《Faithless Farewell》


 The Loyal Blood

    "It''s raining outside, you shouldn''t go that hard on him", said the mother.


    He was out in the heavy rain training and mastering his swordsman skills. His exhaustion and tiredness were clearly visible to others but no one was allowed to interfere in between. His Father was looking at him with no emotions, and everyone was looking at him expecting him to call his son back inside. But he wasn''t even moving an inch, just looking at his helpless child doing everything he can.


    As it began to rain more heavily, the mother got concerned and she demanded for his son to be brought back immediately. But to her surprise no servant could go against the order of the head of the family. And the Head was not reacting at all just standing there, looking outside as the drama continues.


    Finally, the boy reached his limits and gave up, dropping down on the ground from the pain of overdoing it. Everyone who was looking at him from the shed, gave in a worried noise but no one moved to help him out. Till it was the father who seems with a disappointed look went inside not even looking back at his fallen child. As soon as he left, everyone rushed to help the poor little kid and took him inside the mansion to treat his injuries. The Mother was annoyed by his husband''s brutality over their son. She didn''t go behind his husband and instead ordered the other servants to check on him while she went to see her son.


    "Ha Se woo......Ha Se woo... ", a call was heard while his eyes were closed and he could only see the blurry darkness in his own vision. "Are you okay?" asked his Mother. He nodded and didn''t say anything. Still feeling weak he closed his eyes, as his body was getting hot. He seemingly caught a fever as his mother checked on him. The mother then advised him to rest a little more and went out giving him time to fully recover.


    He was in his room all alone now, on the bed, looking at the wall above him where it was decorated with pale blue and yellow floral design, trying to understand its rhythm. He then looked through the window, and saw the rain, which hadn''t stopped yet. It''s been hours now, but it''s still raining very heavily. He then realized how he failed today, and wasn''t able to stay up to his Father''s expectations. He began to feel sad while he remembered it and questioned himself ''If he is even that good?''


    Suddenly a knock was heard on the door, in the room where he was resting. He looked up to see a big metallic figure coming inside. It was his father in his knight armour, who was preparing to leave to serve his majesty ''The Great Wizard King'' in a war against ''The Emperor'' who is having a serious battle going on in the Kingdom of Nirvana. Ha Se woo was just looking at him ready to hear any scold by him. His own face went down hopelessly. A silent tension in the surrounding, while he waits for his father to go ahead and say something. But to his disbelief, he was shocked to see his father pat his head and say," You did a great job".The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Ha Se woo still in surprise apologized to him for not being that strong. His father was not mad at him and was encouraging him, as he is the next bloodline who has to carry on the will of their ancestors and protect their master. He was just making him ready to be able to protect himself first. Because he will have someone to not disappoint in the future and fulfil his taken oath of staying by there side even in their harsh moment. Ha se woo was now looking up to his father as he was about to leave in the armour.


    "Sehoon"


    He Se woo''s eyes wide open, as it was his first time hearing that name from his father. It was obvious that something was decided for them. Because his father never actually used his pet name to call him. Ha Se woo silently but still in a hesitation, waiting for what was coming next from his father''s mouth.


    He then continued saying as Sehoon was straight up sitting in his comfort, now hearing him with full attention.


    "From now on it''s up to you, to decide who you want to be. Choose your path and forgive me for what you went through.... You never disappointed me..."


    Sehoon got a feeling that this might be the last thing he is hearing from him. It was so hard for him to understand what to do and over that the fever was taking over his head. He tried to move out of bed, but before he could say anything he fell back on the bed he was resting on. He slowly uttered ''Father... wait'', as he dropped unconscious.


    "Farewell Son.... "


    ***************************************************************************************


    Years later....


    "Sehoon! Are you sure you want to do this?"


    He was packing his stuff not caring about what was going on around him. His Mother kept on calling him again and again but he still wasn''t reacting to all the calls.


    "I am worried about you, I don''t want you to go through the same fate as your father."


    Sehoon looked at his mother and said, "Father entrusted me with his sword to protect the one I am bound to, and I will fulfil my duty."


    His Mother gave a concerned look while he was walking out of the Mansion alone. She also got a flashback of that day, when his husband also went for the war the same way as Sehoon was leaving and not even stopped to look back at her. She holding onto her cries murmured, "I will always be waiting for you here, my son ...... I have faith in you Ha Se woo, so do come back. Because you will always be my precious loyal blood... "


    Ha Se woo stopped as he reached the big mansion gate where he lives and turned to see his mother, maybe for the last time. She teared up on seeing him going afar. Others around her came to comfort her and Ha Se woo finally left that place on his new journey to find the person he is bound to. With an unknown hope with no circumstances but believing in the Fate or maybe creating his own one.


