Regaleon: The Forgotten Knight

Aelric had remained silent since the beginning of the conversation...

That, however, didn’t necessarily mean he hadn’t been paying attention to every single word the group exchanged.

In fact, ever since he had stepped into the clearing, his attention had been focused entirely on them. His sharp green eyes calmly swept across all eight of them, one after another, studying them in a manner so subtle that none of them noticed.

He quietly took in their appearances; their scars, the way they stood, the way they breathed and even the faint, almost imperceptible changes in their demeanors since he had first begun observing them.

And honestly, he had to admit that they had done remarkably well for themselves...

Although he had been secretly watching over the group ever since they entered the Crimson Forest, that vigilance had never been constant.

Truthfully, there were days when he observed them from afar from sunrise until nightfall.

And there were also days when boredom inevitably got the better of him, prompting him to wander elsewhere in search of something, anything, to occupy his time.

As a matter of fact, today just happened to be one of those days when he got bored and he had merely been making his way back when he stumbled upon the battle between the awakened trio and the Black Stalker...

There had even been one occasion during the past week when he had completely lost track of them.

That particular incident had genuinely surprised him because he had to search a considerable portion of the Crimson Forest before eventually discovering that the entire group had somehow entered the cave concealed behind the waterfall.

As for what they had gone inside to do, he neither knew nor particularly cared enough to find out.

After all, Asterion’s orders had been exceedingly simple; watch over them for one month and do not interfere... Unless absolutely necessary.

Naturally, he had obeyed those instructions.

He watched, observed and remained nothing more than a silent spectator...

The only reason he had finally decided to reveal himself today was because their lives had genuinely been at risk... And because of another reason he alone knew.

But beyond all of that, he had never once involved himself in their affairs.

Truthfully, considering everything they had managed to accomplish within only a single week inside the Crimson Forest, Aelric found himself genuinely impressed.

Asterion had once casually referred to them as weak. And perhaps, when compared to people like themselves, they truly were.

But only Aelric knew everything these eight had endured over the past seven days.

Besides destroying the Breeding Nest, he had watched them survive countless situations that should have claimed their lives several times over.

Any one of those ordeals would’ve been enough to kill ordinary awakened youths. Yet somehow, these eight had overcome every single one.

Not just through overwhelming strength. But through qualities far rarer among those exiled to the Nether Lands; determination, adaptability, trust in one another and perhaps... Just a little luck.

His thoughts came to an abrupt halt when Aureleah’s calm voice drifted across the clearing.

”So are you going to tell us who he is?”

Only then did Aelric’s attention fully return to the conversation.

But even so, he made no attempt to interrupt nor reply. Instead, he simply waited.

His emerald eyes settled upon Regaleon as silent curiosity flickered within them. He wondered how the silver-haired Knight intended to explain his presence to his companions.

Regaleon’s golden eyes shifted toward Aelric. Then a few moments later, his expression froze.

”Oh!” He exclaimed. ”I completely forgot about him for a second.” He admitted while rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

Truthfully, between discussing the assassin and worrying over everyone’s injuries, he had completely forgotten that Aelric was still standing there.

So realizing his mistake, Regaleon quickly cleared his throat before gesturing toward the relaxed green-eyed youth standing a few paces away.

”Everyone... This is Aelric. We met him shortly after the assassin cornered us...”

He paused slightly before smiling awkwardly.

”Actually, I suppose it’s more accurate to say that he met us...”

A brief silence followed his statement. Then Regaleon’s expression turned serious as he explained.

”Also if he hadn’t arrived when he did, then the three of us would’ve died.”

The atmosphere immediately became quieter as every member of the group instinctively shifted their attention toward Aelric.

But despite suddenly becoming the center of attention, the green-eyed youth’s relaxed composure never changed. Instead, he simply offered everyone a small, easygoing smile and spoke.

”Hello. It’s nice to meet all of you.”

Regaleon nodded before continuing the introductions. He first gestured toward the silver-haired Assassin.

”Aelric... This is Aureleah.”

Then he shifted his hand toward the young woman tending to Vaelorin’s injuries.

”And that’s Caelestra.”

His hand shifted toward the broad-shouldered youth nearby. ”That’s Valmyr.”

Finally, he pointed toward the bespectacled failed Gnost. ”And over there is Kaeloris.”

Before Regaleon could continue with the introductions, a cheerful voice suddenly interrupted him...

”And I’m Sylveris!”

The young girl said, stepping forward with an enthusiastic smile. ”It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Her voice carried the same youthful innocence as always. Yet beneath it, everyone could hear the unmistakable excitement.

Aelric couldn’t help smiling a little wider. He gave her a small, courteous bow before responding in kind.

”The pleasure is mine.”

Straightening once more, his gaze swept across the entire group. ”In fact... It’s a pleasure meeting all of you.”

With the introductions finally complete, Valmyr suddenly clapped his hands together before speaking.

”You know what? I think we should all get to know each other properly over breakfast.”

He rubbed his stomach dramatically. ”I’m starving.”

Caelestra, who was busy replacing the bloodstained bandage around Vaelorin’s shoulder, rolled her eyes.

”You really only think about food, don’t you?”

She tightened the fresh bandage before continuing.”But when it was time to hunt, you conveniently stayed behind.”

”And I’m incredibly thankful that I did.” Valmyr replied without the slightest embarrassment.

”If I’d gone with them, I would’ve become target practice for one very moody assassin.”

He shuddered dramatically. ”And I’d rather not experience that.”

Caelestra simply snorted. ”At least you’re self-aware.”

Valmyr grinned shamelessly. ”I consider it one of my better qualities.”

The lighthearted exchange drew several amused smiles from the group. Even the tense atmosphere lingering after Regaleon’s story eased considerably.

Meanwhile, Kaeloris was already walking toward the two heavy skin sacks lying beside Vaelorin.

Carefully kneeling down, he untied the thick leather cords securing them shut and the rich scent of fresh meat immediately escaped into the morning air.

His eyes lit up as he spoke. ”Well, at least, The Scarlet Streak Antelope would compensate for all that trouble.”

He reached inside before carefully removing several neatly wrapped portions of meat along with the cleaned organs and other usable parts they had harvested.

Before long, everyone naturally began gathering around. Some prepared wood while others fetched water from the lake.

And within minutes, the quiet clearing beside the waterfall became lively once more.

Breakfast was soon underway, prepared from the prized spoils of the Scarlet Streak Antelope...