The next day was set for the assembly of the Hell Fortress expedition members.

  Warm sunlight poured down on the Fortress of Protection within Selestata Castle since early morning. Blue banners fluttered in the wind along the castle walls, and deep bell tones rang out three times.

  Dew drops glistened on the stone floor in the sunlight, and the frosty morning air felt bone-chillingly cold.

  Expedition members gathered one by one. The footsteps of knights in armor echoed rhythmically, and whenever mages with magical powers approached, a subtle tremor lingered in the air.

  The sound of weapons being inspected, people's voices, and the rustling of leather, metal, and cloth blended together to create a unique harmony.

  At the center stood the Holy Knights in silver armor. Aligned at precise intervals, they appeared like a single massive entity, with their armor reflecting sunlight and spreading a soft glow around them. These elite imperial knights would form the solid core of the expedition.

  In addition to the Holy Knights, volunteers with various weapons and attire were noticeable. Their faces revealed different stories, and their gazes reflected determination, hope, and fear.

  A heavy sense of responsibility hung in the air.

  The Holy Knights consisted of 100 members, and the leader of this expedition was Lord Dmitri Petriert, the vice-commander of the Guardian Corps. He was the son of Lord Petriert who had sacrificed himself during the Dominator rebellion twenty years ago.

  The weight of years was evident in his strong jawline, which resembled his father's, and in his deeply set eyes. The sound of his armor clashing as he walked had a heavier resonance than that of other knights.

  The Holy Knights were divided into four squads of 25 each, with squad leaders distinguished by red cloaks. These cloaks fluttered magnificently in the wind, with the periodic sound of their edges brushing against each other.

  Mage Elina Strider, Hallis Freya, and archer Bow Dolehr also moved to their designated positions. A faint aura of magical energy surrounded the edges of Elina and Hallis's robes, and a subtle tension emanated from the string of Bow's longbow.

  Elina and Hallis were observing the aligned Holy Knights.

  "So those are the empire's elite Holy Knights. Their armor is magnificent," Hallis said in a soft voice.

  Elina nodded, her gaze lingering on one knight in silver armor. It was Tristan. When their eyes met, he nodded slightly. A faint smile spread across Elina's lips.

  Bow looked around curiously before approaching the two mages. His eyes were full of curiosity.

  "So mages really exist," Bow murmured.

  Just when everyone seemed to have gathered, a sudden silence fell. A subtle tension flowed among the people gathered at the Fortress of Protection, voices lowered, and movements ceased. A strange coldness permeated the air, and even the sound of wild grass rustling in the wind seemed to subside.

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  A man appeared.

  A tall, thin figure in a gray hood walked silently. A prominent scar ran from his eye to his lip on one side of his face, casting a unique shadow whenever sunlight fell upon it.

  Two dagger sheaths were visible at his waist, one slightly open revealing part of a black handle. A faint shadow swirled around him, and small sounds emanated whenever his leather equipment moved.

  A cool aura like the shade of night surrounded him.

  "Might you be the Outlaw?"

  Someone's voice broke the hushed silence. At those words, the corner of the man's mouth rose slightly. The scar seemed to elongate with his smile. His gaze slowly turned toward the questioner.

  The Outlaw nodded lightly.

  Murmurs grew louder around them. Bow overheard the conversation of nearby knights.

  "Is that the famous outlaw known for stealing from corrupt nobles to help the common people?" a young knight asked in a lowered voice.

  "Yes, his real name is Hysteria Serius. They call him the Outlaw because he stands above the law." He looked around briefly and added, "They say the Emperor secretly acknowledges him for his heroic actions, but he still went to prison for breaking the law. Nobody knows what he's been doing or where since then."

  "There's also a rumor that the Emperor personally invited him to join the expedition," the bearded knight continued. "He must have responded to the Emperor's call who granted him amnesty. His sense of justice for the empire's people must have played a part too."

  Bow looked at the Outlaw with curious eyes. He had heard stories about him even in Greenwood. An outlaw fighting for the people, his tale had spread throughout the empire like a legend.

  "I am Hysteria Serius who will join this expedition."

  He bowed briefly toward the expedition members who had already arrived. His voice was low and soft but contained sharp vigilance.

  In an instant, the Outlaw vanished.

  He reappeared next to the archer, Bow Dolehr. No one had seen him move. When Bow looked at the Outlaw with wide, surprised eyes, the Outlaw grinned back at him. His smile, spreading across his scar, gave an even more intense impression. His eyes balanced mischief and danger, exuding a somehow attractive charisma.

  Bow thought to himself as his muscles unconsciously tensed into a defensive posture.

  'Stealth skills... truly worthy of a top-tier rogue.'

  Once all expedition members had gathered, Commander Lord Dmitri Petriert stepped forward. His dignified footsteps silenced all surrounding noise, and his silver armor shone brilliantly in the sunlight. He stood on a slightly elevated platform where everyone could see him.

  "Now, you are all members of the expedition that will journey to Hell Fortress where the Dominator resides."

  His voice was powerful and reassuring. With each resonance of his voice, anxiety seemed to gradually fade from the faces of expedition members.

  "May the blessing of Helios be with you on this expedition. Tomorrow, prepare yourselves for departure, and the day after tomorrow, we will hold the departure ceremony."

  With his declaration, tension and excitement crossed among the expedition members. Each had different hopes and fears in their hearts.

  Those dreaming of glory, those full of duty, those with personal objectives—all were gathered together. Their diverse destinies now began to intertwine as one.

  With the signal to disperse, the expedition members headed to their respective quarters. Tristan, breaking from the formation, briefly glanced toward Elina.

  She was looking at him too.

  ##############

  Holy Knight Tristan Valiant.

  He couldn't sleep in the darkness of his room. Moonlight streamed through the window, and in the distance, the regular footsteps of patrol guards could be heard. A single small candle was burning thinly in a corner of the room, with the faint scent of beeswax spreading.

  He would be joining the expedition with Elina, gaining an opportunity to break her curse. This thought alone filled his heart with hope, but simultaneously, concerns flashing through his mind prevented him from sleeping.

  It felt like a heavy stone pressing on his chest.

  It was because of the warning Headmaster Sart had given before leaving Luminarian. The memory was vivid and echoed in his ears as if it had happened yesterday.

  The Headmaster's yellowish face and deep wrinkles appeared vividly before him. The magical energy he had felt from the Grand Mage's hands came alive again in his memory.

  "Lord Valiant. Elina Strider may use Light Magic on the surface, but inside her, dark energy is suppressed by the dark sorcerer's curse. Keep watch over her at all times."

  The Headmaster's heavy voice weighed on Tristan's heart. The air in the room suddenly felt colder, and he felt a tightness in his throat.

  Headmaster Sart took a moment to catch his breath and spoke while looking into Tristan's eyes. His gaze was deep and dark, but contained an indescribable sadness.

  The light coming through the window cast strange shadows on the Headmaster's face.

  "And if she seems to succumb to the temptation of dark magic like Faust or Tila... then without hesitation, release Elina... release Elina... from her suffering."

  Release from suffering.

  The meaning of those words was clear.

  Death.

  Tristan's heart sank heavily. It felt as if a cold hand was gripping his chest, and his hand holding the sword trembled unconsciously.

  He walked to the window and gazed at the night sky.

  The sky where stars shone coldly gave him no answers. Only questions and anguish swirled in his mind.

  Should he save Elina,

  or should he kill her?