《The Last Verse Of Fate (The Dark Propehece )》 The Chains Of Fate Darkness surrounded Kai. A deep, endless void. He was falling¡ªdrifting through nothingness¡ªuntil a memory pulled him back. He stood on a battlefield, the air thick with smoke and ash. The ground beneath him was cracked, and the sky was filled with red lightning. Alen lay on the ground, his body covered in wounds. He had followed Kai for 20 years, ever since he was just 15 years old. Now, he was dying. Even in pain, Alen smiled. Alen: "You really are stubborn." Kai clenched his fists. Kai: "You knew this would happen." Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Alen coughed and nodded. Alen: "Yeah¡­ but knowing doesn''t mean I could stop it." His fingers trembled as he reached for Kai''s arm. Alen (whispering): "Listen¡­ one last time." The sky rumbled above them. The gods were watching. Alen (weakly smiling): "I believe in you." Kai''s breath caught. Alen''s grip tightened. Alen: "You can change this fate." Then, his hand went limp. The light faded from his eyes. Kai reached for him, but the memory was already disappearing¡ªfading into the darkness. The scene shifted. Kai stood in the ruins of a world he had destroyed. Flames covered the lands, mountains crumbled, oceans boiled. The cries of the dying echoed around him. He had done it. He had erased half of existence. And yet, the gods remained silent. Kai fell to his knees, his hands stained with blood¡ªhis own, Alen''s, and countless others. Kai: "I have completed your wish. I have fulfilled my purpose." He lifted his head to the sky, his golden eyes dull and exhausted. Kai: "So, relieve me now¡­ let me go." For a moment, silence. Then, divine voices echoed through the heavens, cold and unfeeling. Gods: "This is your fate. You cannot escape it." Kai''s fingers dug into the dirt. His chest rose and fell with ragged breaths. Then¡ªhe laughed. A bitter, hollow sound. Slowly, he stood, tilting his head up to the heavens. His expression twisted with defiance. Kai: "Then I refuse your fate." The sky cracked. The divine light trembled. The gods watched in silence, their presence pressing down on him. Then¡ªeverything shattered. The light. The gods. The world around him. And he woke up. Awakening in the New Era Darkness. Silence. Then¡ªshadows stirred. Once again, Kai found himself in the same dream. The same memory that had haunted him for the last 500 years. Alen lay dying¡ªthe ancient traveler who had followed Kai for two decades. Even in his final moments, he smiled. "I believe in you¡­ You can change this fate." But Kai had never responded. Even now, he had no answer. The dream always ended the same way¡ªwith Alen''s death. 500 Years Later ¨C Life as a Hunter Magic had evolved. People had learned to control powerful magical beasts like dragons. Kingdoms flourished, and the past was slowly forgotten. But one man remained unchanged. Kai. For 500 years, he had lived not as a king, nor as a god''s warrior, but as a hunter¡ªa man who killed magical beasts for guilds. He walked the land alone, taking dangerous missions. His name was whispered in taverns, feared by beasts, and respected by warriors. But he didn''t care about fame. He was searching for something¡ªa purpose that wasn''t given to him by the gods. .... Awakening in the New Era..... Kai opened his eyes. The same old room. The same cold air. The same empty feeling. Sitting up on his bed, he ran a hand through his hair and exhaled slowly. Five centuries had passed, yet nothing had changed for him. The gods had ignored him, and he had ignored them. He had once believed they had stripped him of his divine power. And perhaps they had. "Doesn''t matter." Even with only 20% of his former strength, he was still powerful enough to destroy anything in his way. The Call of the Guild..... Morning. ?? Butler: "Master, the Guild has summoned you." His butler''s voice was calm, respectful. The old man had been by his side for decades¡ªloyal, wise, and a master of martial arts. Kai, sitting in a chair, sharpened his sword without looking up. ?? Kai: "Another special mission?" ?? Butler: "Yes. It seems urgent." Kai stood up, putting on his long black coat and fastening his three swords¡ªtwo at his sides and The Fallen Sword on his back. Even after 500 years, his face was untouched by time. In fact, he had become even more handsome. His cold golden eyes were sharper than before. