I commanded the Royal Knights to escort the citizens to the safety of the castle, while some of them followed me toward the plaza. The streets were thick with panic, desperate cries echoing all around. I raised my voice, urging them to head to the castle. We had to get to the broadcasting center so that everyone gripped by fear and confusion could hear me, and somewhat calm the chaos. The plaza, at the heart of the city, held the only system that could reach everyone. I needed to get there quickly to announce the catastrophe and urge everyone to head for the castle without delay.
“Princess, something big is happening in the plaza,” Captain Angelica said, her voice tense. “The pressure flooding out from there and the overwhelming mana in the air suggest a fierce battle.”
“Someone might already be fighting the creature that appeared in the sky,” I reasoned. “If that’s the case, we need to hurry. There are still many people in the plaza. We need to evacuate them before they’re caught in the fight.”
Captain Angelica nodded, then turned to the knights that had followed us. “You heard the Princess! Let’s follow her orders and save as many people as we can!” She raised her weapon—a morning star, gleaming ominously in her grip.
Though their faces were filled with uncertainty, the knights raised their weapons, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Suddenly, Captain Angelica lowered her morning star, her gaze sharpening.
“Someone’s here!” she announced. Instantly, the Royal Knights closed in around me, forming a protective barrier. “Whoever you are, show yourself! We are the knights of the castle! Don’t even think about attempting anything reckless!”
Figures emerged from the shadows, faces weary and scarred from battle. Their tattered armor and rugged appearance hinted they weren’t from the Capital—mercenaries, or perhaps adventurers.
“Is the Princess with you?” asked a voice from the front of the group.
“Yes,” I replied. The knights, visibly protective, tried to stop me, but I reassured them with a nod and stepped forward, moving past them to face the strangers.
The adventurers knelt, bowing respectfully. “We came in response to the stream you broadcasted earlier, Princess,” said the one who appeared to be their leader. “We’re here to help.”
“Are you certain?” I asked. “I have nothing to offer in return, and you’ll be risking your lives for this. There’s nothing to gain.”
“Saving lives is reward enough,” he replied firmly. “This is our homeland. It’s only right that we fight to reclaim it.”
I felt the fire of their patriotism burn, stoking the flames of my own. They were right. This kingdom was ours to protect, and if these people were willing to stand beside me, I couldn’t falter.
I met their leader’s gaze and said, “Then will you help me evacuate everyone back to the castle? They’re free from the mind manipulation, but they’re frightened and lost. Your help would mean everything.”
“In that case, we’re with you,” the adventurer leader replied.
The adventurers spread out immediately, rallying the frightened, disoriented people and guiding them toward the castle for safety. Meanwhile, we pressed onward to the plaza, every moment ticking away as we assigned more adventurers to gather the panicking citizens.
As we neared the plaza, the pressure in the air built up, hitting my body in powerful gusts.
“What insane pressure! What’s happening?!” Captain Angelica gasped, her voice barely cutting through the roaring wind.
Finally, we arrived, and the sight before us was beyond anything I could have imagined. In the center of the plaza, two beings clashed in a battle that defied belief. With each strike, shockwaves of wind tore through the air, and the very ground beneath us trembled with every blow. This wasn’t a battle of ordinary mortals. It was more like a display of power far beyond what any of us could fathom. It felt as though we were witnessing something that simply shouldn’t exist in our world.
“At this rate, the entire plaza will be destroyed. Princess, what are we going to do?” Captain Angelica shouted over the rumble.
I glanced toward the broadcasting center—miraculously, it was still standing, appearing less damaged than I’d feared. If I could just get there, we could broadcast a warning to the city, instructing everyone to head to the castle.
I scanned the area and noticed a group of people guiding others out of the plaza to safety. Whoever they were, it seemed they were on our side.
“Captain, do you think we can reach the broadcasting center?” I asked, gesturing toward the building.
“If we go around the fight, we might make it,” Captain Angelica replied, her tone firm.
That was all I needed to hear.
“Then let’s go.” I said, sparing only a quick glance at the fierce struggle in the center of the plaza. Whoever that man was, he seemed determined to fend off the monstrous force we’d seen in the sky.
“That man…” Captain Angelica murmured, her gaze fixed on the battle. “Now that I see him more clearly—he’s the one who fought against the Eclipse. The man who defeated me…”
So, that was him—the owner of Leonamon? Shock washed over me. How could someone possess this much power, enough to challenge a creature that had cast darkness over our entire world? It seemed unthinkable, especially given how dragons and other powerful beings were so far beyond us. Yet here he was, fighting toe-to-toe with this dark entity.
But there wasn’t time to gawk. W e had lives to save. We circled around, keeping a safe distance from the battle, and sprinted toward the broadcasting center.
***
Titania’s POV
As I’d suspected, the plaza was chaotic. People were moving frantically, faces frozen in fear and confusion. I approached several, asking what was happening, but they could only respond with wide-eyed looks and shaken heads—they didn’t know any more than we did.
Earlier, the entire planet had been cast in darkness, a shadow covering everything before vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. Now, though, I felt a presence—thick waves of mana poured through the capital, each surge of energy thick and tangible.
“It looks like Leon is fighting that… thing,” said Trill, who was running beside me. “I can sense his power even from here. But that aura filling the capital… it’s vile.”
“Is the owner of that aura the same one who just cloaked the world in darkness earlier?” I asked, keeping my gaze locked on Trill.
She nodded solemnly. “It seems like it. Whatever it is, it’s beyond our control. If even Leon is taking this long to hold it off, then it’s something we may not be able to conquer. Joining him would likely weigh him down, becoming more of a burden than help.”
A pang of frustration washed over me. We wanted to fight alongside Leon. But charging in recklessly would only make things harder for him. The weight of helplessness pressed down on us.
“So… what should we do, then?”
As if in answer, a static crackling suddenly sounded in the air, drawing confused glances all around. The crackling grew louder before a voice emerged from it—a voice we all recognized.
“People of Milham,” came Princess Myrcella’s voice through the broadcasting system. “I’m reaching you to advise an immediate evacuation from your current location, especially those still within the Capital City.”
The familiar voice cut through the chaos, steady and calm.
“Right now, the heart of our city is under attack by a force that can only be described as a world-ending catastrophe. Someone—someone who wields strength we can barely fathom—is currently holding it at bay, miraculously standing toe-to-toe with this disaster. But I urge you all to remain cautious. This is no time to be lulled into confidence by hope alone; your safety is paramount. Head to the castle—the doors are open to everyone.”
The crowd around us stilled, absorbing her words. Panic faded slightly, now replaced by a mixture of awe and focus. The confusion lingered, but the message seemed to anchor them.
“To those able-bodied, I implore you to assist our women, elderly, and children in reaching the castle safely. During this catastrophe, let us come together as citizens of Milham, unified against this force. By helping even in this small but vital way, you are aiding in this fight. No… you are helping the one who battles on our behalf right now to stand stronger.”
The mention of “the one” surely meant Leon.
“Please, help us protect Milham.”
I exchanged a glance with Trill, who gave a quick, resolute nod. Maybe we couldn’t join Leon directly, but that didn’t mean we were helpless. Even small acts could strengthen the tide of this battle. Despite the unease simmering inside me, I placed my faith in Leon and the immense strength he wielded.
“Everyone!” I called to those nearby, raising my voice above the distant rumbles of battle. “Leonamon is also open as a shelter! It’s nearby, and we’ll welcome you all!”
