Finally, I can take revenge for my parents and my village.
I take a deep breath for a moment, staring at Blake's castle.
Blake is the one who destroyed my village and killed my parents when I was only seven years old.
My parents and my villagers saved my life with their own.
I was terrified and ran away, leaving everyone behind. I regretted everything because I couldn't do anything.
But my father's last words still echo inside me:
"Do not regret running away. If you don't live, no one can avenge us or protect our pride. Stay alive… run for us."
I cried as I ran while they fought for me.
From that day, I was adopted by my father's master, and I trained with everything I had to avenge Blake.
Now, I have everything I need to face the enemy who took everything from me.
When I was lost in my thoughts, Claire suddenly appeared behind me.
"Sir, why didn't you tell us you're going to kill Blake now?
Let me fight with you. I'm the one servant who gave my life and faith to you.
Please… let me fight beside you."
I slowly turned my head.
"You don't need to involve yourself in this.
I want to take this revenge with my own hands for my parents and my village.
Claire… I don't want you to get hurt or die for me again."
Claire shook her head.
"Sir, your problems are my problems.
Anything that concerns you concerns me as well.
Please let me fight with you.
I don't want you to face everything alone…
and I must also avenge my own country and my parents."
Claire was like a daughter to me. I didn't want anyone hurt.
"Claire, listen.
It's extremely dangerous to face Blake.
He's not only powerful in magic… he can use forbidden curse arts.
He is the king of the Meno Kingdom."
Claire gripped my hand tightly.
I knew Blake had also destroyed her family and country.
"Sir… it's too dangerous to fight the whole army and Blake alone.
You might die.
I don't want to lose you.
You lost everything—your army, your partner, everyone who trusted you.
But you don't have to face this alone.
You were one of the strongest knights…
but please, let me stay by your side again."
I exhaled slowly, clearing my mind.
She was right, and she was the last person standing by my side.
I needed to trust her.
"It seems I can't stop you…
Then help me save the princess at the top of the tower.
But don't push yourself.
If you can't win, retreat immediately."
She nodded gently and smiled.
I took out the dagger my parents had given me.
"Mother… Father…
I swear I will crush Blake and make him regret everything he did."
I gripped my sword tightly, jumped into the air above Blake's army, and dove into the enemy lines.
"Blake, wait for me…
It's time to avenge everything!"
My sword tore through the air and shattered the ground.
Dozens of enemies fell with one strike.
Blake still didn't notice me because Claire was supporting from behind, shooting down every alert tower.
The castle grounds were huge—like a city.
The entire army began losing their formation.
---
Captain: "Hey! Guards! Report the situation to the Knight and the main army, now!"
Soldier: "Sir! There are no guards left! They're all dead!"
Captain: "What!? What's happening here!?"
---
Claire shot every soldier blocking my path or guarding the towers and gates.
She was incredible with a bow.
I rushed forward faster than I expected.
I defeated all the soldiers nearby.
After a few minutes, the army realized I had infiltrated their castle.
The alarm bell rang, and forces gathered from every direction.
But I escaped before they spotted me.
I didn't have time to fight them all—I needed to find Blake first.
I followed the direct route into the castle but was trapped by a silver gate.
It couldn't be broken with a sword—magic was required, but I cannot use magic.
Soon, soldiers surrounded me and blocked every exit.
Knight: "Hmph… You're alone.
Do you really think you can beat us and escape?"
I smiled.
"Beat you?
I don't need to run.
I need to warm up my hands first."
I rushed forward at full speed and cut down the knight who looked like their leader.
The soldiers fell silent, shocked.
Fear spread among them.
Soldier: "Don't let him escape!
Kill him!
We have over 200 soldiers—he can't fight us all!"
I spun my sword, striking down countless soldiers.
Bodies fell one after another, but more kept charging.
Framd (narration):
"I don't want to kill all of you… but I have no time to waste."
I killed every soldier and took the key from the fallen knight.
"Finally… here it is."
I opened the silver gate, but behind it was a golden gate—guarded by one man.
---
Gate-Keeper Encounter
Gate-Keeper:
"You look strong…
but you can't defeat me."
Before I rushed forward, lightning struck the golden gate.
It must have been Claire.
Gate-Keeper:
"Oh? You're not alone.
Do you think the two of you can beat me?"
Claire stepped forward.
"No.
I can beat you without my master."
She glanced back at me.
"Sir, I'll handle the Gate-Keeper.
You go ahead.
Don't waste time here—the soldiers are coming from every direction."
Framd:
"Thank you, Claire.
But be careful.
Don't push too hard if you can't win.
He looks stronger than he appears."
Claire:
"Don't worry, sir.
He may look strong…
but I don't think he can beat me."
Framd:
"You don't need to risk your life.
Save the princess first.
If the soldiers arrive, retreat immediately."
Claire:
"Yes, sir.
I won't die or lose here.
I'll follow you after I defeat him."
The Gate-Keeper laughed loudly.
"Hahaha!
I like your spirit.
Show me all your skills before you die!"
He opened a space behind him so I could pass.
He wasn't doing this for duty—he wanted the fight.
I ran toward Blake, though I still worried about Claire.
Behind me, Claire called out:
"Hey! Golden Gate-Keeper!
Let's start!"
Gate-Keeper:
"I'm not 'Masked-Keeper'.
I'm the Golden Gate-Keeper.
Now… let's fight."
He readied his sword.
Claire raised her bow, keeping distance.
She waited for the first move.
Claire was unbeatable with a bow.
My soldiers once called her "God of the Shooter."
She could pierce anything with her arrows.
But the Gate-Keeper wasn't weak—he wasn't someone she could defeat easily.
She aimed at his head and fired rapidly.
He dodged swiftly and rushed toward her.
He swung his sword at her neck, but Claire blocked it with her bow and leapt back, keeping distance.
Gate-Keeper:
"Haha!
You have real battle experience.
No one ever blocked my first strike before.
You're strong enough.
What's your name, kid?"
Claire readied her bow again.
"You don't need my name.
You won't live long enough to remember it.
No one can escape my arrows.
Round two."
Gate-Keeper:
"You're rude, kid.
Let's see how long your confidence lasts.
I'll use my real skill—
Grand Palace Array!"
Claire:
"Then take this—
Dragon Force Light!"
Their battle grew fiercer.
Neither side had the advantage yet.