    "Am I brave enough to walk this path, Father?............You wanted to see me shine, but I don''t know if I am worth it as I am now. But I promise I will find the person you told me about. I am curious to know who it is."


    ~ Ha Se woo The Loyal Blood

 Demon Within

    "I can hear it howl. I can hear it scream. It wants to get free, from the barricade of these unknown feelings. What is it? An insane beast that can''t be controlled.........."


    "Nah! it''s the curse of the Sin he is carrying, for dedicating his loyalty to that devil."


    Sehoon walked through the deserted yard, solitude enveloping him. The air pulsed with life, a gentle breeze caressing his skin. He had wandered far from home; his steps weary yet determined. Pausing, he glanced back before fixing his gaze forward.


    "I see no distinction. Where am I headed?" he pondered aloud, scanning the surroundings from atop the hill for a clearer perspective.


    With no destination in mind, he lay down nearby, under the shade of a tree. Looking up, he watched as sunlight filtered through the rustling leaves, like a gentle sun shower. As he rested, he gradually drifted asleep, lulled by the soothing symphony of nature.


    "Ha Se woo, you know, ''The Wizard King'' is the greatest enchanter of all time. He emerged from realms unknown, bringing life and harmony to a world once in chaos."


    A subtle yet familiar voice stirred memories, guiding him when his thoughts faltered.


    "He truly seems remarkable. Father, I wish to meet him too."


    "Yes, my child. You will meet him, for you are destined to be the guardian of his successor."


    "His successor...?"


    "Someday, in the vastness of ''The Wizard Land,'' you will encounter that amazing wizard awaiting your arrival."


    Sehoon envisioned a fleeting scene of a young boy smiling at a peculiar humanoid monster with three heads.


    As he blinked open his eyes, twilight enveloped the surrounding. Yet, he hadn''t secured shelter for the night. Rising to his feet, he walked down the hillside as darkness descended the evening sky.


    He heard a noise from behind, a small wooden truck being pulled by a pair of horses. Sehoon waved his sword to signal the driver. The driver, a middle-aged man with a round, chubby body and a big black mustache, wearing thick round glasses, stopped the vehicle to see Sehoon. "What are you doing here at this hour?" the driver asked suspiciously. Sehoon explained that he was lost and needed help navigating the path. However, the driver, noticing Sehoon''s sword, remained skeptical, unsure if he was a bandit.


    Sehoon wasn''t the type of guy who seemed eager to do anything unless forced or ordered. The driver seemed friendly, so he politely asked him where he was headed.


    "Hmm... Maybe ''The Wizard Land'' is that place?" he said, still unsure about his destiny, recalling bits from a recent dream. The driver suddenly burst out laughing, leaving Sehoon confused, wondering if he had misspoken. However, to his surprise, the driver offered to help him. Without hesitation, Sehoon climbed into the vehicle and settled near the window, where the driver sat. The truck was mostly empty except for some crafting materials belonging to the owner.


    As the horses hummed to life, the vehicle rumbled along the uneven but plain road, its lantern casting a flickering glow as darkness enveloped the landscape.


    After a journey through the desolate terrain, they arrived at a quaint town cloaked in silence, where only a handful of figures roamed the streets. Sehoon peered out the window as the vehicle came to a halt and inquired eagerly, "Is this the Wizard Land?"


    The Driver shook his head, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia, "No, young man. That place is just a memory now. The Wizard Land has long vanished from these lands."


    Sehoon''s voice cracked with doubt, "What does that mean? And why did you bring me here?" The driver, with a hint of concern, explained that he thought Sehoon seemed lost and troubled, in need of assistance amidst the late hour. He emphasized the dangers of wandering alone at night.


    Sehoon, his posture straightening with confidence, countered that he was trained as a warrior from youth and, being a Borion, he wasn''t afraid of such dangers.


    The driver''s eyes widened in surprise at the mention of Sehoon being a Borion. Without hesitation, he whisked Sehoon off to the nearby Town Hall, urgency in his every step, despite Sehoon''s heavy reluctance.


    Struggling under the weight of an unseen burden, Sehoon queried with a mix of confusion and apprehension, "Where are you taking me?"


    Without hesitation, the driver ushered him into the town hall, where a few people were still bustling about, packing up for the day. It seemed they were on the brink of closing up office as the clock ticked towards closing time.


    As they stepped inside, all eyes turned towards them in a tense hush. Breaking the uneasy silence, the driver called out for the Head Representative of the town hall. Sehoon felt a pang of confusion, unsure of what awaited him in this unfamiliar setting. Yet, despite the tension, he remained unfazed, his confidence unwavering. He knew he possessed the strength to handle whatever came his way, ready to confront any challenge head-on.


