From the moment I was chosen by the holy relic

Eric broke out in a cold sweat, his arm numb from the impact. He then leaped backward, using the collapsing beam as a springboard to dodge Kadir's horizontal slash. The moment he landed, he swung his sword backhand and stabbed Kadir in the side!

Kadir's pupils contracted slightly, and he took a step back, but Eric's blade still managed to slash a bloody gash across his waist, the blood dripping down his black armor onto the scorched ground.

"Heh," Kadir looked down at his wound, licked his lips, and instead of anger, a bloodthirsty excitement flickered in his eyes. "Not bad, I didn't expect you to have some skill."

Eric didn't respond. He took a deep breath, his hand gripping the sword slightly numb, his arm throbbing from the intense swings. But he knew he couldn't stop; he had to continue the attack before Kadir regained his advantage!

He shifted his stance, gathered his strength, and lunged forward, slashing upwards with his sword, aiming straight for Kadir's throat!

"hiss--"

Kadir managed to parry with his sword, but the force of Eric's impact caused him to stagger backward a few steps, his chest heaving slightly. His eyes suddenly turned cold; clearly, he hadn't expected Eric to gain the upper hand in a direct confrontation.

"You think this is the end?" Kadir said coldly, then suddenly blew a sharp whistle.

Suddenly, more than ten dark figures leaped out from the surrounding shadows!

Eric's heart sank as he caught a glimpse of the enemies appearing around him: dark mages, heavily armored knights, and several assassins skilled in assassination.

Before he could react, a ball of dark magic energy flew towards him! Eric jerked to the side, barely dodging it, but the aftershock still exploded behind him, the debris and scorching heat lifting his cloak.

He turned and slashed at the spellcaster with his sword. The dark mage's eyes showed fear, and he hurriedly raised his wand to cast a defensive spell.

But it's too late.

"Snap!"

Eric's sword cleaved the wand in two with perfect precision, and the dark mage let out a terrified scream, staggering backward and falling to the ground.

However, before Eric could catch his breath, an arrow pierced the air!

"Whoosh—"

Eric instinctively ducked, the arrow grazing his hair before embedding itself in the ruins behind him, sending dust flying.

At the same time, he heard a heavy whooshing sound behind him. He immediately sensed danger and turned around to block almost reflexively.

"Clang!"

A tremendous force came as one of Kadir's heavily armored knights, wielding a giant axe, slammed down on Eric's sword.

Eric gritted his teeth and barely managed to block the attack, but the impact of the giant axe caused a sharp pain in his arm, and his feet involuntarily slid backward.

He gradually felt his strength waning; his hand gripping the sword went numb, his arm grew heavier, his chest heaved rapidly, and his palms were already soaked with sweat. At that moment, he knew he had exhausted his strength and was nearing his end.

Eric's muscles were trembling, and his vision was beginning to blur, but he still gripped his sword tightly, even though this was the last moment he could hold on.

Kadir's dark knight pressed forward relentlessly, attacking from all sides. His sword grew sluggish with each defensive maneuver, his legs were exhausted from the long battle, and his heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst in his chest.

He smiled bitterly to himself, "Is this the end?"

However, at that moment, a row of lights suddenly appeared in the distant darkness. At first, they were just faint lights, like twinkling stars in the night, but soon, the lights surged forward like a tide, growing brighter and closer!

Eric forced himself to lift his head and look up.

From the darkness, a troop of cavalry charged in, their torches flickering and illuminating their armor. Their warhorses' hooves thundered through the ruins, roaring as they charged towards Qadir's forces!

"They're the enemy!"

The Dark Knights screamed in terror as their formation was suddenly broken. Faced with the cavalry that had suddenly appeared, they crumbled instantly.

Eric's eyes widened slightly as he watched the knight at the forefront suddenly raise his lance and plunge it deep into the chest of a dark mage, sending his body crashing to the ground. His companions followed closely behind, sweeping across the battlefield like a hurricane, hacking, charging, and tearing apart Kadir's men one by one.

"What's going on?!" Kadir turned around abruptly and roared, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes for the first time.

But it's too late.

His men were routed by the sudden attack, and the cavalrymen, brandishing their swords, drove the dark soldiers into a frenzy.

"Retreat! Retreat now!!"

A dark assassin screamed, dropped his dagger, and turned to run away in a panic.

In just a few moments, the tide of battle turned completely.

Qadir's troops were routed by the cavalry charge. Their once arrogant warriors now abandoned their armor and fled in panic into the night.

Kadir clenched his fists, his eyes burning with rage, and his teeth grinding together.

"We'll see!" he murmured, his gaze extremely gloomy, but he still snorted coldly, leaped onto his black warhorse, and galloped into the depths of the night.

Eric slowly relaxed his tense body. His legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground. His hands were still tightly gripping the sword, his knuckles white, and his armor was covered in blood and dust.

"Is it over...?"

He gave a bitter smile, his throat so dry it felt like it was on fire.

Just then, a figure rode slowly closer on horseback. He was tall and wore a dark blue cloak, with an air of authority about him. He dismounted and walked slowly to Eric, looking at him calmly.

