The next day I woke up feeling fatigue despite how long I've slept. Sebastian must've brought me back to my chambers.
I almost had it this time compared to before. It may not be obvious to people but everytime I feel the burn in my heart, a mark appears on my chest.
Once it subsides, it leaves a permanent mark there. It doesn't hurt but it looks as though I'm in a cult or some sort of rebellion.
I headed down to the kitchen to grab breakfast. I passed by Kaylee and Dufrey in the kitchen, seems like they too have just woken up.
We prepare a simple feast and Ada walked in. She was surprised to see someone in the kitchen and invited her to join us, which she gladly accepted.
Today was the final selection for the knights that are to represent the princess in the hunt. During our training, I noticed people staring daggers in my back.
I have a feeling something bad is going to happen.
"Alright gather around!" Everyone stood in a line
"The following that have been selected to participate is...Sir Kaylee, Sir Fin, Sir Lex and Sir Adam"
I watched as they came forward one by one and it seems like the lackey has been chosen to participate. That's strange, he was not even present during the training sessions...is he really that good? I must have not notice it before.
"The rest are to guard the princess and the manor!"
It's finally the day of the hunt. Everyone is preparing themselves. I managed to keep my anger in check and found a way to calm me down in case I blow in the midst of the hunt. My equipments have been shined to perfection and the sword of my father remains as it always has been.
"You feeling alright? You've been staring at your sword for a very long time now"
"Well it's not like I can avoid it now can I"
We got out from our tent and head towards the field where everyone had gathered. The whole imperial family was present. I would have believed if someone said they were a big happy family, witnessing all of them stand side by side.
"Welcome everyone and our fellow contestants! Today marks a special day for the Azion Empire because today!, We hunt the very monsters that has once massacre our empire and plunge them to the ground! May our fellow contestants bring honor to the empire as well as their noble masters! Now, let the hunt begin!"
A horn blew as His Majesty finished his speech. Everyone got on their horses and raced towards the forest.
"Alright we'll head for the red area and score more points!" Sir Lex exclaimed, leading us at the front.
"But, doesn't it have high tier monsters?....I don't think we would be able to take them on..." Sir Kaylee reasoned. What she said is true, if we were to go there we'd just be falling into a trap.
"Didn't you hear what the captain said? I lead the team for the hunt and you follow my orders!"
Sir Lex is too prideful, I can only hope nothing bad will happen today...
~
~
~
~
Sir Lex lead the front followed by Sir Fin, Sir Adam and Kaylee and me. In the distance, I could see the other teams including Sir Sebastian. On a second thought, I thought the imperial knights don't usually participate in these events? On a second thought, they could be competing to serve the crown prince...
"We're reaching the end of the yellow zone! Embrace yourselves! Hyah!" Sir Lex increased his speed causing us to pick up the pace.
The surrounding area was quiet, quite surprising to see considering the dangers in this area. Well, hopefully Sir Lex would fall back after seeing no monsters here.
Half an hour has passed yet we don't see any monsters nearby. Is there a skilled swordsman here? Or did Sir Lex came here in advance and killed them off to save time during the hunt although that considers as cheating...but it explains why we've ride so far out.
"Chr....Christ....Christine...!" Huh? I turned to my right and see Kaylee softly calling out for me.
"What is it...?" I replied matching the same tone as her.
"Something is wrong"
"What do you mean by that?" I was confused. Personally, I've never been to the red zone before so I'm not quite sure what to expect.
"...I've been here before" Shock was evident on my face. But if she has been here, how and when did that happen...and for what?
"...I can see you pondering but we have no time now. We should head back now!"
This is making me confused. Resisting Sir Lex's order who make me get on his bad side and I'd rather that not happen now. Then again, if what Kaylee says is true then we should really leave this area...
"Sir Lex! I suggest we turn around, there is nothing here!" I shouted pulling everyone to a halt.
"Sir Christine, did I not make myself clear before"
"But you're leading us to a dead end! There's nothing here! Are you blind?!" Kaylee gasped in shock while the others were staring wide eyed but they seem to have agreed.
"You listen to what I say! Do you hear me!" he was getting on my nerves now
Before I could even refute, a loud roar erupted from behind us. I turned around only to be met by a monster 3 times my size and height. Our horses were afraid, they began fidgeting around.
"H-hold your positions!" Sir Lex was sweating tremendously meanwhile Sir Adam had a sickening look on his face.
The monster was known as a Shadow Golem. It's body was black as the night and had bright yellow eyes that shines in the dark. But the most terrifying part of it is it's mouth. It's hanging loose allowing us to see the bits and remains of people it has eaten.
The golem struck the ground causing it to break apart. The trees shook violently, an echoing scream was emitted by the golem. I could feel the sweat forming on my forehead. No matter how much I train, nothing beats experience.
"S-Squadron! As your captain! I-I command you to protect me and buy me time!" And Sir Lex took off immediately, followed by us at the back.
"Huh!?" Sir Lex managed to stay out of the golem's sight causing the rest of us to be targeted but that soon changed with me being targeted. Kaylee's horse pushed her off and she fell to the ground, sensing this the golem went for her.
It would be much better to use my aura but I had promised the princess to not use it. Having no other way, I swooped in grabbing Kaylee by the arm and hoisted her upwards and behind me.
"Christine!....ugh....Grab the bow!" I looked towards the side of the horse and grabbed the bow hanging.
I passed it to her and focused back on the path ahead. Kaylee loaded the bow and focused her sight towards the golem's eyes. I'm not sure what Kaylee did but the golem went down in one hit. It's scream echoing throughout the forest, causing us to cover our ears. I never knew golem's had such a high frequency scream.
"Nice shot Kaylee!"
"T-there was someone else there...they took it down...how"
"What!? You mean someone saved us? But who could it be? Never mind let's focus on getting out of here now. Are you hurt anywhere?" I asked in concern, Kaylee wasn't talking as much as she normally would.
"Y-yeah I'm good just a-a small scratch" I heard her sigh and I picked up the pace.