    The well-dressed head, about to leave, emerged from his cabin, curious about the commotion. Everyone fell silent, directing their attention to the driver, accompanied by a strange boy. Approaching the head, the driver engaged in a hushed conversation about the boy. Sehoon, with his menacing family sword strapped to his back, surveyed the hall while others watched him intently. They eventually gathered around the two conversing figures.


    "What''s your name, young man?" inquired the town head, prompting Sehoon to reply.


    "Ha Se Woo," he answered.


    The old man continued, "My man told me that you are a Borion. Does that mean you were born into a family of Royal Knights? If so, I need your help with something, but I need to know if you''re willing." Sehoon, without hesitation, agreed to help, relying on the training he received from childhood to face any challenge without fear. The Head then instructed everyone to leave and wait outside while he spoke to Sehoon alone. He explained the task at hand: a quest to deal with a female devil named Artemis. She posed a significant threat to them, hindering their travels beyond a certain point. Her residence lay along the path they needed to cross, which once also led to the Wizard Land. However, anyone attempting to pass her way was lured by her charm and never heard from again, presumably devoured by her. As a result, nobody dared to attempt that path anymore.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Sehoon, born a Borion and trained to combat, didn''t hesitate to agree to their plea for assistance. The old man now led him to meet the other members who would accompany him on his journey to the forbidden fort. They were a select few, chosen to guide him to his destination. Tonight, he would rest, preparing himself fully for the challenges that awaited him tomorrow.


    Sehoon was graciously provided a dorm by the Town Head for the night, where he could rest without any worry about what the next day might bring.


    Sehoon, now all alone in his dorm tried to sleep but was distracted by the thoughts of who the person his father used to tell him about. He stayed awake for a while thinking about what he will do and how he must find that person. But before that he made his goal to help these people, as a Borion, it''s in his nature to fight for the right mean. He finally gave in to sleep and dropped to get some rest.


    The night swiftly passed by.


    The next morning, they ventured outside of town to the designated location where the infamous Devil woman was rumored to reside. Sehoon led a group of five men, including the driver he had met the previous night. The eerie allure of the natural surroundings unsettled the men, but Sehoon remained unfazed, striding forward with unwavering confidence. The others hesitated, apprehensive about approaching the fortress-like structure looming ahead on the hill ground. As Sehoon pressed on, he noticed the absence of footsteps behind him, turning to find his companions frozen in their tracks, their gaze fixed upon the foreboding fort.


    "Are you all not coming inside?" Sehoon asked, with no worry about the fact that the woman he was about to confront is a devil. One of the group members expressed concern, saying, "Will it be fine if you go alone? We don''t want to risk our lives."


    The driver said, "And also, you''re a Borion, so it''s not a big deal for you to gain control over that devil". Sehoon glanced at them briefly before proceeding without a word. The other men were left stunned as they watched him enter without hesitation. Sehoon navigated the uneven path leading to the fort and paused to take in its imposing presence. The double-sided door loomed large, its rusty surface covered in dust, adding to the ominous aura of the tall structure. As Sehoon cast one final glance back, he saw the men still struck with disbelief, resting on the unshaped stairs in the distance.


    As Sehoon pulled the door open, a sense of foreboding enveloped him as he stepped inside. He remained composed, aware that he was about to encounter something far from ordinary. He put his bag aside on the floor, he was carrying all along. Suddenly, a soft, feminine whisper reached his ears, barely audible at first. It called out to him, drawing him closer. Sehoon sensed that his presence had been detected by the mysterious entity within. The door behind me slowly closed itself. Sehoon unafraid, turn to face the large hall.


    "Then what are you waiting for? I''ve come here to subdue you."


    Sehoon took his stance.


    "Before we proceed, may I ask who you are? Your presence emits an unusual aura that intrigues me."


    Out of nowhere, smoke enveloped the grand hall, coalescing into a peculiar humanoid form. Gradually, a tall woman in regal red attire materialized before Sehoon. Though she resembled a revered queen from a distant palace, she was merely a devil assuming this guise to detain passers-by. Sehoon remained unfazed by her presence, his expression unchanged, showing no interest. Without a word, he drew his sword, poised for battle. Artemis grew irritated at being ignored, as it was the first time anyone had disregarded her.


    Her expression shifted to shock when she saw him holding the sword, as if she knew something. Then, a sudden realization spread across her face, and her shocked mouth transformed into a wide grin. Sehoon looked at her, bewildered.


    "Ah, a Borion, I see," she said, drifting among the smoke with legs obscured from view. "I know who you are."


    Sehoon, poised to advance, halted at the sound of her low voice.


    "What?! What did you say?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.


    Artemis grinned broadly, observing Sehoon''s agitated expression.


