Way of the Knights

action

---

How the Archaic Thousand Arms Hammer ended up at the Crown's possession is a mystery that Raven might never get the answer to, what he knew is that King Ivan didn't possess the Ancestral Divine Crown when he was still alive. 

This conjecture was supported by the fact that he did receive King Ivan's memories when he inherited the hammer along with the memories of the previous owners. This is why Raven knew a great deal about the former king even though he never personally met him or read any records about him. 

Raven didn't go into detail with his story, he just grazed on the highlights of King Ivan's life and told them how he ended up changing the ways of people during his reign and steered the fate of the kingdom in a better path. 

The Apes who were with him listened to his story with rapt attention. The person that Raven was talking about was the adoptive parent of their founders, of course they would be interested to know more about him. 

They were impressed and somewhat proud of how the human lived, they couldn't tell just how much of what Raven said was an exaggeration but he doesn't seem to be lying. 

In a way, the conversation ended up being a fruitful one. Ronald and Charles talked more with Raven like equals and similarly, Raven was also starting to think that he's not with primates but with fellow humans as well. He had somehow forgotten the joy of a simple chat due to his journey alone in a dangerous place. That is why this conversation brought a feeling of respite on Raven's heart and he greatly appreciated it. 

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that the peaceful atmosphere will remain for long. 

*Boom!!*

The three instantly shot up on their seats as they heard a loud explosion nearby. 

"What in the world?" Ronald blurted with a surprised tone. 

Raven immediately spread out his senses and as soon as he did, he began picking up a lot of things from his ocular technique. 

"You're tribe is being invaded." Raven said casually, much to the surprise and horror of the two. He then faced Ronald and say: "You might want to hurry up. Your brothers are in danger."

Ronald's eyes widened as his face immediately went grave. He roared: "No!!"

He then punched a hole on the house. This wasn't the time for him to mind about the damages, the lives of his brothers are more important. Charging using his broad shoulders, Ronald rammed into the hole and made it bigger due to his size. 

As soon as Ronald went out, he didn't look back at all and started charging towards where the source of the commotion was. Of course, Charles and Raven was following him too. 

Due to his enhanced awareness, Raven's senses were more sensitive than before. On top of that, it also receives a boost whenever he uses it in conjunction with his Crystal Sky Eye. Raven currently has no problems on seeing through anything within a 700 meter radius around him. If he chooses to, his vision could zoom in to a specific spot to see it in more detail. 

Raven already knew what happened even if he wasn't physically there. 

The Frenzied Silverback Tribe had invaded with a force of 20 strong primates, all of which are radiating with no lower than Tier 4 strength. Raven had no idea how they managed to get it but that's no longer important since they were already here. The gates were already busted down anyway. 

The enemy tribe immediately caused chaos inside, Raven caught glance of Allan trying to fend off at least two enemies who's after him and Dennis' life. 

The three swiftly arrived to where the fight was happening with Ronald arriving first.

Eyes blazing with anger and worry, he immediately scanned the battlefield to locate his brothers and immediately saw both of them injured. 

A fearsome glint appeared on his eyes, his face contorted in fury as he immediately went on a rampage. The ground shook beneath him as he charged, and despite his size he moved as swift as the wind. His large frame crashed onto the assailant and sent him flying back, hitting the other one who's after Dennis.

"Big Bro!" Dennis and Allan called out. 

Ronald immediately pulled them back behind and him as he glared at the two assailants who were trying to get up from his surprise attack. 

Charles wasn't sitting idly either. As the Tribe Leader, he had responsibilities to keep his citizens safe. He immediately searched for his confidants and started handing out orders to evacuate the women, children and elderly on to a safe place. He too fought fearsomely with his black golden staff, and even though Charles might look old, his movements were similar to that of a seasoned fighter. A surprising feat for the leader of a tribe that preached out peace.

"All of you, stand down for a moment." 

A voice echoed from the dark entrance. The enemy primates immediately paused their fights and retreated back. Ronald used this moment to check the well being of his brothers and tend to their injuries. Meanwhile, Charles face went solemn as he stared intently at the entrance. 

It was then that someone came out from the dark entrance. 

An Ape who stood for about 20 meters tall with bloody red eyes and along with a bright silver fur covering it's body, appeared. It's massive frame gave off an impression of dread and danger, its chest was covered with scars that was earned through constant battle. 

This newcomer had set foot on to the realm of being a Tier 5 Demonic Beast. And since the invaders listened to its words, it was clear that this Frenzied Silverback Ape's status on their tribe is anything but simple. 

"My, my. What's with that look Charles? Aren't you happy to see me?" The Frenzied Silverback Ape's mocking tone was evident with its words as it greeted Charles. 

"Your definitely getting bolder, Harry." Charles answered as he stepped forward. "I didn't expect you to lose your patience and invade my home. It seems like you're forgetting who gave you those scars."

Charles' confident and borderline arrogant words caused Harry's face to twitch in annoyance. The silverback ape grinded its teeth and replied:

"Oh, I remember it alright. How could I ever forget when it haunts me every night? These scars still aches whenever I'm reminded of it. This is why I vowed to never rest until I crushed you skull with my bare hands."

Harry's words were uttered trough gritted teeth. A fearsome aura was being expelled on his body, suffocating not only the citizens of the tribe but also his own men too. 

If it weren't for Charles who stood in front and bore the weight of Harry's fearsome aura, a lot of his citizens might've fainted from fright already.

'He had gotten stronger.' Charles muttered inwardly but didn't show any surprise or worry on his face. 

The day that he feared coming finally arrived. If he knew that they're going to invade this soon, he would've groomed a successor earlier than this. That way, maybe he could opt for a mutual destruction. He also should've not let Harry escape back then, he should've took matters on his own hand. If he had done that, maybe this day wouldn't have happened. 

While everyone was panicking, Raven casually walked over towards where Ronald and his brothers were. Ronald nodded towards him and Raven gave him a shrug. He then walked over towards Dennis and said:

"Do you still want to thank me for saving him?"

Raven's words sounded cryptic in Dennis' ears, but when he saw where he was pointing, his eyes immediately constricted. He then finally realized what Raven meant. 

Although his presence is ignored, he could not evade Raven's senses. Blending on to the darkness of the entrance, was Gil who's watching everything unfold. 

Dennis understood what Raven meant. Seeing that Gil was here, he immediately knew that it was his decision that caused a lot of people to get hurt. He then remembered Raven's words before that now made sense to him. 

"Mercy to your enemies, is cruelty not only to yourself but to your loved ones as well. Do well in remembering that, Young Heir." Raven said as he ruffled the young monkey's head. 

This prompted Dennis to tear up due to disappointment in himself. He finally understood the foolishness of his actions. If he had just turned his head away and let Raven finish off Gil, then none of this would've happened. His decision caused many of their citizens to get hurt and he couldn't help but feel responsible for it. 

"But never mind that actually." Harry's voice sounded once more, the fearsome aura that's emanating out of his body disappeared. His face showed a smile which sent shivers to Charles' body since he knew that this guy is definitely up to something. 

"We don't have to fight in all seriousness." Harry casually said, "I'm here for a simple reason."

"Allow me to take the Tailed Siblings, and I will leave without harming anyone any further.. I will also promise that our tribe will never invade yours for a 100 years if you agree to this. What do you say?"