Regaleon: The Forgotten Knight

From where the silver-haired Knight stood, silently observing the deliberations unfolding within the pavilion, Regaleon could not help but contemplate the words spoken by these Etheryeans.

Though he still had not obtained a comprehensive understanding of the larger picture, he had already heard enough fragments and revelations to form a rough idea of what was happening.

The Pit, the Devils and the frontiers; those words alone were enough to give the Forgotten Knight a rudimentary understanding of the situation.

If Regaleon were to make an educated guess based on everything he had learned thus far, he would say that the Pits were some kind of gateway or source from which the Devils emerged. And judging by the manner in which the thirteen Etheryeans spoke of them, these Devils were invaders threatening their lands.

What the Devils actually sought, however, remained unknown. Whether they desired conquest, resources, territory, or nothing more than carnage, Regaleon could not determine.

Nevertheless, despite having a general awareness of the situation on the ground, superficial though it might be, Regaleon had to admit that he remained thoroughly confused about the entirety of the circumstances.

And there were credible reasons for this confusion.

For starters, Regaleon was someone well versed in the history of the world.

As a matter of fact, because of the unfortunate predicament dealt to him by House Valehart, he had spent a considerable portion of his life reading. While he did not resemble a scholar or sage, the silver-haired Knight was nevertheless knowledgeable in subjects that included history, literature, and even certain branches of art.

That peculiar habit had exposed him to knowledge that many people in Valoria—and even many members of House Valehart—had never encountered and might never encounter for the entirety of their lives.

Among that knowledge was the origin and existence of Soul Essences, as well as the history behind Valoria’s development.

Because of everything he had accumulated through years of reading, Regaleon was almost certain that what he was witnessing now had never been documented by any historian or chronicler.

Names such as Pits and Devils were completely foreign to the history he knew. They were so incoherent and incongruous with everything he had learned that Regaleon could not reconcile them with any known historical record.

That was precisely why he had yet to develop a detailed understanding and interpretation of the events unfolding before him.

What era is this? The question had been lingering in his mind ever since he entered the pavilion.

And what happened to these people?

Yet before he could delve any deeper into those questions, the discussion within the pavilion resumed.

Maraleon had just finished reporting on the northern frontier and the ancient Regaleon merely nodded in response. His fingers also continued tapping against the surface of the table, the rhythmic sound lingering in the sudden silence as he considered the information.

After a brief moment, he finally spoke.

”Everything that has been said is enough to tell me how dire the situation is.”

His voice remained composed, but the gravity behind his words was unmistakable.

”Unlike the others, Sir Draughr, according to Maraleon’s report, is not facing an immediate crisis. Therefore, our attention should be directed toward the other two fronts and toward determining how best to respond to their respective predicaments.”

The ancient Regaleon leaned forward and clasped his hands together, resting his chin lightly upon them.

Then his golden eyes narrowed.

”We have a situation on our hands, and that situation involves the predicament of both Sir Talen and Sir Jofferey. One has sent an urgent request for reinforcements, while the other has already encountered a setback that could prove fatal to the battles yet to come.”

His gaze swept across the table.

”At this stage, we cannot afford carelessness, nor can we afford complacency. That is why every course of action must be considered thoroughly before we move.”

The ancient Regaleon’s golden gaze settled upon the solemn faces surrounding the table.

”Some of you suggested prioritizing Sir Talen, while others proposed supporting Sir Jofferey instead. But there is something critical that all of you have failed to consider.”

The Etheryeans exchanged confused glances. Valeon eventually frowned before asking.

”Regaleon, what do you mean? What have we failed to consider?”

The ancient Regaleon gave him a brief sidelong glance before answering.

”You see, the operations entrusted to both Sir Talen and Sir Jofferey are equally necessary. Therefore, to focus entirely on one would therefore jeopardize the success of the other.”

He paused slightly before continuing.

”However, now that both are in danger, leaving one to fend for himself while supporting the other would not merely be unwise...”

His golden eyes hardened. ”It would be disastrous.”

The atmosphere immediately grew heavier.

”Thankfully,” he continued, ”there is a way for us to solve this conundrum.”

The Etheryeans straightened almost simultaneously while Cecileon leaned forward and questioned. ”And how do you propose we handle the matter at hand? Do you already have something in mind?”

Regaleon nodded.

