Celia's Perspective:
4/11/2017 - 2:57 PM
Location: Outside of Rinascita taken away by Alina...
Ugh... this Sword Saint's grip is insane.
I swear, my wrist's still tingling from how tight she held me. And the way she dragged me—like a mother pulling her rebellious child. Except I wasn't being rebellious.
I literally just got here!
We walked straight through Rinascita, past the marble-paved main plaza where the fountains glowed under twilight like magic crystals.
Food stalls buzzed with the scent of sweetbread and spices… and here I was, being pulled through all of it by a woman in a literal banquet dress and a sword longer than my life regrets.
And no, I didn't resist because I was scared. I just didn't want to cause a scene. That's growth. Right?
Plus she did stand up for me earlier, so I can at least hear her out.
She didn't say a word the whole time. Eventually, we stopped at the edge of town—quiet hills and wild grass, with a view of Rinascita's gilded rooftops behind us.
Then… she let go of my hand.
Finally.
I rubbed my wrist, narrowed my eyes, and opened my mouth—probably to say something like What she had to do with me?—but she turned to me, her gaze piercing straight into mine.
Cold. Like she could read every word I hadn't said yet.
"I need to know," she said, voice as dry as cracked glass, "Do you know Master Aether?"
I blinked.
"...Huh?"
"Answer the question."
Okaayyy, so no small talk then.
I straightened slightly, crossing my arms. "I don't know anyone named Aether."
Her face didn't flinch. Not even a twitch of doubt. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah," I said, trying not to sound defensive, "I mean, it's a memorable name. If I'd met someone called Aether, I'd remember."
She stared a few seconds longer, expression unreadable. Like she was trying to calculate the weight of my honesty. I tilted my head slightly and gave her my best confused-puppy look. I wasn't faking it. I was confused.
Why was some sword-carrying, banquet-dress-wearing stranger grilling me about a man I've never heard of?
"Then I was mistaken," she finally said, turning her gaze to the horizon. "Disappointing."
Disappointing? Okay, ouch.
I frowned. "Mind telling me what this is about? You kinda kidnapped me in the middle of a very bad situation I was in."
Her eyes returned to mine. "I didn't kidnap you. I escorted you to safety."
"Uh-huh," I said, brushing dirt off my sleeve. "Next time, maybe ask before dragging someone out of town? Crazy idea, I know."
No reaction. She just kept studying me like I was a liability. Then, almost reluctantly, she added, "I only approached you because I thought you might require assistance."
I blinked again. "You mean you're helping me?"
"I don't help people. I act according to what benefits me."
"Right," I muttered, "Silly me, thinking you might've just been being nice."
"I'm not nice."
That, I got loud and clear.
Still… the way she was speaking didn't feel entirely honest. Not dishonest, exactly, just... filtered. Like she was deliberately keeping things vague.
I squinted a little. "So what do you want from me?"
She paused. I swear, for half a second, her lips almost formed a small smile.
Then it vanished.
"Nothing. I miscalculated," she said coolly. "But you should be careful. This city isn't kind to people who wander into it unprotected. Just like earlier when they all grouped up against you."
Oh? So she was trying to protect me.
I stepped forward slightly, planting my hands on my hips. "Well, I now know how bad it can get, especially with those people. But thanks… I guess. Even if you're doing it for your own reasons."
She gave me the faintest nod. "Good. Then I won't have to waste time."
...I couldn't tell if that was a compliment or an insult.
Still, something about her was off. Not just the whole emotionally-constipated act—but the way her voice trembled, just barely, when she'd mentioned "Master Aether." Like there was an emotional crack in her voice, even if it froze over again instantly.
But I wasn't going to poke the ice just yet.
Not unless I wanted frostbite.
"Well," Alina, said suddenly, turning on her heel, "I have a banquet to attend today. Apparently hosted by the most influential Noble of Rinascita. You should return before you get lost."
Just like that, she began walking away, heels crunching over the gravel path like nothing had happened. Like she hadn't just dragged me into a weird interrogation session for someone I didn't even know.
I watched her for a few seconds before calling out.
"Hey! Wait!"
She stopped.
"Are we… gonna talk about whatever that was? Because I'm still wildly confused here."
She didn't turn around.
"You'll figure it out. Eventually."
And then she kept walking. Graceful. Sword on her back gleaming under the sunlight like a warning.
I stood there, alone, under the sky that was slowly painting itself.
"...Okay, cool. Great talk," I muttered. "Definitely not ominous at all."
I sighed.
"Master Aether, huh…?"
Nope. Still didn't ring any bells.
But something told me this wasn't going to be the last time I saw her.
And next time? I'm dragging her.
I sat there and just thought to myself for a while... I wanted to stay away from the town... Not to again be targetted and this time have nobody to help me.
I should've turned back the moment the sun dipped behind the trees.
But I needed space.
I wanted to think. Or maybe feel? I wasn't sure. Everything had been spinning after I arrived here.
Ugh. My head was heavy.
I kicked a pebble and watched it bounce off a tree root. The forest here was quiet — too quiet. The air thick with humidity and something bitter.
Then I heard it.
A click.
No — a series of clicks. Wet, twitchy... unnatural.
My eyes snapped toward the sound. The trees around me were warped, their trunks twisted from old cursed magic residue. The branches high above curled like crooked fingers reaching to hide the sky.
Something was up there.
My heartbeat paused. My breath held.
Then—
CRACK.
It dropped from the tree.
It didn't land — it slammed the ground, skidding toward me in a burst of shredded wing flutter and chitin shriek.
A grotesque.
2 meters tall. Legs like spears, mouth like a nightmare, its fangs twitching with venom so acidic I could smell it.
