The firm hand suddenly froze mid-air.
Alwen looked up slightly, his eyes bewildered. Everyone in the cathedral began to murmur in unison.
The king said nothing. He slowly turned, each movement heavy and deliberate.
His majestic and cold gaze now fixed on the enormous stained-glass windows of the cathedral.
The vibrant, colorful glass depicted the goddess Auriel, the protector of the kingdom, her eyes gentle yet stern, her hands raised high, holding a blazing torch.
The cathedral fell into a sudden silence.
The king gripped the crown tightly in his hands, his breathing heavy.
Then—
"DRAGON, IT'S A DRAGON!!!"
A terrified scream echoed from outside, reverberating through the cathedral.
The king jolted. The crown in his hand was flung upward, spinning and glinting in the flood of light. He drew the staff embedded in the stone floor, its shaft blazing as if awakened from a long slumber.
"Get back, Alwen!!"
His roar echoed as a massive black shadow enveloped the light streaming through the windows.
*CRASH—!!!*
The glass windows shattered, shards raining down through the air. A colossal dragon swooped in, its wings blotting out the sky, its body cloaked in darkness, scales glinting with eerie purple sparks.
Its blood-red eyes glowed like twin eclipses, gripping the souls of everyone present. Its roar tore through the cathedral's dome, shaking the very space.
"GRUAAAAAAAAOOOOHHH—!!!"
The cathedral trembled. Soldiers shouted, and the crowd surged backward in panic.
The king remained silent. He turned, his massive hand shoving Alwen away, and in an instant, like an iron tower, he spun and raised his staff high.
*BOOM!!!*
A surge of red light erupted from the staff's tip, hurtling toward the dark dragon.
*BOOOOOM—!!!*
The explosion thundered like a lightning strike, knocking everyone in the cathedral off their feet. The marble floor cracked, pillars collapsed, and red light intertwined with darkness in a storm of chaos.
Alwen was thrown back, his body slamming hard against the wall.
The dragon's true form was revealed.
Its massive, pitch-black body writhed, scales forged like volcanic stone, reflecting fiery red light. Its wings spread wide, covering the cathedral's dome, plunging the space into suffocating darkness.
It raised its head high, its long neck stretching to the ceiling, its blood-red eyes blazing before unleashing a terrifying roar!
"GRUAAAAAOOOOHHHHH!!!"
King Regalus, blood streaming from his left shoulder, soaking his cloak, stood firm like a fortress. His breathing was heavy, but his eyes burned with unyielding fire.
He raised his staff high.
From its tip, a blinding beam shot toward the heavens. The sky outside roared violently.
*BOOOOOM—!!!*
A barrage of colossal lightning bolts rained down on the dragon. White-hot streaks tore through the clouds, striking like divine spears.
The blow made the dragon scream, its massive body shuddering violently.
The entire plaza trembled in sync.
Smoke and dust filled the cathedral.
No one could see anything. Only rapid breathing, pounding heartbeats, and a suffocating fear gripped their chests.
Suddenly—
A piercing screech echoed, and the massive black shadow tore through the haze. The dragon roared, its wings beating fiercely, its colossal body lunging toward the king like a deadly spear.
The distance closed. Less than a meter away, its gaping maw, lined with sword-like teeth, was about to swallow him whole.
The king froze, his eyes darkening—he knew he wouldn't react in time.
But at that moment—
*CLANG!!!*
A figure, not overly large but solid in every fiber, familiar and swift like a gust of wind, darted forward. Alwen.
He stood in front of his father, his face filled with resolve.
His sword swung upward, the steel flashing like lightning. A massive slash was unleashed, like an invisible blade of the gods.
*WHOOSH!!!*
The strike cleaved into the dragon's face, tearing through its seemingly invincible scales. Black blood sprayed, sparking red flames in the air. The dragon let out a pained roar, its massive body crashing into the stone pillars.
Everyone stood stunned.
A boy who seemed frail had, in that moment, stood before the dragon—and with a single slash, forced the beast to retreat.
The king's eyes widened, his hands tightening around his staff. His cold gaze flickered with astonishment… and pride.
Alwen lowered his sword, his breathing still ragged, and turned sharply to look back.
He ignored everything around him, immediately focusing on his father, whose shoulder trembled slightly.
"Father…! Are you alright?!" Alwen gripped his shoulder tightly.
But suddenly—
*WHOOOOSH—!!!*
A massive purple light shot toward them, blazing like a meteor tearing through the sky. The heat and magic were so intense that the marble floor beneath began to crack.
