…
Victory felt so close within Cladimir's grasp. He stood tall amidst the sea of flames, his body fully healed, and the aura radiating from him was now a deep, dark purple.
With slow and arrogant movements, he reached again for the hilt of his Black Sword lying on the ground.
NGGGGGOOOOOONNNN!!!
As the sword was drawn, streams of energy from the Dark Phoenix instantly connected to the blade. Purple flames engulfed the black steel, creating a massive sword made of pure energy. The heat burned the air, causing the very space around him to warp and distort.
Cladimir: "The game is over. Now... it is time to decide your fate."
SWISSHH!!
Cladimir swung his sword casually, yet it unleashed devastating power. A wave of purple fire slashed right between Erico and K. A small explosion occurred, forcibly separating them and creating an impenetrable distance.
King Erico: "K!!"
K: "GO!! I'll handle this bird! You finish off that Demon King!!"
With no other choice, they split up. The battle was now divided into two deadly arenas!
KINGS' DUEL: ERICO VS CLADIMIR
King Erico Roses leaped back, staring at Cladimir with eyes burning in rage. His golden sword trembled violently under the pressure of his enemy's aura.
Cladimir: "You and Roses... have always been the greatest obstacles. Today, your bloodline ends here forever."
King Erico: "Save your breath, Cladimir! You are nothing but a thief of power!"
BRAKKK!!
They clashed swords directly!
CLANG! CLASH! BOOM!
The sound of metal colliding echoed endlessly. Every time the Golden Sword and the Black Sword met, sparks of purple and gold flew like fireworks.
Erico attacked fast and furiously, trying to find a gap in Cladimir's defense. But Cladimir was now too strong. Every strike was blocked effortlessly, and he began to toy with his opponent.
Cladimir: "Fast... but weak!"
Cladimir countered with a single upward slash.
BYAAAA!!!
Erico was blasted away, his body carried by the wind until he crashed into a broken palace pillar. Fresh blood sprayed from his mouth.
King Erico: "Arghh... His strength... it's impossible..."
Cladimir: (Walking slowly closer, his sword dripping purple fire) "Give up, Erico. Join me, or die as a useless hero."
King Erico: (Rising with difficulty, his red aura exploding once more) "DIE YOU MONSTER!!"
K VS DARK PHOENIX
On the other side of the battlefield, K's situation was far more dangerous.
She stood face-to-face with the evolved Dark Phoenix. Its purple eyes stared at her with hunger.
Dark Phoenix: SKRAAAA!!!
The bird dove sharply, its beak ready to tear K apart.
WHOOSH! THUD!
K rolled quickly to evade. The ground where she stood was instantly crushed and melted by the iron-hard beak.
K: "You damned bird!!"
K swung her Broken Sword, which radiated the greyish aura. She didn't aim for the body, but instead sliced through the streams of fire emanating from the Phoenix.
TRANGG!!
The slash managed to halt the wing, but the impact felt like her arm was being crushed. The purple flames stuck to her blade, trying to devour the metal itself.
K: "This fire... it keeps following me!"
The Phoenix unleashed a breath of fire. K was forced to leap upward, climbing over ruins to avoid the lava-like flames. She was playing a deadly game of cat and mouse.
K: (Regulating her breath, cold sweat flowing) "If this continues, I'll run out of energy before it gets tired... I need an opening... JUST ONE OPENING!"
The Phoenix circled her again, its wings beating creating small explosions that cornered K into a dead end.
The entire battlefield was now filled with two epic battles.
- On the left, Cladimir dominated the fight against Erico. Every swing of Cladimir's sword forced Erico to exert every ounce of physical and magical strength just to stay alive. Erico's face was covered in wounds, his breathing heavy, yet his spirit remained unbroken.
- On the right, K fought using extreme defense and counter-attacks. She had to move swifter than the wind to evade claws and fire. Every strike had to be precise, because one small mistake meant turning into ash.
The roars of the beast, the clashing of swords, and war cries mixed into a symphony of destruction.
Cladimir: (Blocking Erico's attack with one hand) "Look at your friend, Erico! She will burn to death before you can even scratch my skin!"
King Erico: "SHUT UP!!"
K: (Dodging the Phoenix's claws) "Don't listen to him, Erico! Attack the core! ATTACK!!"
