Armored Cavalry, survive in a world full of mods

“I swear on my family and honor, I saw it all, I saw the most despicable and shameful betrayal! It was this scoundrel! He abandoned us in the encirclement while our cavalry were locked in fierce battle with the enemy! If it weren't for my lord leading us out of that place, that land would be littered with rotting bones, and no survivors would have come to expose his vile plot!”

"I'm here to vouch for the general!"

A man stepped out of the crowd, removed the upper part of his robe, and turned around, revealing the marks on his back.

“I swear on my life and my dignity! This man destroyed everything I had! He coerced me into committing a vile and dishonorable murder!”

A storm of gasps erupted throughout the venue and the plaza outside, and a terrifying emotion was beginning to brew.

Fitzgerald lifted his clothes; the mark of the Aristotle family had already been seen by many and was spreading rapidly.

"Like any decent and honest citizen of the Empire, I built my own property through my own efforts, but I was ravaged by his conspiracy because he wanted me, a former slave, to assassinate General Tersolius!"

A more violent commotion began to spread among the crowd. People whispered among themselves with expressions of anger and disgust. If it weren't for the fact that there were no stones in the smooth and clean hall, there might have been a puddle of minced meat on the platform below.

"I swear on my general's oath!"

Another cavalryman stepped forward; he was a centurion of armored cavalry.

"We have come to seek justice for those warriors who perished in this conspiracy! They deserved to die with honor, not to be framed and abandoned!"

"I've come to testify for my master!"

"A treacherous and despicable scoundrel!"

"I am here to testify for our general!"

………………

One cavalryman after another emerged from the crowd, and every citizen spontaneously made way for them, allowing these weathered warriors to stand at the forefront.

They showed everyone the wounds on their armor, the scars on their limbs, their severed fingers, and the bloodstains that soaked their clothes.

One after another, each cavalryman, filled with deep-seated hatred, unleashed it without restraint in this setting and at this time. The hardships and dangers they had overcome along the way were enough to leave a deep impression on any warrior... and they would never forgive such cowards and villains!

The gleaming steel armor clad the battle-hardened veterans who had fought their way to this point, eager to avenge the blood debts they and their comrades had inflicted. Their roars, filled with anger and malice, were enough to make even lions cower in their dens.

Until more than four hundred cavalrymen filled the wide ground at the bottom, more than four hundred people filled with hatred and anger, more than four hundred people filled with overwhelming killing intent, more than four hundred people filled with chilling aura... all of this was like a bomb, which stirred up a huge wave.

Everyone was passing on what they heard, spreading the anger and disgust until even the most marginalized heard it. Suddenly, the commotion that had gripped the entire city fell silent… The next moment, it was as if thunder had struck the ground! Everyone roared in unison, almost tearing the roofs off:

"Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!!!"

………………

As the emperor's scepter struck the ground once more, a suppressed silence began to spread. Everyone, even the poorest beggar, shut their mouths, awaiting the final verdict.

All the nobles focused their attention on the chief elder... they were waiting for the old man to make a decision.

Scripps took a deep breath, then extended his right hand, making a fist with his thumb pointing down:

"guilty……"

The nobles were silent for a moment, then, with the first fist extended and thumbs down, the elders' verdict was officially announced:

"guilty."

"guilty!"

"guilty……"

........................

106 Sinners (2)

Angry voices filled every corner, even disturbing the ants in the cracks of the rocks, who huddled fearfully in their tiny kingdoms, waiting for the storm-like disaster to pass.

The instruction to remain silent was forgotten by everyone, and driven by a variety of inexplicable factors, their anger was directed at the same person.

A torrent of profanities rained down, and fists swung as if ready to deliver a brutal beating. The crowd surged like waves; even those who could have sat down abandoned their seats, eager to vent their pent-up emotions through some act.

The soldiers maintaining order held their spears horizontally to block the surging crowd, but the increasingly powerful force was destroying their defenses. As a last resort, the second rank of soldiers stepped in, and only then was order maintained.

As the root of these emotions, the unimaginable pressure nearly crushed Arius, as if everything in the world had become his enemy in that instant! The air itself seemed to tear his throat apart.

The once-hard floor now seemed like a soft swamp, making him unsteady on his feet. He felt dizzy and disoriented, and the immense pressure almost made him vomit. But he wasn't a complete waste after all... He still needed to finish his last task.

The crowd fell silent. The sinner and traitor in everyone's eyes raised his hand. His index and middle fingers were bent downwards, resting on the base of his thumb, while his ring and little fingers were raised upwards. This meant only one thing—the sinner was asking for an honorable death…

At this moment, the discipline of the Imperials was on full display. Even those engaged in activities unrelated to the military would undergo at least three weeks of training each year. Discipline had become ingrained in the very bones of every individual, like a kind of poison.