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ?? Kai: "Let''s go." Scene Shift ¨C The Guild''s Reaction The Hunter''s Guild was full of warriors, adventurers, and mercenaries. The moment Kai entered, silence fell over the room. Whispers spread like wildfire. ?? Hunter 1 (whispering): "That''s him¡­" ?? Hunter 2: "The Dark Knight¡­" ?? Hunter 3: "He''s stronger than any warrior here¡­" Some female warriors observed him closely. ?? Female Warrior 1: "He''s so handsome¡­ but so cold." ?? Female Warrior 2 (blushing): "I wish he''d look at me once¡­" Kai ignored them and walked straight to the Guild Master''s chamber. The guards at the door quickly moved aside. A Private Meeting.... The Guild Master, an old but powerful man, sat behind his desk. Two bodyguards stood beside him. ?? Guild Master (serious tone): "Kai. Thank you for coming." Kai sat down in front of him, arms crossed. ?? Kai (calmly): "Speak." The Guild Master slid a report across the table. ?? Guild Master: "We have a serious problem. ( Vampires ). Many people have been killed in the last few nights. Their blood was completely drained." Kai scanned the report without interest. ?? Guild Master (lowering voice, almost pleading): "Kai... only you can stop them. We need your help before more innocent people die. We will pay as a reward for this." ?? Kai: "And the reward?" The Guild Master hesitated. ?? Guild Master: "We will pay you well. But more than money, we need you as the Dark Knight. No one else can handle this mission." Kai sighed. ?? Kai: "Fine. I''ll do it." The Guild Master let out a relieved breath. ?? Guild Master: "Thank you. The kingdom''s fate rests in your hands." Kai stood up and left without another word. Scene Shift... Kai Walking Through the Kingdom The sun was bright. Kai walked through the city streets, scanning the people. Children laughed. Merchants shouted. Life continued, unaware of the danger that lurked in the night. ?? Kai (thinking): "Five hundred years ago, I wouldn''t have cared. But now... I want to protect this world. Not because the gods command it. But because... it''s my choice." He wanders till evening comes As he walked, his sharp eyes searched for clues. A Sudden Encounter...At Evening Kai''s sharp senses picked up something unusual¡ªan eerie stillness in a nearby alleyway. He stepped forward, boots silent against the cobblestone. The stench of blood thickened in the air. Then¡ªmovement. Three figures lunged from the darkness. Their eyes glowed crimson, fangs bared. Low-level vampires. Kai didn''t even unsheathe The Fallen Sword. With a swift motion, he drew one of his side blades. The first vampire rushed him, claws extending. Too slow. Kai sidestepped and severed its head in a single strike. The body fell lifelessly, already turning to ash. The second vampire snarled, leaping from the rooftop above. Kai barely looked up. A flick of his wrist¡ªhis sword slashed upward, cutting the creature in half mid-air. The third one hesitated, realizing its fate. Kai grabbed its throat before it could escape. The vampire thrashed, hissing in panic. ?? Kai (coldly): "Tell me. Who commands you?" The vampire''s red eyes flickered with fear. ?? Vampire (weakly): "You¡­ will never¡­ stop her¡­" Kai''s grip tightened. Crack. The body went limp before turning to dust. He exhaled. Low-level vampires were pests, nothing more. But their words confirmed something¡ªa leader was waiting. And she knew he was coming. Kai wiped his blade clean and sheathed it Night was falling. The real hunt was about to begin. A Night of Bloodshed The streets were quiet, the moon casting eerie shadows. But Kai wasn''t alone. Ten low-level vampires emerged from the darkness, followed by two mid-level ones. They attacked immediately. Kai didn''t hesitate. His swords flashed. Blades cut through flesh, severing limbs, piercing hearts. The lesser vampires stood no chance. Their bodies hit the ground, lifeless. Then¡ªa presence. She stepped forward. Cruel. Beautiful. Dangerous. ?? Liza (smirking): "The Dark Knight¡­ The one who killed Drex." ( Drax was a high level vampire and was killed by Kai a few months ago in another city ) Kai remained silent. ?? Liza: "Your blood¡­ I wonder how powerful it is." She lifted her hand¡ªBlood Magic. From thin air, crimson spears formed. Blood Spears. She launched them at him without warning. Kai moved, blocking the attack with his swords. ?? Kai (smirking): "Maybe you''re the leader." Suddenly, Kai rushed forward, moving faster than she expected. His blade sliced through the air¡ªand Liza''s arm was severed. She roared in pain, her red eyes burning with rage. ?? Liza (furious): "You idiot! I''ll kill you!" Blood gathered around her wound, forming into a new arm. She charged at him, slashing wildly. Kai dodged with ease, his movements