The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 106: This era’s protagonist

Chapter 106: This era’s protagonist

"The Witch is back."

On the other side of the hill, these words reverberated in Hex’s mind. He scrambled back to his feet after the initial shockwave subsided.

"W-what do you mean?" He asked stupidly, hoping to hear anything else than the actual words he heard.

The sky rumbled loudly as lightning flashed through the dark clouds coiling above the castle. It hadn’t dispersed after the lightning struck. On the contrary, it seemed to be enraged. The distant thundering made his heart skip beats. It was akin to a beast readying itself to unleash its fury.

"What’s happening?" Silvera was quick on her feet and ran up to the baron. "I thought you said everything in the castle is under your control? How could THIS have happened?"

She was seething with anger but Hex saw her eyes and the looks within them. It wasn’t fear. It was worry.

"Things are still under control," the baron said.

"Y-YOU CALL THIS UNDER CONTROL?" Silvera screamed hysterically. "THE TOWN IS GONE! AND THE PEOPLE..."

She stopped and turned toward the slope as if she hoped to see people emerge from the fallen slums. But there was no one. The sight made her shoulders drop. She wasn’t alone. Hex never expected to feel sad and angry to see the slums disappear. But he was.

"The people aren’t that easy to kill. Like rats, they survive in the direst places. Like there," the baron said calmly, pointing toward the entrance path of the mountains.

Hex and the others jerked their heads to look. It was faint but the soft glowing torches in the distance were unmistakable. The firefly-like dots in the moonless night filled Hex with happiness and hope.

Silvera heaved a breath of relief. She turned toward the baron and said, "Okay. I am happy the people survived but we still have a Witch on the loose. And I don’t know how much power she has retained but even a fraction of a Sinner’s power could kill us...me at least."

Hex involuntarily grinned at her. She had calmed down. He didn’t know how strong a Sinner was but knew how strong she was. And if she thought she would be killed easily, he didn’t even need to think about his fate.

"Her revival gives us a chance to finish her, once and for all," the baron said, staring at the distant castle. "Let’s go. It will take some time before she is strong enough to fight. If we can initiate the battle, we will have some advantage over her."

The Knights stood up and joined them. They looked warily at the dark sky above the castle but none of the men were people who would back away from danger. Hex didn’t look forward to facing the Witch but the people he cared for were in the castle. He couldn’t just sit this one out.

They descended into the newly formed chasm and followed behind the baron. Seeing them disappear quickly into the darkness, Edward felt a stone lift from his chest. He was worried they would drag him into their mess.

"Are they gone?" Hearing a voice in the quiet night caused Edward to shriek.

"SHUT UP!" Erick snapped at him, sitting up, groaning in pain. Edward, who had been ready to flee, clasped his hands around his mouth and remained in place. He forced himself to calm down.

"Y-you scared him, brother," Ericka giggled weakly, remaining on her back. She was still in pain. Her hands were on her stomach. The soft glow on the back of her hand revealed she was inserting energy into her abdominal area.

Erick snorted but leaned toward her, his eyes filled with worry. "Are you okay? And is...is everything fine?"

Hearing her brother’s voice filled with care and love, Ericka smiled beautifully. Edward, who stood beside them, quickly averted his eyes. The young girl’s smile was not something an average man like him could withstand.

"Yeah," Ericka nodded sweetly. She seems to think about something. "How are we going to leave? Clannad is dead. We can’t stay here." Her eyes turned to the distant dark clouds and lightning. The sight of it made her shiver.

"I have made other arrangements. You were right to suggest having an alternative," Erick said. Edward stood silently at their side. Even if he was just an average, he had no intention of abandoning his young masters. He would brave the storm with them.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps, causing him to turn quickly. With his sword readied, he peered into the darkness.

Soon a few figures emerged from the night, clad in blue and silver.

"They are here," Erick said from behind Edwards. "Stand down."

Erick walked to the front, welcoming the men. But the men didn’t stop to greet him. They walked around them and encircled them.

Erick’s face fell. He knew something was amiss. He shuffled back with Edward beside him. They looked cautiously at the men who looked apathetic. Two men suddenly lurched forward, disabling Edward and grabbing Erick.

"W-What’s the meaning of this? Where is Sterling? I paid him the full amount!" Erick shouted angrily.

"Sterling isn’t here," a melodious voice said with a giggle. A young woman who looked like a silvery snake waltzed out of the darkness. She looked alluring with a mischievous smile on her lips.

Erick’s eyes widened at the sight of her. "Ella! What are you doing? Does Sterling order you to do this?"

His words made her smile fade. Her eyes turned into slits as her gaze landed on him. "Sterling doesn’t order me! I am not his servant!"

She hissed at him vehemently but seemed to realize that she lost composure. Her gaze softened and she stroked her hair. "I guess he does act like he owns me, doing things like selling my spot and whatnot."

She looked absentmindedly as she walked toward him. Erick struggled to break free but the man holding him was absurdly strong.

"Let me go..."

His voice faded as he grabbed his throat, slumping to the ground. Edward looked at the knife in Ella’s hand, dripping with blood. He detested the feeling of helplessness but the men around him would kill him if he moved even a little bit.

"NOOO!" Ericka screamed. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She tried to sit up but the glistening point of a sword close to her chin held her back.

Ella kneeled beside her, placing her hand on Ericka’s stomach, seemingly trying to sense something. Suddenly, a smile blossomed on her face.

"The feeling of a new life is wonderful, isn’t it?" She asked cheerfully.

"Please don’t hurt it," Ericka pleaded, crying softly. She didn’t fear death. Her brother was gone. But she didn’t wish to lose his last memory too.

"Hurt it?" Ella asked in surprise. "Why would I hurt the result of a taboo love? Don’t you realize? IT is this era’s protagonist!"

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