Even though they were furious just a moment ago, at this moment, after seeing the emperor raise his scepter, everyone spontaneously shut their mouths, letting the surging waves of voices disappear into the abyss.

“My crimes are undeniable… but I beg Your Majesty and the Senate for mercy… please give me a sword so that I may die as an imperial nobleman.”

His bloated face was as pale as ashes, but at this moment, an unprecedented determination appeared in the eyes of the obese man before me, although this determination was also surrounded by despair.

The emperor, with his molten gold eyes, narrowed his eyes slightly, his pursed lips forming sharp, blade-like lines.

“My mercy is not generous enough to grant to a traitor. The best you deserve is to rot in the Chegevny prison… Everything you have done has trampled your honor into the mud. Having committed such a crime, you no longer have the right to die with honor…”

Just when Arius was in utter despair, the emperor's tone suddenly changed:

"But this is a sacred place. Even if you have committed such a grave crime, there is still a sliver of hope... Chief Elder, what is your opinion?"

………………

Scripps didn't speak immediately; his ears had already picked up the sudden whispers. The emotions of the Imperials were a dangerous sea, containing both wealth and threats.

He knew what the Empire wanted to see… All the Empires were indignant… What had just happened had completely ignited their anger, and now a traitor despised by everyone was demanding an honorable death, which was utterly ridiculous to them.

Such a glorious death can only be reserved for heroes, not for a coward who schemes and plots.

They just wanted to see a tragic, desperate, bloody, and satisfying execution...

But he also knew what his supporters wanted to see... Even though they had already made their choice, their inclination was still self-evident in the face of shared fate.

He actually had no choice.

But making this decision would mean that the wrath of the Empire would be directed at him...

He turned to look at the emperor beside him. The young emperor was not much different from when he found her, but now he had cornered him... This would be a wise emperor.

It seemed that the Senate's losses had been minimized, but the elders knew very well that their losses were far greater than those of Balias himself... He had to maintain this pitiful balance and unity... otherwise he would be unable to stand against the Emperor.

The chief elder took a deep breath. Everyone was waiting for him to speak, and the expectant gazes were like needles pricking his skin, making him almost want to run away.

“Your Majesty, I believe he should be given this chance… Even if he has committed such a grave mistake, as an imperial nobleman, his last shred of dignity should not be stripped away.”

A tidal wave of boos immediately spread. If he hadn't been empty-handed, some of the more agitated individuals might have already been throwing stones and vegetable leaves at him. Loud stomping echoed all around—the Imperials were venting their discontent in this way.

But the old woman's expression remained unchanged; she simply gazed calmly at the emperor and Teresolus beside her...

The emperor, dressed in his finest attire, nodded slightly, the strings of jewels on his crown swaying gently, shimmering with dazzling colors.

"Then I respect your opinion, Elder. He will receive a sword, but no pardon. Today! In the Third Arena of the Imperial Capital, we will witness the sinner's fate!"

“And my legion commander, General Tersolius, will be his opponent; no one is more qualified than him!”

Everyone stood up, and the Imperials cheered loudly, as if they weren't the ones who had just been booing.

Cheers surrounded the majestic and imposing emperor, whose captivating, jade-like face made even the most exquisite carvings and precious gems on his crown pale in comparison. It was impossible to tell whether the crown bestowed such majesty upon the emperor, or whether the emperor made the crown shine even brighter.

........................

No one wanted to be delayed at this crucial moment, so the capital's third arena was immediately cleared out, all of today's matches were suspended, and every corner of the arena was occupied. Many people were willing to spend a lot of money to secure a spot there.

The workers who were moving goods dropped their goods, the craftsmen who were making goods put down their tools, and their boss arrived here just like them.

The tavern owner poured cold water on the fire, and the doors of every shop were closed. If you didn't look at this corner, the entire capital of the empire would almost be a ghost town.

The crowd was so dense that an entire legion had to be deployed to maintain order and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. Those lucky enough to enter the arena were the envy of everyone, and everyone waited anxiously while exchanging information with others.

Public sentiment is as unpredictable as the ocean, containing dangerous and turbulent waves, which is frightening and worthy of vigilance for any country and any person.

But now, this wave is surging forward in its own direction...

Thesolius held out his hands, and three servants were checking the condition of his armor, cleaning off the blood and dust, and hanging the sword belt around his waist.

He reached out and drew the sword from his waist—a carefully selected piece from the treasury of the Lord of Alpert. Its hilt, adorned with gold and jade, provided excellent balance, while the sharp, sturdy blade featured grooves to reduce weight and strengthen its structure. Beautiful patterns, like scattered feathers, extended from the hilt to the tip.

This is undoubtedly a fine sword, and any man would be willing to spend a fortune for it... But even the most beautiful sword will eventually wear down and be worn out on the walls of Alpert. This blade has torn open countless throats, taken countless heads, and severed countless bones...

