The battlefield fell into tense silence. The commoners, led by William, stood motionless, awaiting his signal. Jayce's voice rang out once more, slicing through the stillness:
—"I don't believe I need to remind you that there are no rules on the battlefield. Protect your own heads. You may begin."
The eight groups of nobles charged toward the center, where the flag fluttered, forming a human tide intent on overwhelming everything in their path. However, as they drew within about fifty meters of their target, the situation ground to a halt. Their proximity bred distrust; they feared a backstab and began negotiating.
—"Drakenwald proposes an alliance!" one of their leaders shouted. "Virelia, join us and we'll secure victory together!"
After brief deliberation, Drakenwald, Virelia, and the Kingdom of Thalor formed a coalition. The remaining five kingdoms split into two groups of two, leaving one isolated: the Kingdom of Eldoria.
Meanwhile, William had positioned himself at a safe distance—about 150 meters—where he could shoot arrows accurately without being in immediate danger. He watched intently, waiting for the right moment.
The three-kingdom coalition swiftly moved to eliminate Eldoria, while the remaining two groups clashed with one another. This was the moment William had anticipated. He knew one of the smaller groups would be targeted early and began his long-range assault.
As Eldoria was surrounded, its knights fought fiercely. One of them was about to be cut down when a single arrow from William struck a Drakenwald knight in the arm, deflecting his blow. Seizing the opportunity, the Eldorian knight counterattacked, plunging his sword into his opponent's neck.
The sudden death briefly halted the battle. No one could believe that a single arrow had changed the course of the fight.
Furious, Drakenwald, Virelia, and Thalor dispatched twenty of their warriors to eliminate the twelve commoners. As they approached, the commoners formed a triangular formation in front of William, protecting him.
The battle intensified. William continued harassing Virelia's group with his arrows. Blood began to stain the battlefield, and the death toll surpassed thirty.
At the same time, William felt changes in his body. A dark energy gathered around him, invisible to the human eye. His body heated up, craving the massacre. One of his companions lay gravely wounded, a gaping hole in his stomach, screaming in agony.
William's mind clouded. He dropped his bow, drew his sword, and slowly advanced toward his companions. They tried to stop him, calling his name nervously, urging him to return to his position, but he didn't respond. Only silence answered them.
Two Virelian knights seized the confusion to strike, slashing from opposite sides. William tilted slightly, dodging both attacks, and with a single movement, beheaded them both.
The death of their comrades enraged the attackers, who desperately tried to break through the commoners' defense to reach William. Taking advantage of their frenzy, the commoners counterattacked, slaying the nobles who had surrounded them.
William, in a frenzy, danced across the battlefield, dodging blows and cutting down anyone who approached. The bloody mist surrounding him seemed to feed on the violence, and his thirst for blood knew no bounds.
The battlefield turned into a hellscape unleashed by William, who resembled a death angel, reaping lives wherever he stepped. War cries mixed with screams of pain as steel clashed with steel and blood spattered through the air. William, his eyes burning with fury, advanced like a demon among the fallen.
—"You damned bastards!" a noble roared before William's sword pierced his chest, silencing him with a choking gasp.
The entrails of the fallen spilled onto the ground, the metallic stench of blood thick in the air. The commoners, led by William, fought with inhuman ferocity, their faces slick with sweat and blood.
—"Don't retreat! For glory!" Dixon shouted, swinging his weapon with determination.
The nobles, terrified by the slaughter, tried to flee, but were caught by the commoners—now a horde of bloodthirsty demons. Bodies fell like broken dolls, the groans of the dying echoing across the field.
Dixon screamed louder and louder:
—"Come on then! Weren't we just a bunch of commoners?!"
His companions joined in the cacophony of shouts and taunts, trying to provoke the nobles.
William, his arms soaked in blood, fought with a savage grin. Every strike of his sword was a death sentence, and his eyes gleamed with a manic light.
—"Come on, cowards! Let me show you true power!" he bellowed, decapitating an opponent with a single blow.
The battle reached its climax with only William's companions and a dozen wounded, trembling nobles left. Jayce suddenly appeared, his imposing presence freezing all movement, plunging the battlefield into utter silence.
—"You've shown formidable strength, William," he said gravely. "The test is over."
William, panting and covered in blood, nodded without a word.
—"Everyone must retreat," Jayce commanded. "Go to the baths, clean yourselves, and then gather in the dining hall. You'll receive further instructions there."
The survivors, still stunned by the carnage, obeyed in silence. As they walked away, William lingered for a moment, gazing at the field littered with bodies. A shadow of doubt crossed his face, but it was soon replaced by resolve.
The abrupt end of the battle left a bitter taste in the mouths of the commoners, who had finally vented the hatred they held toward the nobles. Still, they walked with heads held high, puffing their chests like warriors returning victorious from war.
Even the commoner with the gaping stomach wound was laughing. His companions helped wash him before taking him to the infirmary for treatment.
While a festive atmosphere spread through the commoners' dorm, William sat alone in his room, staring intently at Ángel's recordings. On the screen, he saw himself—like a bloodthirsty reaper, attacking without restraint.
After watching the video again and again, he could only whisper in a trembling voice:
—"Ángel, is that really me?"