
Princess Athena remained unmoved. "Oh? Begging doesn't suit you, proud Blackthorn."
Water from all corners of the empire converged in the sky, causing Blackthorn to panic. With a swing of her sword, Princess Athena manipulated the water, focusing its force on the tip of her blade. The water erupted, striking Blackthorn with immense power and sending him careening through five buildings.
As Blackthorn's fate was sealed, Princess Athena turned to Valerus, helping him to his feet. "Why did you save me?" Valerus questioned, his voice hoarse.
Princess Athena's face reddened. "Va… Valerus! This isn't the time for discussion. We'll talk once we're beyond the walls."
Valerus persisted, "Your mother? I don't understand."
Princess Athena's answer was brief. "As I said, we'll discuss this later."
Valerus conceded, and Princess Athena led him toward the walls. After a few moments, Valerus broke the silence. "Princess Athena."
"Yes?" she responded, her face flushing once again.
"Thank you," Valerus said earnestly.
Princess Athena's reaction was instantaneous. Flustered and blushing, she accidentally dropped Valerus. He fell, pain flashing across his face. "Ouch."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Princess Athena apologized, aiding him back to his feet. She continued leading him toward the walls, her face still flushed.
In the secluded hideout, the Shield members were engaged in light-hearted banter, their laughter mingling with the sounds of activity. Princess Alexandra, however, found herself drawn to Luisa, who was carefully wrapping her beast-like hands with bandages. Sensing the princess's gaze, Luisa caught her eye, prompting Alexandra to quickly avert her attention.
A knowing smile spread across Luisa's face as she approached the princess and took a seat beside her. "Hey there," Luisa said, her voice gentle. "What's your name, young lady?"
"I'm Alexandra. Alexandra Drodragon," the princess replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Luisa's smile widened. "Oh? So you're Prince Ozan's granddaughter, then?"
Surprise filled Alexandra's eyes. "You knew my grandfather?"
A hint of nostalgia colored Luisa's expression. "Yes, I did. He was my friend, and a good man. I miss him dearly."
A look of wonder crossed Alexandra's face. "I do too."
Just then, the atmosphere shifted as Princess Athena entered the hideout, Valerus draped over her back, injured. The Shield's attention immediately snapped to the newcomers, their faces hardening with hostility.
"What is she doing here?" Isolde demanded, drawing the others' gazes. The Shield readied themselves for an attack.
"Stop!" Valerus interjected, his voice firm. "She's not our enemy."
Alexandra shot him a disbelieving look. "What are you talking about? She almost killed me!"
Valerus nodded, acknowledging her concern. "Yes, that's true. But I'd be dead if it weren't for her intervention."
Shocked exclamations echoed through the room as the Shield tried to process this revelation. Valerus continued, "Besides, even if we all teamed up against her, she would defeat us. She's one of the strongest fighters in Vylonia right now."
Alexandra clenched her teeth in frustration, but Princess Athena pleaded, "I'm sorry for attacking you. I didn't fully understand what was happening, but now I have some idea, even if it's not entirely clear."
Tension hung heavy in the air as Alexandra pressed on. "Okay, so what do you want?"
Princess Athena turned her gaze toward Luisa, her voice filled with emotion. "I came here to see you… I've missed you so much, Mother."
A collective gasp rippled through the room as the Shield's jaws dropped in shock. "Mother?" they echoed in disbelief.
Luisa smiled, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and love. "Yes, I am Luisa Uranus, Princess Athena's mother, Absalom's first wife, and the former Queen of the Vylonia Empire."
A moment of silence enveloped the space, punctuated only by Valerus' soft chuckle. "Haha, how intriguing."
Elara's voice was laced with urgency as she questioned Valerus's reaction. "Why are you laughing? They are our enemies!"
Luisa commanded the room's attention with her calm demeanor. "Please, everyone, let's settle down and listen. I can explain everything, but first, let's all take a seat."
The Shield, Princess Athena, and Luisa gathered together, their gazes trained on Luisa as she prepared to divulge the secrets of the past. "Very well, we are all seated," Thane said.
Luisa began to weave her tale, her voice imbued with the weight of history and power. "First, we must journey back to a time over 500 years ago, when the Thorenzians reigned as a global power. A time when Thorenzia had not yet fallen from grace. A time every Thorenzian dreams of. A time of unparalleled dominance and prosperity that the world had never seen before…"