The Decisive Battle

Carl strode purposefully through the halls of the castle, his gleaming sword in hand. He felt adrenaline pump through his veins as he approached the sound of combat echoing through the fortress. His two subordinates stayed behind to minimize the damage caused by the invaders in the city.

Upon reaching the throne room, the scene unfolding before him was one of pure chaos and destruction. Erika's lifeless body lay on the ground, silent witness to the brutality of the awakened warriors. The lord, his face scarred by battle, now lay motionless, overcome by his enemies.

The two awakened warriors turned their attention to Carl when they saw him enter. What looked like a gorilla in size and strength advanced first, delivering brutal, savage blows. Carl dodged the attacks nimbly, his dexterity and agility proving advantages against the enemy's brute strength.

Carl's precise movements with the sword were like a death dance. He dodged, blocked and slashed quickly and efficiently. Each strike was calculated, aimed at finding the awakened warrior's weaknesses. As he fought, he couldn't help but think of Ray, knowing she was in danger and needed to be protected.

Despite his overwhelming strength, the awakened warrior showed signs of fatigue under Carl's relentless attacks. His blows started to get slower and more inaccurate. With a bold move, Carl found a breach in the enemy's guard and delivered a clear blow, using his new sword technique, cutting him deeply in the chest. The awakened warrior fell to the ground, defeated.

However, there was no time for celebrations. The other awakened warrior, an experienced veteran, was now approaching Carl with a sadistic smile on his lips. His mastery of the sword was evident, and from the hue of his blade it was clear that he had mastered a sword technique. Carl knew this would be his most challenging battle yet.

The two warriors clashed in an epic duel, their swords clashing in a symphony of metal. Carl took every opportunity to attack, but the awakened warrior responded with agile, precise movements. The opponent's experience was clear, and Carl needed to use all his training and skill to stay alive.

The battle raged on, with both combatants showing stamina and determination. Carl was wounded, his body exhausted, but his will to protect Ray and avenge those who were lost propelled him forward.

At a crucial moment, when the fight appeared to be evenly matched, Carl found an opening in the awakened warrior's defense. With a quick and deadly blow, his sword pierced the enemy's chest, ending the battle. The awakened warrior fell to his knees and finally collapsed to the ground.

Carl remained motionless for a moment, catching his breath and absorbing the magnitude of what had happened. Then his eyes found Ray, who was huddled in a corner of the throne room, silently crying. Her heart clenched at the sight of her like this, releasing all the emotions he had been trying to contain.

He approached her with quick steps and, without hesitation, wrapped her in his arms. Ray clung to him tightly, letting the tears flow freely. It was a moment of relief, of emotional release after the fear and uncertainty they had faced.

Carl gently stroked Ray's hair, holding her tenderly as she cried into his shoulder. He knew it was important to allow her to express her pain and anguish, offering her a safe haven to lean on.

As they held each other, Carl felt a deep connection with Ray. Their emotions intertwined, strengthening their bond and reaffirming their determination to face together whatever was yet to come. And so, in that moment of vulnerability and mutual comfort, Carl and Ray found strength in each other. Carl didn't say anything and just allowed Ray to let out all the emotion she had built up.

After what seemed like an eternity to Carl, he heard footsteps coming from the hallway leading to the throne room. He picked up his sword, which was showing clear signs of wear and tear, and stood at attention. But, to his relief, pity appeared, looking exhausted. When Pen saw what had happened to the lord and Erika, he was speechless. Of the three family members, only Ray had survived.

"Boss, the enemies are retreating. The other three have arrived: Bravery has stayed to fight outside the walls, next to the Mountain; Shadow is chasing those who are retreating, to try to find out which lord the enemy army belongs to; Falcon is using his skills of vision to find the enemies still inside the city. I've come to see if you need help. What are your orders?" Pen passed a full report to Carl.

Carl didn't think too much and replied: "Go help Falcon capture the remaining enemies inside the city. Try capturer some alive for questioning. When you're done, get everyone together for an emergency meeting." Carl gave his orders quickly.

Before his subordinate could leave, Carl remembered something and asked, "Any sign of the General Commander?"

"We have no news of him, sir. Surviving soldiers claim who lost contact a day ago," replied Pen.

Carl frowned. It reeked of betrayal. His subordinate left to do his bidding, and Carl turned his attention to Ray, who was wrapped in his embrace. She was sobbing softly and clutching Carl's black robes tightly.

Carl decided to take her elsewhere. Being in the same environment as Erika and the lord would not be good for her. Then he took her by the arms and started towards the castle rooms. Ray had his face glued to Carl's chest, she didn't want to see anything else at that moment.

After walking a bit, Carl found Ray's room and put her in her bed. Ray had no more tears to shed, her eyes were red and her expression was one of pure sadness.

"It's going to be okay, I'm here", Carl said as he caressed Ray's face. After having so many teas together, Carl had already developed some affection for Ray. Now he was sure that she would be the woman he would take with him for the rest of his life and that he would protect with all his might.