Prologue

Lᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: 「Mt. Guoxing, Halius Continent.」

Tɪᴍᴇ: 「2069, May 8, 7:06am」

Amidst the central continent of a far away world, a fearsome battle occured between the humans and demons. The battle was caused by the Demon King who so wanted to rule the world and become the absolute being in this planet, he was however confronted by the Hero and it's humans.

Blood painted the world, and lifeless bodies scattered across the lands and sea. Billions of lives was taken during this battle of clashing ideals. Even now, the humans and demons are battling to their deaths in this godforsaken land.

"Magic Knights order! We cannot simply let the others get ahead of us like we are cowards! Charge forward! Do not let fear conquer your hearts, our brave soldiers!"

A man clad in golden armor cried out to the ones in silver, he was the commander of the magic knights order. In this world, many orders of knights existed to divide work in battle. The 'Magic' Knights order so happened to be the most famous as it held many capable individuals who both have mastered the sword and magic alike. Though only numbering a hundred, they are also known as the most powerful forces of every human country second only to the Hero.

The ground shattered and chasms formed as the groups of magic knights advanced forward to join the battle with the one in gold leading at the very front, lightning struck the ground and flames roared in fury as they one by one slain demons and humans alike, such were the power of magic.

But even during such time where they can die at any time, three of the magic knights at the frontlines were still holding a conversation.

"I feel like we'll die anytime now."

The magic knight wearing silver plate armor who was at the right side of the two other knights stated negatively.

"Don't jinx it!"

The one at the middle smacked his head, but luckily he wore a helmet so it didn't really harm him.

"Hahaha! Don't be like that Val, you still have a family to return to, right?"

The knight at the left on the other hand gave a high-spirited laugh while partially revealing his sword for the incoming battle. The man they called Val retorted.

"They'll be fine even when I die. You say that but you're excited to die, aren't you?"

The knight at the middle was called Sieg, the one on the left is Valerio while the last at the right side was Guiscard. These three have known each other ever since they have become knight recruits.

Every magic knight's body was immediately coated by a blue membrane made of mana as they cried out in fury to intimidate the foes. This is a form of magic called 『Physical Boost』 that enhances strength, agility and defence.

And so it came.

The two sides collided. From the very start, atleast hundreds out of millions of humans had already died at the frontlines the moment they were struck by the enemies' weapons, but it was also the same for the demons.

"Flanking Department! Leave this to us and do your job!"

It seems the commander survived and continued giving orders to the humans while at the same time fending off five demons at once.

"Let's go Val! We're going to jump right in the lion's den!"

Sieg shouted aloud while pulling Val to him, he promptly did the same with the knight on his right. Val felt the temperature below his feet decreasing-

As if launched by a catapult, the three knights were thrown into the center of the demon army using a great boost from wind magic. Indeed it looks idiotic to launch oneself unto the lion's den but they atleast were willing to risk their lives if it were to reduce the number of enemies.

"Everyone! Ready your spells! Fortress Type!"

"Yes!"

"Right away!"

Val and Guiscard replied in simultaneously to Sieg then begun visualizing and initializing magic circles inside their minds.

Just as planned, they landed on the centermost part of the demon army. The demons at the middle lines who looked alot like the human knights except with black armor were dumbfounded by their unexpected visitors.

"『Orichalcum Wall』!"

"『Atomic Limit Compression』!"

"Commencing, Light Element Magic Circle Formation!"

The magic knights order had devised many plans for any sort of situation according to the way they have to fight. Each was given roles and this sort of battle style they are currently using is powerful and efficient but at the same time reckless. The hardest obstacle was jumping right into the fray without dying.

Val casted a giant dome made of orichalcum. Sieg enhanced the durability of the giant dome with magic. While Guiscard was still busy formulating the magic spell.

After Valerio had casted his magic spell and conjured a dome of a greenish substance, it threw away nearby demons due to it's sudden expansion. It was a hilarious sight to see.

The two wanted to tell Guiscard to hurry up but knew best not to rush him or else he will mess up on forming such an intricate magic circle and he'll be back to square one.

The reason for this three-man team plan is quite simple. Valerio sets up the defences while Guiscard is casting an attack spell that damages a large area, Sieg serves as the support for both spells by enhancing the defensive capabilities of Val's spell and increasing the damage and AoE of Guiscard's.