precise. Their swords clashed, sparks flying with each impact. Liza''s attacks grew faster, her blood weapons shifting between whips, daggers, and spears. Kai weaved through them, striking whenever he saw an opening. But she wasn''t slowing down. ?? Kai (thinking): "She''s stronger than Drex. But not invincible." Then¡ªthe air shifted. Blood energy surged. Her body began to change. Wings tore through her back¡ªmassive, sharp. Her fingers lengthened into deadly claws. Her red eyes burned with power. Horns curled from her head. A monstrous axe formed in her grip. Then¡ªa monstrous roar. The transformation was irritating. Kai exhaled, raising his sword. ?? Kai (coldly): "You''re just making yourself a bigger target." To Be Continued¡­ The Dark Knight vs. The Vampire Queen A Demon''s Blade The battlefield was eerily silent. The only sounds were the distant howls of the wind and the slow, heavy breathing of a monster¡ªLiza, the Vampire Queen. Her transformation was now complete. Her red eyes gleamed, full of bloodlust. Her sharp horns curved menacingly, and her black wings stretched wide, casting an enormous shadow over the ruined street. She lifted her demonic axe, its dark aura pulsing like a heartbeat. This weapon was no ordinary blade. It was a cursed relic¡ªone that could devour a soul with a single cut. Even the strongest warriors had fallen to its power. But Kai stood firm, his cold gaze locked onto her. ?? Liza (smirking, licking her lips): "I can smell your blood, hunter. It''s different¡­ powerful. I''ll enjoy drinking you dry." Kai didn''t react. He merely adjusted his grip on his swords, his coat fluttering slightly in the night breeze. ?? Kai (calmly): "Then come and take it." Liza''s smirk widened into a cruel grin. In an instant¡ªSHE MOVED. With a single powerful beat of her wings, she lunged at him, her axe coming down like a black meteor. BOOM! Kai vanished. The ground exploded, sending chunks of stone and dust flying in all directions. The sheer force of her attack tore through the street, leaving a deep crater where he had stood just a moment ago. But Kai was already ten steps ahead. WHOOSH! He reappeared a few meters away, crouched low, his golden eyes analyzing her movements. ?? Kai (thinking): That thing is too dangerous¡­ Even a graze could be fatal. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Liza grinned, her sharp fangs glistening in the moonlight. ?? Liza (mocking): "Fast. But you can''t run forever." She raised her claws, and a sinister red mist swirled around her fingers. ?? Liza: "Let''s see you dodge this!" "Blood Spears: Rain of Death!" The night sky turned crimson. Hundreds of blood-spears formed above them, shimmering with dark energy before raining down like a storm of death. ?? Kai (gritting his teeth): "Tch." He dodged, weaving through the deadly storm with inhuman reflexes. WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH! Each spear that hit the ground left behind a deep, smoking hole. But he wasn''t fast enough. SCHLICK! One spear pierced his chest. Kai''s eyes widened slightly as pain exploded through his body. His body was thrown back, slamming against a broken stone wall. Dust and debris rose into the air as he collapsed onto one knee. Blood dripped from his wound. Liza laughed. ?? Liza (grinning, walking toward him): "Is that it? I expected more from the great Dark Knight." She dragged her axe behind her, the blade carving a deep gash in the stone. ?? Kai (coughing, wiping blood from his mouth): "You''re strong." Kai took a deep breath. ?? Kai (eyes narrowing): "But it''s over now." Liza''s smile vanished. Something changed. The air around Kai shifted. A faint golden glow spread from his hands to his swords. A presence that had been sleeping inside him¡­ had awakened. ?? Liza (suddenly uneasy): "What...?" Then¡ªHE MOVED. For the first time, Liza lost sight of him. SLASH! Kai reappeared behind her, his swords dripping with blood. A deep gash appeared across Liza''s back, cutting through her wings. She screamed, stumbling forward as dark blood poured from the wound. ?? Kai (whispering): "I am the destroyer." Liza''s eyes were wide. For the first time in centuries, Liza felt fear. --- The Rising Sun Liza collapsed to her knees, her wings trembling. Kai, standing over her, didn''t bother to finish her off. His golden eyes, now dull again, looked at her without interest. ?? Kai (coldly): "You''re lucky the sun is rising." Liza''s pupils shrunk. She turned her head¡ªand froze. The first light of dawn peeked over the horizon. For a vampire, sunrise meant death. Just then¡ªthe