The lockdown had officially begun, several cities and towns now stopped anyone from leaving their gates, and many camps were set up to carry those that had the symptoms of being infected.

It started with a fever and uncontrollable shivering as the demonic energy spread through their bodies. Then slowly, they began losing themselves, their sanity waning, as they got more violent and started attacking.

Some people were capable of handling themselves for far longer, fighting against the abomination inside them for longer before it burst out and they lost all control.

It had become an issue of great size, and Vermilion was in a haste to stop it before it went out of proportion. Knights and mages were getting sent out to take down abominations, protective measures were being created to ensure that fewer people got infected.

[.... ]

"So where are we going?" Gavin asked, as he, Raze, Ella, and Emily walked through the academy grounds.

"To see my brother," she stated. "I wrote a letter to him, talking about how I had a team that was willing to help me fight against the abominations, and he responded that he would be coming." Her voice was clear, but there was a light sense of nervousness within it.

"He arrived today and is in one of the training grounds. If he approves, then we'll come with him to where we will be deployed to help," she explained.

"Hmmmm, I doubt the captain of a Knight Chapter would easily allow his kid sister to walk into danger," Ella said.

"Sigh, that's true, but regardless, it's worth a try," Emily replied.

They arrived at the training ground, and there he was, standing like an angel descended. White hair that flowed to his back, with one braid at the center of it. His eyes were sharp, his skin pale as paper. Dressed in casual clothes—a black tunic, black trousers and boots. A sword hung on his hips, his hand resting on the pommel. Yet despite the casual look, he would instantly pull all attention his way.

He looked at them as they arrived, his face bore no expression, but his eyes already began scanning them from head to toe.

"Greetings, Brother Mark," Emily spoke. She bowed her head in respect to him.

"You don't need to do that, Emily, you are my sister," he stated. His voice was smooth and calm. He looked up to the three behind her.

"Are these your friends that will follow you on your hunt?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied.

"Hmmm, Emily, I understand your want and desire to get stronger, but I'll not allow you put yourself in danger if you aren't ready.

That being said, I am willing to have an open mind about this. You'll stand back while I spar with your three friends. If they can show that they have a decent level of skill, then I'll allow it.

That's the only way for you," he said, his gaze turned serious.

Her eyes widened when she heard that. Her brother was the captain of a Knight Chapter—was there any way first years and second years of an academy would be impressive enough for him to accept? That was very unlikely, but she knew her brother; if he said something, that was what he would stand by.

She turned around and looked at the three of them. "I understand if you three want to back away now, I'll not ask you to—"

"Screw that," Raze cut her short. "You want me to throw away such an opportunity? I want to see how I do against a captain." He said with a confident grin on his face.

"Same, I've been training to get stronger. What better way to know my strength than this?" Gavin said.

"If they are doing it, I'll be doing it as well," Ella added.

Emily's eyes brightened when she heard that. She nodded, "Thank you," and then stepped to the side.

"You lot seem like a fun group," Mark said with a soft smile. "Let's hope you can back up your talks of strength." He said and then pulled his sword. It was a very simple longsword, but in his hands, the aura around it skyrocketed.

"I understand that you are students, but I'll not be holding back too much," he said.

"Wouldn't ask for it any other way," Raze said and pulled out his bat. Mark was shocked to see the weird-looking weapon but said nothing. Gavin pulled out his sword as well and got into his stance.

"I'll provide support for the both of you," Ella said. Both boys nodded and then faced Mark.

Raze lunged first, and Gavin followed behind. He attacked first with a full-powered thrust with the bat, but Mark parried it to the side quickly before sending a kick for Raze's chest. Raze sidestepped and dodged the kick barely, but before he could even get his footing back, Mark had already lunged forward, using one hand, he parried Gavin's attack while kicking at Raze.

Raze blocked with his bat and was thrown back a few meters, slamming into the ground before getting up. Gavin, on the other hand, went for another attack that was foiled as well. He pulled back and thrust, Mark parried it, and slammed the pommel of his sword into the back of Gavin, sending him to the ground. A fireball hurled through the air; Mark slashed through it. When the flames were out, Gavin was no longer there, and in the air was Raze coming down with a swing.

"Arghhhhh!" Raze's voice thundered as he swung down. Mark kicked the floor and retreated. The bat slammed into the ground hard. Raze lunged forward again, wanting to catch Mark while he was still in his retreating motion.

Mark noticed that and decided to move back faster, only for Gavin to come from behind with his sword ready to slash.

"Hmmm?" Mark saw their plan, then a smile formed on his face. As both their attacks came, he maneuvered in an unnatural way, striking both weapons aside with his leg, while spinning onto his hands, his sword spinning in the air. Still in that pose, he kicked the sword and it shot like a spear at Raze, who blocked it and was thrown back, while Mark landed his legs like a hammer kick on Gavin, who took the full brunt to his back.

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