Sovell noticed the army's formation growing tighter, and his brow furrowed slightly.
If a dense formation came under a wide-area magical bombardment, casualties would multiply exponentially. There was too little room for error.
He was about to order the formation to spread out again.
Suddenly, wave after wave of horn blasts rang out from somewhere.
This was a signal...
A signal for rebellion!
In an instant, the traitors hidden within the army bared their fangs at their former comrades.
Caught completely unawares, soldiers were killed from behind by friends they had once trusted implicitly, each struck down in a single blow.
The army quickly descended into chaos. Sovell immediately ordered the messenger:
"Sound the retreat! Tell the warriors still loyal to our king to break through toward Hadrian's Wall!
Barghest! You have permission to lead your troops independently! Watch for ambushes laid by traitors working with the Picts!
Mordred! You and I will lead the personal guard-urgh!"
Shhk-
The sound of a blade sinking into flesh rang out alongside Barghest's startled cry.
"My king!!!"
Sovell stared at the silver sword that had pierced his heart from behind. Feeling its icy touch, he turned his head with difficulty.
Why?
Why?
Why her?
Sovell simply could not believe it.
Mordred, the student in whom he had placed his highest hopes.
She had betrayed him!
But when the Horned Helmet Mordred had never removed in his presence began peeling away piece by piece and joining with her armor, he finally understood.
"I'm sorry, Teacher."
Sovell froze at the sight of the girl whose face was identical to Artoria's, save for a single silver streak in her hair.
"You bastard!"
Barghest charged forward, driving Mordred back with her sword, then hurriedly caught Sovell as the wound through his heart drained his strength and climbed