Chapter 7. Day of Void. Part II

The Death Knight place his armor to the wall. He take step back and looking the plate up, down for a seconds, eyes roaming to every inches of the metal before he give nod and turned around

He went to his shelf, opening it and see the entire interior were stacked with cloths. Seeing this he frowned, there too many cloths in here, he usually never wear them so what for are they? He pull out the cloths and toss them away one by one

After making sure there some space in there, he seems satisfied. Turning around he about to went to grab his bag when there knock on his door

"Who is it?" He asked aloud, voice sounded monotone though "Is it you Edgar? Didn't I said I want to be left alone since I busy?"

The door opened in response of his question, the Death Knight eyes frown turned to one of surprised expression when see who the one that visit him

"Busy enough to not meet your friend that come from far?"

She stood there, in front of the door, looking beautiful and elegant like always. Her long and smooth blonde and white haired hair resting in her chest, her blue eyes filled with bright mood, small smile crossing her face. She still wearing the same noble looking purple hoodie cape like last time he saw her, with same colored pauldron and long sleeves. In her right hand is her staff, one that she always carry when travel around

"And look at this place. By Magic, really Saito? You always neat and clean person but what with these armors, weapons and metals?" She asked as she staring at the room that look like just went throug storm. She then blinked when she see something in corner "... Is that the cloths I bought for you?"

"Jaina." He speak the name in surprise due to his friend sudden appearance "What are you doing here?"

"Is that the first thing you said to me after a months? Not "How are you?", "I miss you" or things like that?"

"Don't be ridiculous." Saito deadpanned in instant, his surprised face gone. But his deadpan face also gone as well in quick, replaced by fondness "Of course I miss you." He said kindly

He take step forward to greet his friend but before he able to, the sorceress stop him "Haalt! Stop right where you are!" She ordered, prompting the undead to did this in reflex. The woman leaned her face forward a bit, sniffing the air few times before she wrinkle her nose and cover it "Saito! By Magic! You smell awful!"

"Am I?" Saito blinked. His smelling sense actually bad. Other than sight and hearing that enchanted to be superior from Human, his other sense pretty much dulled. Not removed completely, they still exist but it function were very weak

"Yes! God! You smell like walking corpse!"

"Jaina, I am walking corpse."

"That was figure of speech! And it doesn't excusing you! The other Death Knight below not smell as bad as you!"

"You sniffing every each of them?"

"Of course no! I can smell them like normal people do!" Jaine replied with heat in her voice

"You smell people silently like that? How unlady of you Jaina, what would your ancestor say from their resting place?"

"That's not the point and you know it!" The woman now sounded quite irritated by the Death Knight words "I won't approach you or let you close to me, not with that smell, seriously Saito."

"Seriously?" The Death Knight deadpanned "Jaina, it just smell! It was-wait, what was that in your hand?" He asked when noticing there something in the woman hand now. He won't ask that had there no something strange with the way his friend smile now

"This? This is soap." Jaina answered with sweet smile

Saito glanced at the soap for a seconds, then to Jaina, back to the soap, and to the Jaina again. Then his eyes narrowed in threatening manner "No. Jaina. No."

"You pretty much not leave me any choice."

"Jaina, if you do this I will freeze you." The Death Knight threatened coldly

"You, freeze me? Me?" Jaina sounded amused rather than feel threatened by her friend words "Really Saito? Ice and Water is my specialty and you challenge me?" She shook her head and rise her staff

"Jaina, don't you da-"

A stream of jet water slammed to the undead before he can finish his word. The water did not push him, as matter of fact they all instantly slithering over the man body, encasing him whole and forming sphere of water in less than second

"JAIGHWEMMPH!"

"Close your mouth and eyes Saito, here come the soap." Jaina said cheerfully as she toss the soap to the sphere of water that roaring, spinning and twisting like a mixer. The moment the soap enter it torn apart by the sharp and powerful stream of the layer sphere, in less than ten seconds the sphere of water has turned to sphere of soaping bubble

Gurgle and muffled voice can be heard from inside the sphere, Jaina meanwhile not even bother to look at it as she observing the room and frowned. What a mess, Saito usually is neat and clean man! She remember the young boy in past when Arthas introduce him to her and how he almost like brother to the Death Knight in all but blood

Saito won't even think twice and probably going to follow Arthas to his journey to northrend had Arthas father, King Terenas, did not have the young knight to be in another city and facing another horde of undead

When the man find out that Arthas went to journey by himself, Saito was needless to said, enraged. He even about to go and catch up with Arthas in northrend, it was only King firm order that Saito presence were needed in Lordareon that stop him due to orcs that also rampaging around

There reason why king Terenas did not send reinforcement to Arthas knowing the young man went to against one of undead general after all, it not like he don't want to but he couldn't.

It was a stage. A very well planned plot. Plot to separate Arthas from them, from people who can pull him back from his path. Even she also forced to abandon him... If only she or Saito was there with him in northrend then...

"I think that's clean enough." Jaina said as she swipe her staff, dispelling the sphere of water and allow the Death Knight to instantly dropped to the floor

Needless to say, the undead immediately gasping for the air, his entire body was wet, water dripped from his pale white hair, face and everything

'Was it too much?' Jaina sweatdropped at the sight of her friend who were in his knee

Then the temperature of the room dropped. The change was so sudden and drastic. It was warm and yet not so hot, but then suddenly it turned to frozen. Corner of the woods giving birth to ice particles, turned to crystals, so do the surface floor of the room, they all frozen solid. The wind in the room seems flipped from up to down, from warm to cold as if the people inside the room were in north continent

Cold, blue, misty and glowing eyes staring dagger at Jaina. If look could kill the Grand Magus of Kirin Tor surely will be nothing but puddle of water in ground now

"Jaina Proudmoore." The Death Knight voice was clearly can freeze fire, literally judging by the cold mist that come out from his mouth

The sorceress meet his cold gaze with amused look rather than feel afraid. The mirth in her eyes and face was so obvious judging from how she smiled at her friend

Then the temperature raised. Not in drastic way but they did, slow but sure. The misty and blue aura surrounding the undead gone, dissipated into nothing but particles in air as the Death Knight sighed

"Lady Jaina..." He spoke in respectful and resigned voice "I never thought you would do such mischief like this."

"A lady need to loosen up, surely you know that." Jaina chuckled " And stop calling me lady Saito, you not need to be formal to me you know that."

"If you say so." Saito dryly commented

The sorceress smiled, then she take step forward and embrace her friend in hug, her head rested on his chest bask in his presence "It been a while..." She muttered softly "I miss you Saito."

"It only been few months." Saito said, but he did not push her friend instead one of his hands raised and he hug the woman back "But yes, I miss you too Jaina."

The blonde-white haired woman pulled back, her expression still one of joy albeit it decreased judging by her smile that slip a bit "You didn't contact me." Her eyes then narrowed "For four months!" The smile completely gone and she began to poke the man chest "For four months! You didn't contact me! No call! No message! Nothing! You just disappear and gone back to here!"

"You need time." Saito answered simply, eyes reflecting melancholy feeling "I need time..."

Jaina face also turned to sad one hearing that. Four months... It's been four months ever since their battle in the frozen throne, battle that finally end Lich King, Arthas mad rampage. The person who was lover to her and brother in all but blood for Saito

No... The man they know actually already dead for so long... The one that walking and bring death to their land is nothing but his body, his soul though never pass to other World but trapped in that cursed sword... And he just freed four months ago

"You still should contact me." Jaina muttered sadly

"I know... It no longer bother me after two months."

"Then why you didn't call me?"