"DANGER!!!"
The king grabbed Alwen's shoulder with his massive hand, yanking his son aside. But at that moment, Alwen instinctively clung to his father's arm, and they both spun together.
Father and son, entwined, tumbled across the stone floor.
*BOOM—!!!*
The enormous purple energy sphere slammed into where they had just stood. A terrifying pillar of light erupted, smashing into the cathedral, engulfing everything in a destructive whirlwind. Smoke, fire, and debris exploded, obscuring all vision.
Alwen rolled, clutching his father's shoulder, gasping for breath. The king braced his staff against the ground, glancing briefly at his son.
Amid the thick smoke, King Regalus stood, his breathing heavy. He looked at his son, his eyes still carrying their familiar sternness, but deep within, Alwen saw a tremor he had never witnessed before.
"Alwen… you must leave. Now!" His voice roared, firm as a command.
"But Father! You're injured, and the people—"
The king gripped his staff tightly, cutting off his son. His voice lowered, hoarse but heavy as stone.
"It's because of the people that I must stay. A king's duty is to protect his subjects. But the duty of an heir… is to live, to carry the throne forward."
He spoke, but his hand on Alwen's shoulder tightened, as if reluctant to let go. His eyes were conflicted, torn between pushing his son to safety and begging him not to abandon the trembling subjects behind them.
Alwen clenched his teeth, his eyes reflecting his father—not just the majestic king, but a father shielding his son and his kingdom.
"No, Father," Alwen said, his voice trembling but resolute.
"I'm not leaving. If you choose to stay for the people, so will I. I am the prince of Aurvel… and your son."
His eyes blazed. He gripped his sword tightly, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his father, facing the dark dragon roaring in the shadows.
The king fell silent for a moment. Then the corner of his mouth twitched, a faint smile of both helplessness and pride.
"You stubborn boy…" he whispered, tightening his grip on his staff before shouting,
"THEN WATCH CLOSELY, ALWEN!"
With a roar, he slammed his staff into the ground, the sound thundering like an explosion!
"CHARGE!!!"
The command echoed through the cathedral, as if awakening hidden figures.
*BOOM!!! BOOM!!! BOOM!!!*
From beneath the shattered tiles, stone slabs burst upward, dust rising in clouds. Dozens of silver-armored warriors leapt forward, their massive weapons gleaming in the dim light.
"GYAAAAHHHH!!!"
Four towering warriors wielding greatswords roared in unison, charging like lightning. Their steel blades slashed down, *BOOM*, piercing deep through the dragon's steel-like scales, embedding into the marble floor.
One blade pinned its left wing.
Another stabbed through its tail, locking it in place.
The remaining two pinned its right wing and underbelly, black blood spraying and sizzling like lava.
The dragon roared furiously, its massive body thrashing wildly.
Immediately, four more warriors, wielding enormous war hammers, leapt high into the air.
"AAAHHHHH!!!"
Their battle cries echoed. The hammers crashed down on the dragon's limbs.
*BOOOOOM!!!*
The blow was earth-shattering. Bone and flesh shattered under the immense force. The dragon screamed in agony, its massive body pinned to the ground, scales shattering, black blood gushing like a river.
King Regalus stood on the high steps, his staff raised, eyes blazing. He shouted,
"THIS IS THE TRUE STRENGTH OF THE KINGDOM OF AURVEL!!!"
He stepped forward, his staff glowing as if carrying the wrath of the heavens. He raised it high, preparing to deliver the final blow to end the dragon.
The battlefield held its breath.
But just as victory seemed within reach—
"FATHER, BE CAREFUL!!!" Alwen shouted.
The dragon's body suddenly glowed intensely, its black scales cracking to reveal swirling, dark purple magic.
"NOOO!!!"
*BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!*
A massive energy explosion erupted, sweeping everything away. The black-purple light surged like an apocalyptic storm, shattering pillars, collapsing the dome, and blasting the elite warriors aside.
As the dust settled, Alwen slowly opened his eyes, his breathing heavy.
The scene was one of devastation. The stone floor was scorched black, cracked into deep craters. Soldiers' bodies lay scattered in the rubble, their groans mingling with the howling wind.
Alwen tried to stand, but searing pain made his body tremble. Blood streamed down his face. He raised his hand and realized his right eye was shattered, leaving only darkness.
A choked sob escaped him, but he refused to collapse. Despite the agony racking his body, Alwen turned sharply to the side.
"Father…!!"
King Regalus lay there, blood pooling across his cloak. He was barely breathing, but his eyes remained open, still sharp.