    "Your fate is shrouded, blinded by your own promises. Do you truly believe you can meet your father''s expectations? How naive."


    "What do you mean?" Sehoon''s temper flared as he realized she knew about his father, a fact he hadn''t disclosed. Unaware of how she knew, his aura heightened as he swung his sword, slashing through the thick air, narrowly missing her with each strike. He continued slashing, frustration driving his movements.


    "Your father..."


    Sehoon halted in his tracks.


    "He wasn''t proud of you. You are a big disappointment to him. If it weren''t for you, he wouldn''t have died. All his efforts in training you are just a waste."


    Sehoon, seething with rage, snapped, "Just shut up! Say one more word, and I''ll tear you apart." This was perhaps the first time Sehoon had been overtaken by his anger. Artemis seized upon his anger, manipulating him further, "You know it''s true. Your failure to meet his expectations led to his demise, and now you think you can fulfill the promise without a clue of what you''re doing."


    Sehoon''s mind snapped, consumed by a dark aura that gripped his body. Artemis gasped in surprise, exclaiming, "This... This isn''t how I assumed it..."


    Artemis realized she had made a grave mistake, sensing that Sehoon was not someone she should have angered. Surrounded by a dark aura, Sehoon exuded a menacing presence, his expression unreadable but hinting at regret. Attempting to flee, Artemis found herself hindered by thickening smoke that seemed to pull her back towards Sehoon, slowing her escape. As tension mounted in the hall, Sehoon''s demeanor shifted, his eyes betraying a growing emptiness as he struggled with his inner turmoil. With no other option, Artemis braced herself to confront him, her nails poised for attack. Yet, as she moved to strike, the situation took an unexpected turn, her eyes widened in despair.


    A thunderous roar echoed through the area, sending shivers down everyone''s spines. The sound was so deafening that it startled the men outside, waiting for Sehoon. Suddenly, a blast erupted from the left side of the fort in the distance, frightening the men and causing them to flee without Sehoon. They likely assumed Sehoon failed to defeat Artemis and had become prey to her.


    Artemis stood frozen in horror as she beheld a towering, three-headed humanoid monster before her, with Sehoon nowhere in sight. Desperate to escape, she tried to flee, but it felt futile, as if there was no way out.


    The men were still running uphill towards the town when they heard a monstrous growl again. Looking back, they saw the fort shrouded in soft fog but still visible from the hilltop. Suddenly, the entire fort exploded right in front of them, sending a shock wave their way. They were too stunned to speak, their eyes filled with terror from what they had just witnessed.


    And then, the entire fort collapsed. No one knew what had happened. It was the first time they had witnessed such a disaster. They began to wonder if Sehoon and Artemis were still alive, as they had no intention of returning to check. They felt utterly helpless.


    In a distant place, someone observed everything unfolding. "Welcome! Hound Sin", he muttered and began walking, certain of their destination, and whispered again, "Fate has begun its game... Well, we''ll meet soon, Ha Se woo."


    ----------------------------------------------------


    A faint voice,


    A dream,


    Or a nightmare?


    Is it inside you?


    The demon, that is making you go insane.


    Who is it?


    Maybe it''s your own fear.


    "Who will save me if I become a demon again?"


    ~ Ha Se woo looks at the sky as a single tear slips through his cheek.


    <figure>


    </figure>

 Walked Alone

    ¡°He could be anywhere, so keep searching,¡± a man urged, scanning the wreckage of the fort.


    The full moon illuminated the destroyed shrine, casting its eerie glow over the scene. Despite their efforts, the men found no trace of the boy amidst the rubble, only scattered concrete fragments.


    ¡°Where are they? What could have happened here?¡± With no clues, they head back to town to report the situation. Even though they didn¡¯t find anything there but one thing they made certain; the threat to the town is gone, so they can safely pass through that area.


    The chandelier was shining from the light reflected by the moon, inside the courtroom where a thoughtful boy and other Borion generals were discussing about something. The boy, worried, explained to the Borions in a dimly lit room, ¡°I don¡¯t know who they are, but if that Grail falls into the wrong hands, it could be dangerous for everyone. We need to find out their intentions.¡± One of the Borions reassured him, ¡°Worry not! I¡¯ve already sent one of my wingmen to investigate about them and retrieve all the items.¡± As dawn broke, the boy felt a sense of relief, knowing he wasn¡¯t alone this time.


    The trees rustled in the night breeze as the campfire crackled pleasantly. A boy in a stylish crop shirt, which also covered his mouth, rifled through a bag Sehoon had been carrying. Sehoon lay unconscious against a tree, with his hands and legs being tied. It seemed he had been abducted by the stranger. The flickering fire stirred, waking up the sleeping boy. His body felt heavy with tiredness as he struggled to shake off the deep slumber. With a hazy vision and drowsiness lingering, he tried to make sense of the situation and his surroundings.