"I don't know how you deal with this..." Saito said in sad voice "Unlike me and Arthas, Jaina, you saw us. You saw us turned to twisted form of ourselves, you saw us become monster. You have fight longer than us... You more hurt than us."

"You sell yourself too low Saito..." Jaina replied in same tone "I know you also fighting from inside, so did Arthas."

"I did." Saito let out humorless chuckle "I did... But I loss..." He turned away, eyes seems loss in memory and look haunted

On contrary of people thinking. Rather than in instant become puppet that have their consciousness erased. It was actually pretty clearly. Not like what people imagine... When Arthas call his soul back from dead and twist it into horror... His mind still clear... And he saw it...

He saw how he slaughter his people. How he turned to abomination through reflection of the pool of blood from people he swore to protect in first place. His friends. Family. Everyone. And he scream... He scream. He cry. He shout. He yell. He shriek. It was nightmare. A lucid nightmare, that was real... And there's nothing he can do to stop it.

In Saito opinion... The Death Knight... They all loss their memory, they forgot their identity, who they was, and what they was... It not because they really forget them... It because they so traumatized that their mind just shatter... And to keeping what remain of themselves safe, it decide to erase everything and turn thems to empty husk that accept anything...

"Beside, I have all time in the World seeing what I am." Saito spoke again, burying the dark thought away to regard his friend "But you? Well..."

Jaina stared at her friend, eyes narrowed a bit "So you decide to not contact me and waiting? Are you telling me you make lady the first one to call you?" She asked in disapproval voice before shaking her head "And you complain to not have lover..."

"I have you know there many that want to become my lover in past!" Saito denied vehemently in instant, feeling his man pride just stunged "You never saw one because I never mention it or show them to you!" He responded by dull look in her friend expression and he pinch the bridge of his nose at this "And I did not introduce them to you because you will scare them away."

"Me? Scare them away?" Jaina eyebrow quirked "What kind of person do you think I am, Saito?"

"When I visiting Dalaran at age of seventeen you drove away the sorceress that guide me." The Death Knight deadpanned

"She trying to flirt with you, when she at job. That was not professional."

"Then what about Lady Kiona?"

"She was thirty old years and you are seventeen! The difference were too much!"

"... See my point?"

"Wha? Why you!" Jaina huffed her cheeks, puffed them momentarily and give glare to the Death Knight who smirked at her "You're annoying as always." She muttered "And to think you was so polite when you young..." She shake her head "The maturer you become, the more you like a child. Seriously Saito, we are no longer child."

"Obviously."

Jaina glared at her friend for his dry comment. This actually new perks of him, he become quite cynical and dry after regain his free weill. She can understand why he change, after what he went through it's hard to stay positive but it still annoy her

It was then she notice where the man looking, area below her neck and in instant she pull her cape and cover herself, face flushing a bit "Pervert! You staring at my chest!"

"I have no dirty thought, I just emphasizing the poin(. Undead, no libido remember?." Saito said dully with same expression "You were flat almost like a board when you was thirteen. But look at you now."

Jaina face flushed slightly "H-How you even know that?! We only meet when I'm seventeen!"

"You invite me to your study place and there some picture when you young." That was blatant lie. Arthas show him the picture when he drunk and babbling about his 'beloved' and the 'most beautiful' Jaina. The prince even had some... Special picture of his lover, and if the sorceress find out... Let just say he will be get bathed by her once again, only this time she will wash clean his eyes with the soap

"Looking at lady privacy like that!" Jaina seems bought the lie thankfully. She frowned at the man and wrinkle her nose "And to think you used to be knight."

"You said you hate it when I treat you as lady. And now I treat you like this you complain. Really Jaina?" Saito shake his head "Made up your mind. You not went senile just because you have white hair now aren't you?"

And as soon he said that the Death Knight wish he could pull it back and smack himself

"Saito Hiraga." Jaina spoke in sweet voice, too sweet in Saito mind and surely if it candy it will rot his teeth in instant "Did you just saying that I'm old?"

"No!" Saito shake his head frantically, his usual calm face gone and changed to slight panic "Of course no!" One that can be considered taboo, never, ever mention Jaina white hair. Ever since she get it she become quite... Aggressive when people make comment of it. Saito know her white hair is not natural, it was due to her study to arcane and as side effect it change her hair. Though it did not much, only pack of single strand and the golden hair still so much "It just... Your white hairs increased and..." He paused when notice he will die if he stll mention her white hair judging by how she look at him now "You have beautiful golden hair." He instantly blurted out "I going to miss seeing your golden hairs." He added softly and as calm as he could

Jaina blinked, once, twice, before she leaned back and let out small smile "Thank you." She said kindly. Then her smile gone and turned to dull look "Is that what you expect me to say? Really?"

"... A man can hope right?" Saito asked in hopeful voice

"Yes, yes you're right." Jaina nodded before she sighed, soft smile crossed to her face "And fortunately for you, your hope is answered."

Saito did not allow himself to sigh, that would be unfit, so he settle to release his breath from his nose a bit much than usual

"Anyway, what with these mess Saito?" Jaina asked as she gestured to the armor and weapons in the ground

"I just cleaning this place." Saito said with shrug "I just return from mission that took me a week. And when I see the room, well, maybe it could use some decorating." He told his friend before he tilt his head

"Is that so..." Jaina hummed as she took one of papers in table, Saito instantly recognize it as one of request that he took

"And what are you doing here?" Saito asked back "Theramore pretty much very far away from here, and this also place for the dead."

"Is it wrong if I just want to visit my friend?" Jaina asked softly

"You can left message to me and told me to meet you at one place. Better one than this obviously." Said what you want about Knight of the Ebon Blade base, but one thing is sure about it, it clearly not best place for living one, let alone for someone like Jaina status

"Perhaps..." Jaina chuckled as she place back the paper and then staring at him, her soft smile still there but her eyes, there some glint in there "I want you to come with me to Theramore."

"... What?" Saito blinked, face confronted to taken back expression

"Come with me to Theramore." Jaina repeated softly "You not need to live in here you know? You are my friend Saito, and also one of the heroes that bring down Lich King."

"Doesn't change the fact I'm undead." Saito said bluntly. He shake his head and let out sigh "I know people of Theramore didn't have problem with Death Knight, at least not as much as other, however it doesn't change the fact there many Light worshipper in there. And we both know how they see us, undead." He said with frown "The people love you, I know that, but this..."

Arthas pretty much still leave deep scar in heart of Human race, not surprise giving that he is the reason one of the greatest mankind Kingdom fall

"Won't be a problem." Jaina firmly said "Saito, you are Hero, even if you undead it not change the fact you are Hero, you will be accepted."

"... Jaina..." Saito eyes narrowed, the blue eyes that hold fondness this far seems become sharp "What is this about?" He asked, knowing that his friend have hidden intention "What are you trying to do?"

"..." Jaina only silent and stare at him. Then she close her eyes, taking deep breath before reopen it and the undead can see ther steel behind her blue eyes "I trying to save you."

"Save... Me?" Saito expression was one of the bewilderment "Save me from what?"

"From yourself." Jaina answered, she then take step forward, grabbing the sack of the papers in table and rise them so Saito can see them "What is this Saito? Tell me."

"It was mission I took. Just a request. You know Knight of Ebon Blade act like mercenary sometime." Saito answered swiftly

"All this missions is dangerous! Saito! Look at this one! A request that Orcs from Blackrock clan has been sighted! You've done this and you did it alone, by yourself! You practically facing camp of orcs and warlocks alone!" Jaina exclaimed with slight anger in her voice

"They are Legion servant Jaina." Saito replied calmly "They deserve to death."

