EPISODE 7

EPISODE 7

ANGELICCA SEVERIA

When Sunday finally arrived, all of us were assigned to Hideout 45. Our mission for the day was to inspect the built-in cannons installed on top of one of the fortress towers and determine whether they were still functioning properly or if any of them had developed defects over time.

The towering structure loomed above us as the warriors busied themselves with their tasks. Some examined the cannon barrels for signs of damage, while others checked the internal mechanisms and tightened loose components. 

The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of metal clanking against metal, occasional instructions being shouted across the platform, and the steady hum of diligent work.

As for me, I spent most of my time supervising the inspection. 

I walked around the area, carefully observing each warrior's progress and making sure everything was being handled correctly. Now and then, I would stop to inspect a cannon myself, ensuring that no detail was overlooked.

To be honest, we weren't supposed to be working today. 

Sunday was meant to be one of our quieter days, an opportunity to rest from our usual responsibilities. Unfortunately, one of the commanders had ordered us to conduct a second inspection of the massive tower's defense system. 

While I was busy monitoring the inspection, a familiar voice suddenly broke through my thoughts.

"You promised us, Miss Angelicca. You're coming with us tonight after our duty is over, aren't you?"

I immediately turned toward the speaker.

My eyes landed on Kaiser.

He was kneeling beside one of the enormous cannons, his hands occupied as he tightened a large bolt near its base. Standing beside him was Marti, assisting him by handing over tools and helping stabilize the heavy machinery while they worked.

"Yes, I haven't forgotten about it," I replied formally.

Ever since this morning, he had reminded me of that promise more times than I could count, as if he were afraid I would suddenly change my mind and refuse to go with them.

Marti let out a laugh and nudged Kaiser lightly with his elbow. "How many times are you going to remind Miss Angelicca?" he asked teasingly. "She's already told you over and over again that she's coming with us."

Kaiser simply shrugged and returned his attention to the cannon he was repairing. The large wrench in his hand turned another bolt into place before he answered.

"I just want to make sure," he said. "You never know. She might suddenly come up with an excuse later."

Before I could respond, another voice joined the conversation.

"That's because we've already made reservations," Camden called out from the opposite side of the tower.

I shifted my gaze toward him.

He was standing near the stone wall several meters away, inspecting another cannon while tightening a few loose components. 

"By now, they're probably already preparing all the food and drinks we requested," he continued with a grin. "Tonight is going to be one hell of a night. Nobody's allowed to go home sober!"

A chorus of laughter erupted from several of the warriors nearby.

"Will any of you even be capable of reporting for duty tomorrow?" I asked. "You might end up nursing terrible hangovers if you drink more than you can handle."

"We're used to drinking, Miss Angelicca! We don't get hangovers that easily!"

Linox's cheerful shout came from across the tower, loud enough for everyone to hear.

The other warriors burst into laughter. Their deep, hearty voices echoed throughout the massive stone tower, bouncing off the walls and blending with the metallic sounds of tools striking steel. A few of them immediately joined in, boasting about their drinking abilities and throwing playful challenges at one another.

Leaving them to their conversation, I turned away and walked toward the outer wall of the tower.

The cool stone floor felt solid beneath my boots with every step. When I reached the edge, I stopped in front of the chest-high barrier and rested my hands lightly on its rough surface.

From there, I was greeted by a breathtaking view.

Far beyond the fortress stretched an endless expanse of land. 

Towering mountain ranges rose in the distance, their dark silhouettes standing proudly against the horizon. Dense forests blanketed the valleys below, while narrow trails wound through the wilderness like thin ribbons disappearing into the unknown.

For a few moments, I simply admired the scenery.

Then my eyes drifted upward.

The sky immediately caught my attention.

Earlier, the weather had been pleasant and clear, but now the heavens were slowly changing. 

Patches of gray clouds had begun to gather overhead, spreading farther across the sky with each passing minute. 

The brilliant blue that had dominated the afternoon was gradually being swallowed by darker shades, casting faint shadows over the distant mountains.

A cool breeze swept past me, carrying the scent of damp earth and rain.

It wasn't raining yet.

But it felt as though the storm was already on its way.

I found myself staring at the clouds longer than I intended, watching them slowly drift across the horizon.

"Looks like it's going to rain tonight."

The sudden voice behind me pulled me from my thoughts.

I glanced over my shoulder.

Jace had approached without me noticing.

A moment later, he stopped beside me. Standing at my side, he followed my gaze toward the distant mountains and the steadily darkening sky.  