"Al…wen… You're… still alive…"
Alwen collapsed beside his father, his trembling hands clutching his bloodied shoulders.
"Father… please don't say that… I… I'll save you!" His throat choked with emotion.
The dragon swooped down, each wingbeat a storm, each roar a thunderclap.
It was clear—this was no longer a creature humans could face.
Alwen clenched his fists, his left hand steadying his trembling right. Blood from his ruined eye mixed with dust and smoke, but he stood firm.
He gripped the broken, jagged remnant of his sword, raising it high as if hoisting his last shred of pride.
The dragon lowered its massive head, its fiery red eyes like pits of flame. Its scorching, foul breath blasted into Alwen's face.
It seemed as though one bite would swallow Alwen whole, but then—
"HAHAHAHAHAHA…!!!"
A deafening laugh erupted, shaking the ruined cathedral. The voice was guttural, half-mad, half-mocking.
The chilling sound stunned Alwen, the dying king, and the trembling survivors in the rubble.
The eerie laughter faded, replaced by a deep, terrifying voice, like thousands of stones rolling in an abyss.
"Well… Father and his pathetic little boy…"
"It's been a while, hasn't it?!"
The entire castle fell into a deathly silence. The voice belonged to a figure from the dark memories of Alwen's childhood.
Alwen's lips trembled, his throat tight. He whispered a name.
"…Magnus…"
◇
"There you are—pathetic little weakling! What, sharing scraps with those filthy peasants now?"
A tall figure loomed over Alwen, surrounded by his mocking cronies, their eyes dripping with scorn.
"I didn't—"
Before Alwen could explain, a kick to his face sent him sprawling. Hot blood streamed from his nose, dust stinging his eyes.
"Still denying it? I'll teach you a lesson!" The shout was followed by cruel laughter, booming like thunder.
◇
"What do you think you're doing, little hero? If I don't beat you senseless today, you'll start getting ideas tomorrow!"
They surrounded him, their mocking words slicing into his fragile pride like razors.
◇
"Playing with those rotten sticks, huh? Don't tarnish the royal family's name!"
"What did you just say? You dare challenge me?"
The tall figure stepped forward, slamming his fist into Alwen's trembling chest.
"Trash like you will only dirty my hands—get lost!"
He shoved Alwen back against the wall, as if casting aside a useless object.
◇
Alwen stood frozen, his eyes wide, staring at the massive black shadow before him. His throat was too tight to speak.
King Regalus struggled to prop himself up with his staff, blood pouring from the wound in his chest. He forced himself to stand, his voice hoarse but still commanding:
"What… have you become, Magnus…?"
The dragon lowered its head, its glowing red eyes glinting through the rubble.
It flashed a chilling smile.
"A monster, you say? Ha… haha… Wasn't it you, Regalus, who indirectly made me this way?!"
Its voice boomed, laced with pain and hatred:
"The day you cast me out of the family… the day you called me 'useless,' a 'stain on the royal bloodline'…"
"That was the day I died. And now, I've returned… to repay you for that 'kindness'!"
He laughed wildly, his voice echoing like a demon singing amid the ashes.
Then the dragon tilted its head, its blood-red eyes locking onto Alwen.
"And you… Alwen…"
His voice dropped, each word dripping with contempt.
"'Prince'? How laughable. What's the point of your persistence?"
"You've always been inferior to me in every way—strength, intellect, talent… everything."
"Isn't it true that no matter how hard a snail tries, it can never outrun a leopard?"
Magnus grinned cruelly, his massive teeth glinting like blades.
"You were born to bow, and I was born to crush."
Alwen collapsed to his knees, his legs weak. The world around him blurred, leaving only the pounding of his heart in his ears. He wanted to fight back, to speak, but his throat was choked—he couldn't utter a word.
Magnus looked down, his lips curling into a cold smirk.
"What's this… not even the courage to retort, weak little prince?"
He raised his head, a low growl rumbling in his throat, as a brilliant purple light began to gather in his maw—an energy capable of leveling a mountain.
"This ends here, Alwen… You don't deserve to exist in this world."
The purple light surged, ready to unleash.
But—
*WHOOSH!*
A piercing whistle cut through the air. A small, black object shot upward like lightning.
*THUD!*
A tiny spear pierced the dragon's throat. The purple light flickered out, and Magnus roared in pain, black blood spraying, the stench filling the air.
Amid the chaos, a figure emerged, stepping slowly through the smoke.
Silver-black armor gleamed faintly. Sweat-soaked, disheveled hair clung to his face, but his eyes were sharp as knives.
