The Golden Knight of Valtheria

A Summons from the Makai Order

A week after their latest ventures, Ryusei Kuriyami and Leon Kuriyami received an urgent message via a Makai Order communication artifact—a glowing sigil embedded in a silver medallion. The message was clear: They were to report to the Order's stronghold outside the kingdom for an official discussion regarding recent events and Ryusei's recognition for his service.

The location was not within any known kingdom but in a Makai-controlled province—a well-guarded independent city known as Drakos Hold. While the city functioned as a regular trade hub and independent stronghold, its true rulers were the Makai Order, though the average citizen only knew of its civilian leadership. The Order operated in secrecy, ensuring that their influence remained hidden from the common populace.

Preparing for Departure

Before leaving, Ryusei and Leon made sure that The Crimson Forge would continue running smoothly. They gathered the employees for a meeting, providing clear instructions on maintaining the business while they were away.

"We'll be gone for some time," Leon explained to their workers. "You all know the routine. Keep the quality high, make sure the ledgers stay balanced, and if any noble tries to push their weight around, remind them our contracts are already established."

Ryusei turned to their lead blacksmith, Garrick, a burly man with a keen eye for craftsmanship. "If any custom orders come in from our preferred clients, prioritize them. The shop's reputation depends on consistency."

Once everything was settled, Ryusei took the opportunity to enjoy one last day in the city before their departure. He spent the day with Mirajane Strauss, who had been visiting the forge frequently since placing her custom order.

A Day with Mirajane

Ryusei decided to take the day off and spend it with Mirajane, knowing that they both rarely had moments to relax.

"So, are you planning to stick around the city for long?" Ryusei asked as they walked through the bustling streets, enjoying the city's lively atmosphere.

Mirajane shrugged, her silver hair catching the sunlight. "For now. My family expects me to return eventually, but I prefer staying where things are interesting."

Ryusei smirked. "And I assume you find my company interesting enough to keep coming back?"

She smirked. "Your different, I'll give you that. Not like the nobles I've had to deal with."

Ryusei sighed. "Some nobles really don't like the idea of one of their own spending time with an adventurer. You ever get tired of their nonsense?"

The Confrontation with a Jealous Noble

Later that evening, as Ryusei and Mirajane walked back toward the estate, they were intercepted by Lord Victor Draeven, a noble with a long history of arrogance and jealousy. Born into a wealthy family, Victor had always seen himself as superior to commoners and had taken particular offense to Mirajane's growing association with Ryusei.

"You certainly have no shame, do you, Kuriyami?" Victor sneered, standing in their path with two of his personal guards. "Parading around with a noblewoman like you belong in our world."

Ryusei sighed. "I don't have time for whatever nonsense you're about to spew."

Victor smirked, stepping closer. "You think just because you've made a name for yourself, you're suddenly our equal? You're still just a lowborn adventurer playing pretend."

Mirajane crossed her arms. "Victor, if you have an issue, just say it outright. We don't have time for this."

His smirk faltered before he glared at Ryusei. "Stay away from her. She deserves better than some wandering sellsword."

Ryusei chuckled, tilting his head. "And let me guess—you think she deserves you?"

Victor's face twisted in anger. "You—"

Before he could finish, Ryusei took a single step forward, his presence suddenly suffocating. The air around them seemed to hum with latent energy.

"I'm not interested in your petty games, Draeven ," Ryusei said, his voice eerily calm. "If you have a problem, settle it like a man. Otherwise, move before I make you."

Victor clenched his fists, but his instincts told him that picking a fight here would be a mistake. He scoffed and turned away. "You'll regret this." Victor spat before turning on his heel and storming away.

Mirajane watched him leave before glancing at Ryusei. "You really know how to make friends."

Ryusei smirked. "I try."

The Journey to Drakos Hold

The next morning, Ryusei and Leon departed for Drakos Hold, their journey taking them through vast plains and winding mountain paths. The city lay on the borders of another kingdom but remained neutral, protected by the Order's influence.

Three days into their journey, they encountered another Makai Knight and his apprentice.