Kingdom of Zewilste - Ancient Beast Summoning Chamber
The atmosphere in the underground room was silent and tense. The walls were carved with ancient symbols that began to glow faintly. In the center, upon a floor painted with a massive magic circle, Queen Fedhilia Cordoban and Emily Hars sat cross-legged with their eyes closed.
Beside them, a majestic White Wyvern stood guard, its blue eyes shining vigilantly.
The air in the room swirled gently, creating a soft breeze carrying the scent of flowers and wet earth. Emily slowly raised her hands upward, and Fedhilia followed her movement.
Emily's voice began to resonate, not in ordinary speech, but in an ancient chant—heavy, magical, and captivating. She blended tones from Spanish, English, and Portuguese into a spell that was beautiful yet terrifying.
Emily Hars:
"Viento, Fuego, Agua y Tierra...
Todo comienza desde el Cielo y el Infierno..."
Fedhilia joined in, her voice harmonizing:
"Todo cae... por la avaricia de los hombres..."
Emily:
"Então, um Livro Antigo foi enviado...
Para manter o equilíbrio do mundo..."
Together:
"Pero ahora... el equilibrio se rompe!
La balanza se tambalea!"
Emily's eyes snapped open, radiating brilliant white light. She raised her hands higher, and the ceiling of the room seemed to open up into the cosmos.
Emily:
"Y entonces... ¡Una Gota de la Galaxia desciende!"
Fedhilia:
"¡Para juzgarlos! ¡Para castigarlos!"
"¡DESCENDE!!"
Their shout echoed.
BRRRRRRRRROOOOOMMMMM!!!
The entire palace shook violently. From the ceiling, a blinding white light descended slowly. It took the shape of a glowing scroll or sacred tome, yet inside, thousands of stars moved like a miniature galaxy.
The object floated down, landing gently between the two women. The aura it emitted was so pure and majestic that the White Wyvern beside them lowered its head in reverence.
Emily Hars: (Staring at the scroll with a serious expression)
"Finalmente... A chave chegou. Agora, ninguém pode parar o julgamento..."
The blinding white light slowly dimmed. The Ancient Manuscript, containing the power of the galaxy, floated down and landed gently on the floor, its glow fading to a soft radiance.
However, the price paid was immense.
Queen Fedhilia Cordoban, who had been sitting cross-legged, suddenly went limp. Her eyes closed, and without strength, she collapsed to the side.
"MOTHER!!"
A panicked cry rang out. A young woman in elegant royal attire rushed forward and caught Fedhilia's body. It was Clarissa Zewilste, the Queen's only daughter.
Clarissa quickly laid her mother down, then turned her sharp gaze toward Emily Hars, who was still sitting calmly, breathing slightly heavily but fully conscious.
Clarissa: (Face flushed with anger, eyes glaring intensely)
"You! You foreign woman! What exactly did you do to my mother?! How did she end up like this?!"
Emily Hars: (Standing up slowly, looking at Clarissa calmly yet vigilantly)
"Calm down, Lady Clarissa. The Queen has simply exhausted all her energy summoning power of god-like levels. She is not dead, merely in a deep sleep to recover."
Clarissa: "Lies! You must have used black magic or something! Look at this Palace! It's shaking violently, and you made my mother faint!"
Clarissa raised her hand swiftly. Suddenly, several elite guards hidden behind pillars emerged and raised their weapons, pointing spears and swords directly at Emily's neck and body.
Clarissa: "Seize her! Bind this woman! For harming the Queen, she shall face severe punishment!"
The guards immediately obeyed. They bound Emily's hands behind her back with special magic chains. Emily did not resist. She allowed herself to be captured, knowing that fighting back would only make things worse.
But as Clarissa smirked seeing Emily restrained, Emily's gaze changed drastically.
She stared directly into Clarissa's eyes, seeing not a spoiled princess, but something far darker and terrifying lurking beneath.
Emily Hars: (Smiling faintly, but her voice cold and piercing)
"What an incredible performance... Mardom..."
That single word froze Clarissa's smile for a split second, but she quickly recovered.
Clarissa: "What are you muttering, old woman? Are you mad with fear? I am Clarissa, Princess of Zewilste!"
Emily: (Shaking her head slowly, her eyes unblinking)
"Do not fool me. That aura you emit... the stench of sulfur and thick blood... I cannot be mistaken."
Emily: "The real Clarissa Zewilste... passed away three days ago from a severe illness, didn't she?"