I took a step back, hands raised, cursed chains coiling loosely around my forearms like silver snakes.
"Okay, pest," I whispered. "Let's not make this weird."
It lunged.
I ducked left. A claw sliced where my neck had been. The wind from it alone hurt.
My chains sprang out instinctively, whipping forward to intercept the second slash. Sparks flew as metal met claw. I felt the tension ripple up my arm — it was fast. Too fast for my first read.
It leapt again, trying to flank me from the side.
I turned and flung my arm out — chains lashed like a whip. But it didn't go through — it bounced off its exoskeleton.
"Tch... Armor-piercing teeth, acid body, erratic movement." I bit my lip. "I hate fighting bugs."
It tried to lunge again — fangs aimed at my chest.
I vaulted backwards, flipping mid-air to land on one knee. The second my foot touched down, I felt it.
Pain.
A sting. It had clipped my thigh — just barely. But it was enough. My muscles screamed as venom flow through the fibers.
I gritted my teeth. "No. Not like this."
Pause. Analyze. Rethink.
My mind pulled old memories... I had to adapt quickly and use negative emotions.
I remembered it... The day I got the news that Kaiser could've been killed by a grotesque..
I imagined it... Its claws soaked in blood. And... Kaiser's back, him being fully in pain. Being dragged by them for torture...
These insects... these pests took him away from me.
That's when the warmth left my heart.
And a different hatred filled it.
Anger.
No.
Disgust.
And jealousy — not of the grotesque, but of the pain it got to give him. I should've been me there protecting him, not standing helpless, crying. They took him from me.
They dared to take what was mine...
My eyes narrowed.
"You like hunting, huh?" I muttered.
The grotesque dashed in again — from above this time, angling downward with fangs wide.
Die.
I raised both arms. Several hains exploded out, coated in violet light — not bright, but burning mixed with elemental Fire Magic.
The thorns erupted down their length like blooming death. My magic surged. Fueled not just by cursed energy — but something deeper.
My hate. My wrath. My hurt.
"You'll regret touching what I cherish."
The grotesque spiraled, diving down in a last-second maneuver to confuse me.
Cute... almost adorable pet like.
In a breath — I twisted my wrist.
SLASH.
One instant. That's all I gave it.
The cursed chains — thorned and fed by negative emotions — sliced clean through the grotesque in mid-air.
Not one cut.
Four.
Its limbs flailed, body separated, sliced into 4 different segments each.
I didn't even blink... all I could feel was pleasure of seeing it dead.
Its upper half dropped beside me, still twitching.
I stared at it.
The acid sizzled against the forest floor, but I didn't step back.
Instead, I looked down at it.
And whispered, almost too softly:
"I've always hated insects… but your race will be the first I burn."
I turned, not giving it another glance.
Because soon I'll burn each one of them alive in my chains...
----------------------------------------------------- Part 2: Sword Saint's Banquet
Levi's perspective:
4/11/2017 - 3:22 PM
Interesting.
I didn't imagine I'd be pulled into a banquet the moment I reach town, but I ain't complaining. I mean, it's not like I had anything better to do.
I glance around as I step into the grand hall, my boots clicking lightly against the polished marble floors. The place is extravagant, everything bathed in golden hues from the chandeliers hanging above. The second-floor balcony gives a panoramic view of the entire hall, lined with lush plants and elegant columns. I swear, they're trying to make the walls look like they were dipped in gold.
The main banquet begins in 2 hours yet... This was sick!
I'm decked out in my usual: a dark, form-fitting suit with a casual, confident slouch in my stance. The attire doesn't exactly scream "noble," but who cares? I'm here to enjoy myself, not to blend in. My gloves? Polished.
My hair? Slightly messy, as always. I mean, why try to look perfect when you know you're already the most handsome one in the room?
And then, like a walking piece of artwork, Lord Avelric approaches. He's tall, with a regal air about him, his blond hair glistening in the light like it's been combed for hours. His black eyes are sharp, and his aristocratic outfit? Well, it screams power and wealth. Velvet, silk, with golden embroidery. The works.
He extends a hand with an elegant smile, and I look at it for a second before giving him a firm handshake.
"Ah, Levi Ashton," Lord Avelric greets, his voice silky smooth and polite, "A pleasure to have you here. I trust your journey was pleasant?"
I smirk, leaning a bit into the conversation, "A bit more pleasant than being dragged into some fancy banquet, but I guess you could say it was… interesting."
He gives a knowing smile, his posture immaculate. "I understand completely. But given the urgency of the matter, I thought it best to have everyone gathered here."
"Urgency, huh?" I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "You don't exactly sound like someone who enjoys being rushed."
Lord Avelric sighs, looking over at a pair of figures standing nearby: Xander and Zain, both quiet, their expressions as serious as a gloomy forest.
"I fear we do not have much time," he says, his voice lowering, suddenly more serious. "At best, we have a week. The situation is... more grotesque than I care to admit."
I take a glance at Xander and Zain again. "You sure they're up for it?" I ask, my voice light but a little sharper than usual. I mean, I don't know who's more likely to cause trouble—Xander, with his whole "lazy" vibe, or Zain, who's probably here just to see how I lead as a 'leader'.
Lord Avelric nods gravely. "I've invited all the strongest individuals I could reach." He says this like it's a personal victory, but I can tell there's no pride in his voice—just a sense of grim resignation.
"Did you reach out to the Asura Empire?" I ask, keeping my voice casual.
Avelric's smile falters, the corners of his mouth tugging downward, his gaze darkening. "The Asura Empire... They have refused to assist. Neither the Demon King nor his kingdom have extended their aid either."
I chuckle dryly, leaning back slightly. "Yeah, figures. Those guys only care about themselves."
I look at him, a question forming in my head. "What about the elves? Will they help?"