    Sehoon noticed a stranger, rummaging his bag and tossing aside his stuff that he was carrying along all this time. Before he could even act, he realized that his hands and legs have been tied, rendering him unable to move. He tried to break free of those binds with his mere strength but failed as those binds were casted with some magic. Sehoon looked around helplessly as he searches for his sword.


    ¡°Good Lord, finally you woke up... took you long enough,¡± said the stranger, his eyes holding the sharp glint of a thief as he observed the struggling figure. Sehoon met his gaze, a mix of confusion and wariness evident in his expression. ¡°Who are you, and why have you captured me?¡± he demanded.


    The stranger¡¯s brow furrowed in a mixture of surprise and annoyance. ¡°What do you mean by ¡®captured you¡¯? I saved your life,¡± he retorted defensively.


    Sehoon, with a calm demeanour, extended his bound hands and gestured towards the restraints encircling his wrists and legs. ¡°What do you have to say about this, then?¡± he questioned, his voice tinged with scepticism.


    The stranger took a few steps back, a wry smile on his lips. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s just a precaution, my friend,¡± he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Can¡¯t be too careful these days. You might have some murderous tendencies I¡¯m unaware of.¡± Sehoon furrowed his brows, genuine confusion flickering across his face. ¡°Kill you? Why would I want to do that?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with incredulity. ¡°I don¡¯t even know who you are.¡±


    ¡°I witnessed your transformation into that Demonic Beast, unleashing destruction that sent shockwaves... It was truly terrifying,¡± the stranger struggled to contain their words, before adding with a shiver, ¡°Absolutely spine-chilling.¡±


    Sehoon gazed at him with a hint of judgment in his eyes, assessing the stranger before him, who seemed to be of a similar age. With a tinge of melancholy in his voice, Sehoon confessed, ¡°I¡¯m not sure what came over me. It felt like something else was in control, like I was lost in a deep sleep.¡± The mysterious boy let out a heavy sigh, revealing, ¡°You¡¯ve been unconscious for the past five days, buddy. I¡¯ve been lugging you around this whole time.¡± Sehoon¡¯s cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude for the stranger¡¯s help. As the binds were loosened, Sehoon¡¯s mind raced, still grappling with the events that had unfolded. Meanwhile, the enigmatic stranger seemed lost in his own thoughts, his actions shrouded in mystery.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± he handed Sehoon a bottle of water, urging him to hydrate. Sehoon accepted with a nod of thanks, noting that despite the boy¡¯s somewhat childish demeanour, he didn¡¯t seem like a bad guy. As he drank, Sehoon¡¯s sharp gaze bore into the boy, who felt a shiver run down his spine as if his soul was being scrutinized. Finally, Sehoon broke the silence with a question, ¡°So, can you fill me in on everything that happened while I was out cold?¡± The boy let out a sigh of relief, he has been holding his breath when Sehoon stared at him.


    ¡°Call me Kai,¡± the stranger declared, smirking.


    ¡°Kai!?¡± Sehoon repeated, his curiosity piqued.


    Kai continued with unwavering excitement, his words tumbling out in a rush. ¡°So, just a few days ago, I was on this super important mission, you know? Like, top secret stuff. Anyway, I was passing by the site where I found you, totally on a different mission, like, retrieving this insanely dangerous object. And then, bam! I sense this crazy unbalanced force, right? And guess what? It was coming from you!¡± Sehoon¡¯s expression remained unchanged, but his curiosity was definitely piqued.


    ¡°I¡¯m, like, used my abilities to peek into the fort where you were, you know, just to check things out. But, man, your aura was like a brick wall, totally blocking my vision. And then, kaboom! The fort just explodes! Right in front of my eyes!¡± Kai paused, taking a dramatic breath, clearly reliving the moment. ¡°I rushed over there to see what was going on, and there you were, lying all unconscious under a mountain of debris. You owe me big time, dude! I totally saved your life from that heavy concrete avalanche! Its fine you don¡¯t need to thank me it¡¯s not like I did something hero-¡±


    Sehoon instantly asked, ¡°What about that lady?¡±


    ¡°Huh!? Which lady?¡± Kai questioned, perplexed. Sehoon looked towards Kai with grief, still unsure about what had happened to Artemis. ¡°Man, I only found you half dead there. What were you doing with a lady.... who wasn¡¯t even there!?¡± Kai asked, seeking clarification.


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Sehoon muttered, averting his gaze. Kai¡¯s expression hardened, his features masking his emotions. ¡°Forget it! You must be starving. Let¡¯s grab a bite,¡± Kai suggested, taking out some meal from his stacks. Sehoon accepted the bread Kai offered, and they settled down to eat in silence, their thoughts drifting in unspoken currents between them.