"The sunlight was fine from this morning until noon, but not anymore," I remarked formally as I continued gazing at the distant horizon.

"Drinking is much more enjoyable when it's raining," he said with a laugh. "The cold weather makes it better."

"...Looks like I'll end up drinking more than usual tonight," he continued. "Especially since you'll be joining us."

"It's only this once," I replied. "The next few weeks are going to be much busier. We'll have a lot of things to take care of in the village."

"Of course," he said. "We're always here for you, Miss Angelicca."

For a moment, I remained silent again.

Slowly, I turned my head and glanced toward my left.

Jace was standing beside me, his profile illuminated by the fading daylight.

As I stared at him, my expression turning more serious, I let out a deep breath and swallowed hard. 

My throat suddenly felt dry.

"Jace," I called his name in a serious tone.

The moment he heard me, he immediately turned his attention toward me.

"What is it, Miss Angelicca?" he asked.

His eyes met mine with the same respectful gaze he always carried. 

I found myself hesitating.

"I just want to say..." I began softly.

I took another deep breath, trying to gather enough courage to continue. The words were already at the tip of my tongue, yet somehow they felt difficult to say. 

Slowly, I lifted my gaze and looked directly into his eyes.

The instant our eyes locked, a strong gust of wind suddenly blew past us.

The air rushed around me, and the loud whistling sound of the wind echoed in my ears. My hair swayed wildly with the breeze.

I cleared my throat stiffly.

“I don’t want any of you to think that I don’t appreciate everything you’ve been doing for me... That’s why I would like to formally... thank—”

Before I could finish my sentence, a deafening blast suddenly echoed through the air.

The sound of multiple horns blaring at the same time reverberated from somewhere in the distance, loud enough to shake the atmosphere around us.

The unexpected noise instantly silenced everyone.

My eyes widened slightly as my heart skipped a beat.

For a brief moment, none of us moved.

Then Jace abruptly turned toward the warriors, his expression hardening with urgency.

“WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!”

The force of his shout snapped everyone back to reality.

The seriousness of the situation immediately settled over me, replacing any trace of the emotion I had been feeling moments ago.

My face hardened.

“Everyone, move to the Armor Hall and put on your protective gear!” I commanded at the top of my lungs.

The moment my voice rang through the tower, the warriors sprang into action without hesitation.

Any conversations, tasks, or activities they had been engaged in were instantly abandoned. The atmosphere shifted from calm to chaotic in a matter of seconds.

Together, we rushed down the tower as fast as we could.

The alarm had already spread throughout the hideout. Across the vast stronghold, warriors became alert and mobilized with practiced efficiency. Every soldier knew exactly what to do.

By the time we reached the Armor Hall, the room was already bustling with activity.

Without wasting a single second, we began equipping ourselves for battle.

We fastened the heavy pieces of armor onto our bodies. Thick metal plates covered our chests, shoulders, arms, and legs. The weight of the equipment settled heavily against my skin.

Straps were tightened. Buckles were secured.

The clanging sounds of metal echoed throughout the hall as hundreds of warriors prepared themselves simultaneously.

Soon, every part of our bodies was protected, from the tops of our heads down to our feet.

As I secured the last piece of armor into place, I could feel the tension in the air growing heavier with every passing second.

“ARCHERS, SNIPERS, AND CANNON OPERATORS! MOVE TO THE TOWERS IMMEDIATELY! THE HOUNDS ARE APPROACHING! DEFEND THE BOUNDARY! MAKE SURE NO ENEMY BREAKS THROUGH, OR THE NEARBY VILLAGE WILL BE PUT IN DANGER!”

The commander's voice thundered across the fortress, echoing through every corridor and chamber, instantly sending everyone into motion. 

Within minutes, our bodies were completely covered in protective armor, leaving only small portions of our faces visible.

The sound of heavy boots striking the stone floor filled the hall as we rushed toward the weapon chamber. 

The room was crowded with warriors preparing for battle, each person grabbing whatever weapons they specialized in. Some reached for powerful rifles and carefully checked their ammunition, while others collected magazines of bullets and sharpened their blades one final time. 

The metallic scraping of swords leaving their sheaths blended with the clicking of gun mechanisms and the anxious murmurs of soldiers preparing themselves for what was about to come.

I walked through the rows of weapon racks and selected the equipment I would use in the fight ahead. 

The recruits were doing the same.

