Damned Necromancer: Lord of Madness

17 Years Later After the Baylor Slaughter Incident

The wind blew heavily, scattering dust across the air as the neighing sounds of fast-approaching horses drew closer. The scorching sun shone heavily upon the Norwegian Valley of Zentryx.

Dozens of fast-approaching horses were spotted across the valley, their riders dressed in battle suits. A few carried spears, ready to engage in any battle.

"Huntsmen, we are a few miles away from the demon. I hope you're prepared."

One of the horsemen spoke out as he spurred his horse to run faster. Dressed in a white battle suit and wearing a helmet, he rode ahead of the others. His commanding presence made it clear that he was the captain of the troop. They moved faster every second, preparing themselves for what lay ahead. Among them was a young woman, the only female in the group.

"Princess, you're here on orders from your father to observe. You have no reason to join the demon hunt, and most importantly, you are not allowed to die," one of the horsemen warned, unsheathing his glowing green, rune-engraved sword.

Blonde-haired with bright blue eyes and a golden necklace wrapped around her neck, the young lady's royal heritage was evident. She frowned at the horseman's words but continued riding.

"I'm a horseman like you. Just because I'm here to observe doesn't mean I'm incapable of fighting demons on my own. Don't underestimate me because I'm a woman," she declared.

As they rode deeper into the valley, they felt it—a demonic presence spreading across the air. The stench was unmistakable, a chilling aura of terror that could only belong to a demon.

"We've locked onto our demon. There will be no spreading out; we hunt it together," the captain ordered as they entered the darkened woods.

The neighing of the horses grew louder as the demonic stench thickened. Even in broad daylight, the darkness within the woods was palpable. The captain's eyes scanned the area, looking for the source of the disturbance.

"Could it be a horned demon?" one of the horsemen asked, gripping his spear.

"No, this isn't a horned demon. A creature like that would be too destructive to hide in a place like this. We may be facing a shadow type demon," the captain responded, casting a wary glance at the princess, who was flanked by two bodyguards.

The wind swirled through the woods as the sound of movement reached their ears. The captain unsheathed his sword, and his eyes narrowed.

"Something's coming. Protect the princess."

He leaped off his horse just as it was blasted away, blood splattering across the field. Landing on his feet, the captain narrowly evaded the sharp claws that lashed out at him, flipping backward to gain distance. A screech filled the air as a monstrous figure emerged from the shadows.

"It's a shadow type demon—an Averis," the captain said, swinging his sword with precision. The eyeless creature's scaly skin glistened in the dim light.

"An Averis? Captain, let's destroy it," a horseman said, jumping from his horse with his sword in hand as the spear bearers followed.

"Averis demons are powerful, but they aren't strong enough to be a problem for me. I'll take it down while you watch," the captain said confidently.

The demon roared and charged at them, moving at an unnatural speed. The captain blocked its attack with his blade, but the creature vanished into the shadows, reappearing from behind to launch another strike. He evaded the attack just in time, his suit granting him enhanced senses and speed.

The captain's sword glowed brightly as he unleashed a powerful slash, severing one of the demon's limbs. The creature let out a piercing shriek before disappearing into the shadows once more. Despite being a Rank B demon, it was still a formidable opponent. The captain braced himself for its next move.

The fog thickened as the demon suddenly targeted the princess, shredding her horse. Fear gripped her as she froze.

Before the demon could strike, its head fell to the ground, and its blood splattered across the scene. The captain took a deep breath.

"Princess, you claimed you could handle yourself. Why didn't you move when the demon was about to kill you?" he teased, having beheaded the creature in an instant.

"That's ridiculous, Captain Rudeus. If you hadn't intervened, I would've killed it myself. After all, I'm the strongest huntsman," she retorted as the others laughed.

"Princess, you're not a huntsman yet. You're here because you requested to see a hunt, but this was a Rank B demon. I'm an A-class huntsman, which is why I lead this squad. Don't underestimate demons," Captain Rudeus said, smiling.

"Captain, are we taking the demon's body back? Its remains could serve as a battle suit. I'd like to use its powers," a huntsman asked eagerly.

"Yes, but I'll decide if you're suitable for it," the captain replied.

Before they could leave, an explosion shook the ground, and flames erupted, consuming the woods. From the shadows, hordes of demons emerged.

"What's happening?" a huntsman shouted.

The demons were mostly lower-ranked, but their sheer numbers were overwhelming. The captain sprang into action, decapitating several with a single move while the spear bearers engaged in a fierce battle.

"Protect the princess at all costs!" Captain Rudeus shouted.

Amid the chaos, a demonic voice echoed through the air. A massive, one-eyed demon with red-scaled skin appeared, its body radiating heat like a volcano.

"The flame type demon... the infamous Askarita. This is bad. We have to leave immediately," Captain Rudeus urged as the demon snapped its fingers, triggering a series of explosions.

Demons flooded in from all directions, and the flame type demon fixed its gaze on the princess.

"This girl looks delicious," it sneered before vanishing and reappearing above her, ready to strike.

"No, not the princess!" Captain Rudeus shouted, rushing to save her, but the demon was faster.

At the last moment, the demon's arm was severed, causing another explosion. The princess shielded her eyes, overwhelmed by the heat. The flame type demon landed gracefully, turning toward a man who stood holding the princess in his arms. He had silver hair, bright green eyes, and an eye-patch.

"You dare touch me with your blade?" the demon growled.

The mysterious figure smirked, still holding the princess.

"I was looking for a challenge, and it seems I found one," he said, his tone filled with amusement.