Silence fell over the room. The guards looked confused.
Clarissa: (Voice deepening and turning raspy) "You lunatic! You dare insult royalty! Kill her immediately!"
Emily: (Shouting firmly) "STOP!! Are you all blind?! Look at her neck! There are black seal marks there! That is not your princess!"
Emily stared sharply at the figure before her.
Emily: "You are not Clarissa... You are a Demon who crawled out of the cracks of the Underworld! You possessed this poor girl's body to infiltrate the palace and get your hands on what we just summoned!"
The face of "Clarissa," previously contorted in panic, slowly twisted into an unnaturally wide grin. Her beautiful blue eyes gradually turned into pitch-black orbs with no whites or pupils.
"Hehehe... Hahahahaha!!"
The laughter sounded not like one person, but like a hundred voices echoing and overlapping.
The Demon (in Clarissa's body):
"How clever... old woman. What a pity, your eyes are still far too sharp. Yes... you are right."
It stood tall, its posture stretching slightly, and a dark aura exploded outward from "Clarissa's" body.
The Demon: "The weak little Clarissa gave up her life so willingly. Now, this vessel is mine. And that Ancient Manuscript... along with the power of the Galaxy... they will be mine too!"
The guards were horrified, stepping back in fear as they realized their princess had been possessed! The situation had flipped 180 degrees! Emily was now the only one who knew the truth, yet her hands were still bound!
Even with her hands tightly bound behind her back, Emily showed not a single trace of fear. She stood calmly, then casually tapped her bound fingers against the stone wall behind her.
Tok... Tok... Tok...
The sound was not loud, but it carried a special rhythm. Like a secret code.
Outside, in the vast palace courtyard, the White Wyvern that had been standing guard peacefully suddenly opened its eyes wide. Its clear blue irises instantly transformed into blazing yellow, like two beacons shining in the darkness.
It lifted its head high, staring directly at the temple where its master was. A pure white aura exploded from its body, creating strong winds that sent dust and grass flying everywhere.
ROAAAAARRR!!!
With one powerful beat of its wings, the White Wyvern shot upward, piercing through the open roof of the temple, racing toward Emily at lightning speed! It could sense the immense danger threatening its friend.
INSIDE THE TEMPLE
Meanwhile, inside the room, the Demon possessing Clarissa Zewilste frowned in confusion. It was unsettled by the strange tapping sound and Emily's unnerving calmness.
The Demon began to circle Emily slowly. Its footsteps sounded heavy despite its slender frame. Thick black smoke started to billow from its clothes.
The Demon (Clarissa):
"Why aren't you screaming? Why don't you beg for mercy like other humans? What was that stupid tapping about, huh?"
Emily merely smiled faintly, lowering her head as if resigned, but her eyes watched every movement of the shadows on the floor.
Emily Hars:
"I am just sending a message to my old friend... that there are uninvited guests who need to be thrown out."
The Demon: (Laughing cynically, then stopping right in front of Emily's face, mere inches away)
"Friend? There is no one here but us and these foolish guards who are shaking in fear. Do you really think anyone dares to help you?"
The Demon raised its right hand; its nails grew long and turned pitch-black. It brushed them roughly against Emily's cheek.
The Demon:
"Listen, old woman... I know you hide great power. You are no ordinary witch. Release your true strength, show me that 'Aura', or perhaps that broken sword you carry..."
The Demon:
"I want to see it... I want to feel what it is like to wound a creature like you. Stop pretending to be weak, it is boring. Show me... how your blood runs cold with fear!"
It leaned closer, its pitch-black eyes staring sharply, trying to intimidate Emily.
The Demon:
"Show me your power! Or I will destroy this body and the little girl's soul forever!"
Emily Hars: (Still calm, her voice even relaxed)
"Easy now... My friend is arriving. Don't be so impatient... The show is just about to begin."
BRUUUUUUUUMMMMM!!!
Suddenly, the temple ceiling shook violently. A massive shadow covered the entire room, and the sound of wings cutting through the air grew louder and closer!
The Demon: (Startled, looking up) "What is that?! What is that sound?!"
WHOOSHHHH!!!
Violent winds roared as the White Wyvern landed majestically before Emily. Its pure white body radiated a blinding holy light, turning the dark chamber into brilliant brightness.
Without wasting a moment, the Wyvern lowered its head toward Emily's hands bound by the red magic chains.