Give him some water.

His voice was deep and powerful, exuding an unquestionable authority.

Eric managed to lift his head, his eyes weary yet wary. He didn't recognize the man, but judging from his armor and the army he was in, he was no ordinary person.

At that moment, a knight dismounted from his horse, walked to Eric's side, and handed him a water bag.

Eric hesitated for a moment, but finally reached out and took it, tilting his head back to gulp it down. The icy water slid down his throat and into his stomach, causing his body, which was burning hot from the intense battle, to tremble slightly, as if he had gained a brief respite from the scorching flames.

Suddenly, he felt a warm current flow into his body. The feeling was familiar and warm, like sunlight shining on cold earth, bringing withered grass and trees back to life.

Eric looked up abruptly, his heart pounding.

"This is?"

His eyes searched the cavalry ranks, and finally, he spotted that familiar figure in the crowd—

Leah!

She stood in the cavalry, a faint magical glow emanating from her hands, her eyes filled with worry as she watched Eric.

Eric paused for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh. The laugh carried the relief of surviving a disaster, and also a hint of gratitude.

But just as a relaxed smile appeared on his lips, he suddenly realized something was wrong.

Leah's expression showed no joy; her eyes were filled with tears, and her lips trembled slightly, as if some incredibly heavy news was weighing on her heart, making it almost impossible for her to speak.

Eric's heart sank.

He glanced around, his gaze darting between the cavalry and the remaining soldiers, searching for that familiar figure, but where was Kahn?

"No..." he murmured, countless possibilities flashing through his mind, each one sending chills down his spine.

He abruptly looked up, staring straight at Leah, his voice hoarse: "Where's Kahn?"

Leah's eyes reddened, and tears finally rolled down her cheeks. She bit her lower lip tightly, shook her head desperately, and choked out, "Eric, he, he's already..."

She choked up, as if uttering that word would be tantamount to admitting an irreversible fact.

Eric's body jolted, and his heartbeat stopped for a moment.

He couldn't believe his ears.

"...Impossible," he whispered, his voice almost breaking. "He clearly, he clearly only..."

His fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palms, pain shooting through his entire body. Forcing himself to remain calm, he managed to ask with difficulty, "What happened?"

Tears streamed down Leah's face as she choked out, "His wound wasn't an ordinary arrow wound."

"The arrow was imbued with dark, corrosive magic," her voice trembled, her eyes filled with sorrow, "and it was also smeared with the Grim Reaper's smile."

"The Grim Reaper's Smile!"

Eric's pupils suddenly contracted, and it felt as if an invisible hand was gripping his throat, making it difficult to even breathe.

Of course he knew what it was.

The Grim Reaper's Smile, an extremely rare and deadly poison, is said to be extracted from the venom of an ancient serpent. It not only causes wounds to worsen rapidly but also corrodes the soul; even the most powerful healing magic can only temporarily alleviate the pain, not completely eradicate it. To be poisoned by this...

"He's definitely going to die."

Eric's ears were ringing, and it felt as if something in his mind was collapsing.

Kahn, dead?

Just as he was desperately fighting, and as he used all his strength to get Leah to take him away, he was unaware that Kahn had already stepped into the abyss of death.

Eric's body trembled slightly, his throat tightened, and a wave of almost unbearable pain surged in his chest. He tried to open his mouth to say something, but in the end, only heavy breathing could be heard.

"I was Kadir's target; I'm the one who ruined him."

He used all his strength to keep himself from kneeling on the ground.

He thought he was used to life and death; he had seen too many comrades fall and countless corpses lie on the battlefield. But he still couldn't accept Kahn's death.

A mixture of rage and grief burned within Eric, his knuckles turning white from the force of his grip, the fury threatening to consume his reason.

He wanted to find Kadir, skin that scumbag alive, and make him pay for everything!

"Kadir, you bastard..."

His eyes became terrifying, like a poisoned blade, cold and bloodthirsty.

However, just as he was so angry that he could hardly control himself, a hand landed on his shoulder with a steady and firm force, pulling him back from the brink of madness.

"calm."

Eric looked up abruptly and realized that the cavalry leader was standing beside him, looking at him solemnly.

He was tall and imposing, wearing a deep blue royal knight's cloak, his armor emblazoned with the emblem of the Kingdom of Iser, and a crescent moon of pale blue, symbolizing magic and wisdom.

"I am Lancelot Draven," the man said slowly, his voice deep and authoritative, "a Royal Knight of Iser."

Eric paused for a moment.

The Royal Knights of Iser? What are they doing here?

Lancelot looked at him and continued, "A few days ago, we learned of an anomaly here, confirming that the forces of darkness had invaded. So, we rushed here day and night, but unexpectedly..."

His gaze swept around, and his brows furrowed slightly: "I didn't expect that we were still a step too late."

Eric took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He knew this was not the time to wallow in grief.

He gazed silently at Lancelot, his heart still heavy, but reason was gradually returning. He took a deep breath, his voice low and calm: "How did you know about this place?"

Lancelot's gaze swept across the battlefield, his eyes as deep as a lake in the night. He slowly said, "A few days ago, someone escaped from here and brought us the news."