"And I agree with you, perfectly agree. But Saito, this is still something! You not done this just once! But many times!" She throw the papers away, allowing them to hovering and fluttering in air as they slowly floating down "More than dozens time in less than four months. Whenever there clue of Legion, you always go there! And even if it only empty clue and trap you didn't care! Saito, you have to stop this before you kill yourself."

"I already dead Jaina." Saito dryly pointed "Beside you know I'm strong, there no way I can be dead against orcs like those."

"That's not the point and you know it!" Jaina snapped, she then approach the man, her hands instantly grip his shoulder, her blue eyes meet with Saito blue's and the undead can see a genuine worry and fear in her eyes "Stop this please Saito." She spoke in raspy voice "The war is over."

Saito eyes widened in instant. Those three words somehow struck to his core. His face confronted to shocked expression, and his eyes seems loss of their light

"The war is over." Jaina repeated sadly "The Lich King has dead. Arthas has been freed. The undead were controlled. The Legion invasion has been thwarted years ago." She told with melancholy "The war is over." She spoke the words slowly, almost as if she was talking to a particular dull witted child

"It's not..." Saito responded after few seconds of silent "Jaina, there still-"

"Legion worshipper? Yes, but they now is shell of their former self." Jaina said firmly, cutting the man argument "It just matter of times before we get them all. They all now is body without head! The Horde and Alliance relationship also start getting better! They no longer trying to oppose each other openly! Sure there conflict in here and there but it only small

"Don't you see it Saito? The Orcs no longer become problem. After nearly three decades ever since the orc appear, peace finally come to this land! All our enemies has been defeated! There's nothing to fight anymore! Time of peace has come!"

"I... I..."

Saito for the first time for four months, loss for words. His mouth open, but there no voice, nothing come out from him.

And it not just his words... Ever since he free from Arthas control, for the first time, Saito found himself don't know what to do

And it did nothing but make Jaina heart wrenched when see this

"Saito... Please... Stop this." She spoke in begging voice "I already loss my father, my mentor, friends, and Arthas... I... I can't loss you... Not when you just got back... Please."

"Jaina... I..."

Peace... How he longed for it... How he wanted it... And yet...

"Kirin Tor, and everyone, including me, will look for a cure. We will try to find way to reverse this." Jaina placed her hand to Saito chest, through his tunic cloth the woman can feel his unbeating heart "Even if it won't be completely healed but there will be something we can do to help you..."

In face of such offer... In face of his friend that begging him... What he could do?

He found himself awed, enraptured by the blue eyes of the Lady of Theramore. He can see her kindness, compassion, nobility, everything that good, and yet at same time there steel in there, a hard, and very strong firm steel as a sign of her greatness and how she willing to go far for her people

And he feel his heart beating once, even if it impossible giving his status

"Saito?" Jaina called, noticing the man staring at him. The look he give to her for some reason... Is familiar

"A-Ah? My apologize." Saito snapped from his stupor, instantly aware that he staring at Jaina. He see the woman quirking her eyebrow at his sudden polite demeanor "Sorry, it just... Seeing you I..." He paused, sounding unsure for second but decide to continue nonetheless 'What was that?! What was I feeling moment ago?! It was feel too real for a mere illusion! I was sure my heart really just beat!'

"Yes?" Jaina inquired with narrowed eyes, there concern in there

Saito quickly blurted the only thing in his mind "It remind me just why your people love you so much."

After saying that Saito wish he can pull Arondight and stab himself in stomach

'What the fucking hell I just say?!'

Jaina blinked, once, twice, pink hue adorn her face at the sudden intimate words but it quickly gone as she let out melodic laugh "Thank you Saito." She spoke kindly "Then... Will you?"

"I won't come with you to Theramore." Saito said, his voice though no longer firm and like before, there soft spot in there and it make the sorceress not rebuke him "But I promise you, I will decide to take a break from these." He gestured to the papers that everywhere "I just don't want to live in Theramore for now. I mean, with being undead and all I pretty much still need time to... Take it slow if you know what I mean."

"But..." Jaina bit her lip in tentative manner

"I will move out from here if you wish to, I will find place that close to Theramore so you can visit me, how about it?"

Jaina stared at her friend, one of friends that still alive... Not alive technically but present until now. Then she allow herself to sigh "Fine." She relented "But I will be the one who find place for you, how about it?"

"If it make you feel better." Saito shrugged, accepting the offer easily "But hey, I still going to keep contact and registered as Knight of Ebon Blade members okay? I mean, I can't just abandon them." He gestured to the whole building "They maybe not best companion or good friends, but they still mean something to me." He said

"If it make you feel better." Jaina didn't like it, but she knew she can't push a things rashly. Not when she finally got chance to make her friend back to sociality

"Don't be like that." Saito obviously sense her disapproval "It not like I don't want to stay with you, Jaina there's nothing more than could make me happy other than to stay at your side... ... ..." He blinked after saying that, and Jaina blinked as well. Then the undead smacking his forehead "That's come out wrong. Very wrong." He grumbled

"Saito..." Jaina whispered in voice that filled with astonishment... Fake astonishment precisely "I don't know you feeling like that to me... No wonder you always glare at Arthas from his behind when we talking."

"I did not!" Saito denied and he was being honest. He didn't! In fact, he fully approve their relationship!

"You not need to be shy you know? I mean, I already have clue about it ever since I found your book." Jaina whispered with blush that so fake, even her voice also taking shy tone! Like a girl that in front of her crush! "The book about 'Knight and his Princess'."

That make Saito eyes widened "You the one who stole it?!"

"A tale of Knight that harbor romance feeling to the princess he guard. Only for himself to wrenched by his inner conflict since he is nothing but son of lowly farmer that manage to become Knight and the princess is genius lady." Jaina spoke in soft and dreamy voice "Saito... That was very sweet of you."

This time Saito turned away and smash his head to his armor. If he could blush now he sure as hell his face would be like a flame

Siesta must admit, the last two weeks can be said as one of the most pleasant times she ever have in her time as maid in this school

Contrary to what outside people think, working in Tristain Academy actually not as bad as they think. Oh don't get her wrong, the students in here could be a big jerk and pain in the butt certainly. And indeed there once case when the student doing... Inappropriate things to the maid in here, but when headmaster found out about it...

Suffice to say, Siesta respect for old man clearly increase drastically

The teachers in here not bad actually. They all maybe not looking at them as equals and few have their bad moments but one thing that enjoyable is they all appreciate their work. They respect what they did for them and won't hesitate to defense or speak about them in high regard

The only one who treat her kindly, respectfully and gently is one person. A man that clad in dark armor. A man that said has slay monster that look like Demon. A man that has defend the one who bring him here and give very good lesson to bullies of this school

Saito Hiraga

Siesta lips pursed a bit. The man... Is not unpleasant company. During the last two weeks she actually had a lot conversation with him. It not like he approach her or what, it was his summoner, Louise Vallière who call her

Louise Vallière... She actually have quite reputation with the staff. A good and bad one. The good one is, the pink haired girl make them think that she were like them, and it's good things. She is hard worker, unwilling to give up, always stood even when others looking down at her. Her attitude to the staff also can be said decent, she maybe not trying to be friendly but she did not look down on them or doing bad things to them

The bad one... Part of the staff obviously dislike her because she's one of the reason why the staff were so busy. Who do you think fixing and clearing her mess after she make explosion after explosion after cast her spell?! The staff of course! And let it be said that they clearly did not enjoy it! Not at all sir!