Ronan.
He stood before Alwen, his tall, lean frame as unyielding as a spear in a storm.
Alwen looked up, his voice weak and hoarse:
"…Ro…nan…"
Ronan glanced back. Amid the smoke and purple light, the corner of his mouth lifted in a familiar, warm smile.
"I promised, didn't I… I'd always show up when it mattered most."
His voice was soft but resonated like a bell in the depths of despair.
Ronan turned to face Magnus, who now seemed enraged, flapping his massive wings and charging at the three of them with terrifying speed!
Ronan silently crouched, gripping the hilt of a fallen knight's sword, his eyes cold and sharp. His body vanished from its spot in a blink.
*WHOOSH—!!!*
A fierce gust roared. He darted forward, snatching a fallen knight's razor-sharp sword, then spun, using his momentum to carve a long, diagonal slash across the dragon's massive body.
*SLASH!!!*
The blade tore through the steel-like black scales. Black blood sprayed, sparking as it hit the ground.
Magnus roared, his body twisting violently, his enormous wings beating a furious gale that sent massive stone slabs flying. The wound on his body glowed, then healed completely in seconds.
"YOU WRETCH…!!!" Magnus bellowed, charging with horrifying speed, like a black star crashing to earth.
The space shook.
Ronan stood still. He tightened his grip on the sword, crouching slightly, then sprang upward like a bolt of lightning.
A silver streak sliced through the air, meeting the blazing purple light charging from the dragon.
The two lights collided in an instant—
*BOOOOOM!!!*
A deafening explosion erupted. A whirlwind of dust and smoke swept through the area.
In that moment, Alwen could only shield his eyes, his breath caught in his throat.
As the dust settled—
Ronan stood before him, back straight, sword still dripping with blood.
Behind them, the dragon's massive body stood motionless. The purple light in its eyes faded. Its body trembled once… then collapsed with a *BOOM—!!!*, shaking the earth, revealing a clean gash across its soft underbelly.
Dust rose like a black rain.
Ronan said nothing, lowering his sword, his breathing steady.
He stepped forward, gently supporting Alwen's exhausted body.
The air… was strangely still.
The smoke cleared, and the light softened.
"Ronan… did we win?"
Ronan didn't answer, only offering a faint, warm smile.
But—
From the ashes, a low, guttural voice rumbled, heavy as if rising from the depths of the earth.
"Ronan…"
Ronan froze. His eyes darkened, his body completely still.
From the dragon's ruined body, a faint purple glow flickered, and Magnus's mocking voice rang out!
"You… are such a disappointment, Ronan."
No one understood what was happening. The surviving soldiers exchanged confused glances. The king struggled to lift his head, his brows furrowed.
Alwen looked up, stunned:
"Magnus… is talking… to Ronan?"
"You've utterly failed your task… how shameful."
Ronan remained silent.
A cold wind swept through. In Alwen's eyes, something flickered—a faint, ominous purple glow in Ronan's pupils.
Magnus chuckled softly, his hoarse voice echoing through the space.
"Didn't I task you with getting close to him, Ronan?
To stay by his side. To protect him. And when he fully trusted you…"
His voice dropped, cold as a blade.
"…to strike."
The plaza fell into absolute silence.
Alwen froze. He looked up, eyes wide, unable to blink.
His lips trembled, barely able to form words.
"…What… did you say…?"
Ronan stood like a statue, his back to Alwen.
In Alwen's mind, memories flashed like lightning.
The day they first met…
Ronan's warm smile, the way he shielded him during a blizzard…
And—
A faint memory, when Alwen had once glimpsed Ronan in a dark alley, speaking in a low voice to strangers, his eyes unlike his usual self.
Back then, Alwen had told himself, "I must have been mistaken."
But now, those fragments silently pieced together into a cruel picture.
"No… it can't be…" Alwen shook his head, his voice breaking, his breathing ragged.
"Ronan… you…"
Magnus laughed, his voice cutting like a knife through an old wound.
"He did well, didn't he? Such a pity…"
The purple glow flared in the dragon's eye sockets.
"…that in the end, his foolish emotions ruined everything."
Alwen stared at Ronan, but he remained silent. The wind stirred the ashes, lifting tattered cloth. Amid the eerie howling of the wind, no one could tell what was real or what was a lie.
The air felt suffocating.
Alwen blinked, his voice breaking from the depths of his soul:
"Is it true, Ronan?"
Ronan stood still for a long moment. Finally, he sighed, nodding faintly, coldly, without a word of defense.