The noble sighs again, more resigned this time. "The Elvian Queen refused to lend a hand, and thus, the Elvian Kingdom will not be coming to our aid."
"Well, that's a shocker," I mutter, before glancing around the room. "Guess it's up to the rest of us then." I shift my gaze to the table where some other notable figures are sitting—guild leaders, mercenaries, all kinds of adventurers.
Avelric gestures to his next point. "I've called all five Sword Saints and their respective guilds, though, except for Scar. He sent a proxy to represent him. A disciple of his, actually."
"Scar, huh?" I smile, letting out a small laugh. "Well, I guess if Scar's not showing up, the least we can do is get his student to stand in. I'm sure the proxy will make up for it."
I spot the proxy then. Tall, serious-looking guy, all stiff posture. He's got this silver hair that's almost as shiny as Avelric's gold décor. His eyes are cold, blue like glaciers, and he seems like he could cut someone down without even blinking. I almost feel bad for the guy. He doesn't even know what he's walking into.
"Alright," I point at the proxy. "What's his name?"
"Aaron," Lord Avelric replies, his voice almost too formal. "Aaron Kage."
I look at the guy one more time, shaking my head. "Well, good luck to him. Hope he's ready for the ride."
The conversation lingers in the air, the weight of what's about to unfold hanging over us. But for now, I'm just here for the show.
So there I am, just standing around, watching all the fancy people mingle, and honestly? I couldn't care less. Lord Avelric's gone off to greet some other arrivals, leaving me to my own devices.
I look over to the corner of the room, and there he is. Xander. The guy's basically turned into a one-man food buffet at this point, lazily munching on a chicken drumstick like it's the only thing worth his time.
I can't help but stroll over, leaning against the table as I watch him take another bite, clearly in no rush to finish.
"Man, you've gotta stop eating like this in public," I say, throwing my hands up. "It's like you're a cave man."
Xander just sighs, barely looking up at me. "Do I really have to? Feels like a waste of energy, honestly."
"Yeah, well, you're making it a waste of my energy, watching you," I retort, eyes narrowing. "Last time, you managed to ruin Zain's day just by cooking his chicken."
"Earlier I saw Zain walking away from from you inraged... What's your excuse this time?"
He lazily chews on his chicken, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Oh, you know, I just accidentally set the Guild's training schedule to 'disastrous mode'—nothing major." He shrugs. "It's like, he's all into his 'serious lonewolf' persona, and here I am, just vibing, eating my chicken. He doesn't appreciate that."
I blink, processing that for a second. "Wait, what?"
He smirks. "Yeah, I may have swapped their usual workout routine with one that involves doing a hundred push-ups while balancing on one leg... in the middle of a river. So, like, he was extra mad this morning when his guild members were complaining to him for the routine."
This guy is really ruining MY guild for his fun.
I can't help but snort at the image. "That's the most 'Xander' thing I've ever heard. You've got to be the laziest person I've ever met."
He lifts a finger lazily, grinning. "Nah. That would mean I'm trying. Which, like... I don't."
I'm about to make another smart remark when suddenly—out of nowhere—someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn around, and there she is.
Sylvia.
She's standing there with that confident smile, like she was the VIP in the room, her presence just commanding attention. She's dressed in a simple but elegant outfit.
"You've got the same face you always make when you see me," she teases, raising an eyebrow. "Like I'm the last person you want to be stuck with at a banquet."
I tilt my head, a cocky grin creeping onto my face. "Well, you know, I'm not here to make small talk with nobility. I'd much rather have chicken with Xander."
I glance back at Xander, who's too absorbed in his food to care. "But you've got this... graceful beauty, Sylvia. I'll give you that."
She chuckles, that playful glint in her eyes. "Graceful? Oh, Levi, you're making me blush." She rolls her eyes, but it's all playful. "You should really try to make this evening worthwhile, though. I've heard whispers of some very important developments in town."
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Important developments? You mean, like... new political drama?"
Her lips curl into a smile, and she leans in just slightly. "Something like that. But I'm more interested in seeing how you handle the unexpected—I'm sure you've got plenty of tricks up your sleeve. Or are you just here to 'enjoy' the roasted chicken?"
I glance back at Xander. "Well, as long as the food's good, who cares about the rest, right?"
Xander, still in his own little world, suddenly chimes in without looking up from his chicken. "You guys know, if I had the energy, I'd probably run this place better. But... I don't. So, yeah. I'll stick with the chicken."
Sylvia laughs lightly. "You're something else, Xander. Truly."
I shake my head. "Yeah, Xander's got one mode: do the bare minimum and still look like the one who carried. It's a talent."
Just then, Zain—looking like he's been through a tornado—storms over, his face flushed. "Xander! You absolute—!"
Before he can finish his sentence, Xander, without missing a beat, leans back in his chair and takes another bite of his chicken. "Yeah, yeah. You're mad. You need to chill, buddy."
Zain's practically shaking, his fists clenched, but all he does is throw his hands up in defeat. "I'm taking you away from here before you cause any more trouble," he grumbles, grabbing Xander by the shoulder and practically dragging him off.
"Aw, come on, Zain," Xander calls out lazily, his voice still dripping with indifference. "Don't be such a drag. I wasn't even that bad."
I can't help but laugh, shaking my head. "Man, you really do just do whatever you want, huh?"
Sylvia crosses her arms, watching the scene unfold with a small smile. "Xander's... always been a bit unpredictable. But that's what makes him so interesting. If he actually tried, he'd be unstoppable."
I glance at her. "You really think so?"
She looks at me, her gaze sharp but kind. "Absolutely. But I'm not sure if he wants to be unstoppable. And I'm okay with that. Not everyone needs to be perfect."