SYUUUUUUUU!!!
From its mouth, it exhaled White Flames—cold to the touch, yet deadly to dark magic. The moment the fire touched the red chains, they instantly melted and shattered into pieces as if blown away by wind. Emily was free!
She quickly rubbed her wrists, then hugged the Wyvern's neck warmly.
Emily Hars: "Thank you, my friend. Right on time."
Across the room, the Demon possessing Clarissa Zewilste stepped back rapidly. Its pitch-black eyes stared intently at the White Wyvern, analyzing every scale, every detail, and every aura it emitted.
Suddenly, a wide grin returned to its face. But this time, its eyes shifted to a fresh, glistening Blood Red, radiating bloodlust and unnatural excitement.
The Demon (Clarissa):
"Ah... finally... A Sacred Wyvern from the ancient era... Its flesh and soul must be absolutely delicious..."
It stopped speaking in human tongue. Its mouth moved rapidly, chanting strange, heavy words that echoed deeply—a mix of ancient languages that sounded terrifying and piercing.
The Demon:
"VANITAS... VORTEX... NIHILUM...!"
"OMNIA PEREUNT... IN NIHILUM REVERTUNTUR!"
BRRRRRRRRROOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!!!
The entire room, the entire palace, began to shake violently. It was not merely an earthquake, but a tremor that tore at space and time itself.
"AAAAAAHHHH!! WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" the remaining guards screamed.
But in the blink of an eye... their bodies started to fade, blur, and vanish as if they had never existed at all. The air around them swirled violently, forming a black vortex that sucked everything in.
Emily Hars: (Eyes wide in shock) "Don't let it touch you! That is an Existence Erasing Spell!!"
Emily immediately ordered the Wyvern to fly, but it was too late. The vortex was too fast.
The Demon: "DISAPPEAR!!"
TRAAAAAAKKKK!!!
A blinding light exploded.
In a matter of seconds, the magnificent Kingdom of Zewilste—its buildings, gardens, artificial lakes, defensive walls... EVERYTHING VANISHED WITHOUT A TRACE.
No rubble, no dust, no footprints. The place was now nothing but a flat, empty stretch of land, as if no kingdom had ever stood there for thousands of years.
And in the center of that void... Emily Hars, the White Wyvern, and the Demon in Clarissa's body—they all disappeared from that dimension, pulled into an unknown darkness with no direction home!
The battlefield in the Kingdom of Roses had turned into a boundless sea of purple fire. Black smoke billowed up to the dome above, and the stench of burning flesh and blood mixed together in the scorching heat.
The battle between K and the Dark Phoenix had reached its climax. The giant bird attacked relentlessly, its claws and beak tearing through the air, but K moved as fast as a shadow. She danced amidst the rain of fire, leaping onto the beast's back, and struck repeatedly with her Broken Sword, which radiated that ominous grey aura.
K: "DIE!! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT FIRE WITHOUT A SOUL!!"
CLANG! SLASH! BOOM!
Every strike left black wounds on the Phoenix's body, but they healed instantly with new flames. She was exhausted, breathing heavily, covered in countless injuries, yet she refused to fall.
On the other side, King Erico was fighting desperately against Cladimir. Their swords clashed thousands of times—the Golden Blade against the Black Sword wreathed in purple fire. The ground beneath them cracked and shattered into pieces.
Cladimir: "Why do you still stand?! Accept your defeat, Erico!!"
King Erico: "AS LONG AS MY HEART BEATS... I WILL NEVER SURRENDER!!"
Suddenly, an invisible bond seemed to connect the two of them.
K, cornered by a wave of fire, looked up sharply. In the distance, she saw Cladimir mercilessly pressing Erico down.
King Erico, though bloodied and battered, felt her gaze. He lifted his head, and their eyes met.
No words were needed. They understood. This was the final strike. One slash that would decide the fate of the entire world.
King Erico: "K... NOW!!"
K: "READY!!"
They moved simultaneously.
Erico leaped high into the air, soaring above the ruined palace. He raised his Golden Sword toward the sky, gathering every last ounce of energy remaining in his body, channeling the fighting spirit of all the fallen soldiers of Roses into one single point.
King Erico: "TAKE THIS... CLADIMIR!! FINAL SWORD TECHNIQUE: FALLING SUN!!"
NGGGGGOOOOOONNNNN!!!