But ofcourse, the demons won't just sit around after something like a boulder appeared in front of them with humans hiding inside it.

"Hurry and fucking get them out! They must be planning something!"

They heard the voice of a demon soldier outside.

Moments later, they were hearing swords clashing against the earth dome Val had made. They didn't so much as damage it but only made utterly useless clanging noises.

"What in the world are you idiots doing?! Use a damned hammer or something!"

The two hoped the enemies were stupid enough to continue using swords on a hard cluster of earth, but it seems like life isn't that easy on them.

BAAM !!

The dome's wall experienced a massive impact, but it didn't really take too much damage. Sieg continued supporting and repairing the little damage it had received while Val supplied Guiscard with extra mana.

"It's finished!"

Standing up and stretching his hands towards the heavens, Guiscard bellowed out.

"Oh God of Light! Please guide this world to the right path with your element to aid us humans! 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦!"

Praying to their god to ensure the success of his spell, the dome was then riddled with inscriptions of the magic circle Guiscard had created in his mind.

"Watch out! Something is coming!"

Noticing that something is wrong with the dome being decorated by white colored magic circles, the demon who seemed like a general called out to his men. But it was all in vain.

Holy light spread in the battle field, wiping out many demons at once and making them turn to dust whenever they came into contact with the trace of light.

"Shit! Many of our men have died from these humans' trickery!"

Before long, other knights started doing the same strategy in groups of two and the demon army was successfully being repelled.

"We can't approach the light! Bring in the monsters instead and destroy those things!"

The demons had a number one weakness, it was their race's tendency to die by having being touched by divine or holy light. For this reason, they mostly use monsters to do their bidding whenever the need arises.

There came another earthquake besides the use of magic. The land trembled as many and giant footsteps rocked the earth.

"Everyone! Be on edge! A stampede of monsters are coming!"

Knowing that being in a stationary state during a monster stampede is utter suicide, every knight that used the fortress strategy begun exiting the domes they were in and positioned themselves back to the humans' lines.

Finally, the silhouettes of almost a million monsters came to view. They were all in different categories. Goblins, kobolds, orcs, trolls, lizardman, griffins, undead, and many other kinds of monsters started to appear at the front of the demon's.

Valerio: "Looks like we're not going to get much sleep today..."

Sieg: "Indeed, let's just do our best to survive."

Guiscard: "After this, let's have a drink at my hometown."

All three of them laughed weakly, but it didn't last very long since they were silenced by the commander's deathly glare.

"Knights Of Mardulia! Offer your lives!"

"OOOHH!"

With loud cries that originated from each of the different Knight Orders, loud footsteps came next as they advanced towards their enemies fearlessly.

Once again, the humans have fought the demons but now the monsters at the same time. Nevertheless, it did not change the outcome of the battle. The humans' strategies and craftiness are too well trained to be defeated by the unwise.

-

Lᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: 「Mt. Guoxing, Halius Continent」

Tɪᴍᴇ: 「2069, May 15, 12:47pm」

But alas, not many can truly last forever.

The battle continued for seven days,

Seven days did both sides suffer tremendous losses. And the once number of human soldiers, ten million units was now dwindled to a mere thousand.

Valerio was silently sitting in an angel position within a military tent that they have set up.

In front of him were two medals of honor. Granted by the royal palace for a knight's outstanding performance during their service. This award can only be given to one person each.

Valerio: "So you two left me alone, huh."

The two medals belonged to Sieg and Guiscard.

During the seven day continuous war against demons, both were slain in the line of duty after battling against a flock of undead corpses that belonged to several celenegil-scaled dragons.

Anguish weighted heavily on his heart as he stood up and walked out of the tent holding the two medals dangling on his hand.

The outside world was nothing but a wasteland with polluted air disgraced by the unpleasant scent of blood.

Other tents were placed in the area and many injured knights were currently being treated by the healers.

Before long, there was a figure in the skies approaching them and descending steadily to the ground.

It may seem like an enemy but surely it was not. Afterall, everyone here knew his face and name.

"Hero Moralis, you've returned!"

A man in his tender teens with black hair and blue eyes, as well as an appealing face. Such was the Hero, the greatest ace of humanity.