Her voice softens for a second, almost like she's talking to herself. But I catch it.
Before I can ask, I change the subject. "Speaking of interesting... where's Alina? Haven't seen her yet."
Sylvia sighs, glancing at her watch. "She had to step out for something important. She hasn't arrived yet, but we still have about two hours before the banquet officially starts."
I nod, looking around. "Guess I've got some time to kill, then."
Sylvia gives me a sideways glance, smirking. "Don't get too comfortable. Things are about to get interesting soon. And if you get too distracted with food," she pauses, her eyes glinting with mischief, "I might just have to make you my next target."
I raise an eyebrow. "Oh, you'll have to try harder than that. I'm not so easily swayed."
Xander's voice echoes from across the room, muffled but unmistakable. "Hey, Zain, do you think if I eat this chicken raw, I'll get superpowers?"
Sylvia looks at me, laughing softly. "See? That's the Xander I'm talking about."
I smile, leaning back into the banter. "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's the unpredictability that makes him... well, him."
A bit of time passes...
4/11/2017 - 3:45 PM
Sylvia and I kept talking casually, the food getting colder. Every now and then I'd glance over at the crowd mingling, trying to see if anyone interesting had walked in—not that I expected anything surprising.
Xander had already fallen asleep on the table siting with Zain.
But then… it shifted. The air. The subtle drop in background chatter, the turning heads.
Sylvia was mid-sip when she paused, smiled, and tilted her glass.
"Oh? She finally came."
I turned too.
Navina Caelwyn.
She didn't just walk in. She arrived. Like the concept of eloquence couldn't describe her style. Her heels clicked like punctuation marks to a divine thesis, her blond hair cascading with unnatural flawlessness. And her gown? Let's just say it screamed, yes, I'm the reason mirrors exist.
"Seems like Reflex herself has arrived," I muttered.
Sylvia hummed. "And she sure had her looks and hair done before coming. Took her sweet time making sure people turned to stare."
I leaned against the table, arms folded. "You know, some say she has private vaults in three separate countries. Hidden ones. I'd believe it."
"Not surprising," Sylvia added smoothly. "There's a rumor going around she might be the richest woman in the world. Individually. Without any royal affiliations. Not a queen, not an empress—just pure business and investment."
She grinned slightly. "Makes me wonder if she sleeps on gold bars instead of pillows."
"She probably eats gold flakes for breakfast. You know, just a little mineral snack before business."
Sylvia chuckled, raising her glass to her lips. "And what do you think of her, Levi?"
I didn't even hesitate.
"I think she's hot."
Sylvia raised an eyebrow. "Pervert."
I gave a one-shouldered shrug. "You say it like it's a bad thing. If I wanted, I could make her my spouse and own all the wealth in the world."
"You? Spouse?" she said, nearly choking on laughter.
"I don't need money, Sylvia. I'm already the greatest. But, hey, a free luxurious life wouldn't hurt."
Sylvia leaned in, eyes glinting. "Right, and next you'll be saying she fell for you after you saved her from choking on food."
"No," I corrected smugly. "After I saved her from drowning in her own wealth. It was suffocating her with luxury. Only I could rescue her… with my raw, broke energy. Afterall, I'm the strongest sword saint."
She burst out laughing. "Who would ever marry someone like you?"
I grinned. "Maybe I'll aim lower then… you."
Sylvia blinked. "Me? Tch. You'd die in the application stage."
"I'll have you know our child would be named Astral. Astral Ashton—deadly combo."
Sylvia covered her mouth, trying not to laugh too loud. "That will never happen. The world doesn't deserve creations of such level sarcasm and mistake."
I leaned forward on my elbow. "Alright then, oh majestic guild leader… What are your spouse requirements?"
Her smile widened as she set her glass down.
"A man who does everything solo. An unnaturally innate leader. A perfect strategist. He should understand complex economic systems, be a business genius, an undefeated physical combatant, with perfect hand-to-hand combat, sword mastery, magic mastery, charming, loving, respectful, emotionally intelligent, funnier than anyone, and obviously… handsome. A dream lover everyone secretly wants, but only I can have."
I blinked. "You're describing a fantasy."
Sylvia winked. "Someone like that exists. I've met him."
I narrowed my eyes. "Who? Who's this flawless human being?"
She smirked, crossing her arms. "Not you. And I don't think I have to say his name. It'll be our secret."
I exhaled and leaned back. "Yeah like I'd believe someone like that exists."
"Oh, c'mon," Sylvia said, nudging me with her elbow, her smirk barely fading. "Believe me. He does exist."
I scoffed. "Nope. It's just your imagination. Fantasy's running wild again."
She rolled her eyes with dramatic flair. "And yet I run a guild while you run your mouth."
"I run it efficiently with all facts."
We both chuckled.
As the background chatter continued to rise and fall, we grabbed a couple more drinks—something golden and fizzing. Probably absurdly expensive. I didn't ask. I just downed it halfway and felt that warm ember start to rise in my chest.
"C'mon," she said, gesturing with her glass. "Let's get some fresh air. View from the balcony's not bad."
We stepped out onto the second-floor terrace, a perfect overlook of the entire city sparkling under moonlight. The stars were clear tonight—rare for this place. The breeze was crisp, tugging gently at Sylvia's silver strands as she leaned against the marble railing.
"You ever think…" she started, her tone shifting, "what you'd do if everyone was against you? I don't mean like a couple of haters—I mean your whole world. Your status, your family's name… everything's about to be crushed."
I blinked, caught off guard. "What does it have to do with anything?"
"Just answer it," she said, eyes not leaving the skyline.
I sighed and took a sip. "I'd do everything I can to stop them. Doesn't matter who they are. I'd find a way."