Back to track. Saito Hiraga. Siesta truthfully find the man company is... Enjoyable to say. He is polite -maybe too polite, kind, respectful and everything else. He treat her and other staff as equal, giving small bow as sign of greeting and offering help whenever he can. Even if he can use Magic but he didn't flaunt it around, he more use physical way rather than relying with his ability

If Siesta must say, Saito Hiraga behave almost like commoner rather than Noble should...

That thought instantly eliciting idea in the maid mind 'Could it be... He is birthed by Noble but he raised by Commoner? His parent die or don't want anything with him?' That actually not impossible, it would be very good explanation why he claim as not Noble seeing he actually raised by Commoner

'Could it be! A sign of change?! A Noble that raised by Commoner become part of the latter and fight for Commoner right!'

Say anything you want about Siesta, but the maid really like fairy tale, she really did, other than few kinky books she have there also collection of fairy tales that related to romance and adventure, one of them particularly about Knight that having romantic relationship with his maid

'No! No! That's only fairy tale!' Siesta shook her head, brushing away such thought from her head. There's no way such thing is real, it was too cliche and unreal, maybe Saito indeed Noble raised by Commoner, but create revolution and bring equality between Noble and Commoner? That was plain impossible and stupid

She broke out from her stupor when she feel tap on her shoulder, she turned and see it's one of her friends "Huh? Yes Maria?" She asked as she paused in middle of her cleaning

"There's someone looking for you." Maria answered

"Someone?"

"It's Louise Vallière."

Siesta blinked. What possibly could Ms Vallière want with her? And in Day of Void where this night the Familiar Show will be held no less. Nonetheless she comply as she excuse herself to her friend and went to meet with the pinkette

She out from the staff dormitory and see the noble waiting for her, she did not wasting time and give proper greeting "Ms Vallière." She greeted with slight bow

"Siesta." Louise greeted back with nod of her head, her voice polite and calm as well "I'm not in mood of pleasantries since Saito and I have preparation to made for this night so I will to the point." The pinkette stared at her "I want to buy your contract."

Siesta blinked, once, twice "Buying my contract? As if..."

"Becoming my personal maid? Yes, I did." Louise nodded "Let just say I going to need personal maid soon. And since you are the closer one to me and Saito, I want to hire you."

"... If I may ask though... Why you going to need personal maid?" Siesta asked

Louise frowned, she actually don't want to explain it but she know that the maid has right to know "Saito said he going to make me do some... Physical training. As you can see I have problem my magic and to solve that, physical training is needed." She explained while giving small information as much as possible. It not like she don't want to, but it was embarrassing to say that her familiar will grill her through days and nights since she need it since she going to use wand-rapier and must have her own fighting style

"Ah." Siesta immediately understand what Louise trying to said apparently. If the noble will went through physical training it mean she will be exhausted and she need someone to take care of her stuff

"I will buy you contract and pay you twice the amount of the school salary, this." Louise handed the maid some paper "Is the contract, the terms that written. You can read it and check on it just to make sure, if you agree then sign it and give it to me one hour before Familiar Show." She said as she looking at the maid who reading the paper "Now then, I will take my leave, have a good day Siesta."

"Ah, have a good day as well Ms Vallière." Siesta replied as she shift her focus back to the pinkette "And good luck with your show tonight."

Pale moonlight shone down on a small clearing in a forest outside the Tristain academy of magic. The glow illuminated the smiling visage of a person, that person was Fouquet of the Crumbling Earth, also known as Miss Longueville, the secretary of Old Osmond and a triangle class earth mage of substantial power and ability.

She was also a thief of great renown, known for breaking into the greatest of defenses and taking the most powerful and rare item from that targets collection. And now, Fouquet set her sights on the Academy's treasury and the rare valuables inside

Soon, in next hour the Familiar Show will be held, and everyone will be too busy or too unprepared to response properly. She already know what she wish to stole since she already enter the treasury room few times as an excuse to check on it have it cleaned up.

It will be quick, her golem, one that she already prepared for a week, would smash the vault and then she will grab the trasure and make a run. The security in there can be said quite lacking now because there princess in here, they all give extra protection to her after all

It was then when she enter the forest to finish her golem she sense something seems wrong

No, seems wrong did not even begin it. There something obviously wrong

"By Brimir..." She muttered with wide eyes

The forest... If it still could be called that... It was dying. And she literally mean it. Part of the forest she currently in were dead. Tree rotten as if they loss their essence, the grass turned to black gray and decaying, even the ground itself to safe as the loss their brown color and turned to same one like the grass

'W-What is this sensation?!'

She feel there something. Something sapping to her body, flowing inside her and it make her feel nothing but disgust... And yet, at same time it was not unpleasant it... It was...

"I never expect there will be someone come this deep."

In flash Fouquet spun to the voice direction, despite the abnormal sensation she feel, her experience and instinct still manage to win. Her wand drawed and ready, eyes instantly searching to the one who speak to her

And her eyes promptly widened in pure shock at the sight her eyes granted to her

"I don't know why you come here and what you intent to do. But I can't have you go back to school and alert everyone."

She waste no time. Her hand instantly move, incantation left from her mouth and her spell-

It was moving too fast. The moment her hand about to move, It limb already lunged at her, lashing like a whip and Fouquet find her arm that holding wand now is nothing but a lump of flesh

"Now tell me, Sorceress, what you plan to do."

The last thing she see before her World turned to absolute pain is eyes that not have any light, black like abyss, a hole that suck everything, including her soul.

The sky was dark like usual when in night, beautiful and countless stars blinking merrily in the dark sea. Pair of moon shone down upon the court where the Familiar Showr was about to take place in one of gardens of the academy. In front of rows of chairs filled with members of the Academy staff, few Nobles that come to watch the show and students from the lower years, as well as a small pavilion in which the seats of the Princess and the Headmaster had been set up, sat the large stage that had been assembled. A general air of anticipation hung over the assembled onlookers as they waited to see just what kind of show the new familiars would be putting on.

Originally the show was mean to be held at day, however since the show is assured will be... Colorful, they decide to held it at night then so it become more beautiful and attracting. Black after all is very perfect background for colorful show

From the back of the stage, Louise can be seen pacing around the circle. Anxious, worry, nervous, and concern clearly can be seen in her face

"Calm down Louise, calm down." She muttered to herself "You are Noble, act like one, nothing will go wrong. Saito is strong and skilled. It will be okay."

Saito has explain his plan to him. He will make a show of his swordman skill to pile of thick woods that he gather from the forest, mixed with small touch of magic to make it appear more extraordinary and eye-catching.

She know her chance to win is small. This show will be judged through two different way, one is the best among the students, and another is the best among their generation. Obviously she have small chance winning in the former but the latter... Only there can be one winning for students not two, so the best of the generation and the best from whole students can't be same person... Albeit if you manage to be the best among all students you are technically also the best in your generation, but for sake student self-conscious and praising their hardwork, it given to them

Her chance to be the best among all students obviously small, but the best in her generation? She probably could... Assuming Tabitha become the best among students. It wasn't hard after all, Tabitha has summon Dragon, a Dragon! It was quite feat actually, seeing the current best animals is Manticore that summoned by the third year student.

She actually won't be too nervous, she knew that Saito is far stronger than Dragon or Manticore, he can kill them like lion eating breakfast if he want to, even if she won't become winner but there no way he will make fool of himself in stage.

But what make her worried is, said the man now currently off

"Saito!" She called the Death Knight once again

The man seems snapped from his stupor, he shift his gaze from the forest to his summoner "Yes?" He asked

"You okay? I mean..." Louise frowned "This is the fifth time you look dazed. You've been like this ever since few hours ago."

