The morning sun rose steadily over the city of Brunhild, casting golden rays through the windowpanes. Downstairs at the Brunch Inn, Raizo stepped onto the wooden floor, rubbing his sleepy eyes—only to stop in surprise.
"Morning, Raizo!" Lia chirped, flipping something on the stove. But Raizo's eyes weren't on her.
There in the kitchen, wearing an apron far too big for her, was Fenra.
"Fenra… what are you doing?" Raizo asked, blinking.
Fenra turned, cheeks a little red. "I… I wanted to learn how to cook. Lia's been teaching me."
Earlier that morning, while Raizo still slept, Fenra had approached Lia nervously.
"C-Can you… teach me how to cook?"
Lia, of course, had smiled knowingly. "Cooking for a certain boy, are we?"
Fenra nodded silently, her ears twitching.
Now, Fenra stood by the table, holding out a steaming plate. "Here. Try it," she said quietly.
Raizo sat and took a bite. His eyes lit up in surprise.
"It's… delicious, Fenra."
Fenra let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She glanced at Lia, who gave her a proud thumbs-up behind Raizo's back. She beamed and joined Raizo at the table.
After breakfast, the two made their way to the Adventurer Guild. The halls were buzzing with activity—quests being posted, adventurers bragging loudly, and swords clanging as new weapons were tested.
At the reception, the familiar guild worker handed over their updated guild cards.
"Congratulations," she said with a smile. "Raizo Hayagashi—C-rank. Fenra—E-rank. Rising fast, aren't you?"
Before they could respond, a tall man stepped forward. He wore a red and blue coat, had golden eyes and hair, and exuded a confident, arrogant aura.
"Well, well," he said, flashing a grin. "I heard about you two. Impressive, taking down ten wild boars. Not bad for rookies."
Raizo raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"
The man chuckled. "Kash. C-rank adventurer. You'll hear my name whispered in every corner of the guild before long."
Kash turned to Fenra, flashing a polished smile. "And what do we have here? A beautiful therainthrope. I'm honored."
Fenra didn't respond. She simply stepped behind Raizo and whispered, "I've heard of him… He's dangerous. Whenever new adventurers join his party, they never come back."
Raizo felt her hand clutch his shirt tightly. He placed a hand over hers gently to calm her.
Kash looked at them both with a smirk. "Anyway, I have a suggestion. My party is heading out to defeat the Black Knight. We need extra hands. Why not team up?"
Raizo's eyes narrowed slightly. He activated Appraisal. Immediately, a chill ran down his spine.
Title: Murderer.
He kept his expression neutral.
"I have a better idea," Raizo said. "Let's make it a race. You and your party versus me and mine. Whoever defeats the Black Knight first, wins."
Kash blinked. Then grinned wide. "Hah. A bold one, aren't you? I like it. See you out there then."
As Kash walked away, Raizo whispered to Fenra, "We can't let our guard down. I'll explain the plan."
Later, they went straight to the clothing store. Raizo picked out a stealthy black-and-red outfit for Fenra—designed to blend in the shadows.
"This'll help you sneak around. I'll need your eyes where they can't see."
Fenra nodded, her confidence returning. "Understood."
Meanwhile, in a dark alley deep within Brunhild, Kash leaned against a damp brick wall, two shady men standing before him.
"So?" he asked coolly. "What did you find out?"
One of the spies adjusted his hood. "We couldn't get much on the girl, but the boy—he's dangerous. I used Appraisal over and over, but I couldn't read a thing. It's like… he's cloaked in shadow."
Kash frowned. "No data? That's rare."
The second man, larger and muscular with veins bulging on his arms, growled, "Doesn't matter. This muscle can break through anything. I'll snap him in half like the last guy."
Kash raised a hand. "Now, now, Richmond. Don't get carried away. This is a friendly challenge. No killing… yet."
Richmond sneered. "Tch. My muscles weren't made for 'delicate' things."
The thinner man chuckled. "You say that, but you always enjoy the hunt."
Kash smirked. "Still… I underestimated that boy. A hidden ability, unreadable stats, and the girl seems sharper than she looks. They might actually pose a threat."
He looked up at the moonlit sky.
"But no matter. This race won't just be a contest… it'll be their funeral Hahaha"
At the castle where the Black Knight resided, Kash and his team charged forward and flung open the massive doors—only to freeze.
All the undead skeletons meant to guard the chamber lay in scattered piles of bones, their eerie green eyes extinguished. Kash blinked.
"All of them… wiped out?" he muttered. "Did someone get here before us?"
A voice echoed from the shadows. "Took you long enough."
Raizo stepped out from behind a pillar, the sword Voidbringer in hand, its red markings glowing faintly. He wore a calm expression.
"This must be the party you were bragging about," Raizo said.
Kash's eyes narrowed, whispering to himself, "I've never seen that sword before..."