He was greeted by one of the female healers who came to fetch him. However, he did not utter a reply and quickly fell on his knees.

Moralis: "The demon king was too strong... I'm sorry..."

Upon the regretful voice of the Hero, everyone's faces were distorted in a mixture of different kinds of emotions. Silence and distress spread like a virus.

However, this atmosphere only lasted for a minute. Because it was suddenly covered in a malicious aura

"Hero, so you've run away during our legendary battle."

A cold and eerie voice resonated all over the whole camp, striking fear into the hearts of everyone in the vicinity.

There came a second figure from the skies who was presently descending to land to come to their direction, unfortunately and surely this was not another Hero since there can only be one in this world.

The appearance of this person was like that of a knight as well. However, this man was twice the size of the Hero and had dark colored armour that protected his intimidatingly robust physique. To make it more obvious, those crooked horns on his head making it look like a crown and that draconic wings growing on his back only meant one thing. There was no mistaking it.

Moralis: "Demon King, Aragaulus... So you've pursued me..."

The Hero stood up once again and pointed his holy sword at the demon king. It was evident that from his abdomen, there was a long cut that was likely inflicted from the battle against the demon king.

Aragaulus: "Hero, what can you do but die in that condition. Just submit to me and I will save you and let you live."

The Hero clicked his tongue and his pupils flashed in hesitation. Is he thinking of doing as the Demon King says?

"P-Please let me join the demons, Demon King-sama!"

However, it was not the Hero who answered his question but an injured knight. Every human present looked at him in disdainful and scornful eyes. From the looks of his uniform, he's from the Sword Knight's Order.

The demon king slowly shifted his gaze from the Hero to that person. Seeing that he got his attention, the man smiled. But it was not until the Demon King lifted his hand and pointed it at the person. Almost instantly, a ball of dark flames manifested and discharged at the man with much speed that his injured body cannot possibly avoid.

Aragaulus: "I was asking the Hero. Not a worthless creature like you who dared betray his comrades right in their eyes. Even a demon king like me have more chivalry than you."

The injured knight shrieked in pain and eventually dropped on the ground with his head missing. Possibly consumed by those dark flames. Everyone except the Demon King and Hero was shrouded by fear and dared not speak.

Aragaulus sent his gaze back towards the Hero once again and stared at him as if waiting for an answer.

Moralis: "I refuse."

The Demon King went silent for a moment. Possibly surprised because he thought that he would agree, it was indeed a good offer.

Aragaulus: "As expected of the Hero. Then you shall meet the end of your race."

The demon king raised his heavy nodachi sword upwards above his head. The blade gradually effused dark light during the span of 5 seconds.

And like the Hero has already given up. He stood there in place waiting for an opening and gasping for breath.

Aragaulus: "Farewell, Human Hero."

And thus he brought his sword downwards to split the hero into two.

*SFX of metal clanging*

Aragaulus: "What?!"

Moralis: "!?"

Before the blade of the Demon King had reached the nape of the Hero, it was parried and halted by the sword of a third party.

Valerio: "What are you doing, Hero?! Don't give up just like that!"

The warm and manly voice came from the person in front of him. The Hero raised his head to find that he was being shielded by a magic knight a little taller than him.

Seeing this as an opportunity, the Hero resolved himself and sprinted to the direction of the healer to repair his wound.

Valerio: "Now it's just you and me."

The knight let out a sigh as his eyes followed Moralis who successfully reached the medic bay. The demon king withdrew his sword.

Valerio held his sword wrapped in a blue membrane of mana with two hands and stabbed it into the ground.

The demon king glared at the magic knight through the crevices in his headpiece, his bloodshot eyes emanating a deathly glow.

Aragaulus: "You're getting in my way, human knight."

Valerio: "That is the plan."

The demon king sent a concentration of mana to his body and hardened his muscles to try and cut Valerio apart with his Nodachi's edge with a single swing.

However it was once again blocked by Valerio's sword. But ofcourse for a great cost. His mana pool had quickly dwindled by 30% for defending against that strike directly from the Demon King, for he not only needed to strengthen his body with it but also his sword. But this was also a crucial action for him to grasp the strength of his opponent. Before the true battle he knows will come arrives, he begun gathering mana from the surroundings into his magic core to replenish the lost energy.

