There is a commotion at the palace. People are talking in hushed tones as they discuss what's going to happen next.

  “What do we do? They say something is changing. And nobody knows what it is. What if it's really dangerous?”

  One maid asks as she talks with her colleague.

  “What can we do? We can just trust the Empire to handle it.”

  She leans closer.

  “But how will they respond to something that they don't understand themselves?”

  “I don't know…. nobody does. We will have to trust the military. I'm just worried. Who knows if even our Supreme Magicians or Grandmasters are enough.”

  “Then what about him? The ex Captain of the Third Platoon?”

  “I wouldn't count on him ... .nobody saw him in the last three years. Nico Solheim, The Swordmaster of the Empire.”

  Chapter 1 - The Discovery

  A new day just started in the forest. The rays of light are penetrating the thick tree crowns, bathing the forest soil in golden beams of light. Nocturnal predators are sleeping now, and everyday animals are starting their day, their fight for survival in this sunlit forest.

  Among them, there is a sole cabin, out of reach for ordinary people. Nobody knows about its existence, and yet, it is not abandoned, nor forgotten.

  The door of the cabin opens. A young man, in his mid twenties comes out, exhaling slowly as the rays of sun hit his face. His eyes squint as he adjusts to the light outside of his cabin. The light shows his features to the world, a young man with pale skin. Short, messy white hair and crimson eyes that seem to grasp the existence of everything he lays his gaze upon. A well trained body riddled in scars, evidently accustomed to life on the battlefield.

  “Another peaceful day.”

  He says, his face expressionless, but there is a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He steps down from his porch, wearing only his pants, and he goes to a nearby stream to wash his face in a cool stream of water.

  “Hah…. nothing beats this feeling.”

  He slowly starts doing his tasks. He starts to gather wood from the vicinity, organizing it in neat piles near his cabin, before chopping it and putting it into his shack. After that, he grabs a bow and arrows, going for a hunt.

  By all means, his life is that of an ordinary woodsman, just doing basic tasks for daily survival, but he seems unconventionally happy with it. There is a certain ease around him while he does these menial tasks.

  As he goes through the forest, looking for his prey, he is incredibly silent. Not a snap of a twig or rustle of the leaves. It's as if the sound itself ceased to exist around him.

  As he dashes silently around the forest, he senses it, his prey.

  He turns to the north and he follows the feeling that is pricking his senses, following it as if he already knew what is at the end of this path.

  He suddenly stops, crouching low as he hides in the morning shadows. There it is, a deer, calmly eating, not a hint of worry or anxiety in its eyes.

  He slowly raises his bow as he aims the arrow at the deer. With one swift motion he lets go of the arrow, letting it fly through the air. The arrow hits dead center, making the deer drop right there and then. A shot that would make even an experienced hunter jealous.

  “Well, it seems like I got myself a couple of meals.”

  Satisfied with his catch he stands up, walks to the deer and hoists it over his shoulder before going back to his cabin.

  Once back, he puts the deer carcass on the designated table, before he starts to expertly dissect it, separating the skin from the meat, and then meat from the bones and organs. Once finished he puts the meat in his cellar, and the skin on a drying rack, intending to sell it.

  He goes to the stream again, this time with a mug. He fills it up to the brim and he starts to chug the water down.

  “Hmm, water these days seems…off. As if it was dirtier.”

  He thinks to himself as he finishes to drink the water in his mug.

  “What the fuck is happening? Well… it should be fine. The Royal Guard will take care of it if it's something dangerous.”

  He walks back to his cabin, placing the mug onto the table on his porch.

  “Let's go to town. That deer hide should sell for quite a bit.”

  He dresses up and prepares the hide from the drying rack. But before he starts his journey towards the town, something happens. His hair changes color, and becomes brown instead of his usual pure white hair. The same thing happens to his eyes, and they change from deep crimson to a light shade of blue. After that happens, he starts walking down south, to a small town close to the woods he lives in. After about half an hour he emerges from the forest. The trees become plains with fields and small hills as a small town with a population of about five-thousand people comes into view. He starts walking towards it calmly.

