Chapter 2: Optimistic future

“This is the most important mission the knight of the order will do for many years. After the discovery of the demon king's dungeon. The king already permits us to launch an attack. Many years have passed, we feared the existence of the demon king. People have died. Women and children are no exception to his evil. Now the knights will rise and took the demon king's head. And continue the legacy of the first hero who save the world hundred years ago.”

Knights of order grandmaster said in front of hundreds of knights listening to him.

Including our squad standing proud.

“This is the time to take his head.”

Commander Bladedarts muttered in a slightly angered expression. Having the same expression as Commander. Zeff clenches his fist to the point his hands bleed blood.

“Heal!”

Our healer named Maylene cast a healing spell on Zeff's hands.

“Don’t let your anger swallow you. That’s what you always told me right? Let’s have revenge on the demon king as we promised to our homeland.”

“That’s right… I should not be so hasty. Thank you, Maylene.”

“Fufu… getting sweet to each other.”

Yunis teased Maylene and Zeff. After Yunis teasing them. Both of their faces get bright red and they look away opposite to each other.

“... I think it's fine… Zeff is already 22 years old. Maylene is also at a marriageable age. Being interested in people of the opposite gender is normal.”

“Don’t come near me. You reek of alcohol.”

“Don’t be like that… Retto please tell Zeff to join me in my drinking.”

The big man cling to Zeff and put his arms to his shoulders. Zeff has a disgusted expression on his face and continues pushing the big man named Rokun away from him.

Despite being a drunkard. Rokun is the vanguard of the fourth knight squad. He can swing his giant sword like a feather. He's one of the strongest among the entire knights of the order.

There are times he saves my life from danger.

I have lots of respect for him.

“Retto is like Zeff… He can’t tell Yunis what he truly feels.”

“Retto already told me his feelings.”

“Eh!”

“Does that mean Yunis and Retto are already dating?”

It pulled the interest of my squadmates.

“Nope, I’m not giving my answer to Retto yet. I want him to work hard first before getting my sweet yes.”

Yunis answered.

We already kissed before. Yunis as a girl doesn’t want to make things hastily. Just like her, I wanted to move at our own pace. A relationship is a form of responsibility.

We’re working as knights and we’re not sure if we’re going to be alive the next day. Having a relationship in our position is hard.

“... But I promised Retto to stay with him when we defeated the demon king.”

Yunis said looking at me with her sweet smile.

It makes me feel very happy.

The girl I love says those words I wanted to hear.

“It’s great to be young… But don’t forget… We need to stay focus on the mission. I know everyone in my squad is not weakling. I do know that everyone here is powerful. We defeated many monsters already and demon king minions. With the help of the other 12 squads. These battles will be tough don’t let your guards down.”

“Captain Bladedarts is right! Finally, the peace will come to our kingdom.”

All of us Fourth knight squad looks optimistically to our bright future.

The knight grandmaster continue and told us the detailed plan of infratating the demon king dungeon. All the knights are going to attack in all directions. Barriers will be chanted. Connecting the demon king on his dungeon. With the power of all knights.

The knights will take down the demon king like heroes.

Like heroes in the heroes story, I’m reading when I was a child.

After that long explanation and meeting. I was looking up at the stars in the sky. The night was beautiful. The stars are all shining bright. Brighter than in usually do.

This might be a good sign that some good is about to happen.

Seating on the roof I took a rice ball and took a bite.

“What are you doing late at night here? You should be taking your rest. The mission will start tomorrow.”

“Same with you, why you're still awake?”

“I can’t sleep… Tomorrow is a big day after all.”

Yunis appeared behind me and walked closer. She seat down next to me and took one of the rice balls.

“Hey, that’s mine.”

“Don’t be selfish… After these battles, I’m going to become your wife after all.”

If she said that. I don’t have any reason to argue.

“Why look so troubled? The grandmaster's plan is flawless. Because of his wise decision. The knights reach this point. Even though our kingdom doesn’t have a hero. The knights climb their way to the demon king dungeon.”

“It is true… But it's still the demon king. We can’t let our guard down easily on his presence.”

“I heard Bladedarts wife and daughter was raped by the demon king. Zeff and Maylene’s town was destroyed by the demon king’s experimentation. Not only them most of the members on our squad have personal anger toward the demon king.”

“How about you Yunis? Do you resent him?”

“Of course, I do… I’m from the bloodline of the hero after all.”

“This is the first time hearing these.”

“I kept it as a secret… The first hero do his best but he was defeated by a traitor. I want to continue his glory and make a better place. A peaceful place for everyone…. Everyone is anxious because of the presence of the demon king. I want to serve as new light for the people in our kingdom. I’m going to be a hero.”

“I don’t have some grand reason like Zeff and Captain, but the people are suffering. Me too… I’m going to be a hero. A hero of this kingdom.”

“After these let's get married.”

“That’s a great idea.”

After the mission. Yunis and I planned to get married.

Just like how the stars shine brightly in the sky.

I look forward to it.

...

Early in the morning. The moon is still shining brightly. The Knights Of Order made move toward the demon king dungeon.