Upheaval (Part One)

The smell of blood was everywhere.

Romon emerged from deep meditation. Natural power filled him once more, and his daily spells had been restored.

A faint smile touched his lips as he opened his eyes.

Shouts and the sounds of battle still rang out around him.

A feeling he could not describe suddenly surged through him. The Holy Knight Samojin was fighting nearby.

Samojin wielded a longsword that shone with a sacred, profound light. Wherever it passed, an imp sprayed blood and shrieked as its head flew from its shoulders.

After killing seven or eight demons in succession, Samojin said calmly, "You're awake?"

"Has this defensive line been breached too?" Romon frowned and looked around. Only Samojin and a few merchants were fighting nearby, while Meimi was busy treating the wounded.

Tekaxiu was among those receiving treatment. His enchanted leather armor was covered in cuts and crusted blood, though there was no telling how much of it was his and how much belonged to demons.

Even so, he was alive and still held the Flame Sword.

Nature meditation did not take long, but the sight sent a chill down Romon's spine. Cold sweat broke out across his back.

When he had begun meditating, he had been somewhere safe behind the lines. Now demons surrounded him.

Anger flared within him.

Romon had spent the past day and night exhausting his strength and concentration, responding to each crisis, repeatedly lending support, and earning considerable merit. Yet while he meditated, no one had protected him except Samojin, Meimi, and the battered Tekaxiu.

Romon let out a breath and surveyed the battlefield. What he saw made his heart tighten. His anger remained, but he forced it down.

Archbishop Andalu stood at the command center with his staff, directing the battle. As a bishop of