"What if they were more powerful than you?" she asked, tilting her head. "What if they were close royals? Ones that can't be bought or bribed. What if their existence was above any law?"
I paused. "How many?"
"Eight," she replied. "Maybe more. Eight or more royals who want you and your family gone. Forever. And behind them? The ruler of the nation itself."
I exhaled. "Damn. That's... that's tough. Real tough."
Her voice softened, almost distant. "I was once in that spot."
I turned to her. She wasn't smirking anymore.
"I was going to quit my studies," she continued, "throw away everything I had built for myself. Just to help my family survive. Even if I had to sell myself… give up everything. Because when life takes everything from you, it doesn't knock—it kicks the door down and rips it out of the frame."
I stared at her, quiet. This wasn't the Sylvia I usually saw—the sharp-tongued guild leader. This was someone else.
"…Then what happened?" I asked. "Did it go okay?"
She turned toward me, expression unreadable.
"Imagine someone who could control royalty," she said, voice low. "Who could bend an empire… pull the strings of multiple Knights of the Round, The Emperor. All without money. Without noble blood. No massive army or cult behind him. Just him. Solo."
"Just to protect that family... and me? Would you believe that?"
My eyes widened. "Wait—are you being serious?"
She nodded once.
"He's the type to win at all costs. Doesn't matter the method. Or the sacrifice."
I didn't say anything. I just leaned back and stared at the sky for a second. Someone like that... That's not human. That's a force of nature. That's not a person, it's a damn storm dressed in skin.
Sylvia glanced at me, then smiled faintly.
"So you see," she said, "someone like that exists, who is the reason I stand here today. And I have my eyes on him. Because any woman with a protector like that… she'd be blessed."
She paused, then added, "And cursed."
"Cursed how?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sylvia turned toward the city again. "Because someone like that… isn't good. Isn't bad. He just is. I'll leave it at that."
I stayed quiet, finishing what was left in my glass. Her story lingered in my mind like a case I couldn't quite solve.
Someone like that… exists?
It didn't sound real. But it didn't sound fake either.
I was about to ask more when—
CRASH!
A loud, shattering sound rang out from behind us. Glass breaking. People gasping.
Sylvia and I spun around instantly.
"Oh no," she muttered, setting her glass down.
As Sylvia and I pushed through the returning murmurs and music of the banquet hall, we immediately noticed the tension in the air. People had gathered near the center, some frozen in place, others whispering. The reason revealed itself quickly:
A waiter—a young guy, probably no older than twenty—was kneeling on the ground, panic in his eyes. At his feet, shards of a broken glass glittered under the chandelier's light, with a trail of expensive liquor dripping down—
Right onto the fine, polished shoes of a man standing above him.
Silver hair. Piercing blue eyes. An aura that reeked of arrogance.
Aaron Kage.
Proxy of Scar. Elite of Valhalla.
And an absolute piece of garbage.
"Useless trash," Aaron spat, before the kid could even finish stammering an apology. SMACK! His hand shot out and slapped the waiter across the face so hard it echoed. "Are you a damn dog? You think mutts like you can just splash me and get away with it?!"
The whole hall went still.
Even Sylvia didn't speak. And that woman always had something to say.
The waiter trembled, eyes wide. "I-I'm sorry, sir, please, I didn't mean—"
"Oh, you didn't mean to?" Aaron interrupted with a twisted smile, crouching just slightly. "Then should I accidentally kick your spine in? Maybe pour boiling wine down your throat and say oops?"
His hand rose again, and he was about to strike when—
"That's enough," said a calm but firm voice.
Navina Caelwyn.
She stepped in, hand raised to stop his strike.
Aaron froze… then slowly turned to her.
SLAP.
He slapped her hand away with casual disrespect.
"Well, if it isn't Navina," he said, smirking. "Didn't expect to see you here, considering the last time we met, you were lying on the ground choking for air after Scar beat you 3-0. Couldn't even breathe right. Embarrassing."
Navina's expression tightened, her hand still raised, not retaliating—but not backing down either.
People started whispering. The tension spiked.
Avelric stepped in next, trying to de-escalate. "Aaron, that's enough. Let's not cause a—"
"Oh, you again," Aaron sneered. "You let your dogs run wild, and now I get my shoes stained like a commoner. Do you train them at all, or do you just hire anyone who can stand upright without drooling?"
The waiter was shaking. Barely holding it together.
Aaron turned back to him. "I'll punish you more. Until you can't breathe either. That'll teach you."
His hand rose again.
I took a step forward. "Stop."
Sylvia followed beside me. "This isn't worth it, Kage. Drop it. You made your point."
Aaron turned, grinning. "Oh wow, Levi Ashton. The self-claimed strongest."
I glared at him. Cold. Calm.
"Didn't Scar wipe the floor with you 10-0? Back then, you couldn't even keep your sword steady."
I rolled my shoulders. "That was two years ago," I said evenly. "I was still learning."
He laughed. Loudly. "Learning? You're always learning when you lose, huh?"
Avelric once again moved in to mediate. "Please, Aaron, there's no need for—"
Aaron waved him off. "Fine. Fine. I'll forgive your little slave. You should thank Levi. His loser presence distracted me long enough to cool off."
That was when another presence joined us.
Xander.
He walked over with that casual, lazy grin of his, hands in his pockets.
"What's going on?" he asked, but his eyes already knew.
He looked straight at me.
And I looked straight at Kage.
The moment Xander stepped beside me, the air shifted.
Not many could read the silence of a room—most people mistook it as awkwardness, discomfort, or tension. But this? This was stillness. Pure, frigid stillness. The kind that said something real was about to happen.