The sword blazed with blinding light, forming a massive sphere of deep crimson and gold so huge it covered the entire sky. Its heat was intense enough to rival the Phoenix itself!
At the same time, on the ground...
K stood still before the Dark Phoenix. She closed her eyes, gripping her sword hilt with both hands. A cold, heavy, greyish-black aura exploded outward, causing the surrounding flames to dim instantly.
K: "You are not immortal... You are just a lost shadow... Return to the void!!"
K: "SECRET TECHNIQUE: SHEARS OF ENDLESS NIGHT!!"
SWISSSSSSSHHHHHH!!!
She swung her sword down slowly, yet with immense weight. A gigantic wave of pure darkness shot forth, slicing not just through space, but aimed directly at Cladimir and the Phoenix's very existence!
The two devastating attacks struck at the exact same moment.
The Golden Light from the sky and the Grey Darkness from the earth merged into one upon impact!
TRRRRRRAAAAAAKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!
The explosion was cataclysmic. Shockwaves ripped through the air and tore the ground apart.
Cladimir: "WHAT IS THIS?! IMPOSSIBLE!!"
Cladimir tried to block with his sword, but the force was too overwhelming. His Black Sword trembled violently, then cracked! His body was slammed hard into the ground, his face bloodied and broken, and he was sent rolling far away.
Meanwhile, the Dark Phoenix let out a long, agonizing shriek. K's dark wave pierced through its fire defense and split its body clean in half! The purple flames died instantly, turning into cold ash.
Dark Phoenix: SKRRRAAAAAA...
The cry faded away. The massive body crumbled into particles of light and dust, vanishing into the air. The Phoenix was finally defeated!
Slowly, the dust settled.
Absolute silence fell over the battlefield. Only the sound of heavy breathing remained.
King Erico fell to his knees, his hands trembling violently, his sword almost slipping from his grip. Before him, Cladimir Darken lay motionless on the ground, blood pouring from his mouth and body, seemingly unconscious or perhaps... dead.
On the other side, K stood tall but swaying. She stared at the empty spot where the beast once was.
The long, grueling war... was finally over. They had won!
A sigh of relief had just escaped the lips of King Erico and K. Their bodies were battered and exhausted, covered in wounds, but their hearts were filled with triumph. Cladimir lay helpless, the Phoenix had crumbled to dust, and the long, grueling war was finally over.
WHOOSHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Suddenly, a roaring wind sounded from above. The purple energy dome that had covered the sky for hours vanished instantly as if swallowed by the earth. Blue skies and sunlight returned, illuminating the devastated battlefield.
But that relief lasted only a second.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!! LOOK UP!!" screamed one soldier in panic.
Erico and K slowly looked up. Their eyes widened, their breath hitched in their throats, and every muscle in their bodies froze stiff.
High in the sky, descending slowly yet terrifyingly, was an impossible sight.
It was a massive chunk of land, entire and intact, the size of a whole kingdom. Standing upon it were magnificent buildings, beautiful gardens, and a palace that looked eerily familiar. Glistening blue crystal pillars, fountains still flowing, and the flag of the Kingdom of Zewilste waving proudly atop the tower.
The nation that should have been hundreds of kilometers away was now floating in the air directly above their heads, ready to land at any moment!
BRRRRRRRRROOOOOMMMMMMM!!!
A violent tremor shook them to the bone as the giant kingdom began to descend slowly, crushing the earth and destroying everything beneath it.
But the most horrifying thing was the sound coming from within it.
"WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
A laughter that was shrill, piercing, and filled with mockery echoed from the flying palace. It was not the voice of a normal human, but a sound that grated against the eardrums and sent chills down the spine of anyone who heard it.
The entire battlefield fell into absolute silence.
The wounded soldiers of Roses stopped groaning.
The surviving Darken troops froze in their tracks.
Even Bastian Auslen, Robert Leonard, and Alfrido De Roses, who had just emerged from hiding, stood transfixed, staring upward with mouths agape.
King Erico stood with trembling hands, his sword nearly slipping from his grip.
K could only stare in disbelief, squinting her eyes trying to comprehend what had just happened.
King Erico: (Whispering almost inaudibly)
"That... That is Zewilste... The Kingdom of Zewilste... How is it possible... for a kingdom to fly...?"
