On the horizon, a group of knights and soldiers led by none other than Orion and Orlog can be seen hurrying through the bad weather that seems to be getting even worse as they pass the city of Sturma and make their way towards the forest where the so-called demonic summoning is taking place.
"It's getting worse and worse, Orion."
"Then we are heading to the right place."
As they arrive at the entrance of the forest, they slow down due to the intensity of the weather, which now seems more like a storm than a simple wind current.
"Slow down and watch your back!"
"Yes, sir!"
Soldiers scream at Orion's words, and even knights nod their heads in understanding. Even if knights hold the same position without anyone being higher in the hierarchy because of the trust that Lord Theodor puts in him and his accomplishments, there is always an air of superiority that other knights from the Ranov County follow.
"!!!"
"Dodge!"
A tree falls, nearly killing a group of soldiers as they move backward in order to dodge; fate has it that the giant tree fell between the knights and most of the soldiers.
"Damn it! Sir, what should we do?"
"Sir Orion?!"
"..."
Faced with most of the ground soldiers separated from the now remaining group with only knights and some normal soldiers, he makes a decision.
"Go back! We will continue from here! We will regroup in Sturma."
"Understood!"
As he hears the gallop of the horses, he nods and returns to the path, leading the remaining group towards the center of the storm.
"They weren't much help in the first place."
"You are right; it's better this way."
Normal soldiers strength was not even close to that of a knight's, so in such a situation, they were just a meat shield in case of multiple enemies.
"Keep going; we are almost there—"
"Huh?"
"This is!"
As the storm was getting even worse with almost no visibility in front because of all the leaves and heavy wind, in just a moment everything became clear as they just entered another world.
"Dismount! We have to be silent!"
Everyone from the squad dismounts while silently exploring in search of the demonic summoning; as luck has it, it didn't take long before hearing voices.
"Dear Lamush, please show us the way!"
"Get those kids here!"
Following the voices, the knights arrive in the middle of the domain shielded by the storm outside and are faced with a horrific sight.
Moving in silence Orion, Orlog and the other knight alongside the soldiers took positions ready to intervene while observing the group of demonic worshipers.
"... crazy."
"They got kids locked up there."
"What?"
Pointing to the side, some cages with children from all ages can be seen guarded by demonic worshipers.
"Damn... involving civilians."
"Maybe they need sacrificial for that circle."
"..."
Orlog keeps his silence as he moves his gaze towards the blood circle with weird symbols and people on the sides of the circle praying to their demonic god.
"Dear Lamush!"
"Our lord Lamush, please—"
"Lamush!"
"Move it, bring the last one! And leave the other alive to witness the coming of a dark knight!"
"Yes, apostle."
One of the worshipers goes to the cages, opens them, and brings out a frail, white-haired boy, dragging him by his hair and bringing him to one side of the circle, getting out a knife and making a small cut on his hand, letting it leak inside a cup, and going in the middle of the blood-drawn circle, making yet another symbol as the circle lights up.
"Yes!"
"Finally, dear Lamush!"
"Good job, child."
Seeing the events unfolding, Orion didn't hesitate and ordered the intervention as normal soldiers loaded up their arrows, and the knights stormed to the summoning circle.
"Do not fear; Lamush is with us. Protect the circle!"
A worshiper shouts as blades start to collide and the fighting rages on . The ground trembled beneath iron boots. Orion and Orlog led the charge, their blades drawn, eyes locked on the altar ahead where worshipers circled a pulsing, blood-red symbol. The summoning had begun, and it was their job to stop it before anything came out of that circle.
"Ahh! My hand... My hand!"
"Lamush-"
As arms and head hit the ground, the vigor of the worshipers only got stronger since they got the numbers but not the strength. All of this was just to hold on for the summoning to take effect.
"Imperial dog!"
A cultist turned, mouth split open in some grotesque grin, and raised a clawed hand. Flame burst from his fingers—too late. Orion slammed into him, drove his sword through the man's chest, then ripped it free and pivoted.
"Die!"
Another cultist appeared behind Orion and was ready to strike him, but an unexpected sword cut his head, sending him to the ground and leaving Orion surprised.
"You?..."