A man was gently rubbing an emerald bow as a shadow manifested. He said, "She failed to get her hands on the variable, but she was able to escape."
The man didn't say anything, but the shadow seemed to struggle as it said, "Forgive me… it will not happen again…"
The man still didn't reply and continued polishing the bow…
Veer was currently in a dilemma as he followed a knight called Sythris on horseback. Rows of golden knights—about five dozen—formed this army. Behind them followed an even greater number of silver and bronze knights, marching in orderly fashion. Their flags swayed as Veer's heart stirred. As they passed through the gates, many people cheered for the army.
Veer could see even small children waving the flags of Drudar, their faces full of excitement. Many shouted, "I also want to be a knight!"
Some time ago, Veer had actually tried to refuse to come, but seeing Knight Sythris and Eryssa from behind—Eryssa nodding encouragingly—he decided to follow. Sythris had even helped him recover to his peak condition with a strange potion. He was currently holding it as he rode. It was so powerful that his body had instantly reached its peak.
"It seems that to protect Eryssa, Nyelle has made some arrangements," he thought. He looked to one of the silver knights beside him—none other than Kerin. Giving him a small kick to wake him from his daydream, he muttered, "This fool is daydreaming in the middle of a war march."
Kerin startled. "Who is it? Who's there?" He looked around as everyone gave him amused glances. Then he spotted Veer. "Bro, can't you see I was having a great dream? Just a few more moments—why'd you break it?"
Veer gave him another kick, making Kerin's horse stumble. "Okay, okay! Sorry! Tell me, what do you want?"
Veer asked, "Why am I going with this army?"
Kerin's expression darkened. "Still pretending, huh? Isn't it because she likes you?"
Veer gave him another kick, and Kerin groaned. "Alright, stop it, damn it! It was ordered by the commander. Mostly because someone seems to be targeting you. That's all I know."
Veer noticed that the group wasn't particularly welcoming toward him. Was it because of Sythris?
Another golden knight came riding up from the side with a smile. "Veer! Don't worry! We actually respect you a lot—it's just that some of us are a little protective of our leader."
Kerin muttered, "Royen, you'd better respect me too, then."
Royen kicked him lightly back. "You want respect? Then act like it."
Veer looked ahead through the forested road. "Where does this lead? And why are we going there?"
Kerin explained, "Basically, we're trying to surround them. See those shields? They're specialized for that."
Veer looked behind, where a large number of silver knights carried shields with sharp spikes.
Kerin continued as more knights gathered to listen. Veer realized something—though no one respected Kerin personally, everyone respected his knowledge and understanding.
"Braevan has about a quarter more knights than us," Kerin said. "And they have more black knights too. You've already encountered one of their strongest—the guy who broke the negotiation."
Veer's thoughts drifted to that dangerous knight they had faced. That man was indeed a black knight—one of the most formidable.
A girl named Ravel asked curiously, "What? How did you get out?"
Before Veer could answer, Kerin said sarcastically, "You guys still don't know him, huh? There were three gems ready to protect him, each one with the strength of a black knight, probably."
The surrounding knights exchanged uneasy looks and began to eye Veer suspiciously. Another girl, a golden knight with short hair and navy-blue armor, asked uncertainly, "Veer… are you in a relationship with both the princess and the White Knight?"
Veer gave her a sharp look, and she immediately fell silent. He sighed. "Don't get the wrong idea. We're just trying to find clues related to that incident."
Everyone's expressions grew grave. A silver knight asked quietly, "So… did the prince really die that day?"
Before he could say more, a golden knight slapped the back of his head. "Stop talking nonsense."
Kerin resumed, "Our army will probably surround them, but I don't have the full details. Anyway, we should reach Triet Fort within a prahar. From there, we'll follow Lady Sythris's instructions. And we've got one of the best knights with us…" he said, giving Veer a look.
Veer asked, "With this many people marching, it won't stay secret for long. What are we trying to accomplish, really?"
Kerin laughed. "Oh, Veer, how can a silver knight like us understand the thinking of a commander?"
Veer nodded—it made sense. But still, something felt off. He glanced to the far right, but only saw the back of a golden knight in navy armor giving instructions. He shook his head.
After about an prahar, they reached their destination. Sythris dismounted and commanded, "Everyone, settle as per earlier instructions." Veer observed the surroundings—it was somewhat isolated.
A huge tower stood nearby, half in ruins. The area itself looked ancient and scarred. Evening had fallen as the knights began setting up their tents around the tower at spaced intervals. Sythris entered the tower with a few knights.
Veer sat down beside Kerin, exhausted. "So, now what? When does it start?"
Kerin said gravely, sipping wine, "Actually, tomorrow. The knights from Braevan are marching, and ours will move too—probably in the dark."
Kerin was drawing on the ground, showing Veer the enemy positions. After the explanation, Veer said, "So basically, after they engage each other, our teams will attack from the sides. And Eleana's team will handle the machinery. Makes sense—but why is Braevan marching first? That gives us an advantage."
Around them, the camp buzzed with the sounds of clattering armor and laughter as knights drank and prepared. Veer noticed Sythris returning briefly to give orders before heading off again.
Kerin looked out into the distance. "Honestly, Veer, I'm not feeling good about this. Something's wrong… though I can't quite tell what."
He sighed, glancing toward Sythris and the others. "Well, maybe it'll be fine."
Veer nodded and asked, "What do you know about hidden kingdoms?"
Kerin gazed at him seriously. "Veer, you should stop prying into those matters. I've heard what happened. Who could've guessed Noelle was hiding so much? Back then, everyone mocked her for studying consciousness revival. Hah… Anyway, I'll tell you what I can. Mythria is a legendary kingdom said to be associated with lotuses. It's also said to be the home of the ancient tree—the center of the universe, or so I've read. As for Nameless Temple , it's the most mysterious hidden kingdom. Its said the hidden kingdoms have something that crossed the boundaries of human limits....They are called Sai....."
Kerin's expression twisted. "I can't share more… it's painful…" He clutched his head.
Veer tried to soothe him, his expression growing grave.
Kerin forced a strained smile. "Listen, Veer. What you think you see isn't always what it is. Things are much deeper. I've read from restricted books—only bits and pieces—but even that surface-level knowledge causes me agony if I try to speak of it…"
Veer's face turned pale. "Stop! Kerin, that's enough!" he shouted, drawing attention from nearby knights.
Kerin tried to say more but grew weak and collapsed, muttering, "Let's continue… later…" before fainting.
A few knights rushed over. Two girls knelt beside him, one checking his breath before sighing in relief. She looked at Veer angrily. "You're his friend, right? Then why do you always push him like this?"
Veer lowered his head. "I…"
Another girl tried to calm her down while Royen and a few others carried Kerin away.
Veer watched Kerin's unconscious body being taken and felt helpless. "Just what's going on? Why are there so many complications? Who am I? Why can't I remember?"
He lay flat on the ground, gazing at a distant star. "Am I just an insignificant star… one that's lost its value—that's why I have no memories?"
He looked up at the shimmering white moon, which shone brightly in contrast to the stars.