Cold.
It was all cold and dark. Like sinking into a boundless sea with no surface to break through. Thoughts scattered. Memories frayed. His body felt weightless, his mind void. Then—
Warmth.
A hand. A voice. Pulling him upward.
"…celot!"
"Sir Lancelot!"
His eyes snapped open, only to squint shut again as blinding sunlight poured in through a nearby window. The world slowly regained its color. Shapes formed. Familiar ones.
Elena sat by his side, her face flushed and streaked with dried tears. A smile bloomed—relieved, vulnerable, and radiant.
"Sir Lancelot… You're finally awake. I was so worried…"
"Wh-What do you mean?" His voice was hoarse, dry.
"You've been out for almost two days."
"Huh? No way…"
"I'm not joking. A lot's happened while you were unconscious."
`Two days…?
Shit. I messed up. I was supposed to prevent any unexpected variables, keep things stable… and I was out cold for two whole damn days?!`
"Don't stress about it," Elena said gently.
"That last move of yours… it drained all your mana. Your core entered a recovery state. It's a miracle you're even awake this soon."
"I see..." He leaned back, exhaling.
`Well, that's to be expected. The Hundred Step is basically a cheat code—especially at this stage in the story.`
In this world, warriors had Mana Cores—small powerhouses that replaced the function of the heart. By circulating mana, they could amplify physical abilities beyond natural limits. But overdrawing came with a cost.
Elena shifted, reaching into her satchel.
"Oh gosh! I almost forgot—here."
She handed him a bracelet. Elegant, sleek, and etched with runes. But not just any rune.
"Hold on... This is an Origin Rune."
"Yes. Please take it. It's my way of thanking you… for saving me."
"Are you serious? Do you know how valuable this is?"
"I do. But it's yours now." Her gaze was unwavering.
"…Alright. I'll keep it. Thank you."
A quiet beat passed before Elena straightened again, more serious now.
"There's something I've been meaning to ask."
"Go on."
"How did you know Sir Garrick was coming to our aid?"
Lancelot paused, choosing his words.
"During the battle with Delta, I felt it. A faint trace of Garrick's aura."
"But how did you know he was trapped and needed time?"
He smirked lightly. "I've got good instincts."
And a cheat sheet the rest of you don't.
Garrick had, in truth, been sealed beneath the hall—trapped by a binding Origin Rune. Vespera's insurance to eliminate any interference. They hadn't expected a rogue variable. Someone like Lancelot.
Elena nodded slowly, then leaned forward again.
"Earlier, I said a lot happened. Let me fill you in."
"Please do."
"First, about what Lady Natalia said back in the hall… Don't take it to heart. She lost her parents when she was five. She's… overprotective of the ones she cares for."
"I understand." Lancelot offered a neutral smile. "I'm her knight. Even if she leads me to death, I'll follow her."
`Like hell I would.`
"Right… Anyway—Natalia launched a full-scale investigation into the attack."
`Good. Expected that much.`
"As for Lord Julius… He had to leave due to a 'diplomatic emergency.'"
`Tch. That fucker ran. And of course, Natalia—sweet, naive Natalia—let him go. Didn't question a thing. But that's fine… One day, I'll rip him apart.`
"I see. Anything else?"
Elena shook her head. "No. That's all."
Lancelot leaned back against the pillow, finally exhaling.
For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt… calm. But he knew it wouldn't last.
The story had already derailed.
Elena was alive when she was meant to die.
And every ripple creates a wave.
This peace? Temporary. The storm's coming.
He looked at her again, eyes softening.
"…Thanks for being here."
Elena smiled, standing. "Here. Eat something."
She handed him a perfectly polished apple.
It wasn't much. But to him… it meant the world.
`It's good to have an ally. Besides, there'll be a lot of commotion from now on. I'll have to prepare accordingly.`
---
Elsewhere, within the Queen's Chamber
Natalia sat by the window, a book resting on her lap. The sunlight caught the strands of her silver-blonde hair, casting a soft glow. Her eyes, however, were unreadable.
Knock. Knock.
"Enter."
A maid stepped in. "Your Highness, it seems Sir Lancelot is awake."
Natalia didn't look up. "…I see. You may leave."
"As you wish."
The door clicked shut, leaving her alone once more. The wind whispered through the curtains.
"Lancelot du Lac…"
Her voice was quiet, almost a murmur.
"No matter how many times I think about it… I can't figure you out."
She shut the book softly.
"Are you truly loyal… or are you just playing a role?"
She looked toward the horizon.
"Either way, you saved my precious Elena. I suppose that deserves a reward."
But her expression didn't soften. Not entirely.
Somewhere beneath those cold, calculating eyes—doubt simmered.
And far beyond the castle walls, the flap of a butterfly had already given rise to a storm.