The turning point of the battle was not Teresa's impulsive attack against the unknown enemy, nor was it the Oldunal Order fighting alongside her under her command, even though they were only supposed to obey orders from the emperor. 

    No. What turned the battle was the bright beam of light that emanated from the sixth cardinal point of the Saintum pillars. Specifically, the Dagnall Saintum, the keepers of the Divine of Darkness.

    Whatever that beam was, it struck fear into the enemy and had them shaken to their core.

    In its glare, they immediately fled, retreating in the very direction they had emerged from, like wounded animals. Even though they were at the height of victory, they retreated bitterly and fearfully.

    Teresa, however, would not let them escape with such cowardice. With her sword drawn and ready for blood, she charged after them.

    When she had first witnessed the collapse of the impenetrable walls, the Imperial Crown Princess was awaiting news on her consort-to-be. The meistres, skilled mages who perfected the healing arts by divine magik, barred entry to her chamber. 

    Not even Teresa was permitted inside. 

    Five meistres struggled to undo the dark spells woven around Bishop's body, and more were summoned. Their efforts were futile, for they had never encountered such powerful sorcery, not even in their ancient tomes.

    Sir Iro, Teresa's aide and personal knight, was amid composing a letter requesting aid from the old Saintum of Light in healing their kin when news reached him. Simultaneously, Teresa stepped out to the terrace of her palace for some fresh air, just in time to witness the collapse of the walls with her very own eyes.

    Her reaction was immediate.

    The Oldunal Knights, and several divisions, were in the training grounds, as well as guarding the different palaces. When they heard the explosion, they were confused and slow, but seeing her charge straight to the battlegrounds ignited a fiery passion within the knights as they quickened to action as well.

    Within ten minutes, they reached the walls, having ridden out on every available horse. Though the battle was fierce and terrifying, Teresa did not tire. Even as the enemy ferociously pushed back, she refused to yield. By the time the beam of light appeared, Teresa had single-handedly dispatched more than fifty hooded enemies.

    So, when they began to retreat, she was angered and gave chase. But before she got close enough to resume close combat, something strange happened. Her vision started to fade and she stumbled backwards, her legs numb beneath her and her head pounding terribly. She fell on one knee with a thud as though hit by some invisible force.

    Closing her eyes, Teresa found herself enveloped in a surreal haze. She heard the clash of swords; the screams of anger, of pain; felt as if time itself had halted. 

    She was frozen in place. 

    Her mind struggled to comprehend what she was seeing. Everything appeared as a hazy grey fog surrounding her vision. And yet... she felt more alive than ever before.

    "Teresa Serai Deitus, first of her name, heir to the Deitus Empire.” a cold and empty voice whispered around her. “I am surprised to see you here amidst all this...chaos."

    Teresa opened her eyes to see the greeting of a black armoured enemy. She glared at the being, unable to discern its gender or age, but sensing its menacing smile as it gazed down at her.

    "I thought Ohr's son would have been enough but it appears this realm is more interesting than I thought," raising their head towards the sky. "Who knew a guardian of Kaos was still alive."

    Teresa tried to scream, but her voice was stuck in her throat.

    "Amusing... I suppose it is almost time. The last attempt failed because we were in the shadows. But now... well now I want you to know that we are no more just coming... Teresa. That we are not just surviving... Teresa. That," to this, the being leaned so close to her face, she could feel it's breath. "I am now here to retrieve what is mine. Keep it for a little while longer, just wait for me... Teresa.... wait..."

    Once more, Teresa attempted to speak, but nothing came out. A cold wind whipped through her hair, causing her to shudder. It all felt surreal, as if her very soul was watching her body from above before rejoining it with a powerful push.

    Suddenly, the fog lifted and the entity standing before Teresa vanished. The darkness faded to reveal a familiar scene. The capital city Baeynore in complete disarray. Carnage was everywhere—blood and dismembered bodies littered the streets, and the sounds of grief and fear drowned out the pounding in her ears. 

    Teresa did not need to look around to know that they barely managed to survive this attack.

    The enemy would have won because of how heavily unprepared Deitus was. The battle was short but their victory would have been swift if it were not for that beam of light that parted the heavens and brought down raging clouds of rain. 

    Soon, the thunderous sounds of war horses filled the air as the emperor and his knights finally arrived. But it was too late. The enemy had fled, leaving behind nothing. When they reached the place where Teresa had pursued them, there was not a trace of them to be found.

    Teresa rose to her feet and turned back to look at the city— to look at her father, a dangerous gleam in her eyes. As if already sensing her plan, the emperor charged forward to stop her from pursing the enemy, however, Teresa collapsed. This time, he reached her before she hit the ground.

    After issuing orders to secure the survivors, tend to the wounded, and fortify a temporary wall, Emperor Theano carried the unconscious Teresa back to the palace himself. Yet, his steps were heavy with regret and shame, for once again, his daughter had fought alone, without him by her side.