The Crusade of Hope
Chapter 1: A New Beginning
Barhara, Grandbell. The Holy War that enveloped the continent for years, was finally reaching an end. Celice, the Prince of Light was about to confront Yurius, the Prince of Darkness, as Yuria got the only hope to defeat the Dark Lord once and for all: the sacred tome of Narga. Celice tagged with Yuria did the job, bringing down Yurius once and for all and restoring peace to the continent of Jugdral. A lot was needed to be done, for Augustria, Verdane, Isaac, Silesia, Thracia and Lenster to be restored...
However, Celice knew that even if peace was restored, Yurius last words to him would echo in his mind, haunting, knowing the truth lied there: "While greed exists in men's hearts...I WILL RETURN! You've been warned Celice!" Even if the Dark Lord was sent back to the shadows he came from, it was only a matter of time for him to break through the chains that sealed him there to reach the world once again. The Lopt Sect remained alive, pretty weakened since their master, Manfroy, died in the last holy war. Nothing remained for them to bee in the world again, they had to wait for Loputouso's return to get their revenge on the world that hunted them down. There remained a small faction of Grandbell's military that remained loyal to Yurius and Hilda, fleeing as fast as they could from the capital. Even if the order was restored, peace was still far way from the heroes fo the war.
Yet, the citizens of each country were more than happy of the result of the liberation's army efforts, as Grandbell's influence and tyranny were as good as done for in them. The citizens returned to their old lives, which they missed and yearned for a long time. Celice and his friends turned to what was important, to a brighter and better future for the entire continent. As the night fell, what our heroes cared the most was return to home and start working in the future they envisoned...as Lord Alvis wanted, but better.
"...So, Manfroy failed, did he?" said a hooded entity to a bishop that was quite tired from fleeing the capital.
"Yes sir, Master Manfroy died in battle...and so did Lord Loputouso-" said the bishop trying to stand up until the entity threw him back to the ground
"Fool! Lord Loputouso is not dead! We just need another vessel for him to come back. We need to find the perfect subject for this...I think I know where to look for it, Grandbell once again."
"What should I do, milord?" said the bishop wanting to help his Lopt comrade.
"...Die, that's all I need you to do." replied the entity as he was taking a sword from his back.
"But Sir Drea-Aaaaaaaahhh!" the bishop was dead, being killed with a swift blow from the entity.
"That's the punishment for any coward act or betrayal. Now, time to get plan B in action." said the hooded warrior, as he was leaving in the middle of the night.
A few weeks have passed since then, Barhara was getting busy as always, with the knights and citizens proceeding in their reconstruction efforts to bring it to its former glory. Celice finally resolved to worry about the present, rather than the mysteries the future carried for the moment being. However, he was sure that scouting for any remnants of Yurius army or the Lopt sect was one of the best course of actions.
"Lord Celice," said Oiffey "here's the man you called for."
A brownish haired man was entering the room, he looked quite much like a mercenary with a blue jacket and wearing standard light armor "King Celice, it's an honor to finally meet you."
"So, you're Rafael am I right?" replied Celice "I need a favor of you, could you go to the Yied Dessert? I know the Lopt Sect may be hiding in there."
"Of course I can, Your Highness." replied Rafael eager to begin his assignment
"I talked with King Shanan of Isaac and he said he would send troops with him; also, we'll send a few troops from Grandbell with you. I wish we could afford more, but-"
"You don't have to worry Your Majesty, it's okay. I know plenty of hands are needed in order to rebuild the country. I'll be on my way to meet my comrades in that case. With your permission." replied Rafael grateful and following Oiffey to meet his comrades in the current assignment
"This way Rafael, they are hand picked soldiers. I am sure that this team will suffice for this mission." said Oiffey as they were moving outside the castle.
"Ummm, Sir Oiffey, can I ask something about this mission?" asked Rafael a bit worried.
"Go ahead Rafael."
"Is there something worrying King Celice? I mean-" he was suddenly interrupted by Oiffey.
"I'll fill you and the others with the details of this mission when we get with them." said Oiffey, a bit serious for him.
Oiffey and Rafael were almost leaving the castle, to meet the squad members...