Aaron Kage, hands in his pockets, tilted his head and smirked, his silver hair glinting beneath the chandeliers. His voice was poison dipped in velvet.
"Well, if it isn't the forgotten one... I haven't seen you since that day as well."
Xander blinked slowly, his expression unreadable. "That so?" he replied, giving a nonchalant shrug. "Can't say I remember you."
The insult in that tone? Sharp.
Aaron's grin twitched into something colder.
"Of course you wouldn't," he muttered. "Losers tend to have bad memories. Especially when they're obliterated to what? 5-0."
At that moment, Xander's body shifted.
The lazy curve of his back straightened.
The bored glint in his eye vanished.
And for the first time in months—maybe years—Xander stood with the true bearing of a Sword Saint.
The air grew heavier. The crowd that had circled around them instinctively stepped back, as if their instincts understood something their minds couldn't process.
Xander's voice dropped to a low hum. "You bark a lot," he said. "Just like a good dog—always wagging your tail and praising your owner."
Aaron's icy blue eyes narrowed into knives.
"And you're just another failed prodigy," he snapped. "A name in history books no one reads. I'm not barking—I'm declaring. Declaring that Scar is the King of all Sword Saints. Compared to him, every single person here is irrelevant. That includes you."
Xander's gaze turned into something cruel. Something ancient. "You speak highly of a king who isn't even present," he said, every syllable laced with venom. "Careful. Talk too much, and I might break your jaw, destroy your pride, and make you my servant."
Gasps. Audible ones.
Sylvia's eyes widened. Even Navina stepped slightly forward, hand twitching as if sensing the danger escalating beyond reason.
Aaron didn't flinch.
"Try it," he whispered.
Blue fire flickered around his eyes—his Glacio Flame awakening in the form of sheer murderous pressure. His silver hair lifted slightly with the surge of energy crawling up his spine.
"You think I'm scared of someone who couldn't survive Scar's left hand?" Aaron took a step forward, voice low and sharp. "I'm not your equal. I'm your reminder. The reminder of where you will be mercilessly crushed."
Xander stepped forward as well.
A cold, deathly shadow began to form behind him. A towering, ominous presence—like a reaper with no scythe, only intent.
"You're not even a threat," Xander said softly. "You'll be walking corpse who has forgotten to talk once I'm done."
Aaron's fist clenched, his aura freezing the floor beneath his feet.
"You'll regret that."
Xander smiled, just faintly.
"Regret requires failure. You'll be dead before that emotion kicks in."
Both of them radiated the force of titans ready to collide.
And then—
CREEEEAAK—
The banquet door opened.
Every head turned.
Footsteps. Calm. Unrushed.
Alina.
Not in a gown.
But in a simple black shirt, walking into a royal banquet like she wasn't a specially invited sword saint.
And yet that wasn't what stunned everyone.
It was Him.
The one walking beside her.
Black overcoat. Silent menace in his step. Jet black hair. Piercing blue eyes that didn't just look at the room—they dissected it.
And a smirk that wasn't arrogance.
Sylvia's eyes narrowed. Navina tensed.
Xander and Aaron both turned their heads slowly, their deadly auras momentarily flickering.
"It can't be... is it... him?"
---------------------------------------------------------------
An Hour earlier...
Lucas's Perspective:
Location: Rinascita Square Fountain
"Yes, I know," I said slowly, my voice low and dangerous. "How Kaiser used you… twisted you for his own gains. And then tossed you aside like trash when Elfina was sad."
Sophia's eyes widened—she took a shaky step back, clutching her ice cream like it was a shield. "L-Lucas… please, don't—"
"Don't what?" I stepped closer. "Don't remind you of how pathetic it all was? How you let him play you while he schemed in the dark?"
She flinched, visibly shaking her head, the sweetness in her features now fractured by something deeper—fear.
"Y-You're wrong! He didn't—he never—"
"You're still protecting him?" I interrupted, my tone cutting like razors. "Even after everything he did to you? After he left you… for her? You're still fighting for a lover that spat on you."
She tried to walk away—trembling, eyes darting around—but I caught her wrist.
"Wait—Lucas!"
I yanked her to the side, dragging her down a narrow alleyway. The faint hum of people faded behind us. My back straightened, my expression void of humor, of mercy.
"System."
「 Already sealing all exits. If anyone watches… I'll erase their memories. If they interfere… I'll erase them. 」
The tone was unrecognizably cold. Even the system knew—this wasn't a moment for jokes.
"Good," I said, slamming and pinning Sophia's wrist to the stone wall, her back against it. Her ice cream had dropped, splattered on the cobbled ground like forgotten innocence.
I leaned in, close enough that she saw the gleam in my irises—green, now. Not the usual soft glow. This was something else. A light only wrath could birth.
"Sophia." I said it like a final warning. "I don't want games. I don't want riddles. I want the truth. What did he make you do? What did he do… during the Asura Crisis?"
Her breath hitched. Her lips quivered. "L-Lucas… you're hurting me…"
"I'll hurt you more," I hissed. "I'll make you bleed if I have to. I'm not playing the nice guy today. Not when you're lying for the devil who could've caused it all."
「 Warning: Pulse rate rising. Pupils dilated. She's on the edge of breaking. 」
Good. She should be.
I tightened my grip.
"He used you. You know that, right? He used you for your connections. For your access. For your body, Sophia. You were just another string he used to ensure Elfina's top spot."
"No—no!" she screamed back, tears brimming in her green eyes. "He—he cared! He wasn't like that—!"
"He was exactly like that!" I roared. "He used you like a tool, like a marionet. And when you served your purpose, he didn't even say goodbye. He just… picked Elfina and chose her over you."
Her knees buckled slightly, but I didn't let her fall. She turned her face to the side, refusing to meet my eyes.