  “Hey, isn't that Gabe?”

  One of the farmers working the fields says to his friend.

  “You don't see that guy very often. Always living alone in those woods, I don't get it.”

  “I do understand hunters living close to the forest with their families, but he lives alone, and deep inside the forest as well.”

  Gabe continues to walk towards the town, pretending he did not hear their conversation.

  After a bit he reaches the town. It's about 2pm, so the streets are lively with merchants and people running errands.

  “I swear it's the truth! My friend saw it in the forest north-west of here.”

  A man sitting in a tavern, drinking with his friends says this, quite animated in his dialogue.

  “He says he saw a man with white hair and red eyes. I'm telling you it's a vampire. A vampire for sure.”

  “Yes yes, as you say man. A creature of legends that nobody saw in the last eight-hundred years appears out of nowhere in a small city near the woods.”

  “Yeah… Laugh all you want, but it's the TRUTH! He SAW it! We should call in mercenaries or soldiers to deal with that monster!”

  “As if anyone would come here because somebody ‘saw’ a vampire”

  Gabe continues to walk through the streets, already knowing where he needs to go. He reaches a small shop and goes in.

  Inside, there is an older man, probably in his mid fifties. He turns around, stopping what he was doing just a moment ago.

  “Hey there Gabe. It's unusual to see you in the town. So I'm assuming it's for business.”

  “What's up Marco. Yes, I'm here to sell a deer hide I got this morning.”

  “Let's see then…Hmm, it's a nice hide, and it's also in a good condition ... .thirty-five coppers, how does that sound?”

  “Deal, that's plenty.”

  “Pleasure doing business with you. By the way, are you going back to the forest right away? Henrik is looking for you.”

  “Well yeah, that was the plan… What does he want?”

  “Beats me. He just told me, to tell you, to go and find him if you came here. I don't know the details. But apparently it's important.”

  “I see…. Thanks for letting me know. Then until the next time.”

  “See you Gabe.”

  Gabe walks out of Marco’s store and starts to walk deeper into the city, until he reaches an old stone building. A sign of the ‘Mercenary Guild’ hangs above the door. He enters. Inside there are wooden tables with chairs, a small bar with a kitchen, and people sitting and talking while drinking, resembling the inside of a tavern or an inn. He walks straight to the reception desk. As he walks a couple of people glance his way before going back to their activities. Behind the desk there is a young man, in his early twenties, working as a receptionist for the guild.

  “Hello, how may I help you?”

  “Henrik was looking for me, he said to come and find him. Is he here?”

  “Oh… the Guild Master? Yes he is here, but I will need to check with him first if I can let you through. Could you tell me your name?”

  “Name’s Gabe.”

  “I see Mr. Gabe… Then give me a moment.”

  He walks off to the administrative part of the building. After a bit he comes back.

  “This way Mr. Gabe. The Guild Master told me to let you through.”

  “Thanks.”

  Gabe starts to walk deeper into the building, already knowing where Henrik’s office is. After a bit, Gabe and the receptionist guiding him arrive at a door at the end of the hallway.

  “This is Guild Masters office Mr. Gabe. Then, I will go back to the front desk.”

  Gabe nods as the young receptionist goes back to the front desk to continue his shift. Gabe opens the door of the office, walking inside right away. As he enters, there sits a man behind an office desk. The man is maybe in his early forties, his black hair starting to become gray already. His brown eyes lock onto Gabe’s as he lifts his head up from his paperwork.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  “How about having some manners and knocking on the door when entering?!”

  “You are the one looking for me, not the other way around. So what's the problem? I wanted to go home right away.”

  “Sigh…it's always a handful dealing with you, but whatever. There have been reports of people disappearing in the nearby villages and forests. After the eye witness testimonies and our own investigation, we found out that there is a dark mage living in a forest north-east of here. And it seems like he is a 4th circle mage.”

