Xeran stood over the fallen knights, their groans of pain filling the air. The noble who had ordered them to attack had long since fled, his cowardice leaving his men behind.


    Xeran wiped the blood off his stolen blade, examining the ruins once more. Something in this place was calling to him.


    As he stepped deeper inside, the markings on the stone walls began to glow faintly. The ancient script felt oddly familiar, as if he had seen it before. His fingers traced the symbols, and suddenly—


    [System Alert: Recovered Fragment of Lost Memory.]


    A surge of images flooded his mind. A towering figure in black armor stood amidst flames, holding a massive sword crackling with energy. A battle against gods. A betrayal. A fall.


    Xeran stumbled back, gasping.


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    “What… was that?”


    The System didn’t answer, only displaying a cold message.


    [Memory Fragment Incomplete. Seek More Clues.]


    Before he could process the vision, a presence behind him made him turn sharply.


    A woman stood at the entrance of the ruins. Long silver hair, fierce golden eyes, and clad in battle-worn armor. Her sword, still dripping with fresh monster blood, rested at her side.


    Xeran recognized her immediately.


    Seraphina Valtier. A name whispered in the streets—a warrior princess, a runaway knight, and one of the strongest fighters in the Empire.


    She stared at him, brows furrowed. “You. Who are you?”


    Xeran smirked. “Just a traveler.”


    Her eyes narrowed. “You defeated those knights easily. That technique—where did you learn it?”


    Xeran chuckled. “What, never seen a guy fight before?”


    Seraphina didn’t laugh. Instead, she raised her sword slightly. “I don’t trust unknown variables.”


    Xeran sighed. So she was the cautious type.


    Before either could make a move, a deep growl rumbled through the ruins. The air grew heavy with heat and pressure.


    From the darkness, a massive beast emerged.


    An Armored Drake.


    Its molten eyes locked onto them, fire gathering in its throat.


    Xeran grinned. Finally, a real challenge.


    Seraphina raised her blade. “Looks like we’ll have to finish this later.”


    Xeran cracked his knuckles. “Fine by me.”


    The beast roared, and they charged.


    TO BE CONTINUED…