sound of approaching footsteps filled the air. Kai turned his head slightly. A group of royal guards marched into the ruined street, their armor glistening under the golden light. At the center of the group, a young woman stepped forward. Princess Yuhi. She was breathtaking. Her long silver hair flowed behind her, and her sharp blue eyes held the strength of a seasoned warrior. Unlike most princesses, she wasn''t dressed in a gown¡ªshe wore a high-collared military-style coat, fitted for combat. Her posture was perfect, her presence commanding. ?? Yuhi (calmly, yet firmly): "Who are you?" Kai didn''t answer. His swords were still in his hands, but his stance was relaxed. ?? Yuhi (to the guards): "Secure the area." The guards moved swiftly, surrounding them. One of them approached Liza, but¡ªbefore he could strike, she suddenly moved. "Blood Teleportation." In a flash of dark mist, Liza vanished. ?? Guard (angrily): "Damn it! She got away!" Yuhi''s expression didn''t change. Instead, she turned back to Kai. ?? Yuhi (lowering her weapon slightly): "You¡­ You''re not an ordinary hunter, are you?" Kai sighed. ?? Kai (coldly): "I''m just a hunter. Nothing more." Yuhi narrowed her eyes. ?? Yuhi (thinking): He''s lying. She was an expert in martial arts, trained since childhood to read people''s movements and emotions. Even though Kai''s expression was calm, his breathing and stance told her something different. This man¡­ was dangerous. Before she could press further, the sun fully rose over the horizon, casting golden light over the battlefield. Kai glanced at the sky and turned to leave. ?? Yuhi (firmly): "Wait. I have more questions." Kai didn''t stop. ?? Kai (without looking back): "Ask someone else." And with that, the Dark Knight disappeared into the morning mist. Yuhi stood still, watching him go. For the first time in years, she felt something unfamiliar. Curiosity. Whispers of War and Shadows of Vengeance The morning sun bathed the Royal Palace of Lumiya in golden light, its warmth stretching across the elegant marble pathways of the royal gardens. The scent of blooming lilies mixed with the gentle rustling of the wind as Princess Yuhi walked gracefully through the garden, her silver hair shimmering like moonlight under the sun. Beside her, Aries, the Royal Mage, walked with light steps, her flowing blue hair barely moving in the breeze. Dressed in ceremonial mage robes, she carried her ornate magic staff, the embedded gemstone faintly glowing with stored mana. As the daughter of Edward Hawk, the commander of the royal army, Aries was more than just a mage¡ªshe was one of the kingdom¡¯s strongest spellcasters and Yuhi¡¯s most trusted ally. Yet, despite her prestigious title, Aries had a playful side, which she never hesitated to show, especially when it came to teasing Yuhi. But today, Yuhi¡¯s mind was elsewhere. She was thinking about last night. ?? Yuhi (thoughtfully, her voice controlled): "Last night¡­ I met a man who betrayed the high-level vampire, Liza." Aries halted mid-step, turning to Yuhi with an expression of surprise. ?? Aries (raising an eyebrow, intrigued): "Liza? That monster has terrorized the kingdom¡¯s hunters for years. You¡¯re telling me one man alone took her down?" Yuhi nodded, her mind replaying the swift, effortless way he had cut Liza down. ?? Yuhi (seriously): "It wasn¡¯t just strength, Aries. His movements¡­ his aura¡­ he was inhuman." A brief silence passed between them before Aries leaned in slightly, her blue eyes gleaming with curiosity. ?? Aries (grinning): "Hmm¡­ and? Was he handsome?" Yuhi blinked, momentarily caught off guard. The image of him flashed in her mind¡ªhis untamed white hair, his sharp silver eyes, and the way the moonlight had carved his expression into something both cold and captivating. She quickly turned away, hiding the faintest hint of color dusting her cheeks. ?? Yuhi (firmly, avoiding Aries'' gaze): "That¡¯s not the point." Aries let out a mock gasp, covering her mouth in dramatic shock. ?? Aries (teasing, nudging Yuhi playfully): "Ohoho~ our perfect princess is flustered. This is new!" ?? Yuhi (crossing her arms, glaring at Aries): "Enough, Aries!" But Aries had already won. A satisfied smirk curled on her lips. ?? Aries (grinning): "Well, well¡­ If you must know, I might have an idea who he is." Yuhi¡¯s eyes snapped to her, curiosity flickering in their depths. ?? Yuhi (serious, stepping closer): "You do? Who is he?" This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Aries took a moment, clearly enjoying the attention before answering. ?? Aries (smirking): "I think