K: (Face deathly pale, cold sweat pouring down)
"It's not flying... It was transported. Someone... someone just moved an entire country with a snap of their fingers..."
They all realized one terrifying truth. The power they had just fought against—Cladimir and the Phoenix—was something measurable, something they could fight. But this... this was power beyond logic, beyond high-level magic.
Whoever or whatever was inside that floating kingdom... possessed strength far more terrifying than the Demon King they had just defeated.
The laughter rang out again, louder and more insane than before.
"HAHAHAHAHA!! LOOK AT YOU ALL! LIKE LITTLE ANTS FIGHTING OVER CRUMBS! NOW... THE TRUE QUEEN HAS ARRIVED!"
The Kingdom of Zewilste landed with a thunderous crash that split the heavens, landing right between the territories of Roses and Darken, separating the two nations like an impenetrable giant wall.
The situation had changed completely. The victory they had just won with blood and tears... instantly turned into an even greater deadly threat.
A tense silence still enveloped the entire battlefield. No one dared to speak; even breathing felt heavy. Every eye was fixed on the magnificent structure that had just landed—the Kingdom of Zewilste, now standing tall right in the middle of them.
Suddenly, the main gates of the palace swung wide open.
CREEEAK...
A woman walked out with graceful steps, yet radiating an aura that was absolutely deadly. She wore an elegant and luxurious gown, a blend of blood red, dark grey, and jet black. The dress accentuated her curves, yet every fold of fabric seemed to move on its own like living shadows.
Her face was beautiful, but her gaze was sharp and cold. It was the face of Clarissa Zewilste, the only daughter of the Queen, who was supposedly bedridden and gravely ill.
"Is that... Princess Clarissa?!"
"But wasn't she sick? How can she appear looking like that?!"
Whispers began to spread among the soldiers. They were shocked, but none yet realized that the figure before them was no longer human, but a demon that had taken over the princess's body. Its evil aura was immense, yet perfectly masked by her regal appearance.
The Demon (Mardom/Clarissa):
(Smirking, looking down at the armies of Roses and Darken with contempt)
"Look at this chaos... Blood, fire, and death. A beautiful sight, isn't it? You all fight merely for patches of land and meaningless power..."
She walked down the palace steps, and with every step she took, the ground beneath her feet turned pitch black.
🗣️ WHISPER OF THE MYSTERIOUS WARRIOR
At the front line, King Erico Roses stood frozen. He recognized the face, but something was terribly wrong. His heart was pounding fast—not out of admiration, but out of deep dread.
Suddenly, K, standing beside him, leaned closer to his ear. Her voice was barely a whisper, but firm.
K:
"Erico... Don't be fooled by her face. That is not the Clarissa you know."
King Erico:
(Swallowing hard, not turning his head) "What do you mean? That is clearly the face of Princess Zewilste..."
K:
"Look into her eyes... Those eyes hold no soul. That is a Demon. Something far more dangerous than Cladimir. She has taken over that girl's body. And look... she didn't come alone."
Erico slowly looked up toward the highest tower of the Kingdom of Zewilste.
Standing there majestically was a creature radiating pure white light. It was the massive White Wyvern with silver scales, its wings spread wide, casting a shadow over half the palace. Its eyes glowed a vigilant yellow, watching every movement of the demon below.
And right beside the Wyvern's head stood a woman wrapped in a long, flowing white robe billowing in the wind. Her hood covered part of her face, but the aura of wisdom and ancient power emanating from her was undeniable.
It was Emily Hars!
She looked calm, though clearly shocked to have been forcibly dragged into this battlefield along with her entire kingdom. She stared sharply at "Clarissa" below, then shifted her gaze toward Erico and K, silently signaling that the situation was extremely dangerous.
The Demon (Mardom):
(Sensing Emily's gaze from above, she chuckled softly)
"Look at her... That old woman still loves lurking from high places. What a nuisance."
She then turned her attention back to Erico and the stunned armies.
The Demon (Mardom):
"My name is now Mardom! And from this moment on... the Kingdom of Zewilste is no longer part of your world. I am the new law! And you... you are merely toys in my hands!"
BRUUUUUUUUMMMMM!!!
A dark aura exploded outward from Mardom's body, cracking the ground and withering the grass instantly. Meanwhile, high above, the White Wyvern roared loudly to counter the pressure, ready for battle at any moment!
The tense atmosphere was suddenly shattered by a scream filled with desperation and rage.