“Miss Anghelicca, they say the enemy is almost here.”

It was Jace.

I met his gaze instantly. The only visible part of his face beneath his armored helmet was his eyes, and even through the narrow opening, I could see the seriousness in them. 

“Let's move out. We'll join the warriors on the front line,” I said in a serious tone.

Without waiting for a response, I strode out of the weapon hall, my boots echoing against the cold floor. The forty-nine warriors immediately followed behind me.

As we stepped outside, more fighters were already descending from different sections of the hideout, gathering into organized formations. The massive silver gates that protected our territory stood tall before us. Moments later, they slowly creaked open, revealing the vast expanse beyond.

The warriors quickly spread out and secured the perimeter, surrounding this entire section of the land to ensure that no enemy could break through unnoticed. 

Some took positions on elevated areas for a better vantage point, while others formed defensive lines across the terrain. 

Despite the strategic placements, I chose to stand directly outside the hideout itself. From there, I could oversee both our forces and the open land stretching before us.

Hundreds of warriors now stood as a living wall across the battlefield, blocking every possible approach. Their weapons glinted beneath the light as they remained alert and prepared for whatever was coming.

My entire focus remained fixed on the distant horizon. I tightened my grip around the large firearm in my hands, feeling the cold metal against my palms. 

The weapon was fully loaded, packed with enough ammunition for a prolonged fight. Additional rounds were strapped securely across my chest, their weight serving as a constant reminder of the battle ahead.

Around me, the warriors stood silent and vigilant, their eyes locked on the same distant point. No one dared let their guard down.

As I kept my full attention fixed on the distance, I sharpened my senses and carefully monitored everything around me. 

The battlefield remained tense. I could feel movement approaching. The wind carried faint vibrations through the ground, and a moment later, my ears caught the unmistakable sound of numerous horse hooves pounding against the earth.

I immediately turned my gaze toward the east.

What I saw caused my eyes to narrow.

A massive cavalry force was rapidly approaching our position. Warriors clad in heavy armor rode atop powerful stallions, their polished armor gleaming beneath the light. The thunderous rhythm of hundreds of hooves shook the ground beneath us. 

Dust rose behind them like a moving cloud, partially obscuring their true numbers. There were simply too many of them for me to count.

The sight instantly put everyone on alert.

The approaching warriors moved with discipline and precision, their formation remaining intact despite their speed. 

As I studied the riders, a familiar figure among them caught my attention.

Even from a distance, I recognized that commanding posture.

Commander Sival.

My eyes remained locked on him as he guided his stallion through the crowd of mounted warriors and headed directly toward my position. The closer he came, the clearer his imposing presence became. 

When he finally reached me, he pulled on the reins and brought his horse to an abrupt stop. The stallion reared slightly before settling down, releasing a sharp snort as it pawed at the ground.

I looked up at him expectantly.

"Angelicca, the enemy forces attacking us today are far greater in number than we anticipated," Commander Sival said in a serious voice. "That's why I brought reinforcement warriors... comrades to support your defenses."

As he spoke, his gaze briefly shifted toward the recruits standing behind. His eyes carefully swept across the warriors surrounding me, silently assessing their readiness for the battle ahead.

Then he returned his attention to me.

"If you're willing to listen to my advice," he continued. "Relocate to the cannon tower."

"....leave the frontline warriors to handle this," Commander Sival added firmly.

I lifted my chin and met his gaze without hesitation.

"I need this assignment, and I'm not abandoning them here," I replied in a serious tone.

The moment the words left my mouth, I heard the commander release a long, frustrated sigh.

For a few seconds, neither of us spoke.

We simply stared at each other through the narrow gaps of our armored helmets. 

Commander Sival's eyes hardened, but beneath that stern expression, I could see something else.

Genuine concern.

"Don't let anything happen to you," he said quietly but firmly. "Don't die here."

I heard footsteps approaching from behind.

Jace stepped forward and stopped beside me.

He bowed respectfully before the commander.

"I know Miss Angelicca doesn't need protection," Jace said formally. "But we'll still do everything we can to keep her away from danger. We will protect her."

"We're here too, Commander."

I turned slightly and saw Marti standing among the recruits behind us.

The others straightened their postures as well, silently showing their support. Their faces were hidden beneath armor and helmets, but I could sense their resolve. 

"We would never forgive ourselves if anything happened to our Lady Boss."

Kaiser's voice was firm as he stepped forward.

The other warriors behind me voiced the same sentiment.