he might be the Dark Knight ¡ªthe infamous hunter of our kingdom." Yuhi¡¯s expression shifted. She had heard rumors of him before¡ªa nameless warrior, A mercenary, A legend, A shadow that even monsters feared. Some whispered he was a Fallen knight. Others claimed he had no past, no master, no mercy. And yet, despite all the legends surrounding him, no one seemed to know his real name. ?? Yuhi (thoughtfully): "The Dark Knight¡­" She clenched her fingers slightly. ?? Yuhi (curious): "Do you know his real name?" ?? Aries (shrugging): "Nope. No one does." Yuhi frowned. She didn¡¯t like not knowing. Before she could press further, a royal soldier approached, bowing. ?? Soldier: "(Princess Yuhi) Lieutenant, the King requests your presence immediately." Yuhi nodded, her face hardening into a more serious expression. This was no time for distractions. ?? Yuhi: "Let¡¯s go, Aries." Aries nodded, her playful demeanor fading as they followed the soldier toward the palace''s inner sanctum. The journey through the palace corridors was swift, though Yuhi¡¯s mind was still racing. She had a feeling this meeting with the King would not be just about the recent vampire attacks. When they finally reached the King''s chambers, the door swung open, and they were ushered in by the royal guards. King Godfrey Lionbane sat at the head of the grand table, his presence commanding respect. He was a towering man, his golden armor gleaming even in the dim light of the chamber. His graying hair, though marked by age, still held the strength of a lion. His sharp eyes focused on Yuhi the moment she entered. The king¡¯s face was serious, his sharp blue eyes scanning the reports in his hands. His fingers tapped lightly against the polished table, a sign of his deep concern. The other high-ranking officials stood silently, waiting for his words. Yuhi After come inside ?? Yuhi (bowing slightly): "Your Majesty." Yuhi stood tall, her posture straight as she approached the King. ?? King Godfrey (in a deep, steady voice): "Yuhi, my daughter, come. We have much to discuss." Finally, he spoke. ?? King Godfrey (sternly): "The vampire attacks have spread across Lumiya. Reports from the northern and eastern territories show increasing deaths. It¡¯s not just isolated incidents anymore." Yuhi¡¯s expression hardened. ?? Yuhi (firmly): "This isn¡¯t just some rogue vampires hunting in the shadows¡­ This feels planned." The king sighed and leaned forward, his gaze meeting his daughter¡¯s. ?? King Godfrey (grimly): "That¡¯s exactly what I fear, Yuhi. Edric Bloodworth¡ªthe Vampire King¡ªis moving in the dark. I don¡¯t believe these attacks are random." Yuhi clenched her fists. She had seen the battle firsthand. She had watched Liza disappear before her eyes, slipping into the night like a wounded beast. And if Liza was still alive, that meant something worse was coming. ?? Yuhi (determined): "Are you saying we should prepare for war?" ?? King Godfrey (nodding): "If Edric is planning something big, we cannot afford to be careless. I need you to be ready. Gather the best warriors, prepare the defenses. If the vampires strike in full force, Lumiya must not fall." The weight of his words pressed heavy on Yuhi''s shoulders, but she did not flinch. ?? Yuhi (bowing slightly): "Understood, Father. I will not let Lumiya be caught off guard." The room was silent for a moment, the air thick with anticipation. Then¡ªscene shift. --- Vampire King''s Palace ¨C A Throne of Darkness Deep in the heart of the vampire lands, hidden beyond the cursed forests, stood the Obsidian Keep¡ªa towering fortress of shadows and blood. The air reeked of death, and an ominous red glow filled the vast throne room. At its center sat Edric Bloodworth, the Vampire King. His presence alone was suffocating. Draped in a crimson-black cloak, his red hair contrasted sharply against his piercing crimson eyes. His aura was thick with an ancient, terrifying power¡ªone that silenced even the strongest of vampires in the room. Before him, rows of vampires stood in absolute silence, their glowing red eyes fixated on their king. Edric slowly rose from his throne. His deep, icy voice echoed through the chamber. ?? Edric (calm yet menacing): "We were humiliated." The air tensed. Every vampire in the room stiffened as a cold shiver ran down their spines. ?? Edric (clenching his fists): "One man¡ªone mortal¡ªwounded our Queen." He took a step forward, his overwhelming presence pressing down on them like a crushing force. ?? Edric (growling): "who is he, the Dark Knight..." The mere mention of Dark knight''s name filled the hall with