”You see, since the beginning of this war, we have been sending army after army to eradicate the Devils. Yet, as you can see, all we have accomplished is suffering loss after loss.”

His fingers stopped tapping. ”And that is becoming increasingly bothersome... Perhaps even unacceptable.”

Before he could continue, one of the knights, Kaeleon, spoke defensively.

”But it is not the army’s fault that the Devils proved to be too formidable. They are merely humans. There is only so much they can accomplish against a Horde of empowered and berserked monsters.”

Regaleon shook his head.

”Kaeleon, do not misunderstand me. I am not attempting to blame anyone, nor am I condemning the soldiers.”

His expression became solemn.

”What I am doing is pointing out the reality that we have deliberately turned a blind eye to since the beginning of this war.”

The pavilion fell silent.

”And we will not continue doing so. This time, we will not send more soldiers to their deaths.” His golden eyes swept across the room. ”We will intervene ourselves.”

A wave of astonishment swept through the pavilion the moment that last statement landed. Even the knight standing in one corner, who had maintained a perfectly subservient posture throughout the meeting, abruptly lifted his head.

His eyes widened. But the instant he realized what he had done, something seemed to click within his mind and he immediately lowered his head again, returning to his previous deferential posture.

Meanwhile, Cecileon’s brows furrowed deeply.

”Regaleon, while I understand that you may be concerned about the situation on the ground, do you not think what you are suggesting is somewhat brash and reckless?”

Her expression was troubled.

”There is a reason we decided to conserve our strength rather than interfere directly in this war. If we change that decision now, there could be adverse consequences—consequences that even we might not be capable of handling.”

Valeon immediately voiced his agreement.

”Cecileon is right. Why not simply send another army to reinforce the frontiers rather than asking us to go ourselves?” He leaned back slightly. ”And do not forget about those monsters that have yet to reveal themselves. If they emerge now, how do you expect us to face them after we have exhausted our strength?”

The moment those two spoke, the others around the table began raising concerns of their own and soon, the pavilion once again descended into a whirlpool of disputation.

Voices overlapped while arguments rose and fell. Some questioned the wisdom of exposing themselves, while others worried about what might happen if an even greater threat emerged while they were occupied on the front lines.

Then Regaleon raised one hand and instantly, the entire pavilion fell silent.

”I understand your concerns,” he said calmly. ”But I also want you to understand that they are unfounded.”

His gaze hardened.

”Rather than concerning ourselves with some threats that have yet to reveal themselves, I suggest we deal with the ones that have already shown themselves and are wreaking havoc across our lands.”

He leaned back.

”And let me make one thing clear. It is not as though I intend to send all of us to the front lines as tgat would be foolish.” A faint edge entered his voice. ”Rather, I only intend to deploy two people.”

Several Etheryeans exchanged glances.

”After all,” Regaleon continued, ”you cannot honestly tell me that two of us would be incapable of dealing with a Horde with the strength we possess, can you?”

He did not wait for an answer. ”It is for that reason that I suggest we proceed in this manner.”

The moment he concluded, his golden gaze swept across the table with an intensity that dared anyone to object or contradict him but no one did.

Moreover, judging by the resigned expressions that gradually settled across the pavilion, the others had apparently reached the same conclusion and knew that there was no challenging his authority.

After several moments, Maraleon finally spoke. ”Well, if it is as you say, then I suppose there truly should not be a problem.”

A faint smile appeared upon her face.

”Besides, I agree that perhaps it is time we participated in this war ourselves. Rather than sitting here directing everything from the rear, it might be refreshing to actually enter the heat of battle.”

She glanced toward Regaleon.

”Surely you agree.” Kaeleon suddenly scoffed from his seat. ”After all, you and battle are like five and six.”

Maraleon shot him an irritated look while Kaeleon merely shrugged before continuing.

”Still, there is a point to what Regaleon said. If we fight personally, we should be able to resolve the situation far more quickly. That would allow us to conserve our resources for other matters that require our attention.”

He tapped a finger against the table. ”You know, like locating other Pits.”

Cecileon released a weary sigh.

”Well, it seems you have all made up your minds and there is apparently nothing I can say that would change them.”

Her eyes then shifted toward the ancient Regaleon before she spoke. ”However, I have one question. Who are you planning to send to quell the crisis, Regaleon...?”