Saito merely quirked his eyebrow before give positive grunt "Don't worry Louise, I assure you I will do fine when my time come. It was usual for me to be like this."

"Usual?"

"... Let just say I feel something seems off... There this nagging feeling that keep bothering me."

Apparently it seems he really need his feeding now. There no pain come, but the nagging inside his head start to get annoying and while he still can focus even in like this, but annoying still annoying. That's why he only silent and focusing to keep his head calm and not bothered

"Usual?"

"Let just say while I'm busy I still can focus to the thing I currently do. I can cut someone head while have my mind goes to vacation."

... Okay that was clearly morbid and omnious figure of speech. Louise wisely did not decide to make any comment and only sighing "If you say so..." She believe in Saito, this far the man never disappoint her or betray her trust after all

"What our number again?"

"Twenty seven." Louise answered, showing badge with number to Saito "We were after Montmorency."

"The lady that summon frog, having frilly hair and broke with her boyfriend that caught double-timing her?"

"Yeah, that one." Louise answered with nod "Where you hear the last one by the way?" It was just one week after they summoning familiar that event happen. Guiche caugth by Montmorency herself flirting with first year student. Needless to say, until now their relationship still bad to the point the blonde girl always glaring murder at the earth mage

"Gossip among the workers here." Saito answered with shrug

"I see..."

Saito not always spending his time with her, sometime he goes off and wandering around the academy, and at that time he clearly spending his time talking to the teachers -professor Colbert mainly, or the worker -which is Siesta in most time.

"The opening ceremony will begin." Louise informed as she take a peek from the background and see certain bald professor stepping unto the stage

"Good evening! Ladies, Gentlemans, Students, and Your Highness." Colbert greet the audience, he give respectful bow to the last one "Today, is the Day of Void, a day that marked the birthday of our beloved Founder. The Founder who has bless us with Magic and everything." He said with small smile "And to celebrate that day, this year, we, Tristain Academy, will held show, a special show. The show between familiars among our students." He give big grin in here "Tristain will show their best! A worthy show to everyone here!"

With those words, and the enthusiastic cheering of the assembled students, the show began

It about to had not some voice disturb them

"He, he, he."

It was deep, guttural, a voice that almost can't be considered as human. It resonated from nowhere, the deep chuckle was loud enough that it make the cheer stop and people tensed

"What the..." Louise stiffened from the back of the stage, obviously hearing that as well. Saito who stand near him also tensed, eyes narrowed in sharp manner

Then sound of wood clacked agains earth echoed. It come from behind, from where the entrance of the academy located. The students, the staff of academy, the princess, and everyone turned behind to see who talking

It was a man, even if he still quite far but they can tell it easily somehow. He garbed in nothing but what looks like rag that sew into some kind of hood, covering his appearance, an old and wooden staff that a foot size taller than him grasped in his right hand. By this point even the students who participating in the show already come out and watch the man

"Worthy? You? All of you?" The man chuckled, his voice seems still echoed from every direction "You all not worthy, none of you did. Especially not that pathetic woman you call princess or your highness."

This make everyone have anger and enraged expression in their face, the students, the princess guard, and Louise as well

"How dare you!"

"You bastard!"

"You going to die for insulting our princess!"

"Filthy freak!"

"You not even worthy to lick her feet or bow to her!"

Among all the enraged voices, Saito observing the man from far, his eyes sharper than usual and his grip on Arondight tightened. He obviously have better sight than everyone giving his nature, and he able to see that there something wrong with the man, something abnormal and... Familiar

"You all speak of the Void." The man continued while keep walking forward to get closer to them "Like you all know what is it. Like you all know what Brimir magic like." He then stopped when he about six meters away from the crowd "Like he bless you while in truth you are nothing but distant breed of creature that has oppose mankind for very long." He obviously sneering under his hood "You all is not worthy to celebrate Day of Void."

"Sir..." Colbert spoke with strong and loud voice, he already get down from the stage and now walking through the students and in front of them "I don't know who are you, and how you get here, but you are unwelcomed. Please leave before we decide to using force."

"Force? With who?" The man chuckled in deep and guttural voice "The guard who stand in entrance? Or the green haired secretary with glasses who walking in forest?"

This make the guards, staff, and everyone who already classified as adult mages tensed. They all immediately understand what he just implying, especially there only one secretary with one hair and wearing glasses

Colbert face that polite and firm turned to cold and stoic "What did you do them?" He asked in voice that expressed hidden fury, his hand already pulling out his staff

"Don't worry." The man guttural voice was sickly amused and he raise his head, revealing his face, his eyes that glowing with eerie green light and his demented grin "You will follow them soon enough."

Saito who obviously seeing this freeze for second as he recognize what actually make this man familiar

'Fel magic! A Warlock?!' He thought with horror "Louise! Go and tell everyone to leave from here!" He ordered

"What?!" Louise asked in mixture of surprise and bewilderment

"Just do what I said! Everyone! Call your familiar and-"

It's too late

The Warlock swing his staff, and from it come a hurricane. It not figure of speech, a hurricane, cyclone really come out from it, no incantation, no words, no warning, nothing. It size was enough to make everyone look like a dwarf, over thirty foot in size, a pure gale of wind with power to destroy houses

And it launched to the crowd of students, staff, and everyone who grouping together... It was safe to say that what happen next is pure chaos

Students flung everywhere as if they were toys as the cyclone making it way to them, rampaging like a children that throwing tantrum to their toys. Scattering, repulsing, and throw everything in it path away like a ragdolls

And at same time they come

They burst in from all side. They break through the wall of stones that barricade the academy, breaking and turning them into debris as if those walls made from pile of papers rather than brick stones

Green is color of their bodies, size over seven foot, fangs bared, nose that larger and almost like a pigs, and heavy clubs or maces made from woods in their hands. These were orcs from Halkeginia World, however obviously there abnormal about them. Instead looking fat or chubby as usual, they all have muscles, really buff muscles that would put athlete into shame, and their eyes, all of them crimson blood and glowing

"GRRAARRRGGHHH!"

It was safe to say there nothing but absolute chaos and death in there

Those who escape and try to avoid the hurricane instantly ran to the orcs, and they all dead in less than seconds. Their mace or club smacking to their heads or body, snapping their bodies and turned to pulp if the strike too strong for the bodies to take. In less than one minute, more than dozen people already dead by the tornado or in hands of the orc

Then something happen

The tornado that rampaging suddenly gone. There no such thing as slowly stop or something like that. It just suddenly gone, dissipated, turned back to the gentle winds that only strong enough to snuff out small campfire

And stood in front of students that panicking, is Headmaster of Tristain Academy, Osmond with his staff pointed to where the hurricane moment ago... And he looked angry. Really, really angry. Scratch that, angry clearly not enough to express what he currently feel

"TEACHERS PROTECT THE FIRST YEAR STUDENTS AND THE COMMONER! SECOND AND THIRD YEARS, FIGHT BACK AND SLAY THESE CREATURES IF YOU CAN'T, TRY TO FIND SHELTER!" Osmond ordered. His eyes never leaving the Warlock who cause this mess, and there nothing but pure murder in the headmaster old eyes "You will pay dearly for the chaos and deads you bring here." He said in cold and rage filled voice, wind start to gather and surround him with hum of power

"Try it, old fool." The Warlock grinned in nasty manner "I will show you the true power of the Void." He declared as the hellish green colored energy began to surround him

The old man did not said anymore words, in instant he mutter single incantation and move his staff, swinging it down. The effect were instantaneous, the wind that surround him few seconds ago lunged to the Warlock, their shape changes, no longer they look invisible, it like seeing something invisible that compressed, there more than dozens of them and they all take shape in arc wave that sliced the surface of the earth and turned them into debris

It did not meet with it target

A violet colored light come out from the ground in front of the Warlock, clashing against the barrage of winds that supposed to slice the Fel user apart. From the light, darkness come. It has no face, no gender, no solid-looking appearance, it as if gas compressed together, almost like an off-focus image, it color were dark almost like a night. It stood over seven foot, pair of eerie violet colored orb were it eyes, it has no feet, and it hands were like a claw with bracelets wrapped on it wrist

"What in name of Founder..." Osmond whispered at the creature that appear out of nowhere

"Beautiful isn't it?" The Warlock chuckled "This, is creature of Void called Voidwalker." He said with nasty grin "Now, die old man, Incinerate!" He roared as he thrust his hand forward

Hot blazing flame instantly soar to the old man who immediately rise his staff, channeling his willpower, he mutter quick incantation and create barrier made of wind that shield him from the dark spell.