The robed man in Kash's group smirked. Even if I can't read his stats, we still outnumber him.
Raizo spoke again, his voice steady. "If I'm right, the Dark Knight should be in that other chamber."
Kash raised an eyebrow. "Weren't we racing to defeat the Black Knight? And here you are, waiting for us. How polite."
Richmond cracked his knuckles. "I know what he's doing. This coward's stalling because he can't handle us alone."
Kash chuckled. "Where's your little therainthrope friend? Don't tell me she left you."
Raizo clenched his fist, but then smirked. "Are we done talking?"
He stepped forward. "Let's not pretend. You didn't come here for the Black Knight. You came here for me. So let's settle this."
The robed man blinked. "He knows?"
Kash smirked. "He figured it out, huh? And you came alone. Brave or stupid?"
Raizo raised his arms. "Honestly? I got lucky you approached me first. Let's start with the loud one."
He looked at Richmond. "You. Bald. Muscular. Baby."
Richmond snarled. "I'll snap you like a twig!" He charged forward.
"No, Richmond! Don't—" Kash shouted.
But before Richmond could land a punch, a blur intercepted him. Fenra appeared in front of Raizo, catching Richmond's massive fist with one clawed hand. She smiled coldly.
Richmond staggered back. "Wha—?!"
Kash took a step back. We didn't even sense her...
"So," he said. "She didn't leave you after all."
Raizo sighed. "Fenra, I had that."
Fenra grinned. "And I'm not letting anyone lay a hand on you."
Raizo raised his hand.
"Winds of wrath, cutting blade, slice through fate!"
Wind Magic: Wind Cutter
Three blades of wind shot out toward Kash's group. Richmond blocked one with his arms. Kash deflected another with his sword. But the third hit the robed man, shattering one of his daggers and knocking him backward.
"I'm sorry, boss!" the robed man yelped.
"Don't run!" Richmond shouted.
"You would too if you had my stats!" the man snapped.
Raizo flicked his finger. Fenra bolted after him.
She leapt in front of the fleeing man, claws ready.
"I can take you!" he said, raising his last dagger. He used Appraisal again, but her stats wouldn't show.
He gulped.
Fenra smiled ferally. "Too slow."
They clashed—dagger versus claws. In seconds, his weapon shattered, and she slammed him to the ground, flinging him into a wall.
The man crumpled.
Richmond faced her, casting a spell.
"Earth's shield, body's guard, armor seal!"
Ability: Body Armor
His muscles bulged as stone-like plates covered him.
Fenra raised an eyebrow. "You done?"
She vanished. In the blink of an eye, Richmond screamed.
His arm dropped to the floor, severed.
"What the hell?!" he screamed.
"Too slow," Fenra whispered behind him.
Richmond turned—only for her claws to strike. An X marked his chest, and he collapsed.
Fenra calmly walked back to Raizo.
Meanwhile, Raizo clashed blades with Kash. Sparks flew with every strike.
"Need help?" Fenra asked.
Raizo smiled. "Nope."
Kash stepped back and raised his sword.
"Ice, I summon, dragon descends, frozen onslaught!"
Ice Magic: Ice Dragon Thrust!
His blade glowed pale blue, forming the shape of a dragon. He charged.
Raizo responded.
"Flames of fury, blade of might, ignite and strike this night!"
Fire Magic: Flame Blade!
Their blades clashed. Magic exploded outward. The air around them vibrated from the pressure.
Fenra watched, wide-eyed. He's incredible...
With a final shout, Raizo broke Kash's blade and sent him flying into a wall.
"No..." Kash groaned. "It's not fair… you're too powerful...*"
Raizo calmly lowered Voidbringer.
Fenra ran up beside him.
Raizo nodded. "Thanks. Now... time for the main event."
He turned toward the chamber door.
"Let's meet the Dark Knight."
The heavy doors creaked open with a thunderous echo, revealing a grand chamber dimly lit by the moonlight pouring in through a broken ceiling. At the center stood the Black Knight, motionless, his gauntleted hands resting atop the tip of his massive blackened sword. His shield rested on his back, black and grey armor covering his body, a crimson red gem pulsing ominously on his chest. The silver beams of moonlight washed over his still form, casting an eerie glow.
Suddenly, the knight moved, lifting his head. His eyes glowed a deep, menacing red.
"Welcome to my domain," the knight spoke, his voice echoing like a funeral bell. "I am Gerald, the Black Knight. And you are?"
Raizo and Fenra were stunned—a monster that could talk? Despite the shock, they quickly introduced themselves. Without wasting a moment, they nodded to each other and sprang into action. Raizo veered left, Fenra to the right, both leaping high. Fenra swung her claws; Raizo raised his sword, Voidbringer. Gerald, unfazed, blocked Fenra's claws with his shield and parried Raizo's strike with his sword.