Aragaulus: "Fum, Impressive. You were able to defend against my attack twice despite not being the Hero. If possible I would like to see more of your capabilities. Would you do me the pleasure of dueling with me using the mastery of Sword and Magic, Human Knight?"

For a moment, Valerio hesitated but that's not something he could show openly to the enemy. He gazed back into the crimson eyes of the Demon King and accepted the duel in earnest.

Valerio: "You flatter me, it is only natural for a Magic Knight to be this strong. I accept the duel."

Both sides arranged themselves for a showdown with their own respective battle stance.

Valerio: (I must buy time for the Hero to recover. Only then, may we have a chance to win this battle. But ofcourse that would not be enough, I need to first inflict the Demon King with a wound that would aid in his downfall.)

The two warriors kicked the ground with a burst and darted to the spot they planned to clash swords.

Both their sword blades instantly ignited and erupted in a burst of blue and red flames that were a product of their mana being converted to visible energy.

The sound of blades sliding and crashing against each other resonated in the whole area as the Demon King and a common Magic Knight continued in their monsterous combat.

Their outstanding exchange of swords would be unforgettable to those who bore witness. Their movements were invisible to the naked eye as the speed transcended the speed of light.

Valerio no longer blocked the Demon King's strikes with his sword and instead used the latter to deflect and change the trajectories of the Demon King's attacks due to the enemy's attacks being too absurdly strong. They depleted too much mana which was inefficient and disadvantageous for him.

Aragaulus: "Hahahaha! Splendid! Interesting! Not bad, human knight!"

Valerio: "Oh God of Water, bless us with life, grant us our next peaceful days with your divine element, 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳!"

The headpiece of the Demon King was immediately drenched in water as a blue magic circle materialized in thin air which surprised him. But it did not stop there.

Valerio: "𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨!"

A purple colored magic circle emerged from the back of the blue magic circle and released an electrostatic discharge at the water.

This time, the water that had covered the demon king's headpiece and also it's inside was pervaded in a surge of electricity that came from the charged water.

Aragaulus: "Graah!"

The demon king screamed in agony and fell a few steps back to regain his composure. After the time he recovered from the shock, he laughed in what seemed like a feel of amusement.

Valerio: "Why are you laughing, demon king?"

Aragaulus: "I see, a magic knight. You people always do entertain me."

Cracking his neck and spinning his nodachi vertically once, he sprinted at full speed towards Valerio who was in the middle of casting a spell.

*SFX of the ground rumbling*

As if he knew from the start, Aragaulus evaded by rotating his body to avoid the incoming wall of earth ascending from the ground that was aiming to crash into his temples.

*SFX of the ground rumbling*

Aragaulus: "What? Again?"

He expected the same attack again. But he was mistaken, one, two, three, nine, twelve more earth walls began descending from the ground to entrap him in a gathering of walls. The only exit was the open space from above the assemblage of walls.

Valerio was losing balance and used his sword to support him up while he spontaneously gasped for breath.

Valerio: "...This took alot of mana from me. These walls are made out of vibranium, it can't be destroyed so easily by the likes of physical or magical damage."

Jus as he said, the walls were made out of vibranium. However, a partial amount of it is still made out of soil and rocks in order to preserve his mana pool.

Valerio broke out in cold sweat, his breathing has become ragged and shallow.

Aragaulus: "Who knew someone like you existed in the magic knights order. I myself have never met a man with so much magic power and affinity to earth magic like this before. You magic knights would be a fine addition to my army."

Valerio: "Well thanks... my companions, and all my subordinates you demons have killed are supporting my back so I can't die without a fight, right?"

*SFX of a metallic wall being pounded*

The Demon King had begun climbing the narrow room Valerio had trapped him in. Based on his speed and the height of the wall which was over 50 meters, Valerio had 30 seconds before he successfully climbs up.

Valerio: (『Lance Of The Light God』.)

He was now visualizing and constructing a magic circle in his thoughts, while on the other hand, the Demon King was climbing the walls of vibranium with his claws piercing the parts that are only made of dirt or rocks.

Slowly and gradually, Valerio was feeling his body giving away and the mana being sucked dry out of his body. He was feeling drowsy, fatigued and attacked by migraine.

The Demon King had already covered quite a distance when he saw something like a huge white ring engraved and filled out with inscriptions of light above him.