The old man practically can feel the sheer of the heat from the flame. It was quite hot, bordering to line and triangle spell, which is quite amazing seeing the man only use single incantation to create it. But still, it was very, very far away from enough to bring him down

He swing his staff almost like it was sword and brushing away the flame completely. Then he spin his staff before chanting spell, the wind around him began to take shape once again, and in less than few seconds, countless 'spear' made of wind gathering behind the old man and with flick of his hand, they all launched at same time to the warlock

But once again, rather than hit their target, it blocked by the same creature that repel Osmond attack at first time. The wind rained upon the voidwalker, however it appear to be undamaged quite much, if it did clearly it not show any sign of being hurt

"Soul Fire!" Warlock roared

Different from the first spell, where the flame only about to reach five foot tall, this time, the size of the flame double bordering to tripled the size of his previous attack. Osmond waste no time to summon his own wind spell, he use it to strengthen and carry him, making him dodge the spell. The moment he did that another incantation already left from his mouth

"Emera Baram!"

And another tornade born. However this time, it was bigger than the one the Warlock casted, and rather than coming like normal, it come in horizontal manner, almost like hurricane that 'shoot' by the old headmaster staff

If he can't get him even if he attack from multiple direction, then he just need to blown that man away along with his creature

Earth split, ground crack, debris, dirt and every substance in the ground tore apart by the powerful blades of wind that concentrate in shape of tornado that roared with force, the spell was strong enough to reach the wall of the school and burst through it, a testimony of just how powerful the headmaste of Tristain academy is despite his old age and always looking laid-back

"As... As expected from Osmond the Raging Wind."

Osmond eyes widened when he heard the enemy voice from the dust and smoke everywhere, shocked that the man still somehow able to stand or not blown away by the sheer of his spell, that was solid Square level!

"The man that rumored to teach the Heavy Wind in the past, the strongest Wind Mage in the Tristain and possibly Halkeginia, the Mage who stand against hundred or thousands of Mage from Germania alone."

The dust and smoke blown away, revealing the warlock that stand firm and proud. His ragged hood appear to be tattered and more dirty, there injuries and wounds in his body but they all seems not enough to put him down

'That was close one, if only I didn't summon extra Voidwalker to tank the damage...' The Warlock thought with inner frown 'It's time to end this, I also have Flame Snake to deal with, he maybe knocked out now from my surprise attack but soon he will regain his consciousness.'

Wordlessly both magic user taking stance and preparation to resume their battle, obviously they intent to end this battle. However before they can they both freeze when they sense something in air

'This is...'

'What a malevolent aura!'

The air seems stench with sense of hunger. Thirsty. Rage. Blood. To the headmaster it was remind him of how when he was young, when he standing in front of someone who thirsty for blood, someone who undoubtedly malevolent and need to be put down, a monster.

A threat.

"PROTECT THE PRINCESS!" Agnes roared to the guards that around her, her swords already drawn, eyes glaring at the orcs that coming to her and princess direction

The guards around them roared in agreement, swords and weapons drawn and they instantly make protection formation around their princess with Agnes leading them.

She was actually worried when suddenly the unknown mage launched tornado at them. No incantation, no warning, he just did it with a swing of his staff and summon tornado that can be considered almost to square-level spell!

However her worry were gone when she see the headmaster himself step forward and counter it with his own spell. Say what you want about Osmond, lazy, pervert, softie, but it can't be denied that he is powerful. There reason why he become headmaster of one of the best academies in Halkeginia after all, and Agnes also heard from the Queen herself that Osmond for all his laid-back persona is strong mage

"I can fight too!" Henrietta said to captain of her guard, albeit her voice is firm but undoubtedly there fear and terror in her face. This is the first time she stood in middle of.. Of.. Of attack like this, she even see one student crushed by the orc mace in instant for a second and safe to say it enough to make her feel terror

"It's too dangerous for you to face orcs directly your highness!" Agnes replied in instant "But you can support us if you wish to! Keep up with us your highness!" She added, there no time to be stubborn and let the princess didn't do anything. She is Mage after all, Triangle level and quite powerful as well, she clearly will be helpful

While thinking that at same time Agnes mind began to calculate and make observation about their enemy and status. The guards numbers is about two dozens while the orcs is... Hundred, judging by how they all right now almost everywhere, it safe to say their numbers were hundred. And the one that charging at them probably two dozens as well

This will be proved to be tough battle. Normal orcs can be said to be five times stronger than Human, the leader or the head of one pack usually six times or more. However judging by how all those orcs look so muscular... She doubt they would be normal.

"SOLDIERS CLEAR THE PATH! WE WILL MAKE WAY FOR THE PRINCESS AND BRING HER TO SAFETY! SHOOTER! AIM FOR THE HEAD! WHEN THEY CLOSE AND ABOUT TO MEET OUR FORMATION MAKE SURE YOU SUPPORT THE FRONT LINE BACK!"

With another roar the guards did what they ordered and they began to charge, all while surrounding their princess from the orcs that coming and taking formation

"Princess, can you freeze the surface of the path they walked in when they near?" Agnes asked

"I can." Henrietta answered with firm nod

"Good then..." Agnes rise her arm in commanding manner "On my mark. Ready... FIRE!"

Sound of gunpowder explode resonated from the guards to the dark night as they all shoot the first wave of orcs with rifle. And after that, they all retreat and allow the second barricade to launch another barrages of bullets to their enemies

The attack hit their targets dead on. Many of the orcs find bullet immediately buried to their heads, few that missed hits their torso, chest or abdomen. However those actually proved to be quite inefffective as the orcs simply flinched before resuming their charge

Their numbers dimmed, decreased from the barrage of the bullets that kill more than their halves, but it did not stop them from keep charging to their prey, all while roaring with beastly voice and murderous crimson blood eyes

"Now your highness!" Agnes signalled

The princess did not waste any time, finish with her incantation, she pointed the tip of her staff to the surface and cast her spell. Light blue colored beam soar downward to the grassfield and in instant the green colored ground turned to blue crystal land, freezing in spot and it spread, crawling forward to the orcs that charging at them

The result were not need to be said anymore

"HALF OF YOU GUARD THE PRINCESS! HALF OF YOU WITH ME!"