    ¡°Thank you for saving me...¡± Sehoon uttered in a low voice.


    Kai glanced at him and, after a brief pause, couldn¡¯t help but flash a smug grin. Sehoon caught the expression and irritably retorted, ¡°Wipe that smug look off your face.¡± Kai just chuckled in response, and they continued their banter as they journeyed towards their destination. Kai was fully immersed in his playful antics, while Sehoon struggled to match his energy. Despite their differences from ordinary humans, they found joy in each other¡¯s company, relishing in their unaware bond as they move on with their adventure together.


    The night hung quietly over the forest as Sehoon and Kai set up camp. Sehoon noticed Kai perched on a tree trunk, his gaze fixed on the ocean of stars above, each one twinkling like a distant dream. He joined Kai for a moment, then decided to lie back on the soft forest floor, feeling the magic of the night wrap around them like a comforting blanket.


    ¡°Ha Se-woo!?,¡± Kai called, drawing Sehoon¡¯s attention. Sehoon, without a word, glanced up at him. ¡°Just curious, what were you doing there?¡± Kai inquired. Sehoon let out a heavy sigh and launched into the tale of his journey to Wizard Land. He recounted being sent on a mission to vanquish a devil, a task he likely hadn¡¯t succeeded in. Kai, taken aback, interjected, ¡°Um, Sehoon, Wizard Land vanished ages ago. No one knows its whereabouts.¡± Sehoon continued, undeterred, ¡°I may not know where fate will take me, but I¡¯ll fulfil the promise I made.¡± Kai gazed down at Sehoon, concern evident in his eyes, as the uncertain traveller adjusted his sleeping position.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Hey! Sehoon,¡± Kai proposed, extending an invitation. ¡°Why don¡¯t you accompany me on my mission?¡± Sehoon sighed inwardly before responding, ¡°I don¡¯t plan on changing my plans.¡± His decision was firm, his path set yet uncertain. However, Kai couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Sehoon was merely deceiving himself. As Sehoon stared at his hands, grappling with his inner turmoil, Kai sensed the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him, a burden of thoughts too heavy to bear alone.


    Kai settled himself comfortably on the sturdy branch, gazing up at the vast expanse of the night sky. Its beauty enveloped him, casting a spell that lulled him into a peaceful slumber.


    The next morning, Kai stirred awake, his vision blurry from sleep, only to find himself hanging upside down from a branch. As he slowly blinked his eyes open, he noticed Sehoon packing up nearby, the glint of a sword catching his eye. Startled, Kai shifted, suddenly aware of his precarious position, and promptly tumbled to the ground with a yelp, his head spinning as he saw stars from the impact of the fall.


    Sehoon glanced back at the fallen figure, unimpressed, as Kai sat on the ground, nursing his throbbing head. ¡°Ouch!! It hurts,¡± Kai exclaimed, his tone a mix of pain and indignation.


    Ignoring Kai¡¯s complaint, Sehoon continued to organize his belongings. Kai shot him an accusatory look, his expression sour. ¡°How rude! You didn¡¯t even help me stand up,¡± he grumbled.


    Sehoon finally turned to face him, his demeanour unapologetic. ¡°It¡¯s your own fault for choosing such a precarious sleeping spot. It was obvious you could fall from there.¡±


    With a resigned sigh, Kai picked himself up, brushing off dirt and leaves. ¡°You¡¯re leaving already?¡± he asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.


    Sehoon stated he didn¡¯t want to waste any more time and began scouring for links to The Wizard Land. As he walked with determination, Kai intercepted him, grasping his hands to halt his progress. Sehoon turned, ready to rebuff him, but before he could speak, Kai interjected, ¡°If you¡¯re set on finding that place, then come with me. Together.... I mean, I can help you uncover the paths leading to the Wizard Land.¡± Sehoon, intrigued yet cautious, queried, ¡°How exactly do you propose we do that?¡±


    Kai¡¯s voice echoed with a seriousness that sent shivers down Sehoon¡¯s spine. ¡°The items I was tasked to retrieve is no ordinary relic¡ªit¡¯s like an ingredient for the sacred artifact from Wizard Land, a Chalice steeped in untold mysteries known only to the Wizard King himself,¡± he divulged. Sehoon¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment, instantly bracing himself to accompany Kai on this daring quest. ¡°I hope you¡¯re not leading me astray,¡± Sehoon warned, his tone laced with a hint of menace, ¡°or else you¡¯ll find yourself in the grips of a nightmare you couldn¡¯t imagine.¡±


    Kai chuckled, brushing off Sehoon¡¯s threat with confidence. ¡°Come now, my friend,¡± he replied, his demeanor unwavering, ¡°I¡¯ve been intrigued by your tales from the moment we met, and I assure you, there¡¯s no falsehood in my words. But together, we can achieve what neither of us could alone. You aid me in securing the items required for that Chalice, and I¡¯ll guide you to the elusive Wizard Land.¡± With a cheerful smile, Kai extended his hand in a gesture of partnership, his gaze fixed on the horizon.