King Gavriel Zewilste, who had stood frozen staring at his only daughter, now trembled violently. Not out of fear, but from the heart-wrenching pain of seeing the child he raised turned into a terrifying monster.
Tears mixed with blood streamed from his eyes. He gripped his sword hilt so tightly his knuckles turned white.
King Gavriel:
"CLARISSSSSAAAAAAA!!!!!"
His shout echoed loudly, breaking the silence. He stepped forward slowly, his gaze sharp enough to pierce right through the soul of the figure before him.
King Gavriel:
"You lowly demon!!! HOW DARE YOU POSSESS MY DAUGHTER'S BODY!!! GET OUT NOW IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS!! STOP HIDING BEHIND HUMAN SKIN!!"
His rage burned so fiercely that the signature blue aura of Zewilste exploded from his body, despite the fact that he was already severely injured from his earlier battle against Cladimir.
Everyone bowed their heads, moved and terrified by the King's wrath. However, Mardom merely smiled cynically, as if his anger was nothing but cheap entertainment.
While tensions peaked, Emily Hars did not remain idle.
From the back of the White Wyvern, she leaped down gracefully. Instead of attacking immediately, she began to walk calmly between the ranks of soldiers from Roses, Zewilste, and even the surviving Darken troops who were heavily wounded.
Her right hand waved gently, and from her palm radiated a warm, golden-white light.
Emily Hars:
"Sanentur, Vires, Stamina..."
The light spread like a thin mist. Wherever it touched:
- Slash wounds and puncture marks closed rapidly.
- Fatigue and dizziness vanished instantly.
- Weakened muscles were filled with new energy, even stronger than before!
Soldiers who had been lying helpless could now stand up again. Their cracked weapons gleamed slightly, and their fighting spirit was reignited thanks to Emily's strengthening magic.
Emily:
(Whispering as she walked)
"Hold on... The real battle has only just begun. We need full power to defeat this demon."
On the front line, King Erico Roses stood tall. His body was covered in wounds, but thanks to Emily's spell, he felt his strength flowing back like a rushing river.
He looked at his Holy Sword, which was now half-broken after fighting desperately against Cladimir and the Phoenix. But to him, it was still sharp enough to behead a demon.
With a swift motion, Erico raised his broken sword high toward Mardom. Their eyes met—fire of rage clashing against pure darkness.
King Erico:
(Shouting loudly and firmly, his voice reaching everyone)
"HEY YOU DEMON IN WOMAN'S CLOTHES!! LISTEN WELL!!"
Erico stepped forward, his footsteps shaking the ground.
King Erico:
"DO YOU THINK BY MOVING AN ENTIRE KINGDOM AND DISGUISING YOURSELF AS PRINCESS ZEWILSTE, WE WOULD BE AFRAID?! YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!!"
King Erico:
"THIS SWORD MAY BE BROKEN, BUT OUR SPIRIT WILL NEVER BREAK!! IF YOU WANT THIS WORLD, YOU WILL HAVE TO STEP OVER MY CORPSE FIRST!!"
King Erico:
"PREPARE YOURSELF... BECAUSE WE WILL CRUSH YOU INTO DUST!! COME AND FIGHT US!!"
NGGGGGOOOOOONNNN!!!
Erico's Red-Gold aura exploded once more, larger and hotter than ever before, perfectly matching Mardom's dark pressure!
Mardom stared at Erico with a look of surprise, then broke into a wide, bloodthirsty grin.
Mardom:
"Wahaha! Excellent! Such pathetic yet interesting spirit! You really want to die young, don't you?! Fine! Since you beg so sweetly... I WILL KILL YOU ONE BY ONE IN THE MOST PAINFUL WAY POSSIBLE!!"
The battle against the Strongest Demon was about to begin!
The entire battlefield was filled with an aura ready to explode. Thousands of soldiers from Roses, Zewilste, and the remaining Darken troops—now fully aware of the true threat—had united. Even reinforcements from the Union of Kingdoms, arriving from afar, raised their shields and weapons, ready to charge all at once.
"GET READY!! ATTACK TOGETHER!!" shouted the commanders.
They roared and began to run forward. But...
WHOOSHHHH!!!
Before their feet could even take them far, the figure of Mardom vanished instantly from her spot.
In the blink of an eye, she reappeared standing right in the middle of the combined formation! Surrounded by thousands of enemies, yet her face showed absolutely no fear. Instead, she wore a wide, insane grin.