"We'll protect her."

"You can count on us, Commander."

"Nothing will happen to Lady Boss while we're still standing."

I slowly glanced over my shoulder at the warriors gathered. 

Commander Sival stared at them in silence.

His sharp gaze swept across the group, carefully studying each warrior. 

After a few moments, he finally gave a small nod.

"I'll be counting on that," he said.

"Prepare yourselves. The number of enemies attacking us today is far greater than usual. This won't be an easy battle—"

Suddenly, his words were cut short.

A deafening blast from the war horn erupted from the watchtower of the hideout.

The powerful sound echoed across the entire territory, drowning out every other noise around us.

Immediately, everyone's attention snapped toward the tower.

Another horn followed.

Warriors tightened their grips on their weapons.

Mounted soldiers pulled on their reins.

Archers instinctively reached for their bows.

Every person present knew exactly what those horns meant.

Then a voice thundered from the top of the tower.

"THEY ARE APPROACHING!"

The warning reverberated across the battlefield.

“Angelicca.”

I lifted my gaze and looked at Commander Sival.

“Be careful.”

Those were the last words he said to me before he vanished from my sight. Without another glance back, he turned and headed straight into the hideout, leaving me alone with the growing tension that hung heavily in the air.

I redirected my attention toward the distant horizon. Every muscle in my body tightened as I remained on high alert, scanning the mountains ahead.

A few moments later, a series of loud horns echoed across the valley.

Then I saw them.

Moving figures emerged from the mountainside, their dark silhouettes shifting against the rugged terrain. 

Their approach disturbed the wildlife, sending flocks of birds into a frantic panic. The creatures burst from the trees and soared into the sky, their frantic cries adding to the ominous atmosphere.

“They’re here...” I muttered firmly under my breath.

My eyes narrowed as I focused on the advancing army.

An army of werewolves.

They were heading straight toward our position.

Even from a distance, I could hear them. Their growls grew louder with every passing second, blending into a terrifying chorus that seemed to shake the very ground beneath my feet. The closer they came, the clearer their monstrous forms became. Their massive bodies moved swiftly across the uneven terrain.

As the enemy force became fully visible, our defenses immediately sprang into action.

One after another, the cannons fired.

The deafening explosions shattered the tense silence, and the projectiles streaked across the battlefield before crashing into the ground where the werewolves were scattered.

The earth trembled violently beneath the impact.

Some of the creatures were caught directly in the blasts and were thrown through the air by the force of the explosions. 

Others reacted quickly, leaping away at the last second and narrowly escaping the deadly barrage.

Soon, thick black smoke erupted from the impact zones.

Within moments, the battlefield was swallowed by darkness.

The smoke spread rapidly across the land, obscuring everything in sight.

Dust, ash, and debris filled the air, making it impossible to see what was happening beyond the massive cloud.

“Open fire! Fill them with bullets!” one of the commanders shouted at the top of his lungs.

The moment the order was given, we raised our weapons toward the darkness ahead. A deafening barrage of gunfire erupted almost instantly, the sharp explosions echoing through the battlefield and drowning out every other sound. 

The recoil of my rifle jolted through my arms as I squeezed the trigger repeatedly, sending round after round into the thick smoke that concealed our enemies.

Without hesitation, we pushed forward.

The air was heavy with the smell of gunpowder and burning debris. Thick clouds of smoke swirled around us, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. Still, we continued advancing, our boots pounding against the ground as we followed our commanders' orders.

Then, through the haze, I witnessed something horrifying.

Several werewolves suddenly leaped through the smoke from another direction. Their massive bodies moved with terrifying speed as they pounced on some of our warriors. 

I watched in shock as they tore into them with razor-sharp claws and fangs, their savage growls mixing with the screams of the wounded. 

The sight made my stomach twist, but there was no time to hesitate.

We kept firing.

Everywhere I sensed the presence of an enemy, I aimed and pulled the trigger. The battlefield had become pure chaos. Gunshots echoed endlessly while the creatures emerged from the smoke like nightmares come to life.

Despite the terrifying situation, I remained confident that we could survive the battle.

The recruits fought as one, watching each other's backs and refusing to leave anyone behind. 

We moved in coordinated groups, covering one another as we advanced farther and farther away from the hideout. 

Every fallen werewolf strengthened our determination. 

Little by little, we managed to thin their numbers, pushing the enemy back with relentless firepower.

For a moment, it seemed like we were gaining control.