a burning hatred. A low, guttural growl spread among the vampires. Edric''s eyes burned with cold fury. ?? Edric (deadly whisper): "We do not forget. We do not forgive." His voice rose, filled with the power of centuries of rage. ?? Edric (commanding): "WE WILL HAVE OUR REVENGE!" The chamber erupted. ?? Vampires (chanting, roaring): "REVENGE! REVENGE! REVENGE!" The ground trembled from their unified rage, their bloodlust filling the air like a raging storm. But away from the chaos, in a dimly lit chamber, Liza lay in bed, her body wrapped in black silk sheets. Her once undefeated form was now weak, broken from the battle against Kai. She clenched her fists, feeling the lingering pain of his blades cutting through her wings. ?? Liza (whispering, eyes burning with hatred): "Dark knight... I will kill you with my own hands." TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 5....¡­.... Towards the Kingdom of Alf ?? Edric Bloodworth sat upon his throne in the Obsidian Keep, his golden eyes gleaming like liquid fire. Shadows danced across his black armor, the demonic runes carved into the metal pulsing with a sinister glow. ?? Edric (low, darkly amused): "The night of the Red Moon approaches." The words slithered through the air, sending a chill through his gathered commanders. They stood rigid, their expressions a mixture of reverence and bloodthirst. ?? Edric (voice growing sharper): "One month from now, when the sky is bathed in crimson¡­ that is when we strike." The room pulsed with power at his declaration. Beyond the cursed forests, the land of vampires stirred. On the night of the Red Moon, demonic power would surge tenfold. The darkness would stretch unnaturally long, an eternal night perfect for battle. The thirst of his kind would be unquenchable, their strength unmatched. ?? Edric (murmuring to himself): "It will be a night of chaos¡ªan omen of destruction." A slow, wicked grin curled on his lips. The world would soon drown in blood. --- Few days later............ The Call for Aid in Lumiya Once again, The grand hall of Lumiya¡¯s royal palace was thick with tension. Golden chandeliers bathed the chamber in warm light, their glow barely soothing the rising unease among the nobles, knights, and commanders gathered within. The heavy double doors opened, and there was silence as King Godfrey entered. His regal bearing carried the weight of decades of rule, his gaze like a steel blade as he surveyed the room from his throne ?? King Godfrey (grimly): "The Kingdom of Victoria has sent a plea for aid. King Advert White, my old friend, faces war against Utopiya¡­" The moment he spoke the name, an uneasy murmur spread through the chamber. ?? King Godfrey (voice hardening): "¡­A kingdom rule by none other than Alexa¡ªthe Fallen Angel of Beauty." A heavy silence followed. The name Alexa was legend. She was divine and merciless, an angel who had once walked among the gods and now ruled over mortals with an iron fist wrapped in silk. ?? King Godfrey (surveying his warriors): "I need a force strong enough to support Victoria. Who among you will lead our soldiers into battle?" A single figure stepped forward, her silver eyes burning with resolve. ?? Yuhi (firmly): "I will go, Father. Let me lead our forces to Victoria." The king¡¯s lips curved into a knowing smile. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ?? King Godfrey (nodding): "Very well. You shall lead a quarter of our royal army. But this war will not be won by numbers alone. We need fighters¡ªhunters skilled in combat, those who can take down monstrous enemies without hesitation." Yuhi folded her arms, calculating. ?? Yuhi (thoughtfully): "Then allow me to ask the Guild for assistance. There are powerful hunters within our kingdom who may join our cause if given the right incentive." The king turned to his minister. ?? King Godfrey (commanding): "Send out a decree to the Guild. Offer a grand reward to any hunter willing to fight for Victoria alongside Princess Yuhi." ?? Daveed Hahn (Minister of State Lumiya): All right, my lord. After a moment of silence. ?? King Godfrey (grimly): " I have one more request¡­ The vampire attacks have escalated. Lumiya¡¯s northern and eastern territories are in disarray. Edward Hawk, go and investigate." ?? Edward Hawk (bowing slightly): "Understood, my king. I will leave at once." Notices were sent across the kingdom. The Hunter¡¯s Guild buzzed with activity as warriors, mercenaries, and killers-for-hire answered the call, drawn by the promise of battle and wealth. The news spread like wildfire across Lumiya. "A war against Utopiya?" "The