"Too late... you are all far too slow..." she whispered softly.
Mardom raised both hands high into the air. A pitch-black aura exploded outward, instantly covering the sky. She began chanting in an ancient language—heavy, cold, and deadly—a mix of Norwegian and Danish that sounded like the roar of death itself.
Mardom:
"KNUS!!"
"FORSVIND!!"
"FORSVINN TIL INGENTING!!"
BRRRRRRRRROOOOOMMMMMMM!!!
The earth shook violently. The ground around her cracked and began to float, massive boulders crumbled into dust merely by the pressure of her aura. Everyone was shocked; they never expected this demon to be this fast and this powerful!
On the other side, the mysterious warrior K stood still. Her body was exhausted, breathing heavily after fighting desperately against the Phoenix and Cladimir. But seeing the danger so close, she knew there was no other choice.
Slowly, her hand rose to her head.
She removed the black hood covering her hair. Then, with slow movements, she took off the iron mask that had hidden her face for so long.
CLANK...
The face was revealed.
Instantly, several soldiers who saw it were stunned. Not because it was terrifying, but because it was incredibly beautiful, pure, and radiant. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyes sharp yet captivating, and her firm jawline added to her grace and strength. She was an extraordinarily beautiful woman.
She turned toward King Erico Roses, who was staring at her with his mouth agape. With hands trembling yet gentle, she placed the iron mask into his hands.
K:
"Keep this... Lord Erico. From now on... there is no longer any need for disguises."
Without waiting for a reply, she leaped!
BYUUURRR!!!
She shot high into the air, heading straight toward Mardom, who was still concentrating on her destructive spell.
🛡️ RESTORATION SPELL: POWER IN REVERSE
Mid-air, K raised both hands forward, palms open facing Mardom's dark magic. Her eyes radiated a brilliant white light. She chanted in a language that was soft yet firm—a blend of Swiss, Danish, and Swedish—the tongue of the ancient balance keepers.
K:
"VEND TILBAKE TIL OPPRINNELSE!"
K:
"SAMLE SAMMEN IGJEN!"
K:
"REPARER SKADENE! HELBREDE!"
TRRRRRRAAAAAAKKKK!!!
From K's palms burst a blinding silver light. It collided directly with Mardom's darkness!
Mardom:
"WHAT?!!"
Her eyes widened in shock. Her destruction spell, which should have blown everything apart, was suddenly halted, reversed, and began to mend itself. Shattered stones returned whole, wounds started to close, and cracks in the earth sealed up tight!
Mardom:
"HOW DARE YOU NULLIFY MY SPELL WITH HIGH-LEVEL HEALING MAGIC?! WHO ARE YOU REALLY, YOU WORTHLESS WOMAN?!"
K:
(Landing gracefully right in front of Mardom, her face calm and cold)
"I am simply someone destined to stop people like you... Mardom."
The battle between Destruction Magic vs Restoration Magic had begun! And K's true face was finally revealed!
Amidst the clash of powers between K's silver light and Mardom's darkness, King Erico Roses realized this was a life-or-death struggle for the entire world.
He stepped forward, raising his broken sword which now glowed brightly thanks to Emily's magic. He amplified his voice with magic, letting it echo across the battlefield so it reached every single soldier.
King Erico:
"LISTEN TO ME, EVERYONE!!"
His voice cut through the noise. Every head turned, every eye focused on him.
King Erico:
"STANDING BEFORE US IS NOT A HUMAN, NOT A KING, BUT A DESTROYING DEMON! She has possessed Princess Clarissa, she moved this entire kingdom, and she is the one who wants to erase us all from the face of the earth!"
Erico raised his sword high into the air.
King Erico:
"FORGET RACES, FORGET KINGDOMS! TODAY, WE ARE NO LONGER FROM ROSES, ZEWILSTE, OR DARKEN! WE ARE HUMANS FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES!"
King Erico:
"DO YOU WANT TO LIVE?! DO YOU WANT TO PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE?!"
"YES!!" shouted thousands of voices in unison.
King Erico:
"THEN PROVE IT!! DON'T LET HER LOOK DOWN ON US!! UNITE OUR POWER!! CRUSH THE DARKNESS!!"
"HUUUUUUURAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!"
The war cry shattered the sky. Thousands of soