《The Fallen One》


 The Clashes between the blades and the Beast.

    As night descends, the world is cast in silver and shadow. Gentle winds weave through the towering trunks of ancient trees, their thick canopies swaying in a slow, rhythmic dance. The grasslands stretch like an undulating sea beneath the soft glow of the moon, bathed in its pale radiance. Every blade of grass trembles under the cool caress of the night air, whispering secrets to those who dare to listen. It is a moment of serenity¡ªone that masks the ever-present tension lurking beneath nature¡¯s tranquil exterior.


    The magical forests breathe with life. Crickets hum in rhythmic pulses, the distant cries of nocturnal hunters echo through the undergrowth, and unseen predators slink between the shadows, their eyes gleaming like scattered embers in the dark. This land is ancient, its harmony carefully crafted by the endless cycle of survival. For centuries, it has served as both sanctuary and battlefield, a shared domain where beasts and men cross paths in a dance of coexistence and conflict.


    To the untrained eye, the wilderness is a place of peace, untouched and eternal. But those who have walked these lands long enough know better.


    The relationship between man and beast is one of necessity, not harmony. The hunt is more than a means of survival¡ªit is a test, a rite of passage, a proving ground where skill is measured in blood and instinct. Some hunt for food, others for sport, and a few, the most dangerous of all, seek battle itself. But the beasts of these lands are not mere prey. They are warriors in their own right, shaped by the same ruthless laws that govern their human adversaries. Some fight to protect their territory, others to feed, but all share one immutable truth¡ªonly the strong endure.


    Here, in the wilds, dominance is not granted. It is taken.


    Beneath the veil of moonlight, the cycle continues, silent and unbroken. The wind shifts, carrying the scent of something unseen, something watching. The night no longer feels quite so still.


    The hunt has begun.


    SWOOSH!


    A blur of motion carved through the tranquil night, the once-peaceful atmosphere ruptured by a force of raw desperation. Crashing through the underbrush, a towering beast¡ªits breath labored, its limbs streaked with wounds¡ªpushed itself forward with every ounce of strength it had left.


    A Wendigo.


    A monstrous figure, its dark, matted fur merging with the gloom of the forest. At first glance, it resembled a stag, but that illusion faded the moment one saw its twisted, predatory form. Its elongated snout bore the sharp contours of a hyena¡¯s maw, its jagged teeth gleaming like daggers. Its falcon-like eyes flickered with both intelligence and fear¡ªan animal¡¯s primal instinct warring with the cunning of a survivor.


    Behind it, five hunters pursued with unwavering precision. They were not scattered or scrambling; they moved as a unit, their footsteps synchronized in the cadence of experience. Their presence cut through the trees like blades, each figure shadowing the Wendigo with deadly intent.


    The creature knew them. It feared them.


    This wasn¡¯t their first encounter.


    It had once belonged to a pack, a proud alpha leading its kin through these mana-rich forests, unchallenged and unbroken. But now, it was alone, hunted, bleeding. The deep gash along its flank¡ªstill oozing thick rivulets of purple blood¡ªwas a cruel testament to its misfortune. Separated from its kin, ambushed, outmaneuvered. And if it didn¡¯t turn the tide soon, it would die here.


    Yet, even wounded, a B+ rank mana beast was no easy prey.


    The Wendigo slammed its claws against the earth, launching itself into the treetops in a desperate attempt to escape. Its battered form twisted in the air, limbs snapping against branches, but before it could gain distance¡ª


    CLANG!


    A flash of steel. A figure blocked its path, descending like a thunderbolt.


    "You''re fast," a deep voice rumbled. Captain Raga.


    Tall, broad-shouldered, his muscular frame encased in black armor streaked with glowing blue veins of mana. A longsword hung in his grasp, tilted downward, its blade still slick with the Wendigo¡¯s blood. He stood firm between the beast and his comrades, a confident smirk carving into his face. His stance spoke volumes¡ªthis fight was already his.


    The Wendigo skidded to a halt, its gaze locking onto the sword. It remembered that blade. The pain it had inflicted.


    "Shush now, Raga," a sharp voice cut in.


    Lady Dawn.


    Her presence was less physically imposing than Raga¡¯s, but she carried a different kind of weight. She was a strategist, a fire mage, and the calm amidst chaos. The air around her shimmered with mana, the energy thick enough to taste. Her auburn eyes flicked toward the darkened treeline.


    "We don¡¯t have time for theatrics. End this quickly," she ordered, her voice crisp, urgent.


    "I concur," came a second voice, smooth as silk.


    A slender figure in dark bluish robes stepped forward, his movements barely disturbing the leaves beneath him. Rey. His twin daggers reflected the moonlight like fangs bared in warning. His posture was relaxed, almost casual, but there was a predatory sharpness in his stance. His eyes never left the Wendigo.


    "We should not prolong this," he murmured.


    Raga exhaled, rolling his shoulders. Fine.


    "Rey, Dawn¡ªcover the rear," he commanded. "I¡¯ll lead the charge."


    With a shift of his grip, his longsword ignited in a ghostly blue glow, mana rippling through the metal like a heartbeat. The Wendigo stiffened, its muscles coiling. It had no choice but to fight.


    The battle began.


    Raga lunged first, the ground splitting beneath his momentum. The Wendigo met him head-on with a guttural roar, its massive antlers crashing against his blade. The impact sent a shockwave through the clearing, rippling the tall grass in waves. The sheer force threw Raga back several meters, but he barely stumbled¡ªhis feet dug into the earth, stabilizing his stance.


    The Wendigo didn¡¯t hesitate. It reared back, its claws slashing through the air¡ªfive transparent, spear-like mana arcs erupted from its strike, racing toward the hunters.


    Raga¡¯s grip tightened.


    "Crimson Ultima."


    His voice resonated with power. The glow of his sword intensified, veins of deep red weaving through the blue. With a single horizontal slash, he unleashed a C-shaped arc of energy, the mana wave carving through the night like a burning crescent. The two forces collided mid-air¡ªBOOM!¡ªa deafening explosion of mana erupted, shaking the very trees.


    A blur shot through the smoke. Rey.


    The rogue moved like a ghost, twin daggers flashing as he sliced across the Wendigo¡¯s flank. A hiss of pain from the beast. But before it could retaliate, Rey was gone, vanishing into the thick of battle once more.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    The Wendigo¡¯s nostrils flared. It was weakening. But still dangerous.


    Dawn raised a hand.


    "Mana Zone: Ignis Barrage."


    The night lit up. Meteors of fire rained down from the sky, crashing into the Wendigo¡¯s body and sending flames rippling across the battlefield. The beast shrieked, thrashing wildly, its fur singed and smoking.


    Raga saw his opening.


    With Crimson Ultima still pulsing in his hands, he charged into the inferno.


    "Raga, WAIT!" Dawn roared.


    Too late.


    He leapt through the smokescreen, his sword raised for the final strike. His heart pounded¡ªthis is it, the finishing blow!


    Then, his stomach twisted.


    Something was wrong.


    The Wendigo was too still.


    Its mouth moved.


    Raga¡¯s blood ran cold.


    A low hum. Mana crackling. A blue glow forming between its fangs.


    "A MANA BEAM!"


    Time slowed.


    The Wendigo lunged, a football-sized sphere of raw mana gathering in its mouth, the glow intensifying, ready to fire¡ª


    Raga¡¯s instincts screamed. His body shifted, sword twisting, but he wasn¡¯t fast enough¡ª


    The night erupted in light.


    BOOOOM!


    The night was torn apart by a violent detonation of mana.


    At point-blank range, the Wendigo¡¯s mana beam slammed into Raga like a battering ram of pure destruction. The impact sent him hurtling hundreds of meters across the vast grasslands, his massive frame crashing through the air like a broken comet.


    He hit the ground with a thunderous impact, tumbling violently through the underbrush before slamming into a cluster of trees. Splinters exploded in every direction. The force of his landing shook the earth.


    For a brief moment, everything was still.


    The Wendigo panted, its chest heaving, watching where Raga had fallen. It could feel its own body weakening¡ªits mana reserves dangerously low, its wounds bleeding freely. It had bought itself seconds to recover, and it would take them.


    But it had underestimated them.


    SHING!


    A blur of motion. Twin daggers whistled through the air.


    Rey was already on the move, closing the distance like a shadow given form. He slid into the vanguard position, his strikes precise and relentless. Unlike Raga¡¯s overwhelming power, Rey¡¯s technique was a dance of death¡ªeach step measured, each attack landing where the beast least expected.


    The Wendigo staggered, struggling to counter the sudden assault.


    Then Dawn entered the fray.


    With perfect synchronization, she pressed the attack, her movements mirroring Rey¡¯s rhythm. Unlike him, however, she wielded more than just speed¡ªshe struck with both fire and foresight, weaving between openings, always predicting the Wendigo¡¯s next move.


    Together, they were a storm.


    A sudden realization hit the Wendigo. It wasn¡¯t being fought.


    It was being hunted.


    "Shit," Raga groaned, using Crimson Ultima as a crutch to push himself upright. His body screamed in protest, the lingering effects of the mana beam still burning through his veins.


    That thing had nearly ripped his entire right arm off.


    "And unnecessary," a soft, melodic voice chimed from behind.


    A familiar presence.


    She moved like a whisper, her silvery robes flowing around her like liquid moonlight. June.


    Her delicate hands hovered just above his back, magic already crackling at her fingertips. A mischievous smile curled on her lips as she assessed his injuries, her amusement evident.


    "You¡¯re lucky your dear old sword saved you," she mused. "If not, well¡­ you¡¯d be learning how to swing with your left arm from now on."


    Raga exhaled through gritted teeth, irritation flickering across his face. "June. Heal me. Now."


    June¡¯s smile widened.


    "As you wish, Captain Big Back."


    A warm glow enveloped his wounds, the pain ebbing away as her magic did its work. The raw cuts sealed, the bruises faded, and strength surged back into his limbs.


    "Quickly," Raga said, rolling his shoulder as the last remnants of his injuries vanished. "The Wendigo is nearly finished. The final blow has to be mine."


    June stifled a giggle.


    Of course it does.


    Rey moved like a ghost, his twin daggers flashing as they sliced through the beast¡¯s flesh.


    Each strike was a pinpoint execution¡ªbleeding the Wendigo out, severing tendons, limiting its movement. The creature tried to retaliate, but Rey was always one step ahead.


    Yet, it was losing more than just blood.


    It was losing time.


    It felt its mana dwindling, its strength slipping. It had fought too long, endured too much. It could no longer escape.


    And so¡­ it made its choice.


    The Wendigo stopped fighting Rey.


    Instead, it turned¡ªits burning eyes locked onto Dawn.


    Then, it charged.


    Rey¡¯s breath hitched.


    No, no, NO!


    He moved instantly, sprinting after the beast. But he already knew. He was fast¡ªbut the Wendigo was faster.


    Dawn¡¯s eyes widened.


    She knew too.


    "RETREAT!" she shouted. "A DISCH¡ª!"


    A glow.


    The Wendigo¡¯s entire body began to radiate light.


    A Sacrificial Mana Discharge.


    A beast¡¯s final weapon.


    A last-ditch explosion of everything left in its mana core¡ªturning its own body into a walking bomb.


    At this range?


    Instant vaporization.


    Rey pushed forward, pouring everything into his speed.


    But it wasn¡¯t enough.


    The glow intensified.


    The Wendigo was already detonating.


    And then¡ª


    BOOOOOOOM!


    Another explosion shattered the jungle¡¯s silence, sending a shockwave tearing through the dense foliage. The force rippled outward, rattling the towering trees, their leaves trembling like frightened hands.


    Raga sprang into action, his instincts sharper than thought. The moment the blast subsided, he was already moving, his boots pounding against the earth. Unlike Rey, who had narrowly escaped the blast radius with his agility, Dawn hadn¡¯t been as fortunate.


    She wasn¡¯t fast enough.


    The realization hit him like a hammer.


    As he neared the blackened crater, his pulse thundered in his ears. The air was thick with lingering mana, yet something was wrong¡ªhe couldn¡¯t sense her mana signature.


    A hollow feeling clawed at his chest.


    "Dawwwnnn! Can you hear me?!"


    His voice roared through the tangled canopy, desperation cutting through the aftermath of destruction. His eyes scanned the chaotic wreckage¡ªsplintered trees, scorched earth, a crater still smoldering.


    Silence.


    Then¡ª


    ¡°Dawn!¡±


    June¡¯s voice rang out, bright with relief. She stood at the edge of the clearing, her small frame framed by the jagged remains of an uprooted tree. She raised an arm, pointing wildly.


    ¡°Over there, Captain!¡±


    Raga¡¯s gaze snapped toward the massive trunk where Dawn lay crumpled at its base.


    His relief was instant. But so was the dread.


    June rushed ahead, brushing away the tears threatening to spill as she knelt beside Dawn. Her healer¡¯s instincts took over, hands glowing as they hovered over the fallen comrade. Rey arrived seconds later, blade drawn, scanning their surroundings for any lurking threats.


    Raga exhaled sharply, his fists clenched as he watched Dawn¡¯s chest rise and fall.


    She was alive.


    Barely.


    ¡°If she survived that,¡± Raga muttered under his breath, ¡°then the rumors are true.¡±


    Rey, still on high alert, cast him a sharp glance. ¡°You¡¯re thinking about the Partial Discharge, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Raga didn¡¯t answer immediately. His mind whirled with the implications.


    A Mana Discharge should have been a death sentence at that range. Yet, Dawn was here¡ªbattered, but breathing.


    ¡°A partial explosion,¡± Raga finally murmured, his gaze distant. ¡°Not enough to kill¡­ just enough to cripple.¡±


    Rey scoffed, wiping sweat from his brow. ¡°So it¡¯s real, then? I thought it was just some glorified myth.¡±


    For years, adventurers had whispered about it¡ªa way to dampen the lethal blast of a Mana Discharge. If true, it could change everything. Yet, no one had ever confirmed its existence. No seasoned adventurer had witnessed it firsthand.


    Until now.


    And their enemy had used it first.


    A low, ragged growl crawled through the humid air.


    The Wendigo was still alive.


    Barely.


    It dragged its ruined body across the jungle floor, leaving behind a thick, blackened trail of blood. The Partial Discharge had spared its life¡ªbut at a cost. Its limbs trembled with every feeble movement, its once-burning mana signature reduced to flickering embers.


    A heavy step crushed the grass behind it.


    The creature¡¯s broken body froze.


    It knew.


    The hunter had arrived.


    Raga didn¡¯t speak as he advanced, dragging his longsword through the dirt beside him. The sharp edge hissed against the earth.


    The Wendigo clawed forward one last time.


    It didn¡¯t make it far.


    A weak, defiant roar left its throat¡ªcut short by the clean, decisive slash of Raga¡¯s blade.


    Silence.


    June remained behind, brow furrowed in deep concentration as her healing magic wove around Dawn¡¯s unconscious form. The soft glow illuminated her face, the warmth of the spell casting shifting shadows against the towering jungle.


    Nearby, Rey stood guard, his eyes scanning every flicker of movement in the foliage. They weren¡¯t safe yet. Not in this jungle.


    The only sounds were the rustling wind through the trees and the soft, rhythmic hum of magic.


    Then¡ª


    A slow, deliberate clapping broke the quiet.


    Footsteps followed, each step measured and calculated, cutting through the tension like a blade.


    Rey¡¯s fingers twitched toward his daggers, but then he recognized the approaching figure.


    Clad in battle-worn armor, yet carrying herself with the poise of a seasoned warrior, Lady Sia emerged from the shadows of the jungle.


    ¡°Well done, everyone.¡±


    Her voice was smooth, but the keen glint in her piercing crimson eyes held weight. Admiration, yes¡ªbut also something sharper.


    Expectation.


    Rey exhaled, loosening his grip on his weapons. ¡°You had me worried for a second there, Lady Sia,¡± he said, cracking a tired smirk.


    Raga straightened his posture, his exhaustion buried beneath his usual stoic confidence.


    ¡°Thank you for your kind words, Lady Sia,¡± he said, inclining his head slightly. ¡°It¡¯s always reassuring to have a former BattleKnight watching our backs.¡±


    The corner of Sia¡¯s mouth twitched, a hint of amusement slipping through.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s finish the job,¡± she said, glancing toward Dawn¡¯s unconscious form. The jungle still loomed around them, dangers still lurking just beyond the reach of their light.


    ¡°And get the hell out of here.¡±

 Chp 2. His Beginning

    Raga''s Pov.


    Amidst the swirling maelstrom of thoughts and potential strategic decisions, one phrase echoed in my mind: "Death with no consequences, huh?" The sentiment lingered, trailing after a fleeting reflection on the night¡¯s events. Against all odds, it had gone well. Now, as I stood surveying the battlefield, I could only remind myself of one truth: the job was complete.


    We had slain the beast, and more importantly, we had preserved its mana core¡ªan invaluable asset. It would fetch us the eons we desperately required, easing the ever-present financial strain that loomed over our squad. It had been far too long since our team had seen a successful hunt under the watchful gaze of Goddess Luna.


    I glanced up. The moon¡¯s pale light bathed the clearing in a cold silver hue, its presence an unspoken acknowledgment of our success. A blessing? Perhaps. But I was pragmatic enough to know that divine favor meant little in the face of real danger. We had won because of our coordination, our strategy, and our ability to keep each other alive.


    And her presence.


    Lady Sia, our recent addition.


    Her recruitment had not been unanimous. Rey and June had vehemently opposed it, citing legitimate concerns. An ex-battleknight¡ªa former enforcer of the law¡ªjoining a squad of adventurers carried its own risks. Trust wasn¡¯t given freely in our line of work. But after weighing the dangers ahead, I had made the call. A warrior of her caliber was a shield worth the cost, even if it bled our funds dry. With her as our guardian, our survival in future encounters would be significantly bolstered.


    At least, that was the theory.


    The reality was different. Sia hadn¡¯t drawn her weapon once.


    And Rey had noticed.


    "Unbelievable." His voice, sharp as steel, shattered the quiet.


    I turned as he stepped forward, his posture tense, fists clenched at his sides.


    "I thought we hired you as our guardian¡ªour protector¡ªyet you stood by that goddamn tree the entire time instead of helping Lady Dawn. Got something to say about that, Lady Sia Machangel?"


    His tone carried an edge of disrespect I hadn¡¯t heard before. It wasn¡¯t just frustration¡ªit was anger, barely restrained.


    I debated intervening, but I knew Rey. Cutting him off now would only push him further. Better to let the words spill out, let him voice his resentment before it festered into something worse.


    Sia, however, remained unmoved.


    She stood a few meters away, arms crossed, her crimson eyes reflecting the dim glow of dawn breaking on the horizon. She had deliberately positioned herself apart from us, allowing June the space to work. Dawn lay between them, her breathing steady but weak, her wounds closing under June¡¯s magic.


    "Calm down, Rey-rey," June sighed, not looking up from her work. Her tone carried its usual exasperation, but there was an underlying firmness to it. "It was the captain''s instruction. Remember? He specifically told her not to engage unless we lost control of the situation."


    She paused, as if reconsidering, then added, "Which¡­ we didn¡¯t, by the way."


    Her gaze flicked between Rey and me. Even through her exhaustion, I saw the weight behind her words. This was a team decision. Sia had simply followed the agreed-upon plan.


    Still, I understood Rey¡¯s frustration. The battle had pushed us to our limits. Dawn had nearly collapsed maintaining the defensive barrier, and if our coordination had slipped for even a second, the Wendigo could have torn through us. Having Sia remain a passive observer through all of it had felt wrong.


    And yet, I had been the one who insisted she stay back.


    Sia, for her part, was unbothered. She didn¡¯t offer an immediate response to Rey¡¯s outburst, nor did she react to his hostility. Instead, she exhaled slowly, her gaze still fixed on the horizon, as if the conversation was beneath her concern.


    Finally, she spoke, her voice measured.


    "You¡¯re questioning the terms you agreed to?"


    It wasn¡¯t a challenge, nor was it dismissive. It was simply a statement, presented as if she were reminding him of an inconvenient truth.


    Rey bristled. "Oh yeah? What about that sacrificial spell? Why didn¡¯t you join the fight then, huh? Is that bloody title of yours just for show?!"


    His voice rose, his frustration tipping into genuine anger. The wound was deeper than I had realized. He wasn¡¯t just mad at her¡ªhe was mad at me for making the call.


    I watched his posture shift, his shoulders rising with each breath, his nostrils flaring. His judgment was clouded now, words spilling out unfiltered. This was dangerous. You didn¡¯t speak to a former battleknight like that.


    Sia turned her gaze to him at last.


    For a single moment, the air grew heavier, as if something unseen had shifted.


    Not a single muscle in her body tensed, not a flicker of aggression showed on her face¡ªbut the weight of her presence changed.


    It was a silent warning, one that only those who had spent their lives in combat would recognize. An unspoken shift in the battlefield.


    I saw it. June saw it.


    But Rey, too blinded by his own emotions, didn¡¯t.


    "You misunderstand the role of a guardian," Sia finally said. "A guardian does not charge recklessly into every battle. A guardian ensures their charge never needs them in the first place."


    Her words were calm, but layered beneath them was something else.


    Something absolute.


    Something that reminded us all exactly who she was.


    I exhaled, stepping forward at last. This had gone on long enough.


    "That¡¯s enough, Rey," I said, my voice firm. "She followed my orders."


    I let the words settle, watching as he clenched his jaw, frustration radiating off him. But he didn¡¯t argue. He turned away sharply, muttering something under his breath before stalking off.


    The tension lingered even after he was gone.


    I turned to Sia, studying her expression. Unreadable as ever.


    She had done exactly what I had asked of her.


    And yet, as I looked at Dawn¡¯s unconscious form, at Rey¡¯s retreating figure, at the deep exhaustion in June¡¯s eyes, I couldn¡¯t shake the question nagging at the back of my mind:


    Did I make the right call?


    I stepped forward, my grip tightening around Rey¡¯s left shoulder, halting his advance before he made a mistake he couldn¡¯t take back. If he took another step toward Lady Sia¡ªif his words carried any more disrespect¡ªhe would be inviting consequences far beyond his comprehension.


    "Watch your tone¡ª" I began, but I was cut off.


    "I''m not as fast as you, you know?"


    Lady Sia¡¯s voice, smooth and deliberate, carried through the clearing. It wasn¡¯t loud, yet it sliced cleanly through the tension hanging between us, its softness carrying an unmistakable finality.


    Her crimson gaze settled on Rey, her expression unreadable. "You''re right," she admitted, surprising us all. "I could have stepped in. I could have fought beside you when Dawn was struggling to hold her ground. But you had the advantage, didn¡¯t you?"


    Her words struck like a hammer wrapped in silk¡ªgentle in tone, but crushing in their implication. I saw a flicker of realization cross Rey¡¯s face, the first crack in his anger.


    Then she twisted the blade.


    "But your friend nearly died because of your inexperience."


    The statement was as sharp as a dagger, delivered without venom, yet it carried a weight that left no room for argument.


    "One decisive blow to Lord Ragnar¡ªthat was all it took for the beast to sense an opening, wasn¡¯t it? One mistake from your vanguard, and suddenly, your advantage was gone."


    Rey¡¯s jaw clenched, his fury now tangled with guilt.


    Sia tilted her head slightly, her lips curving ever so slightly¡ªnot in amusement, but in something akin to knowing patience. "Do not deflect your own shortcomings onto my abilities, young man."


    The shift was almost imperceptible at first.


    Then, the air around us grew heavy.


    Not with magic, nor with any visible threat¡ªjust her. An unshakable presence. An authority that needed no embellishment, no grand display. It simply was.


    Rey stiffened, instinctively resisting as the weight of her aura bore down on him. It was nothing visible¡ªno mana surge, no violent shift in the wind¡ªbut I could feel it as plainly as the ground beneath my feet. A silent command, a reminder of the chasm between them.


    "I will pardon you this once," she said, each word deliberate. "Solely because your captain is a wise man I¡¯ve known for years. Otherwise, the consequences of a mere C-rank questioning my abilities¡­" She let the rest of the sentence hang.


    The unspoken words were heavier than the ones she had spoken aloud.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Rey buckled. His legs gave out as he fell to his knees, his breathing uneven, his body instinctively bowing under the force of her presence. Shock coursed through him¡ªI saw it in his eyes, in the tightness of his shoulders. He understood now.


    "Actions have consequences, Rey¡­ learn this lesson well, or your foolishness will be your undoing long before any beast can claim you," I thought grimly.


    Lady Sia did not linger on him. She moved past, stepping behind June, who was still tending to Dawn. Her hands, steady and practiced, settled gently on June¡¯s back. Her eyes drifted half-closed in quiet concentration as she initiated mana sharing, offering her own reserves to supplement June¡¯s dwindling strength.


    June, though visibly drained, gave a quiet nod of gratitude, the relief evident in her posture.


    I hadn¡¯t realized how exhausted she was. She had already expended a great deal of mana tending to my wounds before turning her focus to Dawn, whose condition had been far more critical. Lady Sia¡¯s intervention was timely¡ªwithout it, June might have collapsed before finishing the job.


    "She didn¡¯t just put Rey in his place; she also ensured our healer wouldn¡¯t break herself saving the rest of us."


    I turned back to Rey, my voice firm but measured. "She¡¯s right. We made mistakes tonight."


    He didn¡¯t move, still kneeling, but I saw the slight tremor in his hands¡ªthe war between his pride and his understanding.


    "Those mistakes could have cost us everything," I continued. "We were lucky this time. That¡¯s all."


    Silence settled between us.


    Then, a faint noise.


    A soft, breathy sound¡ªlike a newborn stirring for the first time.


    Dawn.


    Her eyes fluttered open, still hazy with exhaustion, her body barely responsive.


    June didn¡¯t hesitate. She lunged forward, wrapping Dawn in a protective embrace, her arms locking around her as if shielding her from the world outside.


    Dawn blinked, her gaze shifting to me. And in that brief moment, no words were needed. We understood.


    Rey, still kneeling, exhaled shakily before bowing his head low before her. "I¡¯m sorry."


    His voice, thick with regret, carried no trace of his earlier arrogance. It was raw, unguarded.


    Dawn, ever the older sister of our group, sighed. Her body was weak, but her voice held warmth. "Rey, Rey, Rey¡­" she murmured. "You always make things harder for yourself, don¡¯t you?"


    She lifted a trembling hand, placing it atop his bowed head. "We¡¯ll learn. We¡¯ll grow. Together."


    And just like that, the bonds of our squad¡ªour little dysfunctional family¡ªheld firm.


    But Dawn was nothing if not brutally honest.


    "You failed to anticipate the sacrificial spell because you were too focused on overpowering a wounded beast," she said matter-of-factly. "You got reckless. However, you''re still young. I can¡¯t expect a certain level of battle IQ from you¡­"


    Her brown eyes shifted to me, glinting with mischief.


    "Unlike a certain someone."*


    I sighed internally. Yeah, I deserved that one.


    Rey was young, eager, and brimming with potential, but this had only been his fourth hunt. The Wendigo had been unlike anything we¡¯d faced before¡ªcunning, vicious. The fight had exhilarated him, and in that excitement, he had lost sight of the bigger picture.


    And because of that, Dawn had almost paid the price.


    A cold weight settled in my chest. Not just Rey¡¯s mistake¡ªmine, too.


    I had been so focused on strategy, on ending the fight swiftly, that I had underestimated the beast¡¯s instincts. I had miscalculated. And if the Wendigo had chosen to attack instead of retreat¡­


    Dawn might not have been here at all.


    The thought gnawed at me, the fear and guilt twisting together into something suffocating.


    And then¡ªwarmth.


    Dawn¡¯s hand, rough from years of training, but impossibly gentle, settled against mine.


    I looked at her. Even in her weakened state, even after everything, she still had that quiet strength about her.


    No words were spoken. They didn¡¯t need to be.


    But she pulled me closer, her fingers tightening around mine, until our foreheads almost touched. And then¡ª


    A kiss.


    Soft, fleeting, yet carrying a promise far stronger than any spoken vow.


    "I will protect you with all my might," I swore silently.


    This would be the last time I let her get hurt.


    The battle was over. The hunt was complete. But in that moment, I knew¡ª


    The real fight was just beginning.


    ***


    "I apologize for wasting your time, Lady Sia," I said, the words leaving my lips with a mix of regret and relief. "But since our hunt is over, let¡¯s leave now, shall we?"


    Lady Sia, ever composed, merely nodded in response. For reasons I couldn¡¯t quite articulate, her silence was more comforting than any words she could have offered.


    June,  our youngest member, pushed herself upright, though the slight wobble in her stance betrayed the lingering exhaustion clinging to her body. Rey and dawn weren¡¯t much better off¡ªthe fatigue was plain on their faces, their expressions weighted with weariness, their bodies longing for the comfort of home.


    "We need to move."


    ¡°Alright then¡ªR2 formation,¡± I commanded. It was our standard defensive formation¡ªnot necessarily required at this moment, but we had learned long ago that caution was never wasted when traveling through untamed lands.


    Lady Sia took her place at the front, and the rest of us instinctively fell in behind her. The battle with the wendigo had been short but chaotic, and the noise it generated could have drawn unwanted attention. If there were beasts lurking nearby, they would have already attacked us; their predatory nature did not allow for patience. The absence of an ambush confirmed that.


    Humans, however, were another matter entirely.


    They would wait. They would watch. And if they had laid a trap, they would strike only when we were most vulnerable.


    Our mana reserves were depleted. Our bodies were worn. A defensive formation wasn¡¯t just precautionary¡ªit was necessary.


    Lady Sia, ever the tactician, took note of our weakened state.


    ¡°Since Dawn has only recovered a fraction of her mana,¡± she observed, ¡°we lack proper long-range support at the rear. This presents a serious vulnerability, especially if ambushers are waiting ahead. I suggest repositioning¡ªI will take the center for added security, and Lord Ragnar, you will lead the way in my stead.¡±


    It was a sound strategy. With her immense presence acting as a deterrent from the middle, any potential ambush would think twice before engaging us. And with me at the front, we could at least identify threats before they got too close.


    I weighed the proposal for a moment before nodding. ¡°Understood.¡±


    Keeping Dawn and the others safe took priority. That was never up for debate.


    We pressed forward through the sprawling wilderness, a land known as the Outer Rim.


    The eastern lands of the empire were wild¡ªuntamed and ruled by beasts, making up a staggering 60-75% of the continent. What humans called "civilized territory" was but a fraction of the world compared to the dominion of monsters. The Outer Rim was the first of four distinct layers marking the empire¡¯s easternmost boundary. Beyond it lay the Middle Rim, then the Inner Rim, and at the very heart of it all¡ªthe Central Rim, where even the empire¡¯s greatest warriors dared not tread lightly.


    Ordinarily, we would have avoided straying so deeply into these territories. Yet, in the heat of the hunt, chasing the wendigo had drawn us too far¡ªtoo close to the dangers that lurked within these forbidden lands.


    Still, we moved undisturbed.


    Not a rustling leaf. Not a shadow shifting at the edges of our vision. No hints of unseen eyes tracking our movement.


    Yet, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of unease creeping along my spine.


    "This isn''t right."


    It wasn¡¯t that something was watching us¡ªit was that nothing was.


    I clenched my jaw, my senses sharpening, my instincts screaming at me. The wilderness was alive with danger, and yet we walked unchallenged. No predators in pursuit. No scavengers drawn to the scent of the slain wendigo. Even the wind carried an unnatural stillness.


    That was wrong.


    "Am I being paranoid? Or is this silence hiding something worse?"


    I cast a sidelong glance at Lady Sia. If she felt the same, she didn¡¯t show it. Her expression was unreadable, her posture poised, her gaze calm.


    But something told me she sensed it too.


    She was simply better at hiding it.


    And that, more than anything, set my nerves on edge.


    A faint yet distinct sound sliced through the stillness of the forest¡ªa branch snapping, sharp and sudden. A minor noise, but enough to send a jolt through every one of us, our battle-honed instincts screaming at the disturbance.


    Lady Sia was the first to react. Without hesitation, her hand found her weapon, and in the same fluid motion, she released her suppressed aura. A wave of invisible energy radiated outward¡ªsubtle, yet suffused with quiet dominance, like the hush before a storm. Her jet-black armor responded instantly, expanding and molding around her form, its onyx plating catching the moonlight in an ominous gleam.


    I moved barely a breath later.  Crimson Ultima, my  blade, flared to life, casting eerie red streaks across the forest floor. The weight of it in my grasp was familiar, reassuring. The others reacted in seamless synchronization¡ªRey flicked his wrists, summoning his twin daggers, their edges gleaming like fangs in the dark; June gathered her mana, preparing a wide-area healing spell, her body tense with focus.


    We turned in unison, shifting formation.


    To an outsider, it might seem excessive¡ªdrawing weapons over a snapped branch. But seasoned warriors like Lady Sia and I knew better.


    In this world, every living being possessed mana, an essential force that circulated through the body like lifeblood. No creature could survive without it. More than that, each entity released a unique mana signature, an imprint that allowed trained warriors to sense them¡ªeven when they lurked unseen. Techniques existed to suppress one¡¯s presence, but equally potent skills, like Mana Sense, had been developed to counter them.


    Yet, as we scanned the dense thicket where the sound had come from, an unsettling realization dawned on us.


    There was nothing there.


    No trace of mana. No presence to detect.


    Which meant one of two things: either we were in grave danger¡­ or we were already doomed.


    Our R2 formation was swiftly abandoned in favor of something more battle-ready. Lady Sia took the lead at the front, her stance rigid with focus. Dawn and June positioned themselves just behind her, ready to react, while Rey shifted slightly to their right, his daggers poised for a quick strike. I took the left, my eyes scanning every shadow.


    We didn¡¯t know how many enemies lay in wait.


    We only knew something was there.


    Lady Sia¡¯s voice cut through the silence, steady and commanding.


    "Show yourself. First and final warning."


    As the last syllable left her lips, her battle mask slid into place, obscuring her face behind an intimidating visage of black steel. Her mana surged, pressing against the air like an unspoken threat.


    Then¡ªmovement.


    Dry leaves crunched. Twigs snapped underfoot.


    And from the underbrush, a small figure emerged.


    A child.


    "What the fu¡ª" June''s voice died in her throat.


    "A fucking kid?" Rey blurted out, lowering his daggers for a fraction of a second before catching himself.


    We stared, silent, trying to process the sight before us.


    He couldn¡¯t have been older than six or seven. Short black hair clung messily to his head, his pale skin almost ghostly in the dim moonlight. A tattered cloak hung loosely from his frail shoulders, barely shielding him from the cold.


    And his eyes¡ªwide, dark brown, and filled with a silent, unspoken terror¡ªflickered from one of us to the next. His small chest rose and fell in rapid, uneven breaths, his legs trembling beneath him.


    A lost child. Alone. Exhausted. Afraid.


    And yet¡ªcompletely devoid of mana.


    A thing that should not exist.


    For the first time in my life, I was faced with something that defied every fundamental law of this world.


    "He''s alive," I told myself, my own heartbeat hammering in my ears. "I can see it. I can hear it. He¡¯s right in front of me."


    But I felt nothing from him. Not a single trace of mana. No life force, no presence¡ªjust a void where something should have been.


    The weight of it settled over me like a suffocating mist.


    Sia, ever composed, stood silently to the side, taking in every detail with a piercing gaze. Her expression gave nothing away, but I sensed it¡ªthe subtle tension in her stance, the shift in her breathing. Even she had not encountered something like this before.


    The others were in a similar state of disbelief. Dawn and Rey, both C-rank mages, were trained to sense mana even in the most concealed enemies. I was a B-rank¡ªmy detection capabilities sharper than theirs. And Sia, an A-rank, had yet to fail in sensing even the most elusive of beings.


    Yet this boy stood before us, more vividly alive than any of us in that moment¡­ and utterly undetectable.


    The stillness of our shock was shattered when he took a small, hesitant step forward.


    We reacted on instinct.


    Mana surged through our bodies, a reflexive defensive measure as we prepared for something¡ªa trick, a trap, a deception.


    But then¡ª


    Nothing.


    Not a flinch. Not a single reaction from him.


    Our combined aura should have pressed against him, should have at least caused discomfort. Any normal person would recoil, or stagger, or react in some way to the sheer weight of our collective energy.


    But he remained still.


    Not because he was resisting it. Not because he was immune.


    Because it simply did not touch him.


    Like our mana passed through empty air.


    "What is this kid?" My mind struggled to grasp the impossibility before me. "Is he even human?"


    Lady Sia broke the silence, her voice carrying a force that left no room for disobedience.


    ¡°Do not take another step.¡±


    Her mana-imbued command rang through the clearing, the sheer authority behind it creating an almost tangible barrier in the air.


    The boy halted immediately.


    Then, to my surprise¡ªSia moved forward.


    Her heavy, armored boots struck the ground with a force that made the earth seem to tremble beneath her. Step by step, she closed the distance between them, her imposing figure casting a long shadow over his much smaller frame.


    The boy tilted his head back, gazing up at her with unreadable eyes.


    Behind them, Rey shifted, subtly moving into a defensive position near Dawn and June, his instincts kicking in despite the overwhelming uncertainty of the situation.


    None of us knew what would happen next.


    But in that moment, one thing became painfully clear.


    This child¡ªthis impossible, mana-less being¡ªhad just entered our lives.


    And the world we knew would never be the same.

 Chp No 3. AN EQUAL MATCH

    Sia''s pov


    "Do you have a name?" I inquired gently, keeping my voice as calm and measured as possible. The boy barely reacted, save for a small shake of his head¡ªa refusal, or perhaps an inability to answer.


    He''s cooperative. That will suffice for now.


    His small frame trembled slightly, breath coming in short, uneven huffs as if he had been running for an extended period. His oversized, tattered cloak clung to his shoulders, offering little protection against the cold. In the dim moonlight, his dark brown eyes flickered between us, darting away whenever they lingered too long. A child, alone in the Outer Rim, without so much as a hint of mana circulating through him. My instincts screamed at me that something was profoundly wrong.


    Still, I pressed forward, gently probing with simple questions. "Where are you from?" A pause, then the faintest shake of his head. "How old are you?" No response. I adjusted my tone, softening it further. "Do you have family waiting for you?" A nod¡ªfinally, a response. But the way his eyes lowered to the ground, shoulders curling inward, suggested an answer far more complicated than what a simple yes could convey.


    Unbeknownst to me, my hands had clenched into fists. The realization struck when the boy''s wary gaze flickered toward them¡ªhe took a subtle step back, an instinctive retreat. I inhaled sharply and forced my fingers to relax, suppressing the unbidden frustration that had surfaced.


    He''s afraid. Of me.


    The armor likely didn¡¯t help. Standing before him, a fully armed warrior clad in the dark plates of my battle gear, I must have seemed as intimidating as the creatures lurking in this forest. Should I remove it? The risk was minimal¡ªmy team was alert, surrounding the boy on all sides. A small price to pay if it meant easing his fear.


    As I began to unfasten my battle helm, the child''s expression shifted. His dark eyes widened, gaze flickering with something unfamiliar¡ªcuriosity, perhaps? The moment my face was revealed, I saw the tension in his shoulders slacken. His breaths, though still uneven, came a fraction steadier. Good.


    At my side, Raga took the opportunity to crouch down to the boy¡¯s level, offering him a few small rations¡ªdried fruit, lightly sweetened bread, things we carried for long missions. The boy hesitated, his fingers twitching at his sides before he accepted them, eating cautiously, as if expecting the food to be snatched away at any moment.


    When he finished, he bowed deeply to Raga, his thin frame dipping forward in a gesture of quiet gratitude. The action was small, but it spoke volumes. I caught the briefest flicker of emotion in Raga¡¯s usually stoic expression. A hint of warmth, perhaps even relief, before it was swiftly buried beneath his usual air of discipline.


    Too slow, big man, I thought, amused despite myself.


    Before I could resume my questioning, June stepped past us both. There was a different sort of purpose in her movement¡ªnot aggressive, but determined. Without hesitation, she knelt before the boy and reached for his small hands, her healer¡¯s instincts already assessing him. A soft glow of mana flickered to life around her fingertips as she prepared to mend any lingering wounds.


    He flinched¡ªnot from pain, but from something else entirely. His fingers curled slightly, as if unsure whether to pull away or remain still.


    "It¡¯s alright," June murmured. "I¡¯m just making sure you¡¯re not hurt."


    Still, his hesitation lingered. I couldn¡¯t blame him. He had just witnessed a group of heavily armed warriors react to him as if he were some monstrous anomaly¡ªbecause, in a way, he was.


    I sharpened my mana sense again, scanning the boy more intently. No circulation. No external residue. Not even a trace of suppressed energy. I wasn¡¯t expecting him to have a large mana pool¡ªnot all humans were gifted with strong cores¡ªbut to have nothing at all? Even a newborn had a minuscule current of mana, a barely perceptible pulse that proved their existence in the grand balance of life. Every living thing, from the mightiest beasts to the weakest plant life, had mana.


    Yet this boy had none.


    The realization crawled down my spine, slow and insidious.


    I pushed my awareness further, testing another theory. Without thinking, I allowed a minute, near-imperceptible ripple of my own mana to expand outward, grazing against him. It was instinctual, a subtle test¡ªlike casting a shadow over a candle to see how the flame flickered in response.


    But he did not flicker.


    He did not react at all.


    The mana passed over him like a breeze through empty air. No shift in his breathing, no faint ripple of resistance, not even the unconscious absorption that all beings exhibited. It was as though my energy had simply ceased to exist the moment it reached him.


    An unnatural void. A body that functioned without the very force that sustained life.


    "¡­What the hell are you?"


    The words almost left my lips, but I bit them back, unwilling to let my unease show. The others had sensed it too, though. I could tell by the subtle changes in their stances. Dawn, despite her exhaustion, had straightened slightly, her hand resting near the hilt of her weapon. Rey¡¯s fingers twitched against his daggers, and even June¡ªwho had always been the softest among us¡ªwas watching the boy with wary fascination.


    Yet, if the child noticed the tension, he gave no indication. He simply stood there, small and exhausted, a stark contrast to the weight of the anomaly he presented.


    Raga''s Pov


    Lady Sia was the first to break the silence. "Do not take another step."


    The voice, though calm, carried the unmistakable weight of authority. The sheer force behind it wasn¡¯t just a command¡ªit was an expectation, an unshakable law that demanded compliance.


    The boy froze, his small feet rooted to the ground.


    I expected Lady Sia to take a step back, to reassess the situation now that we had identified a potential unknown. Instead, she did the opposite. With deliberate, powerful strides, she advanced toward him.


    Each movement was slow, measured. Her heavy boots thudded against the forest floor, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent clearing.


    The boy had to tilt his head back to look up at her as she stopped in front of him, her towering frame casting him in shadow. He did not recoil. He did not flee.


    He simply waited.


    And for the first time that night, I realized something else.


    The boy was afraid, yes. I could see it in the way his hands trembled slightly at his sides, in the way his breath hitched every now and then. But it wasn¡¯t the raw, panicked fear of a child who had stumbled upon armed warriors in the dead of night.


    No.


    This was the fear of someone who had been running from something far, far worse.


    A silence settled over our group as that truth seeped into us, thick as the night air. None of us spoke, but we all understood.


    This was no mere lost child.


    Something had led him here.


    And whatever it was¡ªwhatever he had escaped from¡ªwas still out there


    Sia''s pov


    ¡°Lucius, huh?¡± June repeated, her enthusiasm evident. ¡°That¡¯s a fine name for a good boy like you, dear little Lucius.¡± She beamed, as if speaking the name out loud made it all the more real. Then, with a playful nudge, she gestured to the woman beside her. ¡°My name is June, and this lovely lady standing next to me is Lady Sia Machangel. Isn¡¯t she beautiful?¡±


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Lucy¡ªno, Lucius, I mean¡ªnodded eagerly in agreement, his reaction almost comically earnest. June giggled, pleased with his response, and for a fleeting moment, the air felt lighter, the tension that had weighed upon us all dissipating like morning mist. The sight was strange yet oddly heartwarming: June, with her childlike energy, contrasted against Lucius, whose weary eyes carried the weight of far too many burdens for someone so young. The way he held himself¡ªcautious, observant¡ªspoke of hardships that most children never had to endure.


    Standing beside me, Raga exhaled heavily, his patience fraying at the edges. I didn¡¯t need to look to know that his brows were drawn together, that his fingers were tightening around the hilt of his sword. He was restless, antsy to move. His initial stance had been clear: we should keep going. Every second we lingered here made him more uneasy.


    June, however, remained blissfully unbothered by his growing irritation. ¡°And that big man over there?¡± she continued, pointing with exaggerated flair at Raga. ¡°You see him, right?¡±


    Lucius blinked.


    ¡°He¡¯s my Captain, Lord Raga. Or¡ª¡± she grinned mischievously, ¡°Mr. Thickhead, as I like to call him. Hehe.¡±


    Raga shot her a glare that could have melted steel. If sheer willpower could silence someone, June would have evaporated on the spot.


    But she only giggled harder, reveling in his exasperation.


    I smirked. Too slow, big man.


    Once June finished her introductions, she moved on to Rey and Dawn. Dawn, barely keeping her eyes open, was too drained to acknowledge Lucius, her exhaustion rendering her indifferent to his presence. Rey, on the other hand, had barely spoken a word. He stood just behind Dawn, his stance rigid, his hand never straying too far from his twin daggers. Even without looking, I knew he was scanning the treeline, wary of any unseen threat.


    Though my perception was sharper than his due to my rank, Rey¡¯s instincts were commendable. If something felt off, he would sense it first.


    Under normal circumstances, we would have already resumed our journey. But Dawn¡¯s recovery was slow, and now we had a child to account for. I estimated that within thirty minutes, she would regain enough strength for us to move again. Until then, we were stuck.


    June, ever the relentless chatterbox, continued engaging Lucius. I let her take the lead¡ªhe was far more at ease with her. Still, he occasionally glanced at me, his gaze searching for reassurance, as if unsure whether my presence was truly safe. But his demeanor had softened, and I took that as a sign that we were making progress.


    When June finally signaled that she was ready to step away, having finished healing Lucius, she returned to Dawn¡¯s side to assist her. It was perfect timing¡ªif June¡¯s mana could help Dawn recover faster, we could move out sooner.


    Before I continued, I turned to Raga, raising a brow in silent question. Did he want to take over?


    He shook his head. ¡°You¡¯ll fare better than me in this,¡± he muttered, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. Instead, he settled into a stance of quiet vigilance, his sharp gaze scanning the horizon.


    I sighed inwardly. These folks, aside from June, aren¡¯t exactly chatty. Rey hadn¡¯t exchanged a single word with Lucius, a missed opportunity considering the introductions. Even Raga, despite his usual leadership, was holding back. Their silence wasn¡¯t necessarily coldness¡ªit was wariness.


    As I stepped forward, Lucius straightened slightly, watching me with a rare glint of anticipation. A small, almost hesitant smile broke across his face, one that mirrored my own.


    It warmed me more than I expected.


    ¡°Well then, little Lucius,¡± I began, keeping my tone light. ¡°Do you mind sharing how you found us? Were you following us, or did you simply stumble into our path?¡±


    It was a fair question, though I already had a strong suspicion about the answer. The chances of him intentionally tracking us were slim. More likely, he had wandered here by sheer, divine luck.


    If he had encountered another squad¡ªone less patient than ours¡ªhis fate would have been far worse. The people who roamed these lands did not spare the weak. A lone child would have been seen as either a burden or a liability.


    Yet, Lucius was an anomaly.


    He shouldn¡¯t even be alive.


    No human¡ªno living thing¡ªcould exist without mana for more than a minute. Mana was everything. It was in the air we breathed, in the water we drank, in the soil that bore life. Even the weakest of beings had a trace of it in their veins.


    Yet, Lucius had been with us for over forty-five minutes. And he was fine. Not just surviving¡ªbut alert, responsive, alive.


    If the Empire discovered his existence, they would take him. I knew exactly what fate awaited children like him, those who defied the natural laws. I had witnessed it before. He would be dragged away into the shadows, never to be seen again.


    Lucius shook his head vehemently. ¡°No,¡± he insisted, his voice small but firm.


    His brows knitted together as he struggled to explain. Finally, he settled on, ¡°I just¡­ had a feeling.¡±


    ¡°A feeling?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°I didn¡¯t know why. I just knew I had to walk this way.¡±


    A chill prickled at my skin.


    Coincidence? Or something more?


    Before I could press him further, June¡¯s voice cut through the air. ¡°Lady Dawn¡¯s awake!¡±


    I turned just in time to see Dawn pushing herself upright, her frail form swaying slightly. She was still weak, but there was fire in her eyes¡ªa spark of resilience.


    Raga met my gaze and gave a subtle but unmistakable gesture. We need to leave.


    I nodded. The sooner we were out of here, the better.


    But just as I turned to give the order¡ª


    ¡°L-Lady Sia¡­?¡±


    Lucius¡¯s small, trembling voice sliced through the morning air.


    Something in his tone made my heart clench. I spun to face him, only to find him standing deathly still, his gaze locked on the eastern horizon.


    His face was pale. His breath came in shallow, uneven gasps. His hands clenched at his sides.


    I followed his gaze¡ªand felt my stomach drop.


    Beyond the treeline, where the sky began to lighten with the first hints of dawn, something stirred.


    A slow, creeping dread settled into my bones.


    Lucius took a hesitant step back. His small fingers twitched, reaching¡ªinstinctively¡ªtoward me.


    And in that instant, I understood.


    The feeling that led him here.


    It was not chance.


    It was a warning.


    And whatever it was¡ªwhatever had driven him into our path¡ª


    It was coming.


    SWOOOSHHHH.


    Dozens of dark, condensed arcs of mana surged toward us, crackling with lethal intent as they emerged from the dense foliage. Each one carved jagged lines of destruction in its wake, warping the air with sheer force. This was no reckless ambush¡ªit was a calculated strike, designed to eliminate us in an instant. Worse still, the attacks honed in on Lucius with chilling precision.


    My instincts took over.


    I seized his arm and yanked him toward me, my grip unyielding. The sheer pressure of the incoming assault prickled against my skin, a suffocating heat that promised annihilation. In the same heartbeat, my other hand shot to my weapon¡ªRare Death. A surge of mana rushed through my body, igniting the dormant energy within the blade.


    The first arc reached us.


    I slashed downward, unleashing a counterforce of raw mana. The collision sent shockwaves through the clearing, splitting the ground beneath us. A blinding flash erupted from the clash, followed by a deafening roar¡ªthen a cataclysmic explosion.


    The impact hit me like a war hammer to the chest.


    The sheer force tore me from my footing and sent me hurtling backward. The world blurred into streaks of shattered trees and splintered bark as my body crashed through the dense woodland, my armor groaning under the strain. A tree trunk¡ªthick enough to withstand a siege ram¡ªshattered upon impact, sending shards of wood scattering like deadly shrapnel. I wasn¡¯t stopping. Another tree¡ªanother impact¡ªbefore my momentum finally ceased, my body crumpling onto the cold forest floor.


    Pain exploded through me. A raw, electric agony radiated from my right arm, shooting down my spine. The scent of scorched earth and burning mana filled my nostrils. My ears rang, drowning out the chaos for a moment¡ªuntil I forced my senses back into focus.


    Lucius.


    I moved before my body agreed, forcing my weight up with my uninjured arm. The boy had been in my grasp when the explosion struck¡ªwhere was he? A frantic scan of the battlefield revealed him, not far from where I had landed. He had been thrown as well, but somehow¡­ he was already on his feet. His tiny frame quivered from the aftershock, but his gaze¡ªthat gaze¡ªwas sharp, determined.


    And in his small hands¡­ was my sword.


    He had gone for it.


    The weapon was far too heavy for him. His grip faltered as he tried to lift it, the sheer weight of the enchanted steel too much for his body. But still, he moved toward me, dragging it, refusing to abandon it.


    "Miss Sia! Are you alright?"


    His voice rang through the din of battle, filled with urgency, laced with fear.


    I exhaled sharply, pushing aside the screaming pain in my arm. "I¡¯m fine," I managed, though my body trembled under the strain. The truth was far grimmer¡ªmy arm was barely responding.


    The initial adrenaline was fading, and in its place, the full brunt of the damage settled in. Seven mana arcs. I had intercepted most of them, but the residual force alone had torn through my defenses. My right arm, my dominant arm, throbbed with a vicious burn. Mana poisoning? No. Muscle tears? Likely. I tried to flex my fingers¡ªnothing. The nerves weren¡¯t responding.


    Damn it.


    I had made a mistake. I should have used both arms, should have diverted my mana to full defense. Instead, in that brief moment of instinct, I had prioritized Lucius. A part of me wanted to berate myself, but another part¡ªthe deeper, more ruthless side¡ªknew I would do it again.


    I swallowed my frustration and recalibrated. Now was not the time to linger on failure.


    Raga. The others.


    A sudden explosion to my left sent fresh debris into the air, smaller than the first but just as devastating. The aftermath left an unnatural void in the mana flow¡ªa signature had vanished.


    My heart dropped.


    I clenched my jaw, refusing to acknowledge it yet. Not now. Not when Lucius stood before me, trembling but steadfast. His small hands adjusted around the hilt of my weapon, trying to bear its weight. He was still trying to help me.


    A warmth pressed against my fingers.


    Lucius had reached for my hand, his grip delicate yet firm. A silent message passed between us¡ªa promise. He didn¡¯t understand the weight of this battle, not fully. But he understood this moment.


    I let out a slow breath.


    No more hesitation.


    I reached for my sword, curling my left fingers around the hilt, ignoring the pain screaming through my body. The blade responded immediately, as if recognizing its master¡¯s resolve.


    Mana surged, raw and furious.


    Flames ignited along the edges of Rare Death, licking hungrily at the air. My armor responded in turn, pulsing with heat, the crimson glow intensifying as it expanded¡ªa living flame, wrapping around me like a second skin. The suffocating weight of injury, grief, and exhaustion burned away.


    A shadow shifted in the distance.


    I lifted my blade, the fiery aura casting flickering light across the battlefield.


    The enemy was here.


    Who¡ªor what¡ªthey were didn¡¯t matter. Only one thing did.


    This would be an equal match.


    And I was ready.

 CHP NO 4. THE PRICE OF FIRE

    Raga''s POV -


    The tension in the air thickened, a near-palpable force pressing against my chest as I watched Lucius, his voice trembling as he called out to Lady Sia. The desperation in his tone resonated with the trepidation creeping into my bones, aligning perfectly with the unease that had been festering within me ever since we entered this stretch of the forest.


    Lady Sia, however, remained unshaken. As if danger itself feared her.


    She came to an abrupt halt, her sharp gaze scanning the secluded path at the outer rim of the forest. When I voiced my concerns¡ªconcerns that my subordinates echoed¡ªshe dismissed them with a wave of her hand, her confidence unwavering. This land, though not home to creatures capable of overwhelming us one by one, was infamous for ambushes. The dense foliage and twisting terrain made surprise attacks inevitable.


    Then, it happened.


    A creeping, suffocating chill slithered up my spine, a sensation that intensified until, in a heartbeat, it was gone.


    Lady Sia moved first.


    She whirled to her right, her motion fluid and practiced. Her right hand seized her longsword, Rare Death, while her left shot out protectively toward Lucius. He muttered something¡ªtoo quiet to catch¡ªbut my instincts had already sharpened.


    I was ready.


    In the instant the attack struck, I called upon my Crimson Ultima. The gleaming blade materialized in my grip, my armor flaring to life as I moved in sync with Sia.


    Then the dark arcs came.


    Dozens of them.


    They cut through the air like ravenous beasts, twisting and shrieking with condensed mana. They were fast. Too fast. I barely had time to angle my sword before the first set crashed against my defense, the force rattling my bones. I gritted my teeth and reinforced my footing, diverting the energy with a powerful parry.


    To my left, Rey was a blur of motion.


    His twin daggers flashed like streaks of silver lightning, cutting through the barrage with a precision that bordered on artistry. He hurled them like boomerangs, their edges catching the arcs mid-air. The sheer calculation of it was mesmerizing. He wasn¡¯t just blocking¡ªhe was redirecting, deflecting them away with perfectly timed rotations. Some arcs dissipated entirely, others veered off-course, carving deep gouges into the surrounding terrain.


    June, though lacking formal combat training, moved with graceful agility. Her petite frame twisted and shifted, narrowly slipping through the incoming attacks. Healers were always prime targets, yet she remained untouched¡ªa thorn in the enemy¡¯s side.


    And Lady Sia¡ª


    She unleashed hell.


    With a surge of power, her mana flared, forming a colossal spell that dwarfed the dark arcs in both size and density. It was five times larger, thicker, an overwhelming force meant to crush the incoming attack. The air trembled with raw energy as her spell expanded, but the demands of the battlefield pulled her in too many directions. Protecting Lucius. Defending us. Countering the unseen enemy.


    A fraction of a second¡¯s delay.


    It was enough.


    The explosion erupted at point-blank range.


    The shockwave tore through the air, sending Lady Sia hurtling backward. The force flung her through the dense thicket, trees snapping like brittle twigs under the sheer impact.


    The blast struck us like a hammer.


    I braced against it, gritting my teeth as the pressure slammed into me, my armor absorbing most of the shock. Still, the world blurred for a moment, my vision darkening at the edges.


    I didn''t hesitate.


    I checked Lady Sia¡¯s mana signature¡ªintact. She had been caught off guard, but she was alive. That was enough for now.


    Lucius, however, was not my concern. He was her responsibility. Mine was my squad.


    The enemy''s initial attack had failed to cause major damage. Lady Sia had intercepted much of the assault, shielding June and me with a protective mana arc before her larger spell had detonated. The fact that we were still standing was a testament to her strength.


    But then¡ª


    The shift.


    A massive mana surge flared. Unnatural. Familiar.


    Dawn.


    She had found the enemy.


    A blazing inferno erupted from her position, a fireball of colossal size roaring to life. In the next instant, she fractured it, breaking it apart into dozens of smaller meteor-like projectiles. Each one hurtled toward the enemy¡¯s location in rapid succession.


    Impact.


    The forest lit up.


    Explosions bloomed across the battlefield like fiery blossoms, smoke billowing in thick, suffocating waves. The heat was staggering, distorting the air, twisting the very fabric of the battlefield.


    But then¡ª


    A shadow moved.


    Fast. Too fast.


    The enemy was still alive.


    Through the inferno, a shape darted. A flicker of movement, evading the firestorm with an agility that defied logic. It was unnatural. Terrifying. Every time Dawn¡¯s flames struck, it was a fraction of a second too late. A nightmare that refused to burn.


    And then¡ª


    June moved.


    She knew how dangerous this was. Her right arm shot skyward, mana crackling at her fingertips. Her strongest spell.


    Her voice rang out, steady, commanding¡ª


    ¡°Mana Zone: Herme¡ª¡±


    A flicker.


    A blur.


    And suddenly, the beast was twenty meters away.


    I sucked in a breath¡ªtoo fast!


    A hulking spirit bear loomed before us.


    No, not just a bear. Something more.


    It stood upright, its towering form imposing, monstrous. Its bear-like upper body was thick with muscle, but its legs¡ªits legs were different. Sinewy, unnatural, built for speed. They moved with a twitchy, almost disjointed motion, as if the creature were perpetually shifting between realities.


    And then¡ª


    The sound.


    A grotesque, grating noise as the creature twisted its bone-like claws. A sharp, deliberate motion, over and over again. The sound of cracking joints, splintering marrow¡ª


    A sound that should not exist.


    A sound that should not be coming from something still alive.


    The battlefield had fallen into silence.


    A single moment. A pause before the bloodshed.


    The spirit bear exhaled, its breath curling in the cold air.


    And then¡ª


    It moved.


    With a thunderous impact, the ghost bear slammed its colossal limbs into the ground, the sheer force sending cracks spiderwebbing through the earth. A mana-infused roar erupted from its throat¡ª an unnatural, resonant force that shattered the air itself. The impact was instantaneous.


    June¡¯s spell cut off mid-cast.


    The raw pressure threw both Rey and June off their feet, their bodies hitting the ground with bruising force. The surrounding mana bent under the weight of the ghost bear¡¯s dominance, warping the battlefield itself.


    A+ ranked.


    We were facing a ghost bear¡ªone of the most feared mana beasts of the northern ranges. An apex predator that thrived in the frozen wilds, known not just for its brutal power, but for its intelligence. It hunted humans actively, a rare trait among mana beasts, and it hunted alone. Its rarity kept it from being classified as S rank, but that was a meaningless distinction to us now.


    Because we were going to die if we didn¡¯t move.


    The bear swiped at the air, its claws brimming with dark mana. From each movement, massive arcs of slashing energy erupted, shrieking toward us.


    No hesitation.


    I channeled my mana, letting it surge from my core into the tip of my longsword, extending its reach with condensed energy. I met the first slash head-on.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Impact.


    The moment our forces collided, I felt my stance buckle. The sheer pressure threatened to overwhelm me, shoving me back despite my reinforced footing. Every muscle in my body strained against the force, my bones rattling from the collision.


    Then¡ª


    A burst of fire.


    Dawn had maneuvered to my left, her palm outstretched. Condensed fireballs shot forward, streaking through the air like miniature meteors. The flames struck the ghost bear in rapid succession, each impact exploding against its thick hide.


    At first, I dared to think it was working.


    But the bear didn¡¯t even flinch.


    It didn¡¯t dodge. Didn¡¯t react. It simply stood there, allowing the flames to scorch its fur as if mocking us. As if it knew they were too weak to do real damage.


    A chill ran through me.


    Dawn appeared beside me, her voice sharp with urgency.


    "That monster is toying with us! We have to retreat!"


    She was right.


    Without Lady Sia, we stood no chance.


    The ghost bear wasn¡¯t just strong. It was calculating.


    Its attacks weren¡¯t random¡ªthey were precise, controlled. It was actively targeting June, unleashing mana pressure to disrupt the delicate flow of her recovery process. It understood how vital she was to our survival.


    Rey, having regained his footing, had stationed himself beside June, reinforcing her with his mana shields. But the bear noticed. It felt his interference. And it adjusted.


    It was thinking.


    That realization sent a bolt of dread through me.


    "Fall back! Use the Crimson F¡ª"


    I never finished the command.


    Because the ghost bear vanished.


    A blur. A flicker. And then¡ª


    It was right in front of me.


    Its massive arm swung toward me, a blur of muscle and death.


    Instinct took over.


    I barely managed to shift my longsword, angling it to shield my left side. But the impact was monstrous.


    The blow lifted me off my feet.


    I was airborne before I even realized what had happened. The world spun¡ªsky, ground, sky, ground¡ªmy vision spiraling as I hurtled backward. The force was unreal. My chest ached, my armor groaning under the pressure. I fought to stabilize my descent, twisting mid-air¡ª


    But then¡ª


    Something wrapped around my leg.


    A sudden whip-like pull. A force yanking me toward Rey¡¯s position.


    June.


    Her quick thinking had saved me. Again.


    A breath of relief barely passed my lips before panic slammed into me.


    "No! Look out!"


    The bear was already moving.


    It dropped onto all fours, its massive body a blur of motion, tearing through the battlefield with terrifying speed. It wasn¡¯t running¡ªit was hunting.


    And its target was June.


    A surge of dark arcs exploded forward, spiraling toward her in a barrage of lethal precision.


    Rey reacted instantly.


    In one fluid motion, he threw himself between June and the incoming onslaught. His twin daggers flashed¡ªtoo small to block all of them.


    He realized it in an instant.


    And so¡ªhe adapted.


    Without hesitation, he scooped June into his arms and bolted.


    A streak of motion, navigating the battlefield with inhuman speed.


    The arcs crashed into the ground behind them, exploding in bursts of raw energy, tearing through the earth where they had been mere seconds before.


    But Rey didn¡¯t stop.


    Didn¡¯t hesitate.


    Because the ghost bear was still coming.


    And we were running out of time.


    ***


    For a fleeting moment, they thought Rey would make it.


    Dawn and Ragnar had committed to holding the ghost bear back while he escaped with June. The plan was sound. The beast was powerful, but Rey was fast¡ªhis agility should have guaranteed his survival.


    Then the ghost bear vanished.


    It didn¡¯t blink out of existence. It didn¡¯t retreat. It simply ceased to be.


    Dawn¡¯s fire spell had struck true, yet instead of reeling back, the beast disappeared. The air where it had been felt heavier, distorted¡ªas if mana itself had warped around its form.


    "Mirage Stance," Ragnar realized with dread.


    The others noticed too, but realization came a second too late.


    The bear reappeared directly in front of Rey.


    It had locked onto him and June from the very start.


    Before anyone could shout a warning, the beast¡¯s claws slashed forward. A wave of mana-infused force ripped through the air, a brutal arc of destruction that hurtled toward them.


    Ragnar moved.


    With everything he had, he threw his longsword, aiming to intercept the attack. The blade spun, carving through the air like a javelin¡ª


    But he was too late.


    The slashing wave collided with Rey¡¯s twin daggers.


    For a brief moment, he held firm. For a brief moment, he resisted.


    Then his defenses collapsed.


    The attack split him into three equal pieces.


    The impact was instant. His body, once whole, became fragments of a person that had fought to survive. His blood splattered across the battlefield, staining the icy terrain in an eerie crimson pattern.


    June screamed.


    Her legs buckled as she collapsed to her knees, hands trembling, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Tears blurred her vision, distorting the scene into a haze of red and shifting shadows. The weight of it¡ªthe helplessness, the horror¡ªcrushed her lungs, leaving her unable to even cry out his name.


    Rey had died for her. Rey had thrown her to safety, and in return, he had been torn apart.


    Dawn didn¡¯t move. She couldn''t.


    Her mind replayed the moment on loop¡ªhis face in that last second, the instinctive push to save June, the way his body was there one moment and gone the next. She should have done something. She should have helped. But she had frozen. And now he was gone.


    Ragnar¡¯s roar shattered the silence.


    It was raw. A guttural explosion of grief and fury.


    His cry tore through the battlefield, a thunderous echo of loss. He took a staggering step forward, muscles coiled, fists clenched¡ªready to charge at the beast in blind rage.


    But then¡ª


    The ghost bear moved again.


    It towered over them, unfazed, unfeeling. Its gleaming eyes locked onto June and Dawn. The air around it darkened as tendrils of mana coiled toward its jagged maw.


    It was calculating its next move.


    June was defenseless. She knelt on the bloodstained ground, lost in grief, oblivious to her impending death.


    Dawn saw the attack coming¡ªyet still, she didn''t move.


    The beast chose its target.


    A small, glowing white sphere coalesced beneath its massive jaw, pulsating with condensed mana. The air grew frigid, breath visible in the sudden chill. The moment stretched unbearably, and then¡ª


    The beam fired.


    A pure lance of Ice Mana tore through the battlefield, moving faster than the slashing arcs from before.


    June realized too late.


    Her breath hitched¡ªshe wouldn''t be able to dodge in time.


    Flames erupted before her.


    Ragnar materialized in front of her, sword ablaze.


    His burning blade crashed into the beam mid-flight, splitting it apart. The ice dispersed, fragments of frozen energy shattering into the air. A counterattack followed.


    Flames surged.


    With a single upward slash, Ragnar unleashed a flaming arc¡ªa raw, violent force that carved through the battlefield in a near-straight line.


    The ghost bear twitched, reacting immediately.


    But it wasn¡¯t fast enough.


    Before it could fully evade¡ªbefore it could even process the attack¡ª


    Lady Sia struck.


    A blur of black armor. A streak of lightning-quick motion.


    Sia¡¯s shoulder smashed into the beast with terrifying force. The sheer impact sent a deep shockwave rippling outward. The bear didn¡¯t sense her coming. It took the hit head-on.


    Then, Ragnar¡¯s flames reached it.


    The beast ignited.


    Fire raged along its face, searing its flesh. It howled¡ªa terrible, inhuman sound that rumbled through the battlefield, filled with both rage and pain.


    Sia took a step back, eyes sharp, assessing the damage. The moment she moved, her gaze locked onto Ragnar.


    He was burning.


    Not just his sword¡ªhis entire body.


    June¡¯s breath caught in her throat.


    Sia recognized this form. She had heard of it before, spoken of it in passing with Ragnar during their first discussions.


    But it had been June¡ªJune, with her careful warnings, who had told her what to expect if Ragnar ever transformed.


    And now, that warning was reality.


    The battlefield shifted once more.


    But this time, the flames did not belong to the ghost bear.


    This time, they belonged to Ragnar.


    "Mana Zone: The burning Swordman"


    Raga was no elemental mage like his wife, Dawn. But he didn''t need to be. His strength came from Crimson Ultima, a special-ranked weapon capable of summoning flames that bent to his will. The moment he activated it, his entire body was engulfed in fire, his sword burning like a beacon of destruction.


    With the beast momentarily distracted by Sia, Raga seized his chance. The heat around him intensified as he propelled himself forward with an explosive burst of flames, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. The ghost bear reacted instantly, channeling the raw mana within its core. A thick barrier of ice erupted over its ice-white fur, an impenetrable curtain of frost meant to smother the flames before they could reach its flesh. The temperature in the clearing plummeted, the air so cold it stung like a blade against bare skin.


    Raga''s fiery strike met the icy wall with a deafening hiss, steam and embers exploding outward. The ghost bear''s defenses held. The flames that had once danced freely around Raga flickered and dimmed, struggling against the sheer cold radiating from the beast.


    Sia, ever the opportunist, used the moment to close in. Her blade whistled through the air, aiming for the beast¡¯s flank. The ghost bear twisted, bringing up its mana-reinforced claw to intercept. Metal clashed against raw power, a shockwave tearing through the battlefield as the two titans met head-on. Sparks erupted from the impact, and for the first time, the bear¡¯s muscles tensed¡ªnot in arrogance, but in acknowledgment.


    It could not overpower her.


    They exchanged blows in rapid succession, each strike precise, each counter vicious. The bear''s movements were calculated, its claws slicing the air with lethal intent. Sia met every attack with expert precision, her body flowing like silk as she shifted between offense and defense.


    Then, the beast lunged¡ªits maw snapping toward her injured arm, sensing a weakness.


    Sia anticipated it. Pivoting on her heel, she twisted just in time, avoiding the bite by mere inches. With the beast¡¯s head now within reach, she struck. Using the momentum of her dodge, she slammed her reinforced headgear into the side of its skull with bone-crunching force. The impact sent a ripple through the beast¡¯s massive frame, stunning it for a brief moment. Wasting no time, she followed up with a devastating punch to the same spot.


    A sickening crack filled the air.


    The ghost bear roared in agony, staggering backward.


    But its fury only grew. With a snarl, it reared up on its hind legs, its towering form eclipsing the battlefield. Sia¡¯s grip tightened on her weapon, prepared for the next exchange¡ªonly for Raga to reappear in a flash of fire.


    He swung his blazing sword with all his might.


    The blade bit deep into the beast¡¯s body. Flames surged from the wound, igniting its thick fur. The ghost bear howled in pain, thrashing violently. But instead of retreating, it retaliated.


    With a monstrous swipe, it struck Raga with terrifying force.


    The impact was devastating.


    Raga¡¯s headgear was torn from his skull, his armor rupturing in a spray of shattered metal and blood. The sheer force of the blow sent him hurtling across the battlefield, his body colliding with the ground in a brutal crash. Blood pooled beneath him, his breath ragged, but even through the haze of pain, his grip on Crimson Ultima remained unbroken. His flames flickered, but they did not die.


    The ghost bear, still seething with pain, reached down and ripped the sword from its flesh. With a vengeful growl, it tossed the weapon aside, as if discarding mere scrap metal.


    But Sia was already moving.


    She intercepted the beast¡¯s next strike, her blade locking against its claw in a contest of sheer strength. The ground beneath them cracked from the force, neither side giving an inch.


    June, seeing Raga¡¯s battered form, rushed to his side. Her trembling hands glowed with healing magic as she worked frantically to seal his worst wounds. Dawn, her composure regained, stood nearby, her fiery gaze locked onto the beast.


    She would not allow it to recover.


    The sky above crackled with raw power as Dawn unleashed a barrage of spells. Blazing projectiles rained down like meteors, each one detonating upon impact. The ghost bear roared as explosions rocked its massive form, forcing it onto the defensive. But even as its wounds reopened, the beast refused to fall.


    Then, the air around it shimmered.


    Dawn''s breath caught in her throat.


    "It''s using Mirage Stance!"


    In an instant, the battlefield became a chaotic illusion. The ghost bear''s form split into a dozen identical figures, each one moving with eerie synchronicity. Their glowing eyes flickered through the mist, making it impossible to tell which was real.


    Dawn¡¯s mind raced. Fire magic alone wouldn¡¯t be enough to pinpoint the true beast. She needed something more¡ª


    Sia''s voice cut through the confusion.


    "Watch the ground!"


    Dawn''s eyes widened.


    The ghost bear was heavy. Even if it could mask its presence, the real one would still leave disturbances¡ªsubtle shifts in the dirt, crushed grass, displaced debris.


    Sia¡¯s sharp gaze scanned the battlefield, dissecting every movement, searching for the one illusion that didn''t quite match.


    Then, she found it.


    "THERE!" She pointed, her voice carrying above the chaos. Her finger aimed at an unassuming patch of dirt near an ancient tree, where a faint indentation had formed¡ªa footprint that didn''t fade like the others.


    Dawn didn''t hesitate.


    She unleashed a firestorm upon the location.


    The impact was immediate. The moment her spell struck, the illusions wavered, flickering out like candle flames. A bestial screech filled the air as the real ghost bear was forcibly revealed, its form convulsing under the searing heat.


    Its deception had failed.


    It was now exposed.


    Sia took a deep breath, mana surging through her veins as she raised her blade. The ghost bear, though wounded, was not defeated yet. With a snarl, it charged straight at her, its rage blinding.


    But Sia did not move.


    Her stance was firm. Her mind was clear.


    The true battle was about to begin.

 CHP NO 5. THE PRICE OF SURVIVAL

    Raga''s POV -


    The tension in the air thickened, a near-palpable force pressing against my chest as I watched Lucius, his voice trembling as he called out to Lady Sia. The desperation in his tone resonated with the trepidation creeping into my bones, aligning perfectly with the unease that had been festering within me ever since we entered this stretch of the forest.


    Lady Sia, however, remained unshaken. As if danger itself feared her.


    She came to an abrupt halt, her sharp gaze scanning the secluded path at the outer rim of the forest. When I voiced my concerns¡ªconcerns that my subordinates echoed¡ªshe dismissed them with a wave of her hand, her confidence unwavering. This land, though not home to creatures capable of overwhelming us one by one, was infamous for ambushes. The dense foliage and twisting terrain made surprise attacks inevitable.


    Then, it happened.


    A creeping, suffocating chill slithered up my spine, a sensation that intensified until, in a heartbeat, it was gone.


    Lady Sia moved first.


    She whirled to her right, her motion fluid and practiced. Her right hand seized her longsword, Rare Death, while her left shot out protectively toward Lucius. He muttered something¡ªtoo quiet to catch¡ªbut my instincts had already sharpened.


    I was ready.


    In the instant the attack struck, I called upon my Crimson Ultima. The gleaming blade materialized in my grip, my armor flaring to life as I moved in sync with Sia.


    Then the dark arcs came.


    Dozens of them.


    They cut through the air like ravenous beasts, twisting and shrieking with condensed mana. They were fast. Too fast. I barely had time to angle my sword before the first set crashed against my defense, the force rattling my bones. I gritted my teeth and reinforced my footing, diverting the energy with a powerful parry.


    To my left, Rey was a blur of motion.


    His twin daggers flashed like streaks of silver lightning, cutting through the barrage with a precision that bordered on artistry. He hurled them like boomerangs, their edges catching the arcs mid-air. The sheer calculation of it was mesmerizing. He wasn¡¯t just blocking¡ªhe was redirecting, deflecting them away with perfectly timed rotations. Some arcs dissipated entirely, others veered off-course, carving deep gouges into the surrounding terrain.


    June, though lacking formal combat training, moved with graceful agility. Her petite frame twisted and shifted, narrowly slipping through the incoming attacks. Healers were always prime targets, yet she remained untouched¡ªa thorn in the enemy¡¯s side.


    And Lady Sia¡ª


    She unleashed hell.


    With a surge of power, her mana flared, forming a colossal spell that dwarfed the dark arcs in both size and density. It was five times larger, thicker, an overwhelming force meant to crush the incoming attack. The air trembled with raw energy as her spell expanded, but the demands of the battlefield pulled her in too many directions. Protecting Lucius. Defending us. Countering the unseen enemy.


    A fraction of a second¡¯s delay.


    It was enough.


    The explosion erupted at point-blank range.


    The shockwave tore through the air, sending Lady Sia hurtling backward. The force flung her through the dense thicket, trees snapping like brittle twigs under the sheer impact.


    The blast struck us like a hammer.


    I braced against it, gritting my teeth as the pressure slammed into me, my armor absorbing most of the shock. Still, the world blurred for a moment, my vision darkening at the edges.


    I didn''t hesitate.


    I checked Lady Sia¡¯s mana signature¡ªintact. She had been caught off guard, but she was alive. That was enough for now.


    Lucius, however, was not my concern. He was her responsibility. Mine was my squad.


    The enemy''s initial attack had failed to cause major damage. Lady Sia had intercepted much of the assault, shielding June and me with a protective mana arc before her larger spell had detonated. The fact that we were still standing was a testament to her strength.


    But then¡ª


    The shift.


    A massive mana surge flared. Unnatural. Familiar.


    Dawn.


    She had found the enemy.


    A blazing inferno erupted from her position, a fireball of colossal size roaring to life. In the next instant, she fractured it, breaking it apart into dozens of smaller meteor-like projectiles. Each one hurtled toward the enemy¡¯s location in rapid succession.


    Impact.


    The forest lit up.


    Explosions bloomed across the battlefield like fiery blossoms, smoke billowing in thick, suffocating waves. The heat was staggering, distorting the air, twisting the very fabric of the battlefield.


    But then¡ª


    A shadow moved.


    Fast. Too fast.


    The enemy was still alive.


    Through the inferno, a shape darted. A flicker of movement, evading the firestorm with an agility that defied logic. It was unnatural. Terrifying. Every time Dawn¡¯s flames struck, it was a fraction of a second too late. A nightmare that refused to burn.


    And then¡ª


    June moved.


    She knew how dangerous this was. Her right arm shot skyward, mana crackling at her fingertips. Her strongest spell.


    Her voice rang out, steady, commanding¡ª


    ¡°Mana Zone: Herme¡ª¡±


    A flicker.


    A blur.


    And suddenly, the beast was twenty meters away.


    I sucked in a breath¡ªtoo fast!


    A hulking spirit bear loomed before us.


    No, not just a bear. Something more.


    It stood upright, its towering form imposing, monstrous. Its bear-like upper body was thick with muscle, but its legs¡ªits legs were different. Sinewy, unnatural, built for speed. They moved with a twitchy, almost disjointed motion, as if the creature were perpetually shifting between realities.


    And then¡ª


    The sound.


    A grotesque, grating noise as the creature twisted its bone-like claws. A sharp, deliberate motion, over and over again. The sound of cracking joints, splintering marrow¡ª


    A sound that should not exist.


    A sound that should not be coming from something still alive.


    The battlefield had fallen into silence.


    A single moment. A pause before the bloodshed.


    The spirit bear exhaled, its breath curling in the cold air.


    And then¡ª


    It moved.


    With a thunderous impact, the ghost bear slammed its colossal limbs into the ground, the sheer force sending cracks spiderwebbing through the earth. A mana-infused roar erupted from its throat¡ª an unnatural, resonant force that shattered the air itself. The impact was instantaneous.


    June¡¯s spell cut off mid-cast.


    The raw pressure threw both Rey and June off their feet, their bodies hitting the ground with bruising force. The surrounding mana bent under the weight of the ghost bear¡¯s dominance, warping the battlefield itself.


    A+ ranked.


    We were facing a ghost bear¡ªone of the most feared mana beasts of the northern ranges. An apex predator that thrived in the frozen wilds, known not just for its brutal power, but for its intelligence. It hunted humans actively, a rare trait among mana beasts, and it hunted alone. Its rarity kept it from being classified as S rank, but that was a meaningless distinction to us now.


    Because we were going to die if we didn¡¯t move.


    The bear swiped at the air, its claws brimming with dark mana. From each movement, massive arcs of slashing energy erupted, shrieking toward us.


    No hesitation.


    I channeled my mana, letting it surge from my core into the tip of my longsword, extending its reach with condensed energy. I met the first slash head-on.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Impact.


    The moment our forces collided, I felt my stance buckle. The sheer pressure threatened to overwhelm me, shoving me back despite my reinforced footing. Every muscle in my body strained against the force, my bones rattling from the collision.


    Then¡ª


    A burst of fire.


    Dawn had maneuvered to my left, her palm outstretched. Condensed fireballs shot forward, streaking through the air like miniature meteors. The flames struck the ghost bear in rapid succession, each impact exploding against its thick hide.


    At first, I dared to think it was working.


    But the bear didn¡¯t even flinch.


    It didn¡¯t dodge. Didn¡¯t react. It simply stood there, allowing the flames to scorch its fur as if mocking us. As if it knew they were too weak to do real damage.


    A chill ran through me.


    Dawn appeared beside me, her voice sharp with urgency.


    "That monster is toying with us! We have to retreat!"


    She was right.


    Without Lady Sia, we stood no chance.


    The ghost bear wasn¡¯t just strong. It was calculating.


    Its attacks weren¡¯t random¡ªthey were precise, controlled. It was actively targeting June, unleashing mana pressure to disrupt the delicate flow of her recovery process. It understood how vital she was to our survival.


    Rey, having regained his footing, had stationed himself beside June, reinforcing her with his mana shields. But the bear noticed. It felt his interference. And it adjusted.


    It was thinking.


    That realization sent a bolt of dread through me.


    "Fall back! Use the Crimson F¡ª"


    I never finished the command.


    Because the ghost bear vanished.


    A blur. A flicker. And then¡ª


    It was right in front of me.


    Its massive arm swung toward me, a blur of muscle and death.


    Instinct took over.


    I barely managed to shift my longsword, angling it to shield my left side. But the impact was monstrous.


    The blow lifted me off my feet.


    I was airborne before I even realized what had happened. The world spun¡ªsky, ground, sky, ground¡ªmy vision spiraling as I hurtled backward. The force was unreal. My chest ached, my armor groaning under the pressure. I fought to stabilize my descent, twisting mid-air¡ª


    But then¡ª


    Something wrapped around my leg.


    A sudden whip-like pull. A force yanking me toward Rey¡¯s position.


    June.


    Her quick thinking had saved me. Again.


    A breath of relief barely passed my lips before panic slammed into me.


    "No! Look out!"


    The bear was already moving.


    It dropped onto all fours, its massive body a blur of motion, tearing through the battlefield with terrifying speed. It wasn¡¯t running¡ªit was hunting.


    And its target was June.


    A surge of dark arcs exploded forward, spiraling toward her in a barrage of lethal precision.


    Rey reacted instantly.


    In one fluid motion, he threw himself between June and the incoming onslaught. His twin daggers flashed¡ªtoo small to block all of them.


    He realized it in an instant.


    And so¡ªhe adapted.


    Without hesitation, he scooped June into his arms and bolted.


    A streak of motion, navigating the battlefield with inhuman speed.


    The arcs crashed into the ground behind them, exploding in bursts of raw energy, tearing through the earth where they had been mere seconds before.


    But Rey didn¡¯t stop.


    Didn¡¯t hesitate.


    Because the ghost bear was still coming.


    And we were running out of time.


    ***


    For a fleeting moment, they thought Rey would make it.


    Dawn and Ragnar had committed to holding the ghost bear back while he escaped with June. The plan was sound. The beast was powerful, but Rey was fast¡ªhis agility should have guaranteed his survival.


    Then the ghost bear vanished.


    It didn¡¯t blink out of existence. It didn¡¯t retreat. It simply ceased to be.


    Dawn¡¯s fire spell had struck true, yet instead of reeling back, the beast disappeared. The air where it had been felt heavier, distorted¡ªas if mana itself had warped around its form.


    "Mirage Stance," Ragnar realized with dread.


    The others noticed too, but realization came a second too late.


    The bear reappeared directly in front of Rey.


    It had locked onto him and June from the very start.


    Before anyone could shout a warning, the beast¡¯s claws slashed forward. A wave of mana-infused force ripped through the air, a brutal arc of destruction that hurtled toward them.


    Ragnar moved.


    With everything he had, he threw his longsword, aiming to intercept the attack. The blade spun, carving through the air like a javelin¡ª


    But he was too late.


    The slashing wave collided with Rey¡¯s twin daggers.


    For a brief moment, he held firm. For a brief moment, he resisted.


    Then his defenses collapsed.


    The attack split him into three equal pieces.


    The impact was instant. His body, once whole, became fragments of a person that had fought to survive. His blood splattered across the battlefield, staining the icy terrain in an eerie crimson pattern.


    June screamed.


    Her legs buckled as she collapsed to her knees, hands trembling, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Tears blurred her vision, distorting the scene into a haze of red and shifting shadows. The weight of it¡ªthe helplessness, the horror¡ªcrushed her lungs, leaving her unable to even cry out his name.


    Rey had died for her. Rey had thrown her to safety, and in return, he had been torn apart.


    Dawn didn¡¯t move. She couldn''t.


    Her mind replayed the moment on loop¡ªhis face in that last second, the instinctive push to save June, the way his body was there one moment and gone the next. She should have done something. She should have helped. But she had frozen. And now he was gone.


    Ragnar¡¯s roar shattered the silence.


    It was raw. A guttural explosion of grief and fury.


    His cry tore through the battlefield, a thunderous echo of loss. He took a staggering step forward, muscles coiled, fists clenched¡ªready to charge at the beast in blind rage.


    But then¡ª


    The ghost bear moved again.


    It towered over them, unfazed, unfeeling. Its gleaming eyes locked onto June and Dawn. The air around it darkened as tendrils of mana coiled toward its jagged maw.


    It was calculating its next move.


    June was defenseless. She knelt on the bloodstained ground, lost in grief, oblivious to her impending death.


    Dawn saw the attack coming¡ªyet still, she didn''t move.


    The beast chose its target.


    A small, glowing white sphere coalesced beneath its massive jaw, pulsating with condensed mana. The air grew frigid, breath visible in the sudden chill. The moment stretched unbearably, and then¡ª


    The beam fired.


    A pure lance of Ice Mana tore through the battlefield, moving faster than the slashing arcs from before.


    June realized too late.


    Her breath hitched¡ªshe wouldn''t be able to dodge in time.


    Flames erupted before her.


    Ragnar materialized in front of her, sword ablaze.


    His burning blade crashed into the beam mid-flight, splitting it apart. The ice dispersed, fragments of frozen energy shattering into the air. A counterattack followed.


    Flames surged.


    With a single upward slash, Ragnar unleashed a flaming arc¡ªa raw, violent force that carved through the battlefield in a near-straight line.


    The ghost bear twitched, reacting immediately.


    But it wasn¡¯t fast enough.


    Before it could fully evade¡ªbefore it could even process the attack¡ª


    Lady Sia struck.


    A blur of black armor. A streak of lightning-quick motion.


    Sia¡¯s shoulder smashed into the beast with terrifying force. The sheer impact sent a deep shockwave rippling outward. The bear didn¡¯t sense her coming. It took the hit head-on.


    Then, Ragnar¡¯s flames reached it.


    The beast ignited.


    Fire raged along its face, searing its flesh. It howled¡ªa terrible, inhuman sound that rumbled through the battlefield, filled with both rage and pain.


    Sia took a step back, eyes sharp, assessing the damage. The moment she moved, her gaze locked onto Ragnar.


    He was burning.


    Not just his sword¡ªhis entire body.


    June¡¯s breath caught in her throat.


    Sia recognized this form. She had heard of it before, spoken of it in passing with Ragnar during their first discussions.


    But it had been June¡ªJune, with her careful warnings, who had told her what to expect if Ragnar ever transformed.


    And now, that warning was reality.


    The battlefield shifted once more.


    But this time, the flames did not belong to the ghost bear.


    This time, they belonged to Ragnar.


    "Mana Zone: The burning Swordman"


    Raga was no elemental mage like his wife, Dawn. But he didn''t need to be. His strength came from Crimson Ultima, a special-ranked weapon capable of summoning flames that bent to his will. The moment he activated it, his entire body was engulfed in fire, his sword burning like a beacon of destruction.


    With the beast momentarily distracted by Sia, Raga seized his chance. The heat around him intensified as he propelled himself forward with an explosive burst of flames, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. The ghost bear reacted instantly, channeling the raw mana within its core. A thick barrier of ice erupted over its ice-white fur, an impenetrable curtain of frost meant to smother the flames before they could reach its flesh. The temperature in the clearing plummeted, the air so cold it stung like a blade against bare skin.


    Raga''s fiery strike met the icy wall with a deafening hiss, steam and embers exploding outward. The ghost bear''s defenses held. The flames that had once danced freely around Raga flickered and dimmed, struggling against the sheer cold radiating from the beast.


    Sia, ever the opportunist, used the moment to close in. Her blade whistled through the air, aiming for the beast¡¯s flank. The ghost bear twisted, bringing up its mana-reinforced claw to intercept. Metal clashed against raw power, a shockwave tearing through the battlefield as the two titans met head-on. Sparks erupted from the impact, and for the first time, the bear¡¯s muscles tensed¡ªnot in arrogance, but in acknowledgment.


    It could not overpower her.


    They exchanged blows in rapid succession, each strike precise, each counter vicious. The bear''s movements were calculated, its claws slicing the air with lethal intent. Sia met every attack with expert precision, her body flowing like silk as she shifted between offense and defense.


    Then, the beast lunged¡ªits maw snapping toward her injured arm, sensing a weakness.


    Sia anticipated it. Pivoting on her heel, she twisted just in time, avoiding the bite by mere inches. With the beast¡¯s head now within reach, she struck. Using the momentum of her dodge, she slammed her reinforced headgear into the side of its skull with bone-crunching force. The impact sent a ripple through the beast¡¯s massive frame, stunning it for a brief moment. Wasting no time, she followed up with a devastating punch to the same spot.


    A sickening crack filled the air.


    The ghost bear roared in agony, staggering backward.


    But its fury only grew. With a snarl, it reared up on its hind legs, its towering form eclipsing the battlefield. Sia¡¯s grip tightened on her weapon, prepared for the next exchange¡ªonly for Raga to reappear in a flash of fire.


    He swung his blazing sword with all his might.


    The blade bit deep into the beast¡¯s body. Flames surged from the wound, igniting its thick fur. The ghost bear howled in pain, thrashing violently. But instead of retreating, it retaliated.


    With a monstrous swipe, it struck Raga with terrifying force.


    The impact was devastating.


    Raga¡¯s headgear was torn from his skull, his armor rupturing in a spray of shattered metal and blood. The sheer force of the blow sent him hurtling across the battlefield, his body colliding with the ground in a brutal crash. Blood pooled beneath him, his breath ragged, but even through the haze of pain, his grip on Crimson Ultima remained unbroken. His flames flickered, but they did not die.


    The ghost bear, still seething with pain, reached down and ripped the sword from its flesh. With a vengeful growl, it tossed the weapon aside, as if discarding mere scrap metal.


    But Sia was already moving.


    She intercepted the beast¡¯s next strike, her blade locking against its claw in a contest of sheer strength. The ground beneath them cracked from the force, neither side giving an inch.


    June, seeing Raga¡¯s battered form, rushed to his side. Her trembling hands glowed with healing magic as she worked frantically to seal his worst wounds. Dawn, her composure regained, stood nearby, her fiery gaze locked onto the beast.


    She would not allow it to recover.


    The sky above crackled with raw power as Dawn unleashed a barrage of spells. Blazing projectiles rained down like meteors, each one detonating upon impact. The ghost bear roared as explosions rocked its massive form, forcing it onto the defensive. But even as its wounds reopened, the beast refused to fall.


    Then, the air around it shimmered.


    Dawn''s breath caught in her throat.


    "It''s using Mirage Stance!"


    In an instant, the battlefield became a chaotic illusion. The ghost bear''s form split into a dozen identical figures, each one moving with eerie synchronicity. Their glowing eyes flickered through the mist, making it impossible to tell which was real.


    Dawn¡¯s mind raced. Fire magic alone wouldn¡¯t be enough to pinpoint the true beast. She needed something more¡ª


    Sia''s voice cut through the confusion.


    "Watch the ground!"


    Dawn''s eyes widened.


    The ghost bear was heavy. Even if it could mask its presence, the real one would still leave disturbances¡ªsubtle shifts in the dirt, crushed grass, displaced debris.


    Sia¡¯s sharp gaze scanned the battlefield, dissecting every movement, searching for the one illusion that didn''t quite match.


    Then, she found it.


    "THERE!" She pointed, her voice carrying above the chaos. Her finger aimed at an unassuming patch of dirt near an ancient tree, where a faint indentation had formed¡ªa footprint that didn''t fade like the others.


    Dawn didn''t hesitate.


    She unleashed a firestorm upon the location.


    The impact was immediate. The moment her spell struck, the illusions wavered, flickering out like candle flames. A bestial screech filled the air as the real ghost bear was forcibly revealed, its form convulsing under the searing heat.


    Its deception had failed.


    It was now exposed.


    Sia took a deep breath, mana surging through her veins as she raised her blade. The ghost bear, though wounded, was not defeated yet. With a snarl, it charged straight at her, its rage blinding.


    But Sia did not move.


    Her stance was firm. Her mind was clear.


    The true battle was about to begin.

 CHP NO 6. THE FLAMES OF PURGATORY

    Lucius and Sia engaged in a tradition common among adventurers following the loss of their comrades. They gathered the belongings of their deceased team members, including weapons, artifacts, and personal items. Lucius chose to stay close to June, whose remains were scattered at the scene, marked by the blood that surrounded them. Before departing, both Lucius and Sia took a moment to bow in gratitude, honoring the sacrifices made by their fallen friends.


    Approximately one hour later, Sia found herself seated on a flat rock near the final cliff that divided the outer rim from the city. Lucius, having no other activities to engage in, leaned against Sia, the battleknight''s armor offering a sense of comfort. Sia was lost in thought, reflecting on the day''s events: the mission, the unexpected encounter with Lucius, and the tragic loss of her entire team due to the ghost bear. Now, in a moment of relative safety, she had the opportunity to contemplate her experiences. While she had many questions about Lucius and his background, she opted not to press him for details, allowing for a moment of peaceful silence between them instead. Lucius, too, held numerous questions but chose to respect the quiet companionship they shared.


    ***


    Lucius''s POV


    I remained silent, allowing Lady Sia a few moments of peace with herself. Although my own injuries were non-existent, she had suffered several visible wounds during the fight. Some were deep, her armor barely holding together in certain places. Yet, despite her pain, she stood with unwavering composure. I glanced at her arms¡ªher dominant one had taken the brunt of the damage, but the other seemed better, which was at least some good news.


    The silence between us was thick, lingering in the aftermath of battle. It felt somewhat awkward, yet at the same time, there was a strange sense of easiness to it. A mutual understanding. We had both just survived something brutal. The smell of blood still hung in the air, the earth was torn and scarred, and the memory of what we had lost weighed heavily upon us.


    ¡®I¡¯m glad I found you, Lady Sia,¡¯ I thought. I considered saying it out loud but decided against it.


    Her voice broke the silence.


    ¡°Tell me, Lucius, you had a little exchange with Raga before he saved me, right?¡± Sia¡¯s tone was calm, but there was an underlying curiosity in her voice.


    I met her gaze and nodded. ¡°A short one, but yes.¡±


    I still remember the moment vividly. I had been with Raga when he was almost killed by that devastating blow. He had come flying toward me, his massive frame hurtling through the air like a boulder. If I hadn¡¯t reacted in time, he would have crushed me under his weight. Fortunately, I had been fast enough to move out of his landing trajectory. That was when I had spoken to him¡ªjust before he gathered what little strength remained in him and returned to battle.


    Sia exhaled softly, her expression unreadable. ¡°His chest injury had damaged his core, you know?¡± she continued, her voice quieter now. ¡°Since you don¡¯t have one, you wouldn¡¯t understand the unbearable pain we go through when our core is injured¡­¡±


    She was right. Only a mage could truly comprehend the agony Sir Raga must have endured.


    I recalled that moment again¡ªRaga, lying on the ground, his breaths shallow and ragged. He had collapsed near a tree, barely conscious, his body struggling to recover from the brutal injuries he had sustained. Acting on instinct, I had helped him, dragging his limp frame against the rough bark, trying to provide him with some support. It had taken time, but I had managed to steady him.


    The wounds on his chest were horrifying. Four massive holes had been blasted through his flesh, leaving his internal organs visible beneath the torn remnants of his armor. But the worst of it was his mana core¡ªshattered. A large portion of it was simply¡­ missing, as if it had been violently torn away from his body.


    ¡®How?¡¯ I had wondered in that moment. ¡®How is he even still breathing?¡¯


    Even now, I couldn¡¯t understand it.


    Sia¡¯s voice pulled me back to the present.


    ¡°There were holes blown through his chest and core when he tried to defend me,¡± she said, her words heavy with something I couldn¡¯t quite place¡ªadmiration, grief, respect. ¡°With that kind of injury, I can only imagine how he mustered up the strength to stand, much less return to battle and hold his own against that sadistic monster.¡±


    Her praise for her fallen captain was genuine, and I understood why. He was truly an incredible warrior. Even in his dying moments, he fought with pure intentions¡ªto protect his comrades, to avenge his fallen team members. He deserved a better ending than the one he got.


    But before he rejoined the fight, Raga had asked me something. A question I hadn¡¯t expected.


    ¡°What are your dreams, kid?¡±


    I had frozen for a moment.


    Back then, I didn¡¯t know. My consciousness had barely existed for a few hours when I met these people. I had no memories, no grand ambitions that had been nurtured over years of experience. Yet, I had wanted to answer him. I had wanted to say something meaningful.


    So I had forced myself to speak.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to be a strong, honorable man like you, Sir.¡±


    Even as I said it, I wasn¡¯t entirely sure if it was true.


    But now¡­ now I wanted it to be.


    Lady Sia, with her unshakable will and indomitable spirit. Sir Raga, with his unwavering sense of duty and courage. And even Sister June, whose kindness and selflessness had left a lasting impression on me. They had all inspired me. They had all shaped my understanding of what an ideal person should be.


    Raga had looked at me then, his breath unsteady, his body shaking under the weight of his injuries. Yet, despite his pain, his voice had remained strong.


    ¡°You¡¯re not sure what you want to be in the future,¡± he had said. ¡°Your tone carries doubt. And that¡¯s fine. It¡¯s okay to question yourself, to wonder about your place in this world. But remember this, Lucius¡ªyou have time. You have Lady Sia, an honorable knight, to guide you. You don¡¯t need to have all the answers right now. Just make sure you figure it out.¡±


    His words had stayed with me. They still echoed in my mind even now.


    He had inspired me to want to be better.


    Despite the agony he must have been in, Raga had pushed himself to stand. His sword had been his only support, his balance unsteady¡ªlike a newborn trying to walk for the first time. I had stepped forward, reaching out to help him, but he had gently refused my assistance.


    Even in his final moments, he remained strong.


    He had walked toward Lady Sia, his steps slow, deliberate. And in that moment, something inside me had shifted. I couldn¡¯t let this moment pass without saying what I needed to say.


    I clenched my fists, straightened my posture, and spoke with unwavering resolve.


    ¡°Sir Raga, one day, I will become a strong and honorable man. I will protect my family and those around me. That is my resolve.¡±


    For a moment, he didn¡¯t respond. Then, with visible effort, he turned slightly to glance at me. A faint smile appeared on his battle-worn face. A small, fleeting expression¡ªbut filled with something that looked like satisfaction.


    ¡°Is that a promise, Lucius?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    And those were the last words we ever exchanged. A promise. One I would never forget.


    ***


    "Lucius, how much do you truly understand about mana?" Sia¡¯s voice cut through the air, challenging the depths of my comprehension regarding this vital entity that serves as our life force. She leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and intensity. "Mana is not just a concept; it is an omnipresent energy that permeates everything around us. It flows through the vast skies above, courses through the earth beneath our feet, and dances over the mountains we ascend. The oceans we plunge into and the rivers from which we drink are all manifestations of mana. In essence, our entire world is woven together by this rich and vibrant fabric of mana."


    As Sia spoke, a flicker of realization ignited within me, as if her words were unlocking a dormant understanding buried deep within my mind. "Please continue. I¡¯m eager to learn more," I urged, keen to delve deeper into the mysteries of this life-giving energy.


    "Mana is the very essence that empowers all forms of life," she explained, her voice steady and authoritative. "It doesn¡¯t matter if a creature is immense or minuscule, powerful or feeble; every living being thrives because of the mana coursing through their veins. It is this life force that enables existence and reproduction. Without mana, a sentient being simply cannot exist¡ª"


    "That¡¯s incorrect," Sia interjected sharply, her tone interrupting my thoughts. "While you are largely accurate, there¡¯s a key distinction to be made. Yes, without mana, a sentient being would indeed cease to live, much as we would if deprived of necessary elements like oxygen or water. But the critical difference lies in the immediacy of those consequences. The absence of oxygen, for instance, leads to a slow and agonizing demise; we can only hold our breath for a few moments before we begin to perish. The absence of water, on the other hand, may grant us a week at most before we succumb to dehydration, and three weeks is our absolute limit."


    I nodded thoughtfully, piecing together her argument. "So, mana, like oxygen and water, is essential for survival?"


    Sia¡¯s eyebrows shot up in surprise at my conclusion. "Our?" she echoed, her voice tinged with skepticism. At that moment, an unsettling realization crept over me, coinciding with the peculiar connection I felt toward her. I sensed that she was hinting at something profound and troubling, something I knew was impossible to accept.


    "Lucius, my dear," she began, her expression shifting to one of concern, "we met only seven hours ago, and throughout our encounter, not once have I sensed the circulation of mana within you. You lack a mana signature entirely. It should be impossible for you to be sitting here, conversing with me, breathing, and yet here you are, as if nothing is amiss. In all my knowledge, I have never encountered a human who can survive without mana for more than a minute. Those who have, barely cling to life after such an ordeal; they endure lifelong injuries that cripple their bodies and restrict their cores indefinitely."


    Her revelation left me stunned, the weight of her words pressing heavily upon my mind. A thousand questions surged forth, but one overrode the rest: "What about others like me? Are there beings who can exist without mana?"


    "There are none, Lucius," she said, shaking her head. "In nature, mana beasts show no mercy. They either eliminate their younglings or abandon them at the first sign of any defect suggesting an inability to circulate mana properly. It may be brutal, but it is a necessary measure to ensure that those who might jeopardize their species are not allowed to reproduce, which could endanger their very existence. In fact, in our own history, during the tenure of the previous ruler, humans who could not harness mana to defend themselves¡ªor their empire¡ªfaced cruel discrimination for decades, even centuries in some parts of the empire."


    My heart raced at her words. "Wait, are there humans who can¡¯t circulate mana at all?" My hope surged as I focused on this startling new angle.


    "No, Lucius," Sia clarified, her voice firm but sympathetic. "Even those humans do possess the ability to circulate mana. They have a mana core just like any of us. The key difference is..." She paused, the atmosphere around her shifting as her focus intensified. With a fluid motion, she conjured a linear, brilliant spear-like structure beside her: the mana spell known as the mana arc. The arc hovered gracefully in the air, emanating a soft yet vibrant glow. Slowly, she drew my attention to the particles of mana escaping from it, dissipating into the atmosphere one by one. As I watched, the beautiful spell gradually faded into nothingness, leaving me with a profound sense of loss, mirroring the realization of my own unique plight amidst a world governed by mana.


    "They are utterly incapable of conjuring even the most rudimentary mana spells, such as the mana arc. Furthermore, they lack the ability to enhance their physical forms¡ªreinforcing their muscles or sharpening their senses¡ªabilities that, over time, contribute to the extension of life itself. The absent flow of mana circulating within their bodies restricts them to merely experiencing an ordinary existence. That''s all it amounts to. Their inability to perceive, to feel, and to manipulate mana renders their already brief lives pitifully mundane."


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    This revelation sent a wave of uncertainty crashing over me. "That means... wait, what does that mean for me?" The thoughts raced through my mind, escalating my anxiety. I had always sensed something was amiss within me, but I could never have anticipated it being this dire. If what Sia claimed was accurate, I was forever destined to be powerless, unable to wield mana like she did or like Sir Ragnar could! How was I supposed to navigate this cruel world and grow stronger if I was abandoned by the very force that governs the entire universe?


    "What¡ªwhat am I supposed to do now?" My mind spiraled into a panic as I was overwhelmed with dread, the situation feeling more hopeless than the terrifying encounter I had earlier with that monster lurking in the shadows of the trees, lying in wait to strike at the most opportune moment. In that fleeting memory, I recalled a bizarre sensation, the ability to feel that creature even when a seasoned knight like Lady Sia could not. Tentatively, I brought this incident up to her, and to my surprise, she recalled every precise detail. However, the shift in her expression and demeanor showed her clear disapproval at being reminded of that moment.


    "So you''re telling me that YOU were the first to sense that beast? Before I did?" Her question felt like a challenge, subtly implying that my senses might surpass hers. I took a solid minute, weighing my response carefully. While I knew the truth might provoke her anger, I chose to take the risk for my own sake. After all, I had nothing to lose. In the worst-case scenario, she might abandon me; in the best-case, she would take me to her city, where I could face others who might echo her inquiries, though with less kindness than Sia.


    "Yes, Sia," I answered, my voice steady despite a tremor of fear coursing through me. I was relieved to note that she exhibited no signs of an emotional outburst, a welcome sign. For a moment, I couldn¡¯t help but think, ''At least her ego isn¡¯t as inflated as her br¡ª'' I abruptly turned my gaze elsewhere, desperate for her not to notice where my eyes had strayed for that split second. ''What is wrong with me?!'' I internally scolded myself, mentally picturing a punch aimed at my own foolishness for harboring such an unforgivable thought about my savior.


    ¡°Lucius, I can hardly believe it, but you are the first person I have encountered in recent years who has exhausted my mind to this degree,¡± Sia declared, her frustration mingling with an air of determination. ¡°But fine, let¡¯s get to work. The sun is already rising, bathing us in light and warmth. Together, we¡¯ll arrive at a solution. First things first, we must address one crucial misunderstanding. Your perceived inability to... exist without mana is most definitely NOT a defect. If anything, it could be an ability, something previously unheard of."


    "How so?" I blurted out, my curiosity overriding my caution. I noticed Sia didn¡¯t mind my interruption and waved my apology away, encouraging her to proceed.


    ¡°To begin with, the fact that you are alive, well, and essentially normal like others¡ªlike me¡ª is a sign. It indicates that wherever you come from, you may not be alone; there might be others like you with similar, um¡­ abilities!¡± She corrected herself hastily, her hands moving toward my chest region as if she were trying to scan me with her fingers. I instinctively closed my eyes, focusing on what she could sense, but my inherent inability to grasp the essence of mana left me in the dark about her intentions.


    ¡°Unbelievable,¡± was all she said, yet that single word captured my undivided attention. I felt an intense anticipation for her next statement, a gut feeling that it was going to favor my future.


    ¡°Not only do you have a perfect circle embedded in the center of your chest¡ªa mana core, albeit depleted¡ªbut you also possess an entire network of mana veins, mana points, and channels coursing throughout your body. What a remarkable phenomenon! Truly, it is a gift of divine proportion, I would dare say...¡±


    ¡°Listen to me, Lucius. You are not as unfortunate as I initially perceived. Your mana core, while non-functional, is perfect; your mana veins and channels, along with the points connecting them, are astonishing. In fact, the connections in your body may even rival those of our noble society''s elite! The scanning I attempted earlier¡ªdo you know what that was all about?¡± Despite forming a hypothesis about her motives, I was still unsure and welcomed her correction with an open mind.


    ¡°Were you trying to inject mana into my body?¡± I asked bluntly, unfazed by the potential risks. I figured that if I accused her of such a thing and my body rejected it, I could lose several basic abilities, not to mention ruining my already tenuous connection to mana.


    ¡°Yes!¡± she replied, exuding pride, her voice bold and confident, with no hint of uncertainty regarding the outcome. And to my immense relief, nothing went wrong.


    "Lucius, from what I can tell, your body can simply live without mana for I don''t know how long, at the same time, when I injected a small amount of mana inside you, your core, your veins and your channels were, for a very small moment, activated. Which meant, your body is indeed capable of absorbing, purifying and circulating mana just like me and a billion others in our empire." Her voice, eyes, and expressions suggested this was the best piece of news she shared in a very long time. Is she that happy because of me... or for me? I wondered as I watched her.


    "If what you said is true, that means..." "There''s a small chance that the connection between you and mana can be restored if I''m able to pour an extraordinary amount of purified mana into your core." She finished my assessment, and her on-point way of proceeding further was the best-case scenario, but I still had doubts regarding which type of mana she''d pour directly into me.


    "Why purified mana? Why not the raw, chaotic mana that fuels our attacks?" I pondered aloud, but the truth was, I didn''t have a strong preference. My primary goal was to reconnect with the mana that once flowed through me. There was a nagging sensation deep within, hinting that something had happened before I found myself waking up in that dense, shadowy forest, something that had severed my bond with mana. I strained to recall the details, but they eluded me like wisps of smoke. Still, there was a flicker of certainty lurking within me: I possessed the inherent ability to manipulate mana.


    "Allow me to share a story with you, Lucius," she began, her voice a mix of authority and nostalgia. "Back when I was actively serving in the military, there was a time when our division was stretched thin, embroiled in conflicts across the continent. Among us was a pregnant knight, close to her due date, who was denied maternity leave. The higher-ups deemed our mission too critical, ignoring her cries for help. During one of our deployments, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, she went into labor. It was a dire situation; we had no qualified doctors with us, only our healer, Lady Adriana.


    That night was fraught with obstacles and setbacks¡ªevery minute stretched into an hour as we huddled together in the cramped confines of our encampment. The labor was arduous, and despite Adriana''s determined efforts, the delivery ended tragically. The battleknight lost her child¡ªa heart-wrenching moment that nearly cost her own life as she succumbed to despair and a sudden loss of connection to her precious mana.


    Fortunately, Lady Adriana was attuned to the gravitas of the situation. She sensed the impending danger, felt the life force slipping away from the battleknight. Without hesitation, she poured every ounce of her divine, purified mana directly into the knight¡¯s core. I can still recall the blood-curdling scream that erupted from the battleknight''s lips; it was a sound filled with pain, a manifestation of her agony¡ªher body fought against it, yearning for release, wanting to let go after losing the sole reason that inspired her to fight, to persevere.


    Sitting across from Sia, I could feel the weight of her memories and the sorrow that underlined her words. It was palpable, a heavy fog between us that I longed to dissipate. I wanted to reach out, envelop her in an embrace, express my condolences for the profound loss she and the battleknight had endured, yet I held myself back. Now was not the time for outbursts of emotion.


    "What happened next?" I inquired softly, careful to maintain the calm atmosphere, unwilling to pry too deeply into what seemed like a festering wound.


    "Miraculously, she was saved," Sia sighed, a bittersweet smile flickering across her lips. "The moral of the story? There is a way to tether yourself back to mana after such a severance¡ªbut it''s fraught with risks. Just the slightest miscalculation could spell disaster, crippling both your body and mana core in an instant. I cannot assure you of success, Lucius. However, the choice rests with you: do you wish to proceed?"


    "Yes, I do," I replied steadfastly. The truth was glaringly obvious: I had little to lose. Sia was the first¡ªand perhaps the only¡ªperson I felt connected to in this strange new world. If this process led to my demise, sure, I would lament the loss of her, but beyond that, what else was there? After witnessing the raw power of mana just the day before, it was abundantly clear that only by mastering it could I hope to achieve my goals¡ªthe promises I had made and the responsibilities entrusted to me. I needed mana to be my ally in all my endeavors.


    "I''m ready, Lady Sia. Please proceed," I asserted, my resolve solidified, and I silently thanked her for still offering me a choice in this precarious situation.


    "Very well," Sia nodded, her expression grave yet determined. "I will commence the process in half an hour. Until then, I need you to prepare your body. Engage in some light exercises¡ªrunning, stretching, whatever feels right to you¡ªjust get your body warmed up."


    I nodded obediently. Watching her settle down on the rough-hewn rock, her back straightening with purpose, I noted her eyes closing as she fell into a meditative state. With rhythmic breaths that resonated calm and strength, she began to absorb mana, her posture reflecting her commitment to the arduous task ahead.


    Taking her guidance to heart, I launched into a series of short, swift sprints across the open ground, the wind whipping through my hair, invigorating my senses. I climbed trees¡ªa challenging yet exhilarating endeavor¡ªand flowed through yoga poses, each stretch unknitting the tension coiling in my muscles, easing my mind as well. The world around me faded, the only constants being my determination and the anticipation of what was to come.


    ***


    "Are you ready?" The Blacknight asked, her voice devoid of its usual warmth. It was colder now, distant, detached. As if she had to steel herself against the possibility of what was about to happen.


    She was prepared for the worst. Her armor covered every inch of her body, reinforced with enchantments meant to withstand even the most catastrophic failures. The likelihood of an overload¡ª a polite way of saying "explosion"¡ªwas low, but low wasn¡¯t zero. And unnecessary risks were never an option.


    "Any potential last words, little one?" she asked.


    There was no humor in her tone, no teasing like before. It was an honest question.


    I exhaled slowly, forcing my nerves into submission. "In case I die, just know this¡ªthis was what I wanted. Do not blame yourself if things don¡¯t go as planned."


    She said nothing, just nodded once, her expression hidden beneath her helmet. But I could still feel the weight behind her silence.


    "Very well. Lay down on the ground."


    I obeyed, lowering myself onto my back. The earth beneath me was rough, uneven, but it hardly registered. My thoughts were elsewhere, cycling through memories I barely had time to form. I had more to say, more to do¡ªbut I told myself this wasn¡¯t the end.


    Hopefully.


    I would be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t scared. I was terrified. The fear of dying, of ceasing to exist after only eight hours of life, coiled around my mind like a suffocating vice. But this wasn¡¯t reckless abandon. This was necessary. This was a chance I couldn¡¯t afford to miss, a door that, if closed, may never open again. Before she could begin, I reached out and took her hands.


    She tensed slightly, startled, but didn¡¯t pull away.


    "Before you start, I just want to say¡­ I¡¯m truly sorry for your loss. I¡¯m sorry."


    She didn¡¯t reply.


    She didn¡¯t need to.


    She only gave a small nod before gently pulling her hands free and positioning them over my chest.


    Then, without warning, it began.


    At first, it was¡­ pleasant.


    A strange warmth spread through my body, like being submerged in a hot spring. My muscles loosened, my thoughts became hazy, and for a brief moment, I thought maybe this wouldn¡¯t be so bad.


    I was wrong.


    The heat rose, and what was soothing quickly became unbearable. It climbed higher, hotter, until my skin felt like it was blistering from the inside out. My blood turned to fire, my nerves igniting with searing pain. And then, before I could even process that, something far worse took over. Flames erupted from within me. Not physical flames, but something deeper, more violent. It coursed through my veins, burning away everything in its path. My organs, my muscles, my very bones¡ªit felt as if they were being incinerated one by one.


    I screamed.


    The sound tore from my throat, raw and desperate.


    "Sia! Stop! Please¡ª!"


    She didn¡¯t.


    I thrashed, my body convulsing, arms and legs fighting against the pain, but I couldn¡¯t move¡ªnot truly. An invisible force held me down.


    Mana Force.


    She was restraining me, ensuring I didn¡¯t interfere. I barely registered the realization before a new agony consumed me.


    My chest¡ª


    Something was happening inside my chest.


    At the center of the suffering, in the very core of my being, I felt it¡ªsomething foreign, something new. It spun, twisted, churned violently, like a storm struggling to form.


    My vision, which had blurred from the pain, flickered for a moment.


    Through the haze, I saw her¡ªSia.


    She was screaming too, though not in pain. Her voice was urgent, commanding, desperate.


    "DO NOT STOP! KEEP ABSORBING!"


    Absorb?


    I didn¡¯t understand. But even through the agony, I could feel it¡ªthis wasn¡¯t just destruction. It was creation.


    The fire in my chest¡­ wasn¡¯t just consuming me.


    It was forming something.


    I ignored everything else. The pain, the fear, the panic¡ªI focused solely on that feeling. The swirling energy inside me, the vortex of mana desperately trying to stabilize.


    And I spun it faster.


    I had no idea how I was doing it, but I did.


    The heat, the pressure, the agony¡ªit all condensed into a single point. I forced it into motion, spinning, turning, accelerating until a blazing inferno swirled within me, a storm of raw mana taking shape.


    Sia gripped my hands. "FASTER!"


    I tried. I pushed myself harder, but the faster it spun, the more unstable it became. My body trembled violently, the energy inside reaching critical mass.


    Then¡ª


    It stopped.


    Not because I willed it.


    Because it couldn¡¯t go any faster.


    And worse¡ª


    It was slowing down.


    I felt it falter, and panic overtook me. The energy I had built up, the fire I had forced into form, was dying. My core was stalling, and with it, my connection to mana.


    Sia¡¯s voice grew frantic.


    "NO! KEEP GOING! DO NOT LET IT STOP!"


    I wanted to. But I couldn¡¯t.


    I had given everything. And it wasn¡¯t enough.


    My body had reached its limit.


    I was weak. Empty. Done.


    And yet¡ª


    I needed to survive.


    A memory surfaced.


    Raga.


    The man who had placed his trust in me. The one who had not only believed in me but entrusted his weapon to me.


    I could not let him down.


    I would not let Sia down.


    If my core couldn¡¯t surpass its speed going forward¡ª


    Then I would force it to move backward.


    Gathering the last remnants of my willpower, I restructured the mana within me. I pulled the scattered flames together, compressed them, realigned them into the core of my chest.


    And then¡ªI reversed the spin.


    The moment I did, my body reacted.


    The core didn¡¯t just resume its motion¡ªit exploded into acceleration, faster than before, spiraling with unstoppable momentum.


    "NO¡ª! STOP!" Sia¡¯s voice barely reached me, but I ignored it.


    It was working.


    A massive buildup of energy swelled inside my core. It was too much, too vast to contain.


    I knew what was coming.


    A Mana Discharge.


    I tried to warn her, to tell her to get back. But I didn¡¯t know if she heard me.


    I had no choice.


    I had to release it.


    With every ounce of remaining strength, I guided the fire mana, directing it, controlling it, stabilizing it just enough.


    Then, as the last of my consciousness faded, I whispered the words that felt as if they had always belonged to me¡ª


    "Mana Zone: Flames of Purgatory..."


    The world exploded in fire.

 CHP NO 7. THE SCALE OF STRENGTH

    Following the intense explosion of flames emitted from Lucius, a powerful shockwave¡ªsimilar to those previously used by the ghost bear¡ªpropelled various objects and individuals backward with extraordinary force. Sia, who had been seated on a stone, along with nearby trees and scattered wooden logs, were all influenced by the flame-infused shockwaves. A tree struck Sia during the incident; fortunately, her damaged armor provided some protection, preventing any additional injuries. However, other objects in the vicinity suffered significant damage and were shattered upon impact.


    Once the chaos subsided, Sia quickly moved to Lucius''s side, despite her injured arm, which had swollen due to her collision with the tree. As she knelt beside him, she attempted to assess Lucius''s condition but found that her hands struggled to establish a steady flow of mana. Taking a moment to collect herself, she recalled the adage, "Haste makes waste, patience prevails," and focused on calming her nerves before trying again. A brief examination revealed that Lucius was merely unconscious, exhibiting subtle signs of breathing. This observation reassured her; she confirmed to herself that he was alive.


    To maintain her composure, Sia repeated the phrase, "The worst is in the past," to remind herself that, despite the circumstances, Lucius was still alive and breathing.


    Lucius''s POV


    "The worst is in the past."


    I heard the words, but their meaning slipped through my grasp like sand through my fingers.


    "The worst is in the what?"


    Had I really repeated that? My own voice sounded foreign to me¡ªraw, strained, and barely above a whisper. My mind, instead of easing my burdens, did what it did best: amplify them. Questions flooded in. Had I lost my grip on sanity after just a single day in this world? Was this even real?


    Pain, sharp and unrelenting, shot through my body like a bolt of lightning. It wasn¡¯t the dull ache of exhaustion¡ªit was the kind that seared itself into your memory, a pain that demanded attention, that refused to be ignored. I wanted to scream, to let it out, but my throat was swollen, my voice reduced to a mere rasp.


    Slowly, my eyes fluttered open, the world around me a blur of light and shadow. It took a moment for them to adjust to the golden sunlight filtering through the canopy above. And there¡ªabove me¡ªwas her.


    Sia.


    Her form hovered over me, her entire upper body acting as a shield, her blood-red hair catching the light like a halo. But it was her eyes that held me captive¡ªsharp, intense, watching my every tiny movement as if one wrong shift could shatter me completely.


    "Hi?"


    The single word barely left my lips, and the way it sounded¡ªweak, breathy, almost childish¡ªmade me want to curl up and disappear. Of all the things I could have said, that was what came out? Really?


    Sia blinked. Then, she exhaled, her voice carrying that same firm gentleness I had come to recognize.


    "You''re only eight years old, you know?"


    The words made me pause. My mind struggled to process them. Eight years old?


    "Wait! You know my exact age?! How did you figure it out?"


    Even I didn¡¯t know my precise age. Time felt meaningless to me. I had only been alive for a single day¡ªhow could I possibly have an age?


    Sia remained unbothered by my reaction. "While you were unconscious, I did a quick scan of your body."


    A scan? That was how she figured it out? No asking, no warning, just¡ª?


    "But I was unconscious for only a minute at most."


    "Exactly."


    Her response was as calm as ever, her tone carrying no inclination to elaborate. She expected me to piece it together on my own.


    "What else did you exactly fi¡ª"


    Before I could finish, the pain returned in full force. A white-hot jolt surged through my body, scrambling my thoughts like a hammer smashing delicate glass.


    "Son of a bitch!"


    The curse ripped from my throat instinctively, though my voice¡ªstill rough and hoarse¡ªmade it sound more pathetic than angry. In another situation, I might have laughed at how ridiculous I sounded.


    Sia hummed in acknowledgment, almost amused. "Hmm. A mana backlash. Pretty common amongst mana wielders, like us."


    Us.


    That single word struck something deep within me. It wasn¡¯t just an observation¡ªit was an inclusion. A confirmation of what had just happened.


    Despite the agony, I forced myself to focus inward.


    I closed my eyes, blocking out everything else¡ªthe pain, the exhaustion, the lingering panic¡ªand searched for the change within me.


    And I felt it.


    It was like a second sun, burning inside me. A radiant, molten sphere of energy nestled deep in my chest. It pulsed with life, its warmth seeping through my veins, flooding my limbs, my senses, my very core. It wasn¡¯t just there¡ªit was me.


    The raw, purified mana that had once threatened to consume me was now my own. It belonged to me.


    I had survived.


    "Congratulations, Lucius."


    Sia¡¯s voice pulled me from my trance, and as I reopened my eyes, I found her watching me with a quiet sense of pride. "You now possess a mana core and a mana signature, just like the rest of us humans."


    A mana core. A mana signature.


    I let the words sink in, tried to grasp the weight of what I had gained. But before I could fully process it, something else caught my attention.


    Beyond Sia, in the distance, a massive tree stood, its bark scarred by a violent impact. The dent in its center was deep, as if something¡ªor someone¡ªhad crashed into it with terrifying force.


    My gaze snapped back to Sia.


    She was holding her arm. Her injured arm.


    A fresh pang of guilt tore through me.


    I didn¡¯t need to ask. The truth was painfully clear. My Mana Discharge¡ªthe same uncontrolled explosion that had nearly consumed me¡ªhad hurt her.


    Sia must have noticed the change in my expression.


    "It wasn¡¯t your fault."


    Her words were firm, as if she had anticipated my guilt before I even felt it. "What mattered most was that we succeeded."


    Succeeding didn¡¯t erase the damage. It didn¡¯t undo the fact that she had been injured because of me.


    Before I could think about it, I moved.


    Without hesitation, without concern for my own aches, I stepped toward her¡ªthen pulled her into a hug.


    It was clumsy. Awkward. But I didn¡¯t care.


    "Thank you."


    The words barely reached a whisper, but I meant them with everything I had. "Thank you for believing in me. For helping me from the start. For protecting me. For sharing your past with me."


    Sia didn¡¯t respond at first.


    For a long moment, she remained utterly still. Then, slowly¡ªhesitantly¡ªshe returned the gesture.


    It was brief, just a moment, but it was real.


    As I pulled away, she met my gaze.


    "We have much to discuss," she said. "It will take time. But as we march toward my city, I will fill you in on the details¡ªon what you need to know about your new home. And I will answer your questions to the best of my ability."


    A new home.


    The words felt foreign.


    But what else did I have?


    I took a deep breath. "Alright."


    There was no hesitation in my answer.


    I would follow her.


    Wherever she led me.


    For now, that was enough.


    ***


    "You can begin, little one," Sia instructed, her voice steady as she climbed ahead of me. The uneven, rocky terrain of the cliff was an obstacle, but nothing compared to the weight of curiosity pressing on my mind. Each step took us higher, promising a view of something grand¡ªsomething I had only heard about in stories. The eastern border of the empire.


    "What''s the name of the city we''re heading to?" I asked, pausing briefly to catch my breath.


    "Varis," she answered without missing a step. "The central city of the eastern region."


    "And the empire? The one you guys seem so proud of?"


    She glanced back at me with a small, knowing smile. "The Mighty Empire of Verdun."


    There was a quiet pride in her voice, an unshakable reverence that made the name feel heavier, more significant. I had heard it before, but somehow, hearing her say it made it feel¡­ invincible. There was something about it¡ªsomething eerily familiar¡ªthat tugged at the edges of my mind, but I ignored it.


    "Verdun? That''s a cool name," I admitted.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Yes," Sia continued. "Our empire was named after our first emperor, the Invincible one¡ªHis Majesty, Lord Verdun himself. A warrior unlike any before or after. He was the hero who united countless warring kingdoms under a single banner, ending large-scale wars and forging the strongest empire this continent has ever seen. A true legend."


    Her admiration was evident, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it would be like to command that level of respect, to have one¡¯s name echo through time.


    "So¡­ we''re in the eastern region, right?" I asked, shifting the subject.


    "Central-Eastern, to be precise," she corrected. "Most of the eastern region is covered in the Beast Forests¡ªjust like the one where I found you."


    I nodded. The memories of my arrival here were still fresh¡ªwild creatures, danger lurking in every shadow, and an overwhelming sense of survival instinct.


    "Yeah, I remember that. The ''Outer Rim,'' if I¡¯m not mistaken. What¡¯s with all these ¡®rims¡¯ anyway? Why not just call it ¡®the Beast Forest¡¯ and be done with it?"


    Sia smirked. "That would be¡­ inaccurate. The different rims help us categorize the forest better. The Outer Rim is the largest and most populated with beasts, filled with the most diverse and numerous species. It¡¯s so vast that it had to be divided into multiple sectors for hunting and navigation."


    She adjusted her grip on the hilt of her blade as we climbed higher, the sun catching the silver metal for a brief moment before she continued.


    "The Middle Rim is separated from the Outer Rim by a massive river. The creatures there are fewer but much stronger, more developed. They¡¯re the real threats to hunters."


    "And the Inner Rim?"


    "That," she said with a grim expression, "is home to the Apex Predators¡ªthe undisputed kings of the rims. Only the most experienced hunters or military squads dare venture that deep."


    "And the last one? The Central Rim?"


    For the first time, she hesitated. "No one truly knows. Theories exist, and stories have been passed down, but no solid evidence has been recorded. Most who attempt to explore it¡­ don¡¯t return."


    A chill ran down my spine. The way she spoke of it¡ªas if it was some forbidden place, a realm beyond human reach¡ªmade it all the more intriguing.


    Sia suddenly picked up her pace, practically jogging toward the top of the cliff. I gritted my teeth, forcing my tired legs to follow. I wasn¡¯t about to be left behind. The incline grew steeper, every step a battle against the weight of gravity, but I pushed forward.


    Then, she stopped.


    Dead still.


    Her back was straight, her shoulders squared as she gazed at something beyond the cliff¡¯s edge. The stillness of her stance told me everything I needed to know.


    Something was waiting for us.


    I reached her side and followed her gaze, and what I saw stole the breath from my lungs.


    The great walls of Varis.


    They loomed over the distant forest, massive and impenetrable, stretching endlessly in both directions. Hundreds of meters tall, built from a pitch-black stone that swallowed the sunlight rather than reflecting it. A fortress so vast it seemed to defy reason.


    And beyond those walls¡ªjust barely visible through the shimmering air¡ªwas the legendary city itself.


    "This view¡­" Sia murmured, almost to herself. "It never gets old."


    I swallowed, my throat dry. "Yeah¡­ it¡¯s something else."


    I had never seen anything like it. The sheer scale of the empire, the power it represented, the history etched into every stone of those walls.


    For the first time since arriving in this world, I truly understood.


    This wasn¡¯t just any place.


    This was Verdun.


    And I was about to step into its beating heart.


    Sia took a deep breath and turned to me. "Come now. We still have hours of travel ahead. We¡¯re taking the long route, as usual."


    I glanced down at the steep path ahead¡ªone that twisted and turned, leading deep into the forests below before eventually curving toward those enormous walls.


    It would be a challenge. A test.


    And I couldn¡¯t wait.


    A grin crept onto my face.


    "Then let¡¯s not waste time. I want to see what this new life has in store for me."


    With that, we began our descent¡ªtoward the city of legends.


    ***


    "That was so fun, Sia! Can we do that again?"


    My heart was still pounding from the descent, a wild, exhilarating rush that felt more like skiing than climbing down a mountain. The jagged cliffs and uneven terrain had turned into an impromptu obstacle course, with small hills acting as ramps that sent me gliding down with bursts of adrenaline. Though Sia led the way, guiding me whenever I stumbled, I managed to keep up.


    It was my first time experiencing something this thrilling¡ªat least, since waking up in this world.


    Sia, on the other hand, barely looked fazed. If anything, she seemed completely indifferent, as if what we just did was nothing special. Does she do this all the time? It was an ordinary routine for her, but to me? It was the most fun I¡¯d had in forever.


    "No."


    Her answer was immediate, blunt, and without hesitation. She didn¡¯t even bother to look at me.


    I frowned. What¡¯s with her? She had been acting strangely distant ever since I regained my connection to mana. Was it something I did? Or¡­ something I had yet to do?


    And then it hit me.


    Mana.


    An unsettling realization crept into my mind, making my fingers twitch. There was something I needed to ask.


    "Lady Sia? Do you have a moment?"


    She kept walking but gave a small nod. "I hear things from my ears, Lucius. They¡¯re focused on you. What''s on your mind?"


    That wasn¡¯t exactly the response I was hoping for, but I took the opening anyway.


    "Can I become as strong as you? Or Sir Ragnar?" I hesitated, then pushed forward. "You restored my connection to mana, but¡­ what now? How do I move forward? How do I control it? And what exactly are ¡®mana cores¡¯ and the ability to bend mana to our will? I need to understand if I want to survive whatever this world throws at me."


    I had no intention of being dragged along, helpless and dependent on others. Information was my weapon now. If Sia was willing to teach, I was willing to learn.


    She remained silent for a few moments before finally speaking.


    "Alright, then. To start, there are two types of mages among our kind. The first group consists of those who can sense, absorb, purify, and circulate mana¡ªallowing them to reinforce their bodies, weapons, and armor. The second group is limited to circulating mana in their bodies unconsciously, without being able to use it externally."


    "So we both fall into the first category?"


    "Correct. But within that category, there are further divisions."


    Her voice grew steadier, as if slipping into a familiar rhythm of teaching.


    "First, there are knights like myself. We can enhance our bodies and weapons with mana, making us deadlier in battle. Then, there are healers¡ªlike June. While most of them lack combat abilities, their magic is invaluable. They can mend wounds,  heal themselves and even purge poisons from the body. They¡¯re our greatest asset in prolonged battles."


    I nodded, following along.


    "Then comes the third type¡ªspellcasters, like Dawn. Unlike knights and healers, spellcasters aren¡¯t restricted by their innate affinities."


    "An affinity?" I asked, intrigued.


    Sia gave a firm nod.


    "Mana is the fundamental force that created our world, governs it, and will one day end it. Every sentient being¡ªhumans, beasts, even the Ghost Bear we fought¡ªhas the ability to manipulate mana in some way. You can reinforce your body. I can shape mana into arc-like attacks. The Ghost Bear, however, could channel mana into its core to alter its nature."


    "You mean¡­ it was an Ice affinity?"


    "Precisely. Now, Lucius, based on what I told you about that Ghost Bear, can you guess where it originally came from? Don¡¯t worry, there are no wrong answers."


    I thought for a moment before answering.


    "The Northern Mountain Range of Terra? It makes sense, considering it launched ice beams and shards while lowering the surrounding temperature. That kind of adaptation must mean it comes from an ice-cold region."


    Sia slowed her steps.


    "How did you¡ª?" She stopped herself, quickly regaining her composure. "I mean, yes. You¡¯re correct."


    I smirked. Caught her off guard there.


    Sia continued, brushing off her momentary lapse.


    "Just as living beings have affinities, so do the natural elements around us. The sunlight that warms our world, the earth beneath us, the skies above, the oceans, lakes, and rivers¡ªall of them influence mana differently. Even mountains and volcanoes shape the mana that flows through them. This phenomenon is called the ¡®Creation of Mana Nature.¡¯"


    I absorbed every word, my mind racing with possibilities.


    "So aside from raw mana, there¡¯s Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind mana naturally occurring around us?"


    "Correct. But despite their presence, most people cannot sense them."


    I narrowed my eyes. "Because we lack an affinity to them?"


    A small smile tugged at Sia¡¯s lips. "You¡¯re catching on quickly."


    Her expression darkened slightly before she continued.


    "Before my¡­ incident, I had an affinity for Fire. I could ignite my spells, my weapons, and my armor at will. But after what happened, I lost my connection to the flames. I still possess my fire affinity¡ªafter all, it was my mana that reawakened yours. But my ability to control it is gone¡­ forever."


    Her voice grew distant, carrying a weight I didn¡¯t fully understand.


    "Does that mean there¡¯s a chance I also have an affinity?"


    She didn¡¯t answer.


    Instead, she changed the subject entirely.


    "We entered this forest a while ago. Have you noticed anything unusual, Lucius?"


    My brows furrowed. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palm. She¡¯s dodging the question. But fine. I got my answer.


    "There are no beasts," I answered flatly.


    "And why is that?"


    I sighed. "I don¡¯t know."


    "Because it¡¯s off-season," she said simply. "The beasts retreat deeper into their sectors this time of year."


    I scoffed. "And what exactly am I supposed to do with that information?"


    The air around us shifted.


    I felt it immediately¡ªthe change in her aura. A subtle, nearly imperceptible shift, but enough to put me on edge. The red-haired knight in front of me didn¡¯t have the best temper.


    Shit.


    I needed to de-escalate.


    "I apologize for my tone, Miss Beauty-with-Brains. Please, continue."


    Sia exhaled sharply but resumed talking.


    "Dawn was a spellcaster with a Fire affinity. Unlike knights like me, she could channel mana into her core, purify it, and amplify its destructive nature. Spellcasters like her are capable of launching devastating long-range attacks that we knights could only dream of."


    That made me think.


    "Then¡­ doesn¡¯t that make her invincible? I mean, there¡¯s an infinite amount of mana in the world, right? Couldn¡¯t she level mountains if she wanted to?"


    Sia let out a small chuckle.


    "You¡¯d think so. But nothing in this world is without limits. The more mana you channel, the greater the burden on your body. Spellcasters like Dawn can only handle so much before they reach their breaking point. There are ways to push past those limits, but¡­ let¡¯s just say it comes at a cost."


    A cost?


    I had a feeling I¡¯d learn what that meant soon enough.


    ***


    Sia''s thoughts lingered on Lucius as she walked.


    Is he really only eight years old? And with no memories of his past?


    She had observed many young recruits over the years¡ªsome talented, some prodigies¡ªbut never had she met someone who could grasp the intricacies of mana nature so easily. It wasn¡¯t just that he understood; he could analyze the given information, break it down, and construct theories that were one hundred percent accurate.


    Was he some hidden genius? Or was there something more to him?


    She hesitated, debating whether to give him a hint. But before she could decide, Lucius spoke.


    "Does it have something to do with the core inside us?" His voice was steady, confident. "Is that the catch I mentioned earlier? The thing that determines our limitations¡ªthe amount of mana we can absorb, store, and manipulate?"


    Sia nearly stopped in her tracks.


    Amazing.


    She stole a glance at him. His expression, his stance¡ªeverything about him in that moment radiated intelligence.


    "Yes," she answered, her voice measured. "It is our core that allows us to manipulate mana¡­ but it also determines our limits. How much we can store, how much we can circulate, how much we can control at any given moment."


    Lucius nodded, absorbing her words like a sponge.


    "For example," Sia continued, "your core right now is at its weakest stage¡ªwhat we call F-rank. This means your ability to absorb, circulate, and store mana is severely limited. Even your ability to manipulate external mana is nearly nonexistent."


    She glanced at him again, wondering if he grasped just how fragile he was at the moment.


    "Similarly," she went on, "Dawn was a C-rank mage, Ragnar is B-rank, and I¡­ I am A rank."


    Lucius raised an eyebrow. "And the highest rank?"


    "The ranking system follows this order: F, E, D, C, B, A¡ªand then comes S-rank and finally, SS-rank. The higher your rank, the more mana you can manipulate, the stronger your abilities become. Those who reach the upper ranks are rare¡ªexceedingly so."


    Lucius was quiet, processing.


    "Dawn," Sia continued, "was a spellcaster, meaning she was naturally gifted. But her potential was still limited¡ªby multiple factors. The biggest ones being genes, bloodline, and, most importantly, her connection to mana."


    Lucius tilted his head. "Mana connection?"


    "It decides how much raw strength a sentient being can wield." Sia¡¯s voice took on a serious tone. "Amongst a million, only a few thousand have the potential to reach A-rank without an affinity. Of those, only about a hundred can reach that rank with an affinity. And only a handful can rise beyond that¡ªto S-rank or SS-rank."


    Lucius let out a slow breath. The numbers alone were staggering.


    "But¡­" she hesitated for a moment, "those who have no affinity yet still reach SS-rank¡­ They are even rarer. Throughout all of history, only five to seven knights have ever accomplished such a feat."


    Lucius¡¯s eyes widened slightly.


    "And these knights¡­ they achieved the impossible?"


    Sia nodded. "They shattered what the world believed to be an iron law. They had the right combination of genes, bloodline, and¡ªmost importantly¡ªluck. Luck beyond reason, beyond comprehension. Without an affinity, their chances were close to zero, and yet, they still reached SS-rank."


    A pause.


    "And yet¡­" she continued, her voice dropping, "having an affinity doesn¡¯t guarantee you¡¯ll reach the upper ranks either."


    Lucius frowned. "What do you mean?"


    "Take Dawn for example," Sia explained. "She had an affinity. She was a spellcaster. She had a rare skill set. And yet, even if she had survived that battle¡­ she would have only reached A-rank at best. And that would have taken her decades."


    "Why?" Lucius asked. "What was holding her back?"


    Sia met his gaze.


    "Because she lacked talent¡­ lacked bloodline¡­ lacked genes¡­ and lacked luck."


    The words hung in the air like a heavy weight.


    "If you truly wish to rise¡ªto achieve the greatest heights, to stand where only legends have stood¡ªyou must have all five of these factors in perfect balance."


    Lucius clenched his fists. Talent. Affinity. Bloodline. Genes. Luck.


    Five things that determined whether someone was destined for greatness¡­ or mediocrity.


    "And what is the ultimate rank?" he finally asked.


    Sia¡¯s eyes burned with something¡ªrespect? Reverence? Fear?


    "The SSS-rank," she whispered. "Or simply¡­ ¡®The Rank of Saints.¡¯"


    She turned her gaze to the sky, her expression unreadable.


    "It is the pinnacle of human strength."

 CHP NO 8. A NEW THREAT

    Lucius''s POV


    The Rank of the Saints, Huh¡­


    A challenge so immense that it sounded almost impossible¡ªjust my kind of thing.


    But how was I supposed to reach that level? How could I even take a step forward from F-rank, the absolute lowest? The gap between where I stood and the legendary Saint Rank seemed like an endless abyss.


    Fortunately, Sia had all the answers.


    "Your mana core¡ªstart using it for basic tasks. Observe how it performs, and you¡¯ll conclude yourself. If you don¡¯t, well¡­ I¡¯m going nowhere."


    Simple advice, yet layered with hidden meaning.


    Understanding My Own Mana Core?


    "Efficiency and pre-established connection to mana¡­ that¡¯s what it¡¯s all about, isn¡¯t it?"


    Sia didn¡¯t bother confirming with words¡ªher expression and the slight nod were enough. That was the answer.


    I turned my focus inward, trying to sense the mana core inside my body¡ªthe very source of my strength. I attempted something essential, something every trained warrior should be able to do instantly: empowering my senses.


    The result? A complete disaster.


    It took too long to activate. The mana flow was sluggish, struggling to circulate. Worse, the amount of mana consumed was absurdly high compared to the insignificant effect it produced.


    Shit.


    I clenched my fists. It wasn¡¯t just inefficient¡ªit was barely functioning. The realization struck me like a hammer: my mana core was in a terrible state.


    I need more information.


    My eyes flickered toward Sia, who was still marching ahead with a sharp gaze, her hand resting near the hilt of her weapon. She was acting as if danger lurked nearby, but we both knew the truth¡ªthis sector had been cleared of mana beasts.


    This was the off-season.


    That was the entire reason she had ventured deep into the outer rim alongside Raga¡¯s team. There had been no immediate threats in closer sectors, forcing them to explore farther.


    If that was the case¡­ then what exactly was she watching for?


    Still, my own problems took priority.


    "Sia, teach me more about the mana core," I said, my voice firm.


    She glanced at me briefly before speaking.


    "Since you¡¯ve already analyzed your core, you must¡¯ve realized how inefficient it is. It consumes too much mana to perform even the simplest task, correct?"


    I nodded, and she continued.


    "Don¡¯t worry. This is normal. Every single one of us starts like this. Your core is new and full of impurities, cracked and unstable. The mana channels within your body¡ªyour veins, conduits, and pathways¡ªare underdeveloped and barely used. The core¡¯s rotation isn¡¯t optimal either."


    That made sense. The mana core wasn¡¯t just a source of energy¡ªit was a constantly evolving organ, something that had to be refined and trained like a muscle.


    "As you begin practicing mana training techniques, you¡¯ll learn how to properly harness your core. Over time, you¡¯ll gradually purify it, removing the impurities blocking its true potential. The shape of your core will become more defined, and the more you use it, the stronger your mana pathways will grow. Once your core stabilizes and achieves its ideal form¡ªa perfect sphere¡ªit will undergo a process of self-destruction."


    "Self-destruction?!"


    I almost stopped walking.


    She nodded.


    "It¡¯s not as bad as it sounds. The breakdown occurs in layers¡ªeach layer consists of impurities that restrict your core¡¯s efficiency and potential. Shedding those layers allows the core to evolve. Every time this happens, the core reveals a new color, signifying a successful advancement in strength."


    I was listening intently now.


    "The ranks you asked about¡ªF-rank all the way to Saint-rank¡ªthese aren¡¯t just arbitrary classifications. They¡¯re directly linked to the layers surrounding your mana core. In the beginning, your core is buried beneath 6 to 8 layers of impurities, preventing it from unleashing its full power."


    That meant¡­


    Every rank-up wasn¡¯t just a measurement of power¡ªit was a literal transformation of the mana core itself.


    It also meant that trying to forcefully break multiple layers at once could theoretically accelerate my growth.


    Sia sighed, shaking her head.


    "Before you even say it, no¡ªyou can¡¯t just break through multiple layers at once for the sake of power."


    I frowned. "I didn¡¯t say anything¡ª"


    "You didn¡¯t need to," she interrupted. "I could tell from your expression."


    She was right, of course. I had been subconsciously trying to figure out ways to bypass the process and accelerate my rank-up.


    Sia¡¯s tone grew sharper.