Agnes jumped forward, her legs pushing her body as strong as she could. Her twin swords raised and she crashing down to one of orcs that slipped and immediately stab through it head

'!? The skull and organs thicker than normal orcs! Very, very thicker!' She know there big chance it would be like this, however when she struck them she still can't help but surprised "Don't stab them in in body! Head or vital organ! They are thicker than average orcs!" She warned her subordinate

Agnes not even bother to said anything else as she pull back her swords with sick 'squelch' sound. She quickly tracked another target that open and vulnerable then lunged at it with roar

The Muskeeter of Tristain. A group of commoner that choosen by Royalty themselves as a symbol for equality and consolation between Commoner and Noble. Many Noble look down to them because they are not gifted and unable to use magic

However this group of commoner, is not normal commoner. They all has trained by Noble, by those who doesn't care their status. It could be said the training really can be dubbed as torture, Agnes herself still remember the hellish training she went through

But it was worthy... They maybe not as strong as mage, unable to cast fire, water, wind, earth. But if they all fighting Noble in close range and open environment, they all better than most Noble and their magic

So it not surprise that they manage to adapt and move with swift even if the ground were nothing but ice that slippery and make people usually fall

Agnes use the icy land and sliding between an orc leg, while doing this her sword raised upward and it sliced the creature thigh, eliciting sqeual of pain from it. However the woman not done, just when she pass through the orc, her other jammed to the ice and hold herself to slide further from the beast. She quickly spun in her place, using the sword as anchor and she push herself upward, her feets digging the cold land surface and before she can slipped, she pull herself using the anchor and soaring to the orc back

Her sword instantly pierce through the orc neck. She twist it to add more damage before pull it roughly from the dead body. She stand on her back, taking her sword that used as anchor moment ago and panted to regain her breath

This is what? The sixth or eight orcs he slain? And yet, their number seems endless! She glanced around to see how her man fair, and she not disappointed that they seems handle themselves pretty well and not lose... And yet

They trained to not take down beast or monster, they trained to take down Men, Noble, Mage, who would betray the Royalty or the corrupt one. Obviously among Nobility there distrust from each other, and there many that abuse their power as well

This group, her group, was made to face those kind of Noble. Assassin who going to harm Royalty or things like that. While they has trained to face stronger opponent -Golem that conjured- but this is still different

'The princess!' She thought with worry as she spun to see how the guards around princess

And much to her horror, they clearly not fair better than them. Unlike they who have advantage over the icy land, the orcs that take another route by circling the frozen land clearly can fight better. Their numbers only two, but that three orcs manage to bring down six of her men! Six men who trained by the best of Tristain itself!

This is ridiculous! Not just the orcs power seems twice or possibly triple times stronger than average one but the way their move... It was well planned! She knew orcs is not very stupid, but this?! They not this smart either! They targeting the princess! Not them! What the hell is going on?! How can orcs recognize the princess where they barely able to tell the difference between mage and normal human!

"Five of you! Go back to the princess! Protect her at all cost!" She barked order to her men that in ice

Before any of her men can respond or move, their assitance already unneeded

And Agnes freeze as her mind reeling back to the days when she young when she see what coming

It come from west. Fast, undoubtedly so. It shape were like snake, it size were over eight foot, but it not a snake. Snake made from flesh and bone, this? This made from nothing but fire, a very hot fire. It swooped to the pair of orc, swallowing them whole and they let out shriek of pain as they burned alive

The guards who see the orcs burned only can gawk at the sheer of the intensity of the flame. They all can see the orcs burned with fast, it as if tossing some kind of meat to overheating pan, their bodies turned to nothing but ash that soon also eaten by the flame greedily

"Your highness!" Jean Colbert who just got blown away by the tornado in beginning return. His cloths and cape tattered, there also wound and injuries in his body, blood oozing down from his forehead but he look fine

"Professor Colbert." Henrietta greeted back, relief was clear in her voice "I'm glad you okay, you were got hit by the wind spell moment ago."

"I guess I let my guard down for a second there." Colbert chuckled dryly, he maybe still strong but he not as young as he used to be, he has stop fighting or practicing for years after all "Anyway, princess, we have to get you out of here first, your safety is our priority." He said grimly

"W-Wha? But the students-"

"As much I want to aid them but you are top priority." Colbert insisted "Don't take me wrong, I don't have intent to abandon them, after I escort you, I will return here. And forgive me for this, but right now I very tempted to leave you and help my students." He stated in strict voice "But if I do that, and you somehow got killed, the blame will not just to us, the academy, but the students family as well."

Henrietta bite her lips, her eyes instantly gazed to her surrounding for the second time ever since this chaos started. She can see there students that died, their bodies crushed, pummeled, bending in wrong way, or have their organs turned to like a jelly

It... It was awful and horrible sight. It take everything the princess have to not vomit in spot or at least weeping for them. She feel her heart crushed to see her people, students no less die like this

"I..."

"We better move now." Agnes said as she approach the princess, already snapping from her stupor and got back to the Royalty. She shoot small look to Colbert, giving the professor reluctant gratitude nod. It not like she dislike him, she just don't like fire mage... A result of her past "Your highness, please."

Before any further act or conversation can be held they all freeze for seonds when feel something grip their hearts

'This is...' Henrietta held back choke from her throat, it was not pleasant sensation by any mean. It as if something gripped her heart, threatening to crush it at any moment, and yet somehow she did not fear it. It quite... Indescribable if putted in the words but one thing clear it is not good feeling

'This... This is bloodlust?' No, it not bloodlust, close to it but it not. It almost like the opposite but at same time not. Whatever it is, it make his attention somehow pulled to the source. The bald professor turned to see what could produce this malevolent feeling and he find it in instant, making his eyes widened at what he saw

"S-Saito!" Louise shrieked in voice of absolute terror "W-What should we do?! This is-!"

There many things that can describe what her currently felt, but three is the tops. Fear, terror, horror. That what the main emotion the Death Knight can see in her face

The moment he see the tornado coming, he about to jump in but when the wall bursted in and what this World called orcs running while roaring at them with weapons he stopped

In instant his mind began to work. His experience from when he alive and dealing with orcs, how he make his men able to stand against the assault of the creature that obviously far stronger than them.

"Everyone!" He barked to the students who not panicking or seems shaken, there many that leave and scatter when the tornado come but there also few that stay... Then again, they maybe too afraid to move or already have such experience "I know you all afraid and shaken! But you can't afford to panic, do that and you die! Those who Earth Mage, turn the ground where they charging to mud or oil! They can't stop in instant due to their speed, so make them trip and as soon they fall strike them!

"Do not aim to the body, aim to head for instant death or legs at least so they can't move with effective! Don't let them close to you! If they did you die! Construct some kind of golem as distraction or shield!

"Those who have familiar that able to fly, carry as much as possible and bombard them from the air or try to gather their attention so the land attacker can be safer! They have power but not brain, outsmart them! GO NOW AND MAKE TRISTAIN PROUD OF YOU! SHOW THESE PATHETIC CREATURES THEY DECIDE TO INVADE THE WRONG SCHOOL! MAKE THEM REGRET FOR DARE TO ATTACK US!"

Roar and cheer of agreement instantly meet them. The fear was still there, but they all swallowed and overcame by the will to live. The third year students who has some experience immediately sprung to act first to set example to their junior

Seeing this Saito feel slight satisfaction. He then turned to Louise, Kirche and Tabitha "You three, use Ms Tabitha Dragon and destroy them from the air. Ms Tabitha, Ms Zerbst, can I leave Louise to you two?"

"Leave it to us Saito." Kirche nodded, her sultry or laid back demeanor gone, she know this isn't time for such thing after all "Tabitha, Louise, let's go."

"W-Wha?!" Louise meanwhile seems opposed the idea "B-But!"

