[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 36: The Summoning of the Knights of the Apocalypse

With calm restored, our heroes took a few moments to tend to their wounds and regain their strength. But a shadow still loomed over them, that of the Güldenstern Order, ever vigilant, ready to strike again.

Miranda, her eyes fixed on the stars, broke the silence. «We repelled that attack, but it was only a taste. The Knights of the Apocalypse will not be long in coming.»

«Who exactly are they?» Miiko asked, her curiosity piqued.

«The Knights of the Apocalypse are the most formidable servants of the Güldenstern Order,» explained Jun. «There are four of them, each wielding terrifying powers, and they answer directly to the Grand Sage of the Order. Their sole mission is to sow chaos and destruction.»

Calla, thoughtful, added, «And if the Knights of the Apocalypse are sent, it means the Order sees us as a real threat.»

Sora, still in his animal form to conserve his energy, growled softly. «Then let's prepare ourselves. We must be ready for what is to come.»

The following days were dedicated to intensive training and preparation. Jun, Calla, Miranda, Sora, and Miiko honed their techniques, strengthened their strategies, and bonded even more as a team.

One evening, as dusk tinted the sky with shades of purple, a shiver ran down Jun's spine. «They're here,» he murmured, feeling an oppressive presence drawing near.

Four silhouettes emerged from the darkness. The Knights of the Apocalypse stood before them, imposing and menacing. At their head stood a man clad in royal garments, wearing a golden crown and wielding a bow.

«I am Conquest,» he declared authoritatively. «And these are my brothers: War, Famine, and Death. We have come to annihilate you.»

The other three knights stepped forward. War, a scarred colossus, brandished a massive sword gleaming with dried blood. Famine, an emaciated and hungry figure clad in rags, exuded an aura of despair. Finally, Death, tall and skeletal, clad in greenish armor corroded by time, his eyes shining with malevolence.

Jun, his heart pounding, faced Conquest. «We are not afraid of you. We will fight to the end to protect this world.»

The battle erupted with unprecedented violence. Conquest fired a pure energy arrow, attempting to overwhelm Jun. But Jun, fortified by his training, countered with an explosion of light drawn from his grimoire, repelling Conquest's attack.

Sora found himself facing War, his muscles tense and his claws gleaming. Each blow from War shook the ground, but Sora, using his brute strength and speed, held his ground, blocking and dodging with surprising agility.

Calla confronted Death, her daggers sparkling in the darkness. Each blow from Death attempted to drain her life energy, but Calla, quick and agile, evaded his attacks while seeking an opening to strike.

Miranda and Miiko, surrounded by illusions, stood against Famine. Famine's toxic vapors tried to overwhelm them, but Miranda used her grimoire to create shields of light, while Miiko employed her powers of seduction and manipulation to disrupt Famine's senses.

The battle raged on, each blow resonating in the night, each spell illuminating the darkness with its radiant bursts. Our heroes fought with all they had, drawing from their deepest reserves.

But the Knights of the Apocalypse were formidable adversaries. Conquest, realizing they would not crush their enemies through brute force alone, decided to change tactics. He raised his hand, and a wave of corrupted light spread out, creating an impenetrable barrier between the two groups.

«You are strong,» Conquest admitted, his eyes gleaming with malice. «But this is only the beginning. We will return, and we will destroy you.»

With these words, the Knights of the Apocalypse vanished into the darkness, leaving our heroes panting but victorious.

«We held our ground,» Jun said, breathless but resolute. «But this is just one battle among many. We must continue to prepare ourselves, to grow stronger. The Güldenstern Order will give us no respite.»

His companions nodded, determined not to be discouraged. Together, they knew they could face any enemy, even the most formidable Knights of the Apocalypse.

And so, as the night resumed its calm, our heroes prepared for the trials ahead, more united and determined than ever to protect their world from the darkness that threatened it. For as long as they stood together, nothing could stop them.