    "Listen carefully. Rushing this process will only lead you to an early grave. Breaking through layers too quickly puts an extreme burden on your body and soul. If your core isn¡¯t prepared, it could shatter completely, severing your connection to mana forever. In the best-case scenario, you¡¯ll become an ordinary human. In the worst case?"


    She paused for emphasis.


    "You explode."


    I felt a cold chill run down my spine.


    "That sounds like an exaggeration," I muttered.


    Sia gave me a dry look.


    "Tell that to the ones who tried it and left nothing behind except a crater."


    Point taken.


    She continued, her voice shifting slightly.


    "I¡¯m a perfect example of this limitation. The reason I¡¯m stuck at A-rank isn¡¯t because I lack the ability to break through. It¡¯s because of the limiter I was born with."


    A limiter¡­


    "Every sentient being is born with a specific level of potential. Once you reach that limit, you¡¯re stuck. In my case, there¡¯s an 80% chance that attempting to break through to S-rank will result in complete failure. Best-case scenario? I lose my ability to use mana forever. Worst-case?"


    She gave a humorless smile.


    "I die in an explosion."


    I fell silent.


    An 80% chance of failure. That was a terrifyingly high risk. Even for someone as powerful as Sia, it was a gamble she couldn¡¯t afford to take.


    "Now, tell me," she said, glancing at me. "What about you?"


    Me?


    I had already lost one of the Big Four¡ªelemental affinity. That was a crippling disadvantage. The only things left in my favor were:


    Talent


    Bloodline


    Luck


    Talent? Maybe. I wasn¡¯t sure how I compared to others just yet.


    Bloodline? The less I talk about that, the better.


    Luck? Well, I had found Sia of all people. That had to count for something, right?


    But was that enough?


    There was so much to think about, so many unknowns, and so many uncertainties about my own potential. For now, I surrendered to exhaustion, exhaling a long sigh.


    Right here and now, all I wanted was a full day¡¯s worth of sleep. Unfortunately, that wasn¡¯t going to happen anytime soon.


    Sia showed no signs of fatigue. For her, traveling for hours¡ªmaybe even days¡ªwas nothing more than a casual stroll. With nothing better to do, I forced myself to stop whining internally and continued doing what I had been doing for the last 4-5 hours.


    Following Sia.


    ***


    "Why did we stop all of a sudden? We¡¯re so close to the gates!" I whispered, my voice barely above a breath.


    I rubbed my arm, wincing slightly¡ªSia had grabbed me without warning and pulled me into cover behind a cluster of bushes. It wasn¡¯t like her to act without reason. Something was off.


    I strained my senses, trying to pick up anything¡ªmovement, sounds, or even the presence of mana.


    But there was nothing.


    No beasts nearby.


    I was certain of that much. If there were, Sia would have drawn her weapon by now, her entire body tensed for battle. But instead, she seemed calm, almost too relaxed for it to be a threat of that kind.


    And yet¡­ her actions spoke otherwise.


    Something was ahead of us.


    She motioned for me to follow her lead, her eyes sharp and calculating. I gave a silent nod and moved forward cautiously.


    Then, as we advanced, a putrid stench hit me.


    Rot.


    The air itself felt thick with it, the kind of smell that clawed at the back of your throat and threatened to make your stomach turn inside out. The closer we got, the more unbearable it became.


    Something was dead up ahead.


    We reached a small open field, surrounded by trees and overgrown bushes. That¡¯s when I saw it.


    I instinctively stepped forward to investigate, glancing at Sia for permission. She gave a slight nod, though her posture remained tense.


    Then, I got a clear look at the scene before me.


    And I almost threw up the meager remains of my late-night dinner.


    Corpses.


    Scattered everywhere.


    At least thirteen¡­ no, maybe fifteen bodies lay strewn across the clearing¡ªsome sprawled on the ground, others half-buried in the bushes. A few were even lodged against trees, their bodies smashed so brutally that they left deep crimson smears on the bark.


    Blood soaked the earth. Pools of it. Some of it was fresh, glistening under the faint moonlight, while the rest had begun to darken, sinking into the dirt.


    The bodies all belonged to the same species¡ªlarge, wolf-like beasts with thick fur and powerful limbs.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Or at least, they had once been powerful.


    Now? They were torn apart.


    Some had been ripped limb from limb, their severed appendages lying several feet away from their torsos. Others had gaping claw marks across their bodies, as if something had literally dug its fingers into their flesh and pulled them open.


    It was carnage.


    My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to look. To understand.


    Sia, meanwhile, remained completely unfazed.


    She stepped over one of the bodies with practiced ease, crouching beside a particularly mangled beast. Her fingers moved quickly, efficiently, pressing against its chest before extracting a small, glowing crystal¡ªits mana core.


    "Most of them have their cores intact," she murmured, examining it under the moonlight. "That means humans or other beasts didn¡¯t do this."


    Her voice held no emotion, as if she¡¯d seen this sort of scene countless times before.


    I wanted to ask how many times she had witnessed such slaughter.


    But I already knew she wouldn¡¯t answer.


    So instead, I asked, "How can you be so sure?"


    Sia continued harvesting the cores without looking at me.


    "Adventurers, bandits, or any human faction wouldn¡¯t hunt like this," she explained. "If you were alone, facing this many opponents at once, you¡¯d want to end them quickly and conserve your mana. Efficient kills¡ªstrikes to the head, the heart, or the core. But this?"


    She gestured at the ripped bodies around us.


    "This wasn¡¯t a battle. This was a massacre."


    I swallowed hard. "So it was another beast?"


    Sia nodded. "Most likely. Look at the wounds¡ªclaw marks. Deep tears in the flesh. And the sheer force used to smash some of them against the trees? That takes strength, raw strength."


    She hesitated for a fraction of a second.


    Too brief for most people to notice.


    But I noticed.


    "The one responsible for this was alone. Overwhelmingly strong. And most likely a corr-"


    She cut herself off.


    I narrowed my eyes. A what?


    Her entire demeanor changed. The slight ease in her shoulders was gone, replaced by an almost unnatural stiffness. Her expression, usually so composed, had hardened into something colder.


    It took me a second to realize what it was.


    Fear.


    Sia was afraid.


    That alone was enough to send a fresh chill down my spine.


    Even when we encountered the Ghost Bear, she hadn¡¯t reacted like this. Whatever was responsible for this carnage¡ªit wasn¡¯t just dangerous.


    It was something she didn¡¯t want to talk about.


    I clenched my fists. Why?


    What had she almost said?


    "Lucius, we¡¯re leaving."


    Her voice was sharp, urgent.


    "If the creature responsible for this comes back for the cores, we do not want to be here when it does. Come now."


    No argument. No hesitation.


    Just leave.


    ***


    "They¡¯re called Reindeers¡ªa sub-species of the formidable ¡®Greindeers.¡¯"


    Sia¡¯s voice was steady, clinical, as she gestured towards the carnage before us.


    "You see the one smashed against that tree on your right? And the other one¡ªits head torn clean off, hanging from that lower branch?"


    I swallowed hard, my eyes unwillingly drifting to where she pointed.


    It was worse now that I knew what I was looking at. The one against the tree, its ribcage was completely caved in, like it had been slammed so hard that its bones collapsed in on themselves. And the other... the severed head, still dripping with thick, dark blood, swayed slightly in the breeze. The expression frozen on its face¡ªpure, unfiltered terror.


    "Those two," Sia continued, "were the Alphas of this group."


    Her tone was impassive, but there was something off about it. Like she was holding something back.


    "The monster responsible for this," she murmured, "must have taken great pleasure in tearing them apart."


    I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening.


    "Why?"


    The word came out before I could stop it, but I didn¡¯t care. My hands trembled at my sides, my knuckles turning white as I kept my eyes locked on the violated remains of what were once proud, powerful creatures.


    This wasn¡¯t just a hunt.


    This was a message.


    Sia exhaled softly, studying me for a moment. Too long of a moment.


    "This is not how an 8-year-old should react."


    Her thoughts were practically written on her face. I knew what she was thinking. That she had already shared too much with me. That she had forgotten to see me as just a kid.


    But she wasn¡¯t wrong.


    I wasn¡¯t reacting like a child.


    Because I wasn¡¯t one.


    "... Because," she finally answered, "unlike the others, the two Alphas were as strong as Ragnar. The rest? Maybe C-rank at best."


    I sucked in a breath.


    Ragnar. A warrior whose name carried weight. Someone even seasoned adventurers respected.


    "And yet, this creature¡ªcreature-this thing-tore¡ªtore through them all alone."


    Sia¡¯s eyes darkened.


    "Which means whatever did this was at least A+ rank."


    I gritted my teeth. A+ rank.


    More than just a strong beast. That level of power put it in a category where it could threaten entire battalions if left unchecked.


    "This battle wasn¡¯t a hunt," she continued, her voice dropping into something grim. "It was an unavoidable massacre for the reindeers. A display of strength toward humans. And for the monster..."


    She trailed off, her expression unreadable.


    "... it was a test."


    We finally left the massacre behind, the rotten stench still clinging to my senses even as the night air grew clearer.


    For a moment, I thought we¡¯d put enough distance between ourselves and that horrific battlefield. That we could walk in silence for just a little longer before my mind would be forced to unravel everything I had just seen.


    Then¡ª


    THUD.


    I barely registered the sound before I felt something shift beside me.


    "What now, Luci¡ª"


    Sia¡¯s words cut off abruptly.


    Because when she turned, I was already on the ground.


    Dust rose up around me as my small body slumped forward. My vision blurred, my limbs numb. My head felt heavy¡ªlike a weight I could no longer hold up.


    Then, darkness.


    Sia crouched beside me, watching for a few seconds, as if confirming something.


    Then, she sighed.


    "... I didn¡¯t expect him to last this long."


    It was true.


    ***


    Despite everything¡ªdespite running, fighting, enduring hours of exhaustion¡ªLucius had kept going. Until now.


    His small frame had finally given in.


    Sia shifted his unconscious body, carefully pulling him onto her back. He wasn¡¯t heavy¡ªnot even close¡ªbut she was still careful with how she carried him.


    His arms naturally hung around her neck, his head resting against her left shoulder.


    For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she walked in silence.


    No danger. No tension. No unexpected battles.


    Just the quiet hum of the night as she moved forward.


    Finally¡­ A moment of peace.


    And yet, even in this silence, Sia¡¯s mind refused to rest.


    Her thoughts churned, repeating everything that had happened in the past 24 hours.


    First, the mission.


    They had to venture deep into the outer rim¡ªrisking more than they should have¡ªjust to hunt a common beast. That alone was suspicious.


    Then, they encountered Lucius.


    Then, the Ghost Bear.


    And now¡ªthis.


    The graveyard of slaughtered Reindeers.


    Sia¡¯s brows furrowed slightly.


    Just yesterday, this section of the forest had been eerily empty. No beasts.


    But today?


    A whole horde of reindeers¡­ only to be wiped out.


    Something doesn¡¯t add up.


    She exhaled slowly.


    ¡®Odd,¡¯ she admitted.


    Too odd.


    One thing was certain¡ªthis wasn¡¯t a coincidence.


    She needed to report everything to Him and the High Command as soon as possible.


    Ragnar¡¯s fate¡ªand the loss of his entire squad¡ªwas tragic, but it could wait.


    The real priority?


    The information she had gathered from that graveyard.


    Because if she was right¡­


    ¡°To think they¡¯ve dared to come this close to our sacred borders...¡±


    It wasn¡¯t long before Sia finally crossed into the buffer zone¡ªthe stretch of land before the actual borders of the Sacred Territory.


    For a brief moment, she considered waking Lucius.


    She wanted him to see it.


    The greatness of the Sacred Walls.


    Even from this distance, their presence was awe-inspiring¡ªlooming structures of ancient, unyielding stone, standing tall and defiant against time itself.


    But Lucius didn¡¯t stir.


    His breathing was steady, his body still in a deep state of unconsciousness.


    "Let him sleep," Sia decided.


    For now, he had earned it.


    ***


    Sia''s Pov


    I nudged Lucius¡¯ shoulder. "We''re here. Wake up."


    He groaned, barely shifting, still half-asleep. This time, I used a trickle of mana to jolt him awake. His eyes snapped open, drowsy but alert as he stretched, his posture half-relaxed.


    "Woah¡­!" His gaze shot upward, and I saw his pupils dilate with awe.


    Valid reaction. I nodded approvingly.


    Towering above us, the Lunar Walls of the East stood like an indomitable force of nature. Vast slabs of enchanted stone, reinforced with silver-gilded linings, stretched toward the sky, disappearing into the clouds. The golden gates gleamed in the afternoon sun, their intricate engravings reflecting slivers of light. Lucius''s head tilted back further, drinking in the sheer scale of the fortress before him.


    His lips parted. "These walls... That gate with the silver lining¡­ They''re huge, Sia! Wait, what''s that symbol on the gate? And those patterns on the walls?"


    I followed his gaze. The intricate lunar crest¡ªa crescent moon cradling a sword¡ªwas etched into the golden gate, mirrored by similar engravings that ran along the walls like veins of light.


    "That symbol represents the Goddess of the Moon and Protection¡ªGoddess Luna," I explained. "This entire stronghold is named in her honor. The Lunar Walls of the East. Remember that name, Lucius. Respect them, and they¡¯ll protect you for as long as they stand proudly on our land."


    Lucius nodded slowly, his awe shifting into admiration. Unlike most brats his age, he actually cared about history. Another reason he was going to be a problem¡ªbut in the right way.


    Then, his eyes flicked higher. His expression shifted from admiration to confusion.


    "Are those¡­ cannons on top of the wall?" His voice dropped in wonder. "They''re huge!"


    I stilled.


    He can see them? From down here? Even a C-rank adventurer wouldn¡¯t be able to spot them at this distance. Keen little eyes you''ve got, kid.


    "They¡¯re mana cannons, a recent invention that has boosted our military capabilities. They¡¯re the third line of defense in case of an attack," I said, watching his reaction closely. "The first is the wall itself. The second? The millions of Lunarknights who have guarded these walls for a thousand years."


    Lucius swallowed, staring up at the silent watchmen patrolling the high stone ledges.


    I reached down and helped him down from the saddle. His boots hit the dusty road, and he wobbled slightly before catching his balance. "Stay close to me," I murmured. "And keep your head down."


    His mana signature was extremely weak for an eight-year-old, something that could actually work in our favor. If the wrong people found out¡­ No. Best not to think about that right now.


    As we approached the massive entrance, the Lunarknights stationed at the gate noticed us instantly. Their armor¡ªpolished gray metal with black cloaks, inspired by the moon¡¯s surface and the night sky¡ªgleamed under the sun. None moved to stop us.


    Instead, one knight descended from the wall.


    Vice Captain of the Lunarknights, Lord Mercy.


    The moment I saw him, I exhaled through my nose. Figures.


    He strode toward us, his long strides confident yet controlled. He was tall, his build lean but powerful, and his grayish body armor was pristine as ever. No helmet. No nonsense. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, flickered toward Lucius before shifting back to me. He didn''t say a word at first, just¡­ studied the boy. Analyzing his mana core. Searching for any possible threat.


    So it begins, I sighed inwardly. Another round of questioning I had to navigate carefully.


    Finally, he spoke.


    "Lady Sia. Welcome back," Mercy said, bowing slightly. His tone was polite, but not casual. "You''re late. Which means trouble. Where''s Lord Ragnar and his team? And who," his gaze finally settled on Lucius, "is this?"


    To his credit, Lucius tensed but didn''t shrink under the scrutiny.


    "One question at a time, Merc," I replied, grateful that he hadn¡¯t blocked our path¡ªwhich meant he was willing to hear me out first. "Yes, it''s good to be back. As for Ragnar and his team¡­" I hesitated. "They didn''t survive."


    Mercy''s jaw tightened. A rare show of emotion.


    "Lord Ragnar sacrificed himself to save me and this little guy." I gestured toward Lucius. "His name is Lucius. Lucius, say hello to Vice Captain Mercy."


    Lucius hesitated, glancing up at me for reassurance. I gave him a barely perceptible nod.


    He turned to Mercy and straightened his posture. "Hello, Sir Mercy. My name is Lucius. Nice to meet you."


    Good first impression, kid.


    Mercy blinked once before crouching down to eye level. "Hello, Lucius. You can call me Merc, just like Lady Sia." He extended a hand.


    Lucius, hesitating only for a second, shook it.


    Merc gave a small approving nod before standing and refocusing on me.


    "Lady Sia," he said, his voice lower, "what happened? A corrupt beast? An ambush? If even you lost your entire team, I can only imagine the monster you faced."


    Coming from an S rank, that''s saying something.


    "We''ll talk," I said, glancing at Lucius, who was zoning out from exhaustion. "But first, I need you to admit Lucius to a hospital. He¡¯s had a long journey."


    Merc nodded without hesitation. Before I could say more, a familiar voice cut in.


    "Sia. You''re alive. I''m glad."


    Lucius startled at the emotionless tone. I sighed.


    Rebecca.


    Of course, she was here.


    "Of course, you are, Ms. Rebecca," I muttered.


    Merc, ignoring our usual friction, gestured toward her. "Escort the boy to the infirmary. Give him full access to treatment."


    Rebecca didn''t question it. She barely even looked at Lucius as she gave a curt nod. "Understood."


    Lucius, however, glanced at me, his eyes wide and uncertain. He didn''t want to be separated.


    I crouched, leveling with him. "Don¡¯t worry," I murmured. "Get a check-up. Rest. I¡¯ll come for you soon."


    He bit his lip. Understood.


    But my eyes told him the unspoken part. Don''t say anything. Keep your mouth shut.


    He nodded once, then followed Rebecca.


    I turned back to Mercy.


    "Now," I said, exhaling, "let''s go face those old bastards."


    He smirked. "You ready?"


    I groaned. "Not even close."


    We walked toward the High Command Center, the heart of Varis¡¯ authority, where I''d have to report the loss of Lord Ragnar, his team, and¡ªmore importantly¡ªexplain why I had Crimson Ultima in my possession.


    And why Ragnar had entrusted it to an eight-year-old boy.


    ***


    I shared everything with Merc¡ªevery detail, every event, just as it was supposed to be told. I trusted him. Vice Captain of the LunarKnights, Lord Mercy. He was young, intelligent, and sensible¡ªa rare combination in a single person, especially in our world where strength often outweighed wisdom. Unlike others who would interrupt with doubts or assumptions, he simply listened, absorbing my words in silence. But his expression changed drastically the moment I mentioned Crimson Ultima''s new owner¡ªLucius.


    He didn''t speak right away, but I could see the question forming in his mind before it left his lips.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Just one word. But that was enough.


    And I had no answer.


    Why would someone like Ragnar¡ªa man who loved his weapon as fiercely as he had loved his wife¡ªhand it over to a child he had only known for a few hours? It made no sense. Crimson Ultima wasn''t just any sword. It was a special-ranked weapon, one that carried a history of bloodshed and power. Adventurers wanted it. The guild coveted it. Nobles would kill for it. Even Ragnar himself had endured countless assassination attempts just for possessing it. And yet, in his final moments, he had chosen to entrust it to Lucius.


    Merc¡¯s brows furrowed, his sharp mind already calculating the implications. ¡°There must be a reason,¡± he muttered, more to himself than to me. ¡°Ragnar wouldn¡¯t have given it up without one.¡±


    I sighed, my gaze drifting toward the towering high command building in the distance. ¡°I don¡¯t know his reasons, Merc. And I doubt I ever will.¡±


    But what I did know was that the sword was now my responsibility.


    Until Lucius could prove himself worthy of wielding Crimson Ultima, it would remain hidden.


    Which led to my next problem¡ªthe storage ring inspections.


    The moment I stepped foot into high command, my storage ring would be checked. Every item, every weapon, every ounce of mana within it would be laid bare before the council. And if they found Crimson Ultima, it would be confiscated instantly. Worse, they would begin investigating why I had it, how I had it, and whether I had stolen it. The moment they learned Ragnar had given it to Lucius, the boy would become a target.


    I refused to let that happen.


    Which left me only one option.


    I turned to Merc, my lips pressing into a thin line. ¡°I need you to store the sword in your ring.¡±


    His eyes flicked to mine, sharp and knowing.


    ¡°Sia¡­¡± he started, his voice carrying the weight of everything I wasn¡¯t saying.


    I knew what I was asking. Storage rings were deeply personal. To entrust someone with an item of such importance meant placing absolute faith in them. I was essentially giving Merc control over the most dangerous weapon in our possession. And yet, I had no choice.


    He studied me for a moment before sighing, rubbing the back of his head. ¡°You¡¯re lucky I like you.¡±


    With a flick of his wrist, his storage ring glowed faintly as I transferred Crimson Ultima into it. The weight on my shoulders felt a little lighter, but the responsibility still remained.


    If Lucius never proves himself worthy of the weapon¡­ then he will never receive it.


    That was a decision I was willing to make.


    And, for now, that was enough.