Not-So an Extra

"Half of our wounded soldiers are still under treatment. Engaging in a battle against them is not feasible at the moment." 

However, before Annelise could formulate a response, the door next to them swung open, revealing Adrian standing there, declaring, "Tell me where they are. I'll fight them."

"Have you gone mad?" Annelise interjected abruptly. "I disagree. We need to prioritize our safety and retreat as soon as possible." She just acquired one of the two most powerful Sacred Orbs, and losing it was not an option. 

Glancing at her, Adrian spoke curtly, "I said 'I,' not 'we'." 

"Ha!" Annelise scoffed wryly, "It seems that you have indeed gone mad," her voice dripping with sarcasm. As expected of someone who lived a life of pampering in the Palace, he was beyond anyone's control.

With a resigned sigh, Adrian tried to reason with her, "I know that all of you are exhausted after battling those creatures. What I'm proposing is simply buying you some time to escape." 

"..." Annelise's gaze bore into Adrian's cerulean eyes, searching for any signs of deception.

Nevertheless, what Adrian said was true; she and the others were utterly exhausted. It appeared that staying within the forest for centuries endowed 'them' with formidable fighting abilities. But still…

Annelise seized Adrian's collar and pulled him closer, whispering, "You're not plotting anything funny, are you?"

Unfazed by her grip, Adrian tilted his head and replied playfully, "Why would I? Haven't I already pledged my allegiance to the Chronoites Religion?" 

"You—" Annelise's blood boiled at his mocking tone, causing her grip to tighten on his collar. 

Adrian swiftly swatted her hand away, asserting, "You needn't worry about me betraying you. I have no reason to align with those who took my mother's life. Moreover, as an Endless now, I can kill them easily."

"..." Annelise fell silent, her intense gaze locked with Adrian's. Eventually, Annelise's stare softened, and she took a step back, conceding, "Fine, I'll believe you. But bring Ferdinand with you." 

Annelise couldn't let Adrian go alone. There needed to be someone to keep a watchful eye on him, ensuring he didn't act recklessly, especially when it involved his brother. She was acutely aware of the deep bond they shared.

"Whatever," Adrian replied dismissively and veered toward the black-robed man, asking, "Tell me the details."

The man nodded and relayed, "According to the scouts, they are located southeast of the village, and it's estimated to take about half an hour to reach here."

Just as Adrian turned around, Annelise's voice interrupted him, "I will request reinforcements to aid in your escape. Until then, don't you dare die."

"I'll appreciate it," With that Adrian resumed his stride. 

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—Gallop —Gallop —Gallop 

The muffled sound of hooves echoed through the dense undergrowth, their rhythmic beat resonating in the stillness of the night. As the moon disappeared behind a veil of clouds, the once-illuminated area grew darker, intensifying the soldiers' senses. Their vigilant eyes darted across the surroundings, searching for any trace of the elusive figure they sought. 

Leading the charge was the Marquis, a man in his late sixties, clad in full-plate armor, with Nathaniel riding beside him. Upon sensing a presence behind a bush in the foreground, Nathaniel unleashed a wind bullet in its direction.

"Ugh!" A wail of pain reverberated through the air, followed by a resounding thud as the lifeless body collapsed before them. 

The Marquis raised his fist, signaling the armies to halt, as he and Nathaniel approached the fallen figure. Lying motionless on the ground was a gaunt and emaciated figure, draped in tattered robes. Its face was concealed by a hood. 

"It's... human?" Perplexed, Nathaniel furrowed his forehead, trying to make sense of the situation. 

Given how dangerous the Forest of Death's inner section was, humans were unlikely to have sighted in this place. Before they could ponder further, the creature suddenly lunged toward them, "Shriiekk!!" 

Reacting swiftly, the Marquis swung his fist, sending it hurtling backward. 

"Ugh!" The creature grunted as it crashed onto the ground. However, it quickly regained its footing and dashed toward them, "Shriiekk!!" 

Upon witnessing its glowing blue eyes, they knew that it was a non-human nature. Wasting no more time, Nathaniel conjured a wind blade toward the monster, swiftly cleaving it in half horizontally. The creature crumpled to the ground, its grotesque form contorted before finally turning motionless. 

However, their momentary respite was abruptly shattered by a blood-curdling scream that echoed from behind them. 

"Aaargh!!" 

The Marquis and Nathaniel turned their heads in alarm, only to be confronted with a horrifying sight. The soldiers were now surrounded by the same monsters, engaged in a frantic battle for their lives. 

The creatures continued to emerge from the earth, launching relentless attacks on the soldiers and their horses. 

—Neigh!

The terrified animals bucked and reared, throwing their riders to the ground, while others were left to fend off the monsters on foot.

Reacting swiftly, the Marquis and Nathaniel unsheathed their swords, ready to join the fray. But before they could make a move, they were forced to divert their horses upon sensing something hurtling toward them. In a flash, the upper half of the creature Nathaniel had attacked landed right where they had been moments before.

"Shriiekk!!"

Immediately, Nathaniel unleashed a barrage of wind bullets aimed at the monster. 

—Splat! —Splat! —Splat! 

Despite having its limbs blown away and a gaping hole in its chest, the creature continued to crawl at a terrifying speed. Eventually, it lunged towards him, prompting him to instinctively swing his sword.

However, just as the blade was about to make contact, a wind bullet struck the creature's head from the side, causing it to crash lifelessly to the ground. Instantly recognizing the familiar Mana, Nathaniel's gaze darted toward the source of the attack, where a figure on horseback emerged from between the trees. 

As the clouds that previously obscured the moon gradually dissipated, the moonlight unveiled a young man astride a white horse in the distance. He had piercing cerulean eyes and a head of white hair.

"…Ian?" Nathaniel's eyes widened as he mumbled. 

Their eyes met for a brief moment, and without uttering a word, Adrian pivoted his horse and rode off into the darkness. 

"Adrian, wait!" Acting instinctively, Nathaniel urged his horse and chased his brother.