The knight, Sir Aldren Vael, donned azure and steel-colored armor, his design resembling flowing water, and carried a crescent-shaped twin blade. His apprentice, Elias Morwyn, was a young but capable fighter, eager to prove himself.

"I didn't expect to run into fellow knights on this road," Aldren said as their groups stopped at a roadside outpost.

Leon smirked. "Nor did we, but it's good to see the Order is still active in these lands."

They exchanged stories over a fire, discussing their missions and the growing corruption threatening the world. Elias, the apprentice, eagerly listened to Ryusei's exploits, clearly inspired.

"You're the one who took down the corrupted Makai Knight?" Elias asked, eyes wide with admiration.

Ryusei nodded. "It was a tragedy more than a victory. He was once one of us."

Aldren sighed. "That's why we must remain vigilant. The darkness tempts even the strongest of us."

Their encounter ended the next day, and both groups continued on their respective paths.

Arrival in Drakos Hold

The city of Drakos Hold was a marvel of both ancient and modern craftsmanship, a place where towering spires met well-fortified walls. Unlike the grand kingdoms Ryusei had visited, this city had an air of mystery, its cobblestone streets lined with bustling merchants, wandering scholars, and warriors from distant lands. The Makai Order's influence remained unseen, hidden beneath the guise of the city's governing officials.

As Ryusei and Leon passed through the massive gates, they felt the weight of unseen eyes upon them. The Makai Order was always watching.

Upon reaching the Order's Grand Hall, they were greeted by the High Council of the Makai Order, a group of seasoned knights and alchemists who oversaw the operations across the continent. The chamber was vast, with intricate carvings of legendary knights lining the walls, and in the center stood a massive round table where discussions of great importance took place.

One of the council members, Master Roderic Veltharn, an older but powerfully built knight, addressed them first. "Ryusei Kuriyami, your recent feats have not gone unnoticed. You have upheld the honor of the Makai Order and eliminated a threat that could have spiraled beyond control."

Another councilor, Lady Selene Vael, nodded in agreement. "Your battle against the fallen knight and corrupted alchemist is proof of your skill and loyalty. As such, we officially recognize you as a higher-ranked Makai Knight. You will now have access to our deeper archives and enhanced resources."

Leon smirked and patted Ryusei on the shoulder. "Told you they'd make a big deal out of it."

Ryusei bowed his head slightly. "It was my duty. And it won't be the last time we face such a threat."

Master Roderic leaned forward. "You're right. We have reason to believe the corruption spreading across the land is only the beginning. We will need all our knights ready for what comes next."

The meeting lasted several hours as the council detailed their growing concerns about dark forces manipulating events from the shadows. Once dismissed, Ryusei and Leon were given accommodations within the city to rest and prepare for what lay ahead.

Settling into the City

For the first time in a while, Ryusei and Leon allowed themselves to enjoy a break from duty. They booked rooms at The Silver Drake Inn, a high-end establishment known for catering to adventurers and warriors passing through Drakos Hold.

The next few days were spent exploring the city, indulging in its many luxuries, and taking in the diverse culture. They visited renowned blacksmiths, exchanged knowledge with scholars at The Arcane Athenaeum, and even attended a tournament showcasing the finest warriors in the region.

One evening, they found themselves at a well-known tavern, The Dragon's Rest, where drinks flowed freely and music filled the air. Leon, ever the social one, joined a gambling table, while Ryusei leaned back with a drink, observing the people around him.

"You don't relax much, do you?" Leon said, returning with a smirk after winning a handful of coins.

Ryusei chuckled. "Relaxing's fine. I just prefer to stay aware."

Leon scoffed. "That's why you need this trip. No fighting, no corruption—just a little fun."

Despite his initial reluctance, Ryusei did enjoy himself. He sparred with other warriors, tested his skill against mages in magical duels, and even acquired rare alchemical components for his future work.

As the days passed, both warriors knew their vacation wouldn't last forever. Soon, they would be called back to the front lines of the never-ending battle against the darkness. But for now, they savored the rare moments of peace, preparing themselves for the challenges yet to come.

As they settled into the city for a few days of rest, both Ryusei and Leon knew that their next battles would be far greater than anything they had faced before.

The war against the darkness had only just begun.