Now, the blade is covered with dents and chips of all sizes, and no amount of polishing can restore it to its original state.

Such a blade is hardly sharp, or rather, it's more like a bad saw... it would only get stuck in bone and flesh.

He was about to order his servants to find him a new sword when a dazzling golden yellow suddenly flashed past his eyes—he immediately turned his head and saw the emperor dressed in a magnificent purple robe.

Clautina stood very close, a step being an inappropriate social distance for anyone. The servants, already alarmed, bowed and then respectfully withdrew at the emperor's command.

"Your Majesty, I wasn't paying attention..."

Claudia smiled and stopped him, a golden hue filling his vision:

"Look how poor my general is! He's using such a broken sword... This sword was made by a craftsman who served the emperor, and it was originally intended to be delivered to you. Give it a try."

This is a gleaming golden sword... that was Thesolius's first impression.

The golden crescent-shaped handguard, the golden diamond-shaped counterweights, and the hilt wrapped with silver wire... even the scabbard is decorated with golden ornaments, with intricate and exquisite patterns covering every corner.

He slowly drew his sword, and a blinding glint of cold light made him squint slightly. The sharp longsword was covered with patterns that spread out like feathers, so neat that one might suspect that someone had drawn them on with a paintbrush, line by line.

He gripped the sword with one hand and swung it lightly. The blade tore through the air, but made no extra sound, like a leaf falling, yet bringing with it a deadly glint.

The sword moved with the ease of his hand, as if it were an extension of his arm.

The emperor maintained a smile throughout, remaining unmoved even as the dangerous sword danced beside him.

"How is it? This is the best craftsman I could find, and I find it quite handy to use myself."

Thesolius sheathed his sword with a backhand motion.

“Perfect! Your Majesty, I can hardly find any flaws. Even if I did, it would only be nitpicking. As a sword, I cannot ask for more. That would be too greedy and make things difficult for the craftsman.”

The emperor burst out laughing:

"You're still the same as always... Then I'll give this sword to you. It's a waste for it to stay with me; I only have a few opportunities to use it a year."

"Then I'll accept it without hesitation. It'll be perfect to put it to use today."

After putting on his weapons and nodding slightly to Clautina, Tersolius put on the flamboyant and ornate eagle helmet, adjusted his double-layered chainmail and scale armor neck guards, and then walked towards the passage.

"Tesorius!"

Clautina's voice suddenly came, and he immediately turned his head.

The tall emperor, dressed in purple robes, paused for a moment, then a smile appeared on his handsome face.

"Safe and safe."

His laughter came from under his helmet, carrying a metallic vibration:

"Safe and safe."

........................

Amidst a storm of cheers, Thesolius, clad in heavy armor, entered the arena, while his opponent emerged from the opposite passage. This time, however, there were no boos or rotten leaves offered to him; instead, the people treated this traitor about to meet his death with silence.

The obese Arius wore custom-made armor that fit his bulky frame, and in his hands were a sharp sword and a spear, the only things the little man who had once trapped him in enemy territory could rely on in the end.

Without any unnecessary words, and with no interest in speaking to the dead... the instant the horn sounded, he raised his spear and walked straight toward his opponent.

The clash occurred in an instant; the thrusting spears carried a fierce wind and a power capable of splitting stone tablets.

The opponent was clearly overwhelmed. He barely managed to lift the spear shaft to block one of his heavy blows, but the sharp spear tip still tore through the chainmail visor under the heavy force, severing the leather straps that held the helmet in place and lifting the entire helmet high to reveal the panicked face.

His opponent was ridiculously weak...

Thesolius felt this deeply, but his men showed no mercy or carelessness. Arius was forced to retreat under his attacks, and his spear quickly broke in two under the immense force. He tumbled and rolled on the ground, trying to escape from the spear amidst panicked cries.

Spears pierced through like raindrops, the sounds of armor being torn apart and shattered were incessant, leather straps were precisely severed, and fine chainmail was ripped off the upper body.

He swung his spear and struck the man hard in the waist with the shaft, sending the fat man flying like a ball.

The spear he had found at the last minute could not withstand such a great force and broke in two from the middle. He casually threw it away and then gripped the golden sword at his waist.

When the obese man in front of him shakily stood up from the ground, his disheveled appearance was enough to make any beggar feel proud...

The cold light reflected from the gleaming blade brought the dizzy man back to his senses, and he subconsciously drew the long sword from his waist.

"Face me! Coward!!"

The roar of Tersolius was like a thunderclap. In the blink of an eye, the longsword in his hand drew an arc, and with a light shift of his weight, a circle of blood traced a semicircle on the ground along the tip of the sword.

A bewildered Arius stared blankly at the empty arena until his gaze suddenly shifted, and his upper body crashed heavily to the ground. The intense pain caused him to scream in agony.