    Sehoon hesitated, his gaze flickering between Kai¡¯s outstretched hand and his earnest expression. After a moment of contemplation, he firmly grasped Kai¡¯s hand, sealing their pact with a shake. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s a deal,¡± Sehoon agreed, determination gleaming in his eyes. Kai¡¯s jubilant shout rang through the air as he leaped up, inadvertently colliding with the tree branch he fell from¡ªa moment of clumsy enthusiasm between both.


    ¡°Hitting his head once more, he crumpled to the ground, eyes rolling as stars danced around his face. Sehoon gazed down at him, a mixture of exasperation and concern etched on his features. ¡°You are such an idiot,¡± he muttered under his breath, resigned to the inevitable trouble that would now tag along with him.¡±


    In the dimly lit chamber, amidst the velvety shadows, a mysterious object beckoned with its radiant allure. Gleaming with the luster of pure gold and adorned with sparkling gems that seemed to dance in the faint light, it exuded an air of enchantment and whispered promises of boundless wishes fulfilled.


    This object, this chalice of destiny, held within it the very essence of magic itself. Yet, it was not merely a vessel of wonder and hope; it was also a harbinger of peril, a coveted prize sought by the forces of darkness for their nefarious desires.


    Ruby Chauhan, her eyes reflecting both determination and apprehension, stood guard over the chalice, a solemn vow etched upon her lips. ¡°Fear not,¡± she declared, her voice resolute yet tinged with a hint of urgency, ¡°I shall safeguard this precious artifact until the day of the festival. But Fujin, you must hasten to gather the remaining essentials that could awaken its dormant power before the forces of darkness lay claim to it.¡±


    With fate hanging in the balance, she looks at the chalice, ¡°I never thought this chalice would be that dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Is this the place where that thing is?¡± Sehoon inquired, his gaze fixed on the grand Kingdom in the distance, bathed in the gentle glow of the sun. Kai, with a hint of pride, responded, ¡°That¡¯s the Kingdom of Dymat, renowned for its textile and apparel industry. You¡¯ll find people donning exquisite outfits and...¡± Sehoon¡¯s stoic expression halted Kai mid-sentence, his voice quivering in apprehension. ¡°Just answer my question,¡± Sehoon demanded, his tone tinged with intimidation.


    In a timid, almost feline whisper, Kai replied, ¡°N... No.¡± Sehoon¡¯s annoyance was palpable as he pressed further, ¡°Then why are we going there?¡±


    To answer, Kai gestured towards his torn outfit and remarked, ¡°Judging by your attire, it seems you¡¯re due for some fresh threads.¡± Sehoon glanced down, realizing the extent of the damage to his clothing from the earlier skirmish at the fort. ¡°Oh... but I don¡¯t have the funds for a whole new change of clothes,¡± he admitted, feeling a pang of embarrassment.


    Kai reassured him with a grin, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got you covered.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Sehoon began to protest.


    Ignoring Sehoon¡¯s protest, Kai grabbed his arm and propelled him towards the bustling streets of the kingdom, exclaiming, ¡°Let¡¯s goooo!¡±


    Sehoon glanced at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he observed Kai¡¯s overflowing happiness. It could very well be the first genuine smile to grace Sehoon¡¯s face since that unfaithful incident.


    ¡°I only met him yesterday, yet he feels so unlike anyone else I¡¯ve known. For years, I¡¯ve been confined to the mansion, only venturing out with Father. My interactions were limited to the servants and my training. So why is he being so kind to me, a stranger? Is it because he sees me as useful? Is he just using me? But there¡¯s a warmth in my heart, unfamiliar yet comforting. Could this be what it feels like to have a friend? Ah, I¡¯m overthinking again. We¡¯ve simply struck a deal, nothing more. We¡¯re just two strangers lending each other a hand. Sehoon, focus on your goal, on finding that person waiting for you. I hope you¡¯re out there, waiting for me too. Guide me, Father,¡± Sehoon murmured, his gaze drifting upward as a flock of birds soared across the sky, the sun casting a warm glow on his face.