The werewolves that remained appeared scattered, and our line continued moving forward. Hope began to rise inside me. Maybe we could end this battle sooner than expected. Maybe we were finally winning.

But that hope didn't last long.

As the smoke slowly cleared and visibility returned, a loud blast from the hideout's horns suddenly thundered across the battlefield once again.

The sound sent a chill down my spine.

I immediately turned toward the west, and the moment my eyes landed on the distant horizon, my eyes widened in disbelief.

An enormous army of enemy werewolves was charging toward us.

Their numbers were overwhelming, far greater than the first wave we had just fought. 

Countless figures stretched across the landscape, rushing forward like a dark tidal wave ready to consume everything in its path.

That was where the horror I never expected truly began.

The warriors...

The recruits...

They...

...died before my eyes.

Almost all of them had tried to protect me, throwing themselves into danger without hesitation. 

But despite the horrifying scenes I witnessed, I forced myself to focus entirely on the fight.

We were running out of men.

The archers were no longer enough to deal with the overwhelming number of werewolves charging toward us. They just kept coming, wave after wave, as if there was no end to their numbers.

Somehow, I hadn't suffered even a single scratch.

I continued fighting relentlessly, refusing to slow down. 

Eventually, I ran out of ammunition.

I drew my sword.

The moment the blade was in my hands, I threw myself back into the battle. I used every skill I had learned, every technique drilled into me. I slashed, parried, and struck down one werewolf after another.

Yet no matter how many I killed, more seemed to replace them.

The enemy's assault felt endless.

Blood covered the battlefield. 

Bodies littered the ground beneath my feet. 

The air was thick with the scent of death and iron.

Still, I kept fighting.

I refused to fall.

Until eventually, the battle reached a terrifying point.

When I looked around, only a handful of us remained standing on the battlefield.

I was breathing hard as I stared at the enemies charging toward us. 

Sweat trickled down the side of my face, and my fingers tightened around the hilt of my sword as I struggled to steady my breathing.

The battlefield was in chaos.

In the distance, I could hear the furious growls and monstrous roars of our enemies as they stormed toward us with terrifying speed.

“Run! We have to get out of here!” one of the warriors shouted.

I looked around and saw several warriors immediately turning on their heels and sprinting away. Panic flashed across their faces as they fled toward the hideout.

“They’re about to release a volley of arrows!” someone yelled.

I stumbled backward and started running as well.

As I raced across the battlefield, I glanced toward the hideout.

My eyes widened in horror.

The massive silver gates were already beginning to close.

And we were still outside.

“What the fuck are they doing?!” one of the warriors shouted in disbelief. “We’re still out here!”

The realization hit all of us at once.

They were sealing the gates before we could get inside.

A wave of panic surged through the group as we ran even faster.

When we finally reached the silver gates, several warriors skidded to a stop and immediately began pounding their fists against the cold silver bars.

“WE'RE STILL OUTSIDE!” one of them screamed at the top of his lungs.

His voice echoed against the towering walls.

“What are you doing?!” another warrior yelled furiously, slamming both hands against the gate. “Open it!”

"The hounds are getting closer! Open the gate!"

The desperate shouts of the warriors rang through the air as they pounded their fists against the massive silver gates again. Their voices were filled with panic, their faces pale with fear as they looked over their shoulders toward the battlefield behind us.

I could hear it too.

The savage growls.

The thunderous roars.

The pounding footsteps of the hounds as they charged toward our position.

Every second that passed brought them closer.

Yet despite our cries for help, the gates remained shut.

Breathing heavily, I lifted my gaze beyond the towering silver barrier and looked into the vast courtyard of the hideout.

Dozens of warriors stood there.

Our comrades.

Our allies.

The very people we had fought alongside countless times.

But they weren't moving.

They weren't rushing to open the gates or even shouting instructions.

They simply stood there in silence, watching us from a distance.

Watching us as though we were already dead.

Then my eyes instinctively drifted upward toward one of the watchtowers overlooking the fortress.

The moment I saw the figure standing there, my breath caught.

Commander Sival.

His familiar silhouette stood at the edge of the tower, tall and imposing against the gray sky as he gazed down upon the scene below.

Upon us.

I could feel the weight of his stare even from this distance.

Slowly, my heart began to sink.

Then his voice suddenly boomed across the battlefield.

"Do not open the silver gates!"

My eyes widened.

"Angelicca! Finish your mission!"

And this time, his words shattered something inside me.

"Die if necessary!"