princess herself is leading an army?" "A grand reward for hunters?" Among those who heard the rumors was Kai. He sat alone in a dimly lit tavern, his fingers lightly tapping against the wooden table. His long black coat draped over his chair, concealing his figure, while a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Alexa, huh..." he muttered to himself. It had been 500 years, but the name still carried weight in his mind. She was the one who had killed Alen, the ancient traveler, and perhaps the only person who truly understood Kai¡¯s past. For centuries, Kai had believed that he himself was responsible for Alen¡¯s death¡ªuntil he had uncovered fragments of truth that led him to doubt everything. he saw in his last night dream that someone killed the alen when alen tried to prevent me. "If Alexa truly had a hand in this¡­ then I need to see her myself." (Alexa, she was sent by God to make sure no one could stop Kai while he was destroying half of existence. ) This war was an opportunity¡ªan excuse to confront her, to uncover the truth that had been buried for centuries. But there was one problem. Kai was famous. Too famous. As the Dark Knight, he had built a reputation as a hunter feared by monsters and revered by warriors. If he joined the princess¡¯s army openly, it would attract too much attention. The next morning, at Lumiya¡¯s eastern gate, the assembled army awaited their march to Victoria. Hundreds of soldiers, their armor gleaming beneath the rising sun, stood in disciplined formations. Warhorses neighed, steam rising from their nostrils in the cold morning air. Amidst them stood Boros¡ªthe second most famous hunter in Lumiya. Unlike Kai, who was a phantom of speed and precision, Boros was an unstoppable force. His towering, muscular frame made him look more beast than man, his massive war hammer resting against his shoulder. ?? A soldier (whispering nervously): "Is that Boros¡­?" ?? Another soldier (awed): "I heard he can crush boulders with his bare hands." ?? A third soldier (muttering): "He looks terrifying¡­" Yet one other figure stood out among the warriors. A mysterious man in a long white coat lingered near the army, his face hidden behind a black mask. Unlike the others, he carried no visible weapons, but his presence was unsettling¡ªsilent, watchful, almost as if he didn¡¯t belong. Yuhi frowned, her sharp eyes narrowing as she studied him. ?? Yuhi (quietly, to herself): "Who is that?" Beside her, David Hahn followed her gaze. ?? David Hahn (calmly): "A new hunter, I assume. The Guild sent many, and not all of them are known." The masked man suddenly locked eyes with Yuhi. For a brief moment, a strange familiarity flickered in her mind, but before she could grasp it, he broke eye contact. Kai smirked beneath his mask. ?? Kai (thinking to himself): "So she doesn¡¯t able recognize me." Good. Kai had no interest in fighting for Lumiya, nor for Victoria. But Alexa¡ªshe was a different matter. He needed to meet her, to confront her, to find out the truth about Alen¡¯s death The Journey Begins........... The army marched forward, disciplined and unwavering, across vast plains and dense forests. The scent of war loomed in the air. As they rode, Boros strode toward the masked hunter, his massive frame casting a long shadow over him. ?? Boros (grinning): "You¡¯re an interesting one. Never seen a hunter dressed like that. What¡¯s your name?" Kai tilted his head slightly. ?? Kai (smoothly): "Call me Alen." Boros chuckled. ?? Boros (laughing): "Alen, huh? Never heard of you before. You any good?" Kai¡¯s take a long breath ?? Kai (low): "I can handle myself." Boros let out a booming laugh, slapping Kai¡¯s back with enough force to send most men stumbling. ?? Boros (grinning): "Well, let¡¯s see what you¡¯re do of when the real fight begins!" Yuhi, riding ahead, overheard the conversation and glanced back at the masked man. The name Alen sent a strange chill through her. ?? Yuhi (to herself, puzzled): "Alen¡­ Why does that name not match his presence?" As night fell, the army camped beneath the darkening sky. Tomorrow, the first battle awaited them. After a little nap, the army resumed their march. As morning broke, they finally reached the Kingdom of Alf¡ªthe gateway to Victoria. ( Above them, dark clouds loomed. The war against Utopiya was inevitable........ ) But for Kai, this war was merely a step toward a greater battle. Alexa¡ªthe Fallen Angel of Beauty¡ªwas waiting. ?? Kai (whispering to himself): "Soon¡­ I will see the truth for myself." For the first time in centuries, he felt something stir inside him.