The two landed, skidding back. Raizo shouted, "Flames of fury, blade of might, ignite and strike this night! Fire Magic: Flame Blade!"
Flames erupted around Voidbringer, dancing along the blade's edge. Fenra followed immediately.
"Wind's fury, accelerate within! Wind Magic: Boost!"
Wind enveloped her limbs, increasing her speed and attack. They rushed in again. Gerald let out a guttural roar, releasing a pulse of mana. It passed through them, seemingly harmless. Fenra didn't think much of it and lunged again. But Raizo, recalling memories from his past life, knew better.
"Fenra, wait! That roar's a debuff spell! Don't attack recklessly—your attack, stamina, mana, or defense might be lowered!"
Fenra blinked. "Huh? How do you know that? Have you fought a real boss before?"
"Kinda," Raizo muttered.
Gerald roared again and charged, swinging his sword at Raizo. "Don't you dare stop fighting me!"
Fenra intervened, casting: "Wind's fury, concentrate and fire, aerial barrage, unleash and acquire! Wind Magic: Wind Bullets!"
The bullets pelted Gerald's back, but he turned slowly, unphased. "Nicely done," he said with a smirk.
From behind, Raizo aimed and cast, "Pyrope's spark, thrust of flame, burn and claim! Fire Magic: Fire Thrust!"
The fiery lance shot toward Gerald, but he turned in time and blocked it. Fenra tried to press the attack, but Gerald raised his hand.
"Terrae aegis, barrier rise, earth's shield, fortress guise! Earth Magic: Rampart!"
Pillars of stone burst from the ground. One struck Fenra in the stomach, flinging her against a wall.
"Fenra!" Raizo shouted.
Gerald lunged at Raizo, but he darted past and caught Fenra, carrying her away from another swing.
"Thanks, Raizo," she coughed.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded.
Raizo noticed a broken piece of Gerald's shield on the ground. His eyes narrowed as he spotted a thin crack where the damage originated.
"Fenra, do you have a long-range wind spell?"
"Yeah."
Raizo whispered the rest of the plan into her ear. She nodded firmly.
Raizo stepped forward. Gerald grinned.
"Tenebrae's edge, shadow's bite, darkness falls, eternal night! Dark Magic: Darkness Blade!"
His sword became shrouded in black mist.
Raizo rushed in.
"Wind's fury, accelerate within! Wind Magic: Boost!"
He leapt onto a pillar, using it to rebound and attack from above. He swung Voidbringer with burning force. Gerald blocked again, but a small slash landed on the shield's weakened point. The crack grew.
From afar, Fenra shouted, "Now, Raizo!"
Raizo leapt back. Fenra raised her arms.
"Aero's force, beam of air, swift and true, strike with care! Wind Magic: Aero Blast!"
The beam of compressed wind shot toward Gerald. He raised his shield to block it.
CRACK.
The shield shattered completely, and the blast engulfed him.
Inside that blast, Gerald remembered.
--
Once, he was a noble knight of Elaynor, a prosperous kingdom under King Jade. He was the strongest among the royal knights, a protector of peace. He had a wife, a daughter, and a loyal horse named Bramble one day, an elf emissary came to Elaynor.
"King Jade, our lands are ravaged by men. Please aid us but King Jade declined. "This war is not ours."
Gerald had been enraged. "How dare you threaten our king with omens!"
The elf warned, "Ignore this, and your kingdom will suffer."
She vanished.
Months passed. Her words came true.
The rivers ran dry. The farms withered. Plague and famine struck.
Citizens abandoned Elaynor. King Jade died atop his throne, starved. Gerald carried his daughter and wife across the crumbling realm. But his wife died. His horse collapsed. Then his daughter—her tiny body limp in his arms.
Gerald knelt beside her. "I failed you..."
Then came a cloaked figure.
"You seek revenge?"
"I do," Gerald rasped.
"Then live again. But not as a man—as vengeance incarnate."
Gerald accepted without thought.
He became the Black Knight.
--
Back in the present, Gerald stumbled out of the Aero Blast. His armor cracked. He growled.
"That's why I accepted this second chance... to avenge Elaynor!"
He swung his sword in a rage. Fenra flew back into a wall. Raizo was thrown against rubble. Dust filled the room.
Through the haze, Gerald marched toward Fenra, dragging his blade.
Fenra tried to stand.
"You've lost," he muttered, raising his sword.
But before he could strike, Raizo appeared behind him.
SHING!
Voidbringer pierced through Gerald's back.
The knight gasped. His body froze.
He collapsed to the floor.
Raizo walked to Fenra and helped her up.
"Thank you, Raizo."
"No problem," he said softly. "We're companions. We watch each other's backs."
Fenra nodded, smiling.
Their victory was hard-earned, but the battle wasn't just against a monster—it was against grief, vengeance, and forgotten pain. Now, standing among ruins, the bond between them was stronger than ever.