"Louise this isn't time for such things! We are attacked now! Forget rivalry for second if you want to live!" Kirche barked while gripping the Vallière shoulder firmly "Tabitha!"

"Ready." Tabitha already in her dragon and the red haired woman waste no time to drag the pinkette with her to ride the dragon

"Wait! Saito! What about you?!" Louise asked as she sat in the dragon

"I will protect who can't defend themselves." He said, eyes turned to group of commoner that surrounded by the teachers and few students in protective manner

He actually very tempted to pursue the Warlock, if he cut the man down then obviously these orcs will be in disarray. They strong, but they pose no threat against him, he has face stronger armies after all. But that thought ended when he see the headmaster himself step in to confronting the Warlock

It could be a good chance to see how powerful Mage in this World fair against someone from Legion army, so he decide to save other first, all while observing the man strength

He brush away that thought and staring at Louise "Time to put your explosion to use Louise, blast them one by one."

"B-But-"

"No time to talk! Go now! Every seconds you wasted more people die!" He bellowed to the pinkette

As soon he said that he leapt forward from the stage with as much strength as possible, the power from his legs enough to make the surface wood turned to splinters in instant as he jumping straight few meters away from his previous location in one leapt

His hand to his sword the moment in air, eyes become sharper as he see one student down and about to pummeled by the orc club. In instant he draw out his sword and he brace himself

To the view of third person perspective, Saito is nothing but a blur that come and move with fast, slipping himself between the orc and the student, his feet instantly digging the ground skidding in it about a foot as he spun around, Arondight dripped with blood.

Then the orc head fall from his body, and the latter soon follow as it crashed to the ground, death, blood oozing out from his neck that have clean cut as if it was a cake that sliced by knife rather than flesh and bone

'Fel... They all strengthen by Fel...' Saito thought grimly as he stare at the dead and green body of orc he just slay, the undead turned to the student he save and immediately he know who he is "You are..." He tilted his head a bit "Gogichi?"

"I-It's Guiche!" Guiche corrected in shaky tone, his voice mixture between slight anger and fear, mostly fear. He just seconds away from being crushed after all "T-Thank you I-"

"You are earth mage right? Second year? Then be careful and create distance between them, don't fight it alone. Gang on it." Saito said simply before he rushing away, not even sparing second glance to Guiche as he dashed to the group of teachers that defending the commoner and students

"You clearly have way with your mouth partner." Arondight commented in pleased voice

"Not now. Be quite and just enjoy being used."

He dashed as fast as he could, launching himself and use one of orcs head as step stone, he make sure to stomp it as hard as possible so it skull cracked under his greave. He landed in ground, in front of one orc and he waste no time to swung Arondight, not even bother to talk as the runesword cut through the thick and muscular body of the orc like butter meet knife, separating the upper and bottom parts

He about to run once again when notice there one student who he save accidentally by killing that orc. She have long brown hair and purple eyes, judging by how young she look the Death Knight assume she is first year

"First year?" He asked in monotone

The student only can give shaky nod, fear still obvious in her face

The undead waste no time to scoop her in instant, making the girl squeaked but he ignore it as he move again, running as fast as he could and sometime using another orc head as step stone. He did it efficiently and in less than ten seconds he already near the group that gather together,

It wasn't good, they create triangle formation with the commoners and first year students inside them to be protected, and the orcs surround them from all directions. The number probably two dozen or more, the orcs did not charging like a bull anymore but being careful, so do the teachers as they know when they shoot spells the orcs will charge since they need short time to make incantation

But judging by how the situation now... It was clear that there no way the teachers can win without any casualty. There big chance they going to lose as well, clearly not good situation for them

'I need to pull their attention.'

He actually don't want to do this, so much for his cover and being subtle. However since there Fel Magic in here, and Warlock no less, it safe to say this World clearly is not as peaceful as he thought... Somehow, Legion has reached to this World...

But first...

"S-Sir Hiraga?" The girl in her arm called in shaky voice when feel her shifted in his arm

"Pardon me, but I'm going to throw you." He said blandly

That make the girl blinked "Eh?"

He didn't explain it any further as he flung the girl upward like she is some kind of doll to the direction of the group of teachers. He watch the girl screaming and shrieking as she soar in air before fall in middle of group, probably crashing against another students or commoner

Satisfied with his job done he give mental pat to his own back before staring at the group of orcs that surround the teachers. He absentmindedly swing his Arondight

'This... Is what I need!' He thought with manic grin that unseen by anyone. For a seconds there nothing around him, nothing. No screaming or sound of spells being launched. Just him alone. Death Knight is creature that feed from dark emotions, he already late for his daily feeding, and now there feast in front of him

No matter how he hate his nature and curse it, but this is his live. This is part of him now

He actually still clad in his Lordareon armor, Louise apparently didn't like his real armor and he agree, appear menacing clearly will decrease the point from the judge. If only he knew things will be like this...

Well it's fine, his armor now clearly can't be compared to his original one, but he doesn't need it to deal with these peons. He put helmet that matching with his armor, covering his face, can't have people see his grin or smile now right? It would scare them too much

"Blood Presence."

Then he radiate it

Crimson Aura. Stench of blood. Just like it name, his presence representating blood itself. Thirst. Rage. Bait. It like a droplet of blood that dripped to the sea that filled with hungry and monstrous white shark, it draw attention of everyone in instant, including the orcs

His blue cold eyes now gone, replaced by crimson blood like his current enemies. Crimson energy humming as it surround and cover him like a shroud as he watched the orcs now turned their attention away from the group of teachers that defending the students and commoner and focused solely to him

Arondight tilted slightly, it dark color seems absorbing the moonlights that shone around the undead "Well, you all obviously uglier than orcs from my place." It was honest statement, these guys more like Quilboar rather than orcs with their pig snout albeit Quilboar seems more feral looking since they have wild boar nose. He briefly wonder how Thrall or other orcs would react if they see these creature "Now come forward you disgusting pigs, meet your death."

The orcs who glaring at him and seems unsure what they doing snapped from their minds at the insult as if they understand him. In their mind, this man, little man, somehow become the biggest threat in this field. Even if there mages or other people, but they all seems tame and compared to the man in front of them

And thus, they all come to one decision at same time. Their nostril flared, growl and beastly voice come out from their mouths as they glared to the Death Knight

"GRRRAAARRRHHH!"

They all roared before they decide to abandon the mage and human that they surrounded moment ago. Their weapons raised, fangs bared, their foots heavily leave imprint and mark in the ground like a giant that stomping around, their eyes seems become more eerie and filled with bloodlust as they charging to the man

The Death Knight said nothing other than taking stance, then he rushed at them, Arondight poised and he meet his enemy

And blood spurt out to the air under the moonlights

Aaand another chapter done.

I promise you all action, and well! You have it! More than half chapter filled with fight and action XP

Okay, granted Saito did not do much and he only make brief show, Osmond and Agnes meanwhile is the opposite. The old man is strong I assure you, in term of strength Osmond probably could blow out part of village using Square level spell and Agnes herself is not weakling, you can see it in here

I don't have many things to say despite I know you all will be wish for explanation. It because right now I'm not in good health, yes, I'm currently sick. This chapter supposed to come out two days ago since I already done and only need to add Author Note but... *sigh* make sure this is become lesson for you all, don't eat foods from random and dirty place no matter how good they are... Though I'm a fucking hypocrite since I sure as hell in future after I recover I will did it again

This is it for now! Next chapter will be the continuing battle in academy! Stay tune to find out how it continue!I hope you love this chapter! Please Favorite, Follow, and Review

Ja Ne! XD