  “So a dark mage is abducting people around here huh? Forest north-east of here...”

  Gabe remembers what the guy in the tavern was saying when he walked by.

  “I imagine you didn't call me here just for a chat. You want me to take care of it, right?”

  “That is correct indeed. I want you to go and bring him back to the city, dead or alive. Although I would prefer if he wasn't just a corpse by the time you bring him back, since it would be beneficial to question him and see if we are able to extract any information from him. As you know, the dark mages are pests for everybody in the Empire, so it would be great if we are able to gain any insight on them.”

  “I see… Well true, they are pests! But why did you call me instead of sending some of your mercenaries already? You have enough manpower to handle a 4th circle.”

  “Well, that would be true, usually, but our Knight is out on a mission. Even all three of our fencers are out, and I want this handled as soon as possible. I don't want anymore people to disappear because of that FILTH!... I have two 4th circle mages available for this mission. So that would be enough usually, but they’ve reached their ranks recently, and they are still young and inexperienced. Since we aren't sure exactly how strong this dark mage is, I'm hesitant to send them alone. We estimated that he is probably 4th circle, but he might be a high end 4th circle. Or maybe even a low end 5th circle. So I would be much calmer if a Knight went with them to make sure that the mission is taken care of and that the young guns come back safe.”

  He looks Gabe in the eyes. Then he jokingly adds.

  “Plus, that mage is slowly moving towards the west of the forest, that's where you live right? So you will have to deal with him sooner or later anyway. The difference is that you will get paid if you do it now.”

  “Jeez, calling me only when there is trouble! I don't really wanna ... .but you're right, I need to deal with him. So, how much for the job?”

  “One gold if you finish the job, plus additional fifty silvers if you bring him back alive. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.”

  “Okay… Imma do it. But drop those brats from this job! I'm no babysitter!”

  “I get you, but I would like it if you could bring them along. They are talented, but they need experience. And this job would be ideal for them if there weren't so many uncertainties…”

  “No, I don't wanna.”

  “Okay, let's do it like this... If you take them along, I will include an additional fifty silvers to your payment. How does that sound?”

  He asks while resting his chin on his hands. After hearing that, Gabe looks at the ceiling, pondering whether he should take the offer or leave it. After a bit, he looks at Henrik.

  “Okay…fine. I will take them along. You better prepare those two golds.”

  Gabe extends his hand for a handshake.

  “Of course. It will be ready by the time you come back.”

  Henrik shakes his hand. Happy with how the negotiations went.

  “I will go out tomorrow morning. Tell those brats to be ready by eight.”

  “Will do. See you around then.”

  The hall is grand. It is spacious, and there are ornaments all around. Walls, ceiling, floor and even furniture are masterfully crafted. Seeing it, the first word that comes to mind is dignity. This is the Hall of the Council, located inside of the Imperial Palace in the capital of the Kaiser Empire, the grand city of Regent, and there is a general meeting happening right now.

  “Gentleman, the next thing on our agenda is something that is making all of us worry quite a bit lately.”

  Says the man sitting at the head of the table. He is serving as a presenter in today's meeting. He is the Archchancellor Mainz von Ritter, the Imperial Count and the man that is directing today’s assembly. With just a glance one can tell that he is someone that’s dignified beyond measure. The man standing behind all the political and economical decisions of the Empire. Directing everything on behalf of the Emperor himself. That is Mainz von Ritter.

  “The strange occurrences that are happening in the Northern mountains. At first, we thought that people disappearing there might be the work of bandits or human traffickers, but, after sending the Investigation team, as all of you know, we discovered a strange energy drifting along the mountain range. We weren't able to identify the source of this energy. The only thing that the Investigation team was able to determine is that this energy is something foul, not belonging to any person, and after looking around, they concluded that the disappearances were not the work of a human. That’s what we found out before the last meeting.”

