Fate II

CCXLII

The war progressed further and before anyone knew it, a year had already passed since the two sides first engaged and six months had passed since Sindria had first offered a peace treaty, only for the Kou Empire to decline it adamantly. It was clear that Sindria had the advantage with the Generals and the Retainers on the front. But, the Kou Empire managed to stand its own, the only reason being the man who rode along the battlefield and took down an entire army by himself: Ren Kouha.

The Kou Empire had suffered far more losses than Sindria with Sindria having completely annihilated the Kou Empire's Navy. But even then, Kouha relentlessly pushed forward on land, destroying all who stood in his way — regardless of whether they were his ally or foe. He took down Drakon single-handedly, rendering the other Generals who were situated on land in shock. In front of him, they were all useless with the only one who was able to put up a fight being Wu Kong. The battlefield was engulfed in flames and just as quickly as they appeared, they were wiped away by a single slash from Kouha's sword. No one could enter that intense, violent battle where a single misstep could cause you your life. People could only watch and be swept along, not knowing when they had lost their lives. But, it was not their incredible, otherworldly skill that scared them. Rather, the way they grinned with excitement as they fought head-to-head with each other.

"Monsters," a soldier muttered only to be beheaded the next second because he had been standing too close to their battle.

The two continued attacking each other without hesitation, the battlefield completely engulfed in chaos. Their movements were fast, unable to be seen by the naked eye, and neither managed to land a hit on the other.

"I assume that the Retainers have been made aware of the plan," Kouha said, swinging his blade.

Wu Kong easily dodged, landing on its tip. "Of course," he answered, jumping away just as Kouha swung again.

"And yet you're still attacking me?" Kouha grinned in amusement. "At full power, too."

"We all know that this is nothing to you," Wu Kong unleashed a flurry of flames. "So stop pretending like you have the short end of the stick."

The two grinned and leaping off his horse, Kouha immediately appeared before Wu Kong. Wu Kong widened his eyes and Kouha struck his sword down, throwing him down onto the ground before landing back on his saddle. The dust soon cleared and Wu Kong slowly stood up, dusting the debris off his clothes as he did. A semi-transparent barrier which was one of the manifestations of Lucy's blessings surrounded him, having protected him from that sudden surprise attack. A cool breeze billowed through the land, Wu Kong's scarlet red hair which was tied into a low ponytail flowing behind him.

"I can see why you had the confidence to propose such a plan," Wu Kong said, his pole-like staff appearing in his hands. "With that amount of power, conquering the world would be an easy feat."

"The same could be said for the Retainers."

"We obey Lucy's orders. Unless she decrees it, we will not act. Even if the world is on the verge of destruction," Wu Kong narrowed his eyes. "But, you're different. You're an independent being without ties and above all, a King's Vessel."

"And what of it?" Kouha gripped the hilt of his sword, its blade returning back to its original size. "I have interest neither in power nor authority. If anything, I'm no different from the Retainers. In this world and life, and most likely the next, there's only one person whom I hold dear."

Wu Kong stared at him. "It's a shame that you weren't the firstborn."

Kouha laughed. "If I was, do you think I would have a chance?"