    ¡°Ah-choo!¡± The boy sneezed, setting down his cup of tea. A concerned Borion nearby asked, ¡°Are you alright, Your Majesty?¡± The boy waved it off, replying, ¡°How many times do I have to tell you not to address me like that? It¡¯s nothing, just someone probably thinking about me. I can sense it but I wonder who?¡± Suddenly, a chill wind swept through the garden surrounding the towering castle, its floral beauty in full bloom. A female Borion, clad in armour as she tended to the flowers, glanced at the pair sipping tea, sensing an impending event of great significance¡ªone that might not bode well for all.


    Kai was captivated by the picturesque view of the quaint houses and bustling shops in the kingdom. Sehoon, on the other hand, simply surveyed the streets and the people milling about. Despite the elegant attire of the locals, Sehoon stood out with his ragged and torn clothes, attracting curious glances from passer-by. Unperturbed by the attention, Sehoon continued to stroll alongside Kai, who couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for his friend.


    ¡°Look over there,¡± Kai exclaimed, pointing towards a clothing store nestled near a grand fountain at the heart of the bustling street. Surrounding the fountain were an array of shops and restaurants, each exuding its own charm. Towering above them all was a majestic church adorned with gothic inscriptions and a statue depicting a mysterious figure¡ªa solitary boy with an air of judgement and darkness about him.


    They stepped into the store, Sehoon looking bewildered amidst the sea of clothes while Kai¡¯s eyes sparkled at the sight of crop shirts and bandanas. Unable to contain his excitement, Kai insisted on grabbing a pair for himself too. Sehoon, feeling lost in the fashion world, stood there clueless. Kai, with a dramatic sigh, exclaimed, ¡°Seriously? Okay, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got you covered. Let¡¯s find something for you first.¡± Leading Sehoon to the dressing room, Kai made it his mission to help his friend decide on an outfit.


    As Sehoon tried on various shirts and apparel, nothing seemed to resonate with his simple taste. Kai, with a mix of frustration and amusement, teased, ¡°Everything looks amazing on you; you just lack a bit of fashion sense.¡± Just then, the shopkeeper approached, offering assistance. Politely declining, Kai assured him they were fine.


    After Sehoon¡¯s unsuccessful attempts, Kai returned the clothes to their racks. The shopkeeper, appearing slightly agitated, watched from a distance until he noticed something alarming¡ªa symbol etched on Sehoon¡¯s back as he took off his shirt, a three-faced hound. Fear gripped the shopkeeper as he recoiled, sweat beading on his forehead. Sehoon, unaware, caught a glimpse of the terrified shopkeeper¡¯s reaction in the mirror, leaving him bewildered. As the shopkeeper caught Sehoon¡¯s gaze, a shiver ran down his spine, and he bolted from the scene as if he¡¯d just encountered a specter.


    Suddenly, Kai reappeared with a blue jacket for Sehoon, but Sehoon, feeling drained from the ordeal, declined, ¡°Just buy it; I¡¯ll wear it later. I¡¯m tired of this.¡± Kai, ever the supportive friend, insisted, ¡°Yes, sir! It¡¯ll look really cool on you. I also snagged a pair of crop shirts for both of us, and this¡ª"


    Sehoon abruptly interrupted him, his voice tinged with urgency. ¡°We should leave now. Grab what you want; I¡¯ve got a bad feeling about this place.¡± Kai nodded in agreement, taken aback by Sehoon¡¯s unease, and they headed towards the counter to settle the bill. However, they were met with an eerie sight ¨C no staff, no customers, just an empty shop. Sehoon¡¯s discomfort grew, urging Kai to leave, but Kai hesitated, pointing out that they hadn¡¯t paid for Sehoon¡¯s new clothes yet. Sehoon sighed, frustration evident. ¡°Can¡¯t you see something¡¯s not, right? The shopkeeper was acting weird, and now he¡¯s vanished.¡± Suddenly, Kai¡¯s eyes widened in realization, ¡°Did that shopkeeper saw the crest on Sehoon¡¯s back while he was trying on the clothes?¡± Kai¡¯s mind raced with worry. ¡°We¡¯re in deep trouble if they find out Sehoon is one of the Sinners,¡± he thought, his heart pounding with fear. But before he could speak, a sense of foreboding swept over them, signalling danger lurking just beyond the shop¡¯s walls.


    Kai was about to utter a word, but Sehoon seized his hand, pulling him to the exit, flung open the door, bolting outside. Kai attempted to halt Sehoon¡¯s rush, pleading, ¡°Sehoon, wait! Don¡¯t-¡±


    His words were cut short as they beheld the scene before them. Kai¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, while Sehoon¡¯s gaze turned deadly, a silent warning to whatever dared to confront them.


    A tense silence enveloped the scene, awaiting an explanation for what had transpired. What had they witnessed there? A peculiar, subtle breeze stirred as the church bell chimed.