  “Did we find out any new information since the last time?”

  “Yes we did. Since the source of the energy couldn't be identified, the Investigation team requested the help of the Court Magicians. They couldn't identify it either, so they brought an ancient relic to find out what is causing this energy to spread. And thanks to the relic, they were able to determine that the energy spreading there is Black Mana.”

  “Are…Are they sure?”

  “Yes, they did many tests. This is what they wrote in their report. ‘After the relic inclined what this energy might be, seeing the gravity of the situation, we did many tests. We also brought in different artifacts to cross check the results, and we studied the notes written by Grand Magicians from the time period when the Black Mana was present in this world. After all the investigations, the only conclusion we can come to is that the energy currently residing in the Northern Mountain Range is indeed Black Mana.’ This is what the Investigation team and the Court Magicians concluded.”

  Silence. That's what describes what fell upon the Hall. The tension was palpable. Nobles that discussed famine, bandit raids and war, matters of life and death were suddenly overcome by something. It was fear.

  “B-but, if it’s the Black Mana…that means that the Fiends from over eight-hundred years ago came back..”

  “This is bad..the last time the Fiends were roaming around it was said that the earth resembled hell.”

  “W-what do we do?...What can we even do?”

  “Silence! Do not disgrace yourselves in front of the Emperor any further! What can we do? Ensure the safety of the Royal family and our citizens. That’s what we can do.”

  “Well said Mainz. You truly are a prime example of what a noble of the Empire should be like.”

  The voice came from the other side of the table. When he spoke none dared to interrupt, and his presence alone excluded authority. Not out of fear, but out of respect and recognition. The man sitting there, he is the true leader of this meeting. The one that even the Imperial Count Mainz bows his head to. He is the Sun of the people and someone that inspires loyalty and trust when his subjects look at him. Reinhard von Koenig. The Emperor of the Kaiser Empire.

  “So, how about you continue with what we found out so far?”

  “Certainly your Majesty. Since the history from back then is fairly well documented we came to a couple of conclusions. Although further investigation is needed of course.”

  “That’s alright, tell us what you concluded.”

  “We concluded that the source of this energy is the weakening seal in the heart of the mountains. As you all know, Fiends are creatures from another world, but they managed to descend upon our continent when the two worlds got interconnected. After a long and brutal battle, our Ancestors managed to seal the rift that let them cross to our land. So our theory is that the seal on the rift got weaker, and that’s probably the reason why the Black Mana is spreading throughout the mountains.”

  “Is that also the reason why my people keep disappearing in those mountains?”

  “We think that might be the cause, but we aren’t sure.”

  “I see…Do you have any propositions to deal with this situation Archchancelor Mainz?”

  “Yes your Majesty. First of all, I would like to create a temporary military Company dedicated only to solving this issue, as we have discussed in the previous meeting. Their role would be to locate the seal, find out the cause of its weakening, as well as restore it as soon as possible. Or, in the worst case scenario, confront the fiends if the seal were to break completely.”

  “Given the gravity of the situation, that seems like an appropriate countermeasure. Does anyone object?”

  Nobody objects to this idea. The nobles are murmuring between themselves, agreeing with Count Mainz.

  “So how do you plan on structuring this military Company?”

  “Since this is no simple matter, I was thinking of creating the Company around the core of four Platoons of the Royal Guard and three Platoons of Court Magicians. Besides that I would like to hire additional manpower as well.”

  “Count Mainz, isn’t that excessive? We are at odds with the Valia Kingdom at the moment. Taking such a massive part of our elite military might put us in danger if the Velia decides to invade us.”

  “We are in the Council meeting. Therefore it is the Archchancellor, not Count. But this worry isn't without grounds. Could you explain your reasoning?”

  “Of course your Majesty. Since this is something that threatens the existence of our Empire, I think it is appropriate to have this kind of military force dedicated to it. The bigger problem is that we don't know what caused the weakening of the seal. It could be just a natural withering of the spell, but if it was human interference, then we need a Company that will be able to deal with the enemies swiftly. Also, we need to find the seal as soon as possible.”