Eric's heart skipped a beat. He sat bolt upright and asked urgently, "What did the person who escaped look like?"

There was a hint of barely perceptible anticipation in his voice.

Maybe it's her?

However, Lancelot merely frowned slightly and slowly shook his head: "It was a human male, covered in wounds and utterly exhausted. He didn't even say his name, only told us about the situation here and asked us to come immediately."

Eric's heart sank.

It's not Eileen.

For a fleeting moment, he couldn't hide the slight disappointment in his heart, but he quickly composed himself and said in a deep voice, "In any case, thank you for coming. If it weren't for you, we probably..."

Lancelot nodded slightly, looking at him calmly: "We are just doing our duty."

Just then, the knights in the distance began to count the prisoners on the battlefield.

Some of the prisoners were remnants of Kadir's army, completely demoralized, bound hand and foot by Iser's knights and forced to kneel on the ground. Eric's gaze swept over them, and just as he was about to look away, a familiar face suddenly came into view.

Carrot.

The sleazy man hung his head, his clothes tattered, his face covered in filth, clearly having been completely abandoned. His hands were tied behind his back, and his thin shoulders trembled slightly, like a stray dog ​​that had been discarded.

Eric's gaze turned cold.

It's ironic that Qadir actually abandoned this lackey.

As if sensing his gaze, Carrot cautiously raised her head, her eyes meeting Eric's.

His face turned deathly pale instantly.

Eric's eyes were cold and ruthless, filled with murderous intent. He slowly raised his sword and walked step by step toward Carrot.

Carrot's eyes widened in terror as she stumbled backward, crying out in panic, "No! Don't kill me! All the treasure is yours! I swear I'll never collude with that bastard Kadir again! Please, please spare my life!"

Eric smiled coldly.

"Spare you?" he sneered, his voice low and icy. "When you were besieging Kahn and the others, did you ever consider sparing his life?"

Carrot trembled, her lips shaking, as if she wanted to say something more.

However, Eric was too lazy to listen anymore.

He doesn't need a coward's explanation.

All he needs is for him to die.

Eric's eyes turned cold, and he slashed down with his longsword!

"Clang—!"

A dull metallic clang rang out.

Eric's sword was blocked.

A silver sword was held horizontally in front of him, steadily blocking his attack.

Eric raised his head, his gaze sharp as a knife, and met a pair of deep eyes—Lancelot's.

The royal knights of Iser watched him silently, their eyes calm yet resolute.

"That's enough." His voice was calm and unhurried, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

Eric frowned and said coldly, "This is none of your business. He must die." His voice was low and filled with an uncontrollable killing intent.

However, Lancelot did not back down at all. He still stood in front of Carrot, his voice calm and firm: "I understand your anger, but he must live."

Eric clenched his fists even tighter: "Living? What right does scum like him have to live?"

Lancelot's gaze remained calm as he slowly said, "I will take him to see the King of Iser, so that the King may judge him personally."

He paused, his voice slightly lowered: "Don't worry, we won't let him off easily."

Eric gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with rage. His fingers tightened slightly, but he still gripped the sword firmly.

After a few seconds of silence, he finally took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and slowly sheathed his longsword.

He respected the laws of Iser and their trials.

When he opened his eyes again, his gaze was still cold and stern, but the murderous intent had gradually dissipated.

"Okay," he said in a low voice, "He's yours now."

Lancelot nodded slightly and slowly sheathed his sword.

Eric gave Carrot one last look and said coldly, "I'll deal with you myself sooner or later."

Carrot's face turned pale, and she cowered with her head down, not daring to make another sound.

The embers of the battlefield had not yet been completely extinguished, and the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder and blood. The soldiers talked in hushed tones as they cleared away the wreckage, and night slowly fell, casting a solemn hue over everything.

Eric withdrew his gaze and sighed deeply. He had lost too much in today's battle. The deaths of his friends weighed heavily on his heart, making him feel heavy and weary.

Just then, Lia walked up to him.

Her robes were stained with dust and blood, and her once gentle face now looked somewhat haggard, but her eyes remained resolute. She lowered her head and remained silent for a moment, seemingly hesitant about how to speak.

Finally, she said softly, "Eric, I... I have nowhere to go."

Eric turned to look at her, his brows furrowing slightly.

"My friends, they're all dead." Leah's voice trembled slightly as she gripped her staff tightly, her knuckles turning white. "I don't know where to go, or what to do."

She looked up, meeting Eric's eyes directly in hers, a hint of pleading and unease in them: "So, can I come with you?"

Eric was slightly taken aback.

He instinctively wanted to refuse. He himself was a wanderer, alone, without purpose or home, so how could he take others with him?

But he knew in his heart that what Leah said was true. All her companions had died because of him, and now she was all alone, which was very pitiful.

He looked at Leah, his gaze softening slightly, and finally sighed and nodded: "Alright, come with me."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Lia's eyes. She nodded gently and said nothing more.

And so, after the group was organized, they embarked on their journey to the capital of Iserloth together with Lancelot's Knights.