Aragaulus: "So this was your plan!"

With the remaining strength he had left, Valerio thrusted his sword to the skies before the Demon King could escape the hole he was in, and-

Like a falling star but faster, a large pole of blindingly bright light descended to land towards the Demon King. Valerio watched as Aragaulus' silhouette began to disappear as it shrieked in agony.

The spear of light continued pouring on, for several seconds until it had completely dissipated.

His mana pool completely depleted, the magic knight clad in silver armor fell on his knees. The people who watched the battle were in a daze. For the one who defeated the Demon King was not the Hero but a Magic Knight.

"Did he get him?"

"H-He did it... He killed the Demon King!"

"Are you serious? What if it's still alive?"

"No way! That was holy light so it must have made him into ashes by now!"

While they excitedly celebrated the Demon King's death, the magic knight who defeated the enemy remained kneeling on the ground with his head facing downwards. Resting his body and mind as much as he can to avoid dying out of exhaustion and mana over-usage.

The Hero who saw the battle's outcome smiled in his direction. He wanted to help during the battle but was not able to because of his injury. But noticing that right now he's in a terrible state, he called out to the healers.

Moralis: "H-Hey! Go and heal him!"

*SFX of rubble being moved*

Moralis looked at where those sounds were coming from and found himself looking at the fallen vibranium walls that was used to trap the demon king and stop him from escaping.

Aragaulus: "I truly thought that the strongest and most capable human was the Hero. But you, magic knight was the first to have damaged me to this extent."

Moralis: (He's still alive?!)

Aragaulus emerged from the pile of rubble casually as if he just woken up from his sleep. He started coming over to the unmoving body that is Valerio. The healers who were coming to his rescue fell back and didn't dare come closer.

Aragaulus: "Ofcourse, with a cost."

Trembling, Valerio's neck moved and his gaze was sent upwards to look at the figure of the demon king. It was already taking him everything he had just to look.

Apparently, the demon king had lost one arm from that recent attack. His left arm to be exact, although even when one of his limbs was destroyed, he remained unfazed. But right now, he did not exude a malicious aura that he always has.

Moralis: "H-How?! I saw you get hit by the holy light!"

The demon king looked at the hero's direction to answer his question. The hero swallowed his saliva after being noticed.

Aragaulus: "...Before I was hit by that magic, I was able to get away just in time, but as expected. My speed was not enough due to that hole and I was partially damaged."

Assuming that the Hero is satisfied by his answer, the demon king returned his gaze to the magic knight.

Aragaulus: "...You don't seem to be able to continue our battle, it's unfortunate but you will have to die now. It would also be better if I end your suffering for you."

Blood was dripping out of the crevices in Valerio's helmet. But he did not break his passionate gaze on the demon king, eyes flickering with fighting spirit until the bitter end.

Valerio: "That would be appreciated..."

Aragaulus: "As a reward, I will grant you death by the Demon King's sword."

Valerio, however did not reply. But he thought that as a warrior, it would be an honor to die by this strong opponent's hands than die later in this pathetic place or with a creature inferior than the Demon King. As to express his agreement, he dropped his gaze and closed his eyes.

Aragaulus: "However... I need to first know your name, honorable knight."

It didn't seem like he had any other choice since the Demon King insisted. So he truthfully answered by saying his name with his gaze still locked onto the ground.

Valerio: "Valerio Sil Valle..."

Aragaulus: "I see. Sil Valle, how long did I not hear that name. Your descendants were powerful just like you and like any other magic knight that I have slain. If I am to tell the truth, if you and those people have joined forces to defeat me, humanity would have easily won this battle."

Valerio: "As knights... It goes against our chivalry to fight unfairly by outnumbering our opponent."

Aragaulus: "Which is foolish... But also admirable."

Valerio coughed several times. Aragaulus saw this and raised his nodachi to take Valerio's life. But before he did so, he stared at the knight at death's door groveling before him. Not noticing the Hero who was about to take his life after he had just finished being healed.

Aragaulus: "...Reincarnation Magic."

The last thing that Valerio have heard was the sound of the Demon King muttering a few words he couldn't hear clearly, and then the sound of a blade cutting through the air, descending upon him. And the one thought he had before dying was that he had bought enough time for the hero to recover...

And what awaits him after death.