  “What about the danger if Velia tries to invade us?”

  “We would still have ten out of fourteen Platoons of the Royal Guard and eight Platoons of Court Magicians, beside our basic military. If Velia tries to attack, since they are on our southern border, we have the advantage when it comes to the terrain. It is more than plausible that if more manpower is needed, we would have time to relocate our Company temporarily to help with the border defence.”

  “Excellent. I think that is a satisfactory explanation. If somebody still isn't convinced, there is a more detailed report between the documents that you received at the start of this meeting.”

  “That is correct. Also, your Majesty, between the documents there is also a request for an increase in the budget for the Fiend Company.”

  “Fiend Company…Quite a fitting name. So, what is the requested sum?”

  “Nine-thousand seven-hundred eighty gold coins, your Majesty. It may seem like a large sum, but the budget report calculates everything from the wages and new hires to logistics and equipment acquisition.”

  The Emperor looks at the budget report, studying it for a bit.

  “It is thorough as always, well done Archchancellor. I think that this increase in the budget is justified. Are there any objections?”

  “Yes your Majesty, that's an outrageous sum. We shouldn't spend so much money on something that is just alarming when we have a much bigger issue at hand. Namely the war on our border.”

  “Something that is just alarming? My people keep vanishing in those mountains, and we found traces of Black Mana from the Old Ages. Does that seem like a simple matter to you Margrave Eisenwald?”

  “...no your Majesty, but we are still just studying it. I don't see a reason for such an increase in the budget.”

  “Well, you might not, but I do! The report is very detailed, and it explains everything perfectly, justifying every single coin.”

  “B-but your majesty.”

  “Enough, I won't let anyone belittle such a grave matter. Let's vote now. Who agrees with the increase in budget for the Fiend Company?”

  Besides only a couple of Council members everyone agrees.

  “Seems like that is all we needed to discuss today regarding this. Should we move on?”

  “Excuse me your Majesty, I do have a concern.”

  “Yes Landgrave Miller, please tell us.”

  “As I was reading the report regarding the Fiend Company, I noticed that the Grandmaster Hans is a designated Captain for the Company.”

  “What?! Captain Hans is supposed to go as well?”

  “Yes sir Eisenwald, what seems to be the problem?”

  “Of course it is a problem! Captain Hans is supposed to be protecting his Majesty! I don't see a reason why he should participate.”

  “As I already told you, this is a grave matter. We need someone that can lead the company well.”

  “It still isn't a good reason for making Captain Hans leave his Majesty's side!”

  “Not a good reason? I think there’s plenty of reason for him to go. Seeing what we are up against.”

  “But your Majesty…”

  “I won't repeat myself!”

  “Yes your Majesty…”

  “Sir Miller. Do you think that Captain Hans isn’t qualified for the position?”

  “Not at all. What my concern lies in is that his Majesty won't be as well protected if Captain Hans is absent, just as the Landgrave suggested. I worry that Velia might try to send assassins and threaten his Majesty.”

  “I am thankful for your concern, but me and the Archchancellor already discussed this matter in private.”

  “Is that so? Could you tell us your solution to ease our worries?”

  “Certainly. I will have Captain Halard still guarding me. He is a Grandmaster, so no assassin is a match for him in a battle, and he can sense most of the assassins right away if they get close. What I think you are worrying about is the situation where there will be multiple assassins, or someone very skilled in concealing his presence, am I correct?”

  “That’s right your majesty.”

  “Then you don’t need to worry, since we can solve both problems with just one person.”

  “Is…Is that so your Majesty?”

  “It is indeed.”

  “Could you tell us who that person is?”

  “Of course. It’s Nico Solheim. The Swordmaster of the Empire.”

  The Hall falls silent again. A single pen drops to the floor at the mention of the name.