"Sophia." My voice lowered, more venomous than ever. "Don't you dare look away. You were there from the start. You know what he did during the crisis. You saw what he became."
She whimpered. "I-I c-can't… I c-can't say anything, Lucas… please…"
"Why? Because you're scared? Because he made you scared?" I pulled her closer. "You think I don't know what he's capable of? I've seen the aftermath of his moves. I've seen the blood. You were his tool, and now you're his liar."
"Y-You're wrong," she whispered, trembling. "He… he was—he had reasons—"
"And now you're another one of them?" I asked. "Just another excuse he can hide behind?"
"Stop… please stop…"
"I expected lies," I said coldly. "Excuses. Maybe a few tears. I didn't expect this pathetic loyalty to someone who dumped you like trash."
"I-It wasn't like that!" she cried out, voice cracking. "You don't understand!"
"No," I said, the words laced with steel, "You don't understand. I know what happened in Year 2. You think I was blind, deaf, and dumb? I know."
Her face paled.
"I know… that you were Kaiser's bullied ex-girlfriend. The one he used. The one he built his plans on. And the one he left behind once Elfie was too sad to handle herself and he had to pick her."
Sophia's mouth opened, but no sound came out. Just small, broken breaths. Her eyes welled with fresh tears. She looked… shattered.
「 Emotional collapse detected. She's seconds away from breaking. 」
I didn't care. Not now.
"Tell me what Kaiser did," I demanded. "Tell me what happened during the Asura Crisis."
Because if he was alive…
This world wasn't ready.
Not again.
Her body trembled in my grip, her shoulders heaving from the weight of suppressed sobs. And then it happened—her voice cracked, broken like glass under boot.
"D-Don't call him that…" she whispered, choking back tears. "P-Please… n-not that…"
I narrowed my eyes. "What?"
"K-Kai…" she hiccupped, her voice trembling with every syllable. "D-Don't call him K-Kaiser… n-not like that…"
I pulled her wrist tighter. "You're not his lover. Only Elfina called him that name. Elfie. Not you."
The moment the word "Elfie" hit her ears, another tear slipped down her cheek. She turned her face away again—like even hearing her name twisted the knife deeper.
And then, through the tightness of her throat, she breathed out—
"Kaiser… d-didn't cause the A-Asura C-Crisis…"
I froze.
My grip loosened.
"What?"
My heart didn't skip a beat—it slammed into my ribs. My eyes locked onto her broken face, her trembling lips, the shame and pain woven into her every gesture.
「 Her body language… vocal pattern… pupil constriction… no signs of deception. She's telling the truth. 」
…What?
I didn't move for a second. I couldn't. My mind raced. My chest clenched.
If he didn't cause it…
"Then who did?" I demanded, stepping back slightly, tension still pulsing through every fiber of me.
Sophia sniffled, rubbing her eyes with the back of her sleeve, her voice still shaky.
"I-I don't know… I swear…"
"Then what do you know?!" I roared, slamming my palm into the wall beside her. The impact cracked the stone, shaking dust down on her shoulders.
She flinched, whimpering.
"H-He wasn't there in the b-beginning… Kaiser… he only came a-a little b-bit before you arrived…"
My heart pounded in my ears. This didn't make sense. This wasn't what I'd been told. Not what I'd seen in the aftermath.
"Then who started it? The monsters? The explosion? The dead bodies?"
Her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the ground, back against the wall, hugging her knees like she was trying to disappear.
"T-There were hundreds of S+ monsters… s-something we've n-never seen before…" she whispered, almost in trance. "Th-they didn't j-just kill… they collected…"
My jaw clenched.
"Collected?"
She nodded, face pale.
"T-Those students who were d-dying or d-dead… they injected them with some l-liquid… and t-took the b-bodies… o-one by one… b-back into the shadows…"
I stared, silent now, watching her crumble before me.
"Elfie was protecting everyone," she said, barely a whisper, "b-but… she…"
My voice dropped into a dangerous growl. "She what?"
Sophia's body shook as she spoke. "S-She was caught up… in a d-duel… with someone…"
I leaned in closer. "Who?"
"I-I've never seen… someone like that… so powerful… s-so twisted… it was like watching a demon out of hell, but worse… cursed magic like n-nothing I've ever f-felt before…"
My skin prickled.
「 Her mind is fragmenting under memory stress. But she's describing something beyond natural classification. 」
"What did he look like?" I asked coldly.
"I-I don't know… no one does… e-everyone's memories from that day… they're all hazy, like someone ripped the pieces apart…"
"How many survived?"
"…S-Seventeen."
Seventeen.
Out of an entire Academy.
Gone.
I clenched my fists, silence thick between us like suffocating smoke.
"Kaiser?" I asked one last time.
Her voice came soft. Hollow.
"H-He saw Elfie… bleeding… dying…"
She paused, her body convulsing from another sob.
"…A-And he lost it."
"Lost it?" I asked, voice low. "What do you mean?"
Sophia didn't answer immediately. Her eyes glazed, her breath shaky. She was still there—but not here. Somewhere back in that burning academy, with corpses, fire, and blood… with them.
"I-I don't remember m-much…" she whispered, barely forming the words. "B-But I c-can picture it… th-the scene…"
She closed her eyes, as if replaying a scar she never wanted to see again.
"K-Kaiser… h-he was holding Elfie in his arms… s-she was so pale… sh-she was p-passing away…" Her voice trembled, her hands squeezing her sleeves tightly.
"I-I didn't hear all the w-words… but I k-know, I f-felt it…" Her lips quivered now, and tears dripped from her chin.
"In her l-last moments… E-Elfie… she t-told Kaiser… th-that she loved h-him… o-only him…"
A sob escaped her throat, and she covered her mouth for a moment before continuing.
