As the battle loomed on the front lines, a powerful force sent a man hurtling through the air, his grip firm on a gleaming lance. Darius, accompanied by King, questioned the whereabouts of their allies amidst the chaos.
"Where are the others?" Darius inquired, his voice laced with urgency.
Luke, their seasoned guide, took the lead, his eyes focused ahead. The trio navigated through the smoke and debris, the ground trembling beneath their boots.
"I should be greeted as their King," whispered King to Darius, his pride showing through the hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Focus on the task at hand," retorted Darius, his eyes scanning the battlefield.
Finally, they arrived at the heart of their encampment, where the leaders of the seven kingdoms stood gathered around a sturdy wooden table. James, the master strategist, meticulously placed a small model of the war field on the table's surface, studying it with unwavering focus.
Acknowledging their presence, everyone rose in unison, their eyes filled with respect and determination as they bowed their heads to greet the King. King's weariness momentarily lifted as he received the expected reverence.
"Ah, Queen Elenore has also joined us," remarked Darius, his voice carrying a touch of nostalgia.
"It has been quite some time, Strom of Black Mountain," Elenore responded, her regal stature emanating grace and strength.
"Greetings, Elisa," King cordially greeted, a flicker of warmth crossing his eyes.
A sudden thunderclap echoed through the sky, startling King and causing him to instinctively turn his gaze upward.
"The danger here seems to be escalating," James noted, his voice reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"That's right, King. It will only get worse if you don't restrain that big mouth of yours," teased Elenore, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.
"Everyone, please calm down..." King tried to diffuse the tension, his voice carrying a subtle plea for unity.
Shifting the focus to more pressing matters, Darius redirected the conversation, his gaze fixed on James, the strategist.
"James, enlighten us about the differences in the opposing army," Darius inquired, his tone conveying a desire for critical information.
James cleared his throat, his eyes shifting between the leaders before he began to explain the grim reality. He spoke of an extraordinary adversary, a million-year-old demon lord who had seized control of the body and mind of a boy named Luther, rendering him a formidable force.
"Is there any way to separate Luther from the demon's influence?" King interjected, his voice tinged with concern.
James shook his head solemnly, cautioning King against attempting such a risky feat. "No, and it would be best if you didn't entertain such thoughts, King. This is not the time for your daring stunts," James warned, his words carrying the weight of experience.
"Moreover," James continued, "demon Kali is not our only concern. He has united all ten current demon lords from the realms of hell. Kali possesses an insidious power over human hearts and desires. Even if you manage to resist his influence, it doesn't mean others in the kingdom will be immune. It is imperative that we uphold the Twelve Guardian Sutra at all costs. Currently, we have twelve individuals entrusted with safeguarding this sacred sutra: seven rulers, three generals, and two priests."
Darius leaned forward, curiosity etched on his face. "How much army stands against us?" he inquired, eager to understand the scale of the impending conflict.
"What do you mean, 'how much army'?" King interjected with a hint of exasperation. "It's the combined forces of all the kingdoms, excluding the Seven Kingdoms themselves. We face both the armies of heaven and the armies of hell."
The mention of the fallen heavens elicited a somber response from Lucas, whose voice carried a note of regret. "The fall of the heavens caught us by surprise."
Recognizing the need to focus on the impending battle, King swiftly steered the conversation back to practical matters. "Let us prepare a counterplan for this war," he declared, his voice resolute.
"Indeed," James agreed, a glint of determination in his eyes. "The opposing side boasts ten demon kings. Each of the Twelve Guardians must eliminate one of them. King, as our leader, you will undertake additional responsibilities."
King couldn't help but entertain a private thought as he smirked inwardly, "Yes, for sure, you bastard."
With plans taking shape, the Twelve Guardians of Argal were revealed:
Lucius, King of Grimgar
Rachel, Queen of the Southern Islands
Tobi, King of Black Rock Mountains
Darius, First Commander in Chief of Argal (known as Strom of Black Mountain from the Battle of Five Dragons)
James, Strategist of the Southern Islands
Lucas (Luke), Spear Master of Mount Arawali
Sophie, Last Saintess of the Holy Kingdom of Luminous
Rai, Priest of the Last Holy Kingdom
Don, Alchemist Guild Leader of the Seven Kingdoms (known as "100000 Poison Snake")
Arthur, King of Camelot
Leo, King of Lion Stone
Elenore, Queen of the Northern Plains
King of Argal