The castle stood at the heart of the kingdom, its towers rising like guardians of the realm. Within its walls moved the knights—protectors of Stoicheia's harmony. Unlike the marines' rigid might, these knights embodied grace and power, their presence as serene as the forest they symbolized.
Their uniforms gleamed in green, white, and gold, colors of life and purity. Segmented armor blended cloth and plate, etched with delicate vine-like patterns that curled across the chest.
Leaf-shaped pauldrons arched outward, and flowing white cloaks trailed behind them, edged in emerald accents that rippled like wind through leaves.
This is the Military of the kingdom. The royal protector of Lord Lyverin. The marines are the protectors of the sea. These knights are the lord's personal royal army.
The grand dining hall of Lord Lyverin's castle was a spectacle of indulgence. Lavish tapestries adorned the walls, golden chandeliers bathed the room in warm light, and a feast of meats, fruits, and wines covered the long oak table. At its center, Lord Lyverin lounged in an oversized chair, his ample frame spilling over its edges as he greedily tore into a piece of steak.
Across from him, Supreme Marine General Cristianos stood, his polished uniform a stark contrast to the lord's disheveled appearance.
"Ah, Cristianos!" Lyverin exclaimed, dabbing his greasy chin with a silk napkin.
"How are the mighty Aquaforce Marines? Still keeping this nation safe, I presume?"
He swirled a goblet of wine and took a hearty sip, barely waiting for a response.
Cristianos's face remained neutral, masking his disdain.
"The marines are performing admirably, my lord," he said smoothly. "Our forces remain vigilant."
"Good, good," Lyverin muttered, already distracted by the next platter of food being brought to him.
Cristianos excused himself shortly after, bowing with feigned respect before leaving the hall. His footsteps echoed through the castle corridors, his mind simmering with contempt.
This man holds power? he thought. A gluttonous, indolent fool like him?
Back at the marine headquarters, Cristianos strode into his office, his piercing gaze locking onto the soldiers stationed there.
"Bring me the prisoners," he commanded.
The knights—Youth, Schneizal, Sequana, and Vriede—were dragged into the chamber moments later. They stood before Cristianos, stripped of their weapons and armor but unbroken in their defiance.
Cristianos leaned against his desk, his hands clasped behind his back.
"I have a proposition for you," he began, his tone as smooth as silk but laced with menace.
Youth's crimson eye narrowed beneath his eyepatch.
"Get to the point."
Cristianos smirked. "Over the years, Stoicheia has lived in peace and harmony, but its power is brittle. If war comes, this nation will fall. Its rulers are a pack of pigs—greedy, weak, and unfit to lead."
He straightened, his voice growing more commanding.
"I will change that. I will take control of this nation, strengthen its arms, and unify it under one banner. But to do so, I must act now. You will assassinate Lord Lyverin, and in exchange, I will grant you freedom. Once this kingdom is mine, I will conquer the others, one by one. Together, we will build a nation that commands respect."
A tense silence followed. Schneizal glanced at Youth, his expression incredulous.
"You can't be serious."
"Why the hell would we do that?" Youth's reaction was with disgust from the request of Cristianos
"Boy, if you reject, i'll just kill you. You may have that in your eye, but i am by far superior than you and way more experienced." Cristianos replied with a smile
Sequana gasped, her worried eyes darting to him.
Cristianos dismissed the knights back to their cell, where Schneizal immediately confronted Youth. "Are we really going to follow him?"
Youth said nothing, his gaze distant.
The next night, Cristianos summoned the group and outlined the mission.
"This must be done covertly," he ordered.
"None of my marines will know of this. My image must remain unblemished."
The knights geared up, donning simple but functional clothing and weapons. As they made their way toward Lyverin's castle, their expressions were steeled with resolve—through each carried their own doubts.
Inside the castle, Lyverin reclined in his chambers, enjoying a luxurious massage from two attendants. As they finished their work and departed, Lyverin opened his eyes—only to find Youth's shadowed figure standing over him, his glowing red eye illuminating the room.
"W-What is this?!" Lyverin stammered, his voice trembling.
"Shhhh," Schneizal said, smirking as he stepped into view.
"Calm down, my friend and just play along."
Lyverin's protests were cut short as Youth delivered a swift blow, knocking him unconscious.
The royal guards were alerted moments later by a bloodcurdling scream from Lyverin's chamber. They burst into the room, finding it a scene of carnage—blood splattered across the walls and furniture. The lord was nowhere to be found.
By the time the alarm spread, the knights had returned to Cristianos, their clothes stained with red. Sequana smirked as she reported,
"I used magic to… let's say, make a mess."
Cristianos grinned, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
"Perfect."
Before the knights could react, the floor beneath them gave way, a trapdoor dropping them into a dark chamber.
Cristianos's voice echoed above them.
"Now, it's time for my true plan."
The news of Lyverin's assassination spread rapidly, plunging the kingdom into chaos. Crowds gathered at the castle gates, demanding answers. Inside the castle, Clarence, Gondikas, and Algos overheard the guards discussing the incident.
"What do you mean the lord is dead?!" Gondikas roared, gripping the bars of his cell.
Algos cursed under his breath.
"Something's not right…"
Outside, Cristianos addressed the panicked crowd.
"People of Stoicheia," he began, his tone grave, "I am saddened to inform you that Lord Lyverin has been killed. His body was found mangled in his chambers."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Cristianos raised his hands for silence, his voice growing stronger.
"But do not fear! I will protect this nation. I will lead us into a new era of strength and unity. Together, we will rise above corruption and mediocrity!"
His tone darkened, his words taking on a chilling edge.
"Weakness has no place here. Those who oppose us will be crushed. The other nations will bow to Stoicheia or face annihilation!"
Before the crowd could react, Youth's voice cut through the tension.
"Before you crown yourself a savior, Cristianos, why don't you tell everyone what really happened to Lyverin?"
Cristianos froze, his composure faltering as Youth emerged from the crowd, dragging a man with a sack over his head. With a flourish, Youth pulled the sack away, revealing a gagged but very much alive Lyverin.
The crowd erupted in shock.
A few hours ago, the truth unfolded. Instead of killing Lyverin, the knights had tied him up and hidden him. Sequana had used magic to create a convincing scene of carnage.
Youth had told them earlier
"This lord may be a parasite, but killing him isn't worth our time. We'll give Cristianos what he wants—just not in the way he expects."
Back in the present, Youth united Lyverin, who immediately pointed a shaking finger at Cristianos. "You traitor! I'll have you stripped of your rank!"
Cristianos laughed, summoning a glowing green greatsword.
"Do you believed me for a fool? of course i know you won't follow my orders you little shit!" Cristianos shouted.
"Do you really want this man as your leader?" he bellowed to the crowd.
"He hides in his castle, eating and sleeping while I protect you! I will lead Stoicheia to glory!"
The crowd, now divided, watched as the confrontation reached its breaking point.
"I am the Supreme Marine of the great sea, Cristianos, I shall declare dictatorship over this kingdom!"