"Sh-she told him to… be happy without her… s-said that maybe… m-maybe he'd find someone else to l-love… i-if she w-wasn't the o-one…"
Each word felt like it stabbed her. Not just pain—but guilt. Memory wrapped in helplessness.
I stared at her, unmoving.
"And… then?" I asked, voice like steel.
Her hands dropped, and her eyes stared at the floor, distant and haunted.
"T-The moment her eyes closed… in his arms… I've n-never seen Kaiser like that…" Her voice was smaller than ever.
"His e-expression… it went completely dark…"
"…Dark?" I asked. "How much?"
Sophia's lips trembled—and this time, her tone changed. The fear in her voice lingered, but something else seeped through: dread.
"B-Before I… I f-fell unconscious from the pain and b-blood loss…"
Her tone dipped, eyes wide in pure terror.
"I s-saw his eyes…"
"…His void black eyes…"
I stiffened.
"His l-lifelike blue eyes were gone…" she continued, barely above a whisper. "T-They turned into… into two h-hollow, paradoxic… black holes…"
She hugged herself tighter, rocking slightly.
"It… it didn't even feel human…"
I said nothing.
For the first time in a long while… I didn't have a snark. No insult. No bitterness.
Just silence.
「 System. Confirm. 」
「 Confirmed: Magicless anomalous activity occurred that day from my knowledge. Records show 72 S+ ranked monsters neutralized at once within a two-minute combat window. No energy signatures logged. Cause: UNKNOWN. 」
"…So that's it…" I muttered. My fists clenched.
"That's how seventy-plus corpses of monsters were already rotting when I arrived at the crater…"
My eyes narrowed, staring past Sophia into a memory that wasn't even mine.
"A magicless being… he lost it… and slaughtered seventy S+ ranked monsters…"
I breathed out slowly.
"In anger."
The room went quiet.
Not silent. Quiet. The kind that feels like the calm before a world breaks again.
Sophia finally looked up, her voice meek and broken.
"Why…?" she stuttered. "W-Why did you… want to know s-so b-badly…?"
I turned to her.
My eyes no longer glowing with magic.
Just shadowed.
Dead calm.
"Do you really want to know?" I asked.
She nodded slowly, lips trembling, hands clenched in her lap.
"P-Please…" she whispered. "I-I'll understand… i-if you tell me…"
I got up, my hands barely steady. With a small flick of my fingers, I unraveled the magic sealing the alleyway. The spell dispersed like mist in the morning sun.
"I also faced losses," I said, not looking at her. "My father… he was killed."
My voice was cold. But the words felt like molten lead leaving my throat.
"And… my mother…" I swallowed. "She was the victim of a half-assassination."
Sophia stayed quiet. I could feel her eyes on me, but I didn't meet them.
"She—she has no memories of her past. Not of who she is. Not even of me."
I heard her lightly sniffle, wiping away the remnants of her own pain. But this wasn't about her anymore.
"And… Fia," I said, pausing.
The name hurt more than I wanted to admit.
"My little sister."
My fingers curled tightly, nails biting into my palm.
"She was caught up in it. Protecting my mother from that monster… of a human being." I grit my teeth. "She was crippled. Lost her legs. And he—he took her eyes out like it meant nothing. Took her sight away permanently."
My voice cracked. Just a bit. Just enough to expose the human underneath the mask.
"She would've died… if I hadn't arrived when I did…"
I finally turned my head to look at Sophia. My stare was emotionless, but every word bled from a deeper wound.
"You should know now, Sophia… how much that crisis means to me."
I took one step toward the exit of the alley. The light outside cast a shadow in front of me.
"The person who caused it…" I said coldly, "will suffer a merciless death."
I stepped out.
"Even if I have to kill my old self to make it happen."
I walked away without looking back. Left Sophia to drown in the aftermath of my truth. She had her questions. Let them stew.
I didn't have time for answers.
「 Lucas, are you calm? 」
The system's voice echoed gently in my mind.
"…Not really," I muttered, still walking.
「 You're slipping into the old you again. Reckless. Self-destructive. 」
"…I know," I whispered. "It was a mistake."
「 Remember what you're working for in the present. The miracle cure. The future war against the grotesques. 」
I stopped at the edge of the street, looking up.
Clouds slowly drifted across the sky like they had no idea of the rot in the world below them.
"I'll go back to being me," I finally said.
"…The old me is dead."
Silence. The wind brushed past my face.
"I'll find it," I promised, staring into the clouds like they were listening.
"I'll find that cure… and save you both—Mother… Fia."
This isn't a hero's promise.
No…
This is a son's promise to his mother.
And a brother's vow to the little sister who once smiled at him like he was the whole world…
The sister he failed to protect in the end.
"…Fia," I whispered, my voice trembling beneath the silence of the sky.
"I'm sorry."
I closed my eyes. For just a moment, I let myself break.
"But this will end soon… I swear it."
I looked up again, through the clouds that held the heavens beyond them. Somewhere, I hoped… she could hear me.
"I'll find the cure. I'll save you. And then…" A breath caught in my throat.
"We'll go back to the old days. Just you and me—together this time."
No pain. No lies. No broken promises.
"I won't hurt you again… I'll be the brother you always believed I could be. The one you looked up to. The one who didn't deserve it, but… you still gave it anyway."
A faint smile tugged at my lips. Bitter. Soft. Hopeful.
"I'll be the hero the world needed…"
My hand closed over my heart.
"…And the hero you saw in me—even when I couldn't see him myself."
I took one step forward, my shadow stretching behind me.
"Because you're my reason."
"My reason to walk this path to the heavens…"
A long silence.
"…This path to become—"
A breath.
"…A hero."