Responding to the request, les Chevaliers sent a suitably sizeable force. Unlike other factions with many layers of hierarchy, les Chevaliers essentially had two: the knight and the squire. There were the leaders of course, a council of 12 advisors and their absolute ruler, who were in a league of their own, but it was fair to say their ranks were a little flatter than most. Certainly, for an organisation that made up one of the four pillars.
In the retinue dispatched, there were 12 battle-hardened squires of mixed ability. Some who had fought and killed prey class beasts, others who had not, and two knights to lead them. The Knight of the Haunting Veil had personally dispatched several predators and was known for her uncompromising war-of-attrition style. She had received a terrible slash to her face many years ago that had never healed properly, or perhaps that she had never let heal. Since, she had fought with an unusual veil, capable of causing psychological damage. Its effect was somewhat passive, proving a little unsettling for those around her, but when filled with spirit essence it would become truly terrifying, instantly causing enemies to attack her or flea. Both of these were usually a boon to those fighting around her. She fought with a mace and broad shield, typical of the School of Stone, utilising a combat ability that focused on physically hardening skin into a tough carapace.
With her, was the Starry Knight, in his late fifties with silver hairs flecking his temples. He had been involved in the retinue who had faced the worst threat this section had ever faced, over twenty years ago, when his companion was just a child. Living to such an age and choosing to remain on the front lines was proof of his strength. He was a practitioner of the School of Hare, utilising the speed ability and fine control of his ornate rapier to quickly deal damage.
The two made an interesting contrast: the Starry Knight with his finely stitched spirit tunic, light yet strong, like incredibly toughened silk, and infused with a speed enhancing aspect. Such an armour offered little defence, but minimal resistance to the quick movements of his limbs. The Knight of the Haunting Veil, however, wore a heavy armour made from the body of a Rock Golem, a predator tier beast that was incredibly difficult to kill. Such a monstrous armour was heavy, but her body had learnt to carry it well. While it made the movements a little slower, a little more awkward, the armour was pock-marked with scars from attacks that would have killed most, but the Knight of the Haunting Veil was a force of a nature, a storm upon which less creatures broke. The two, though unalike, complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses well, and were likely paired for this reason. No one could fault the leaders' wisdom.
The faction members had assembled into a large group at the base of the apartment building. One or two of the squires struggled to keep still, adrenaline coursing through their veins.
"It's opened up inside," said the Knight of the Haunting Veil. "You know what that means."
This happened from time to time. Those on the floors directly affected by the portal were effectively handed a death sentence, unless they were prominent fighters themselves. And those who fought against them, like they would be doing today, would have to do so in close quarters with more obstructions. Not only that, but they would have to be careful to not cause too much damage to the building itself, or risk collapsing it on their heads.
"If possible, stay clear of the predators," she said. "We shall deal with them. And try to save the lives you can, but do not put yourselves in harm's way."
"A dozen squires and two knights," said the Starry Knight. "If I were a hoard of monstrous wretches, I would not wish to face us."
They raised their weapons of various types into the air, clanking together cold steel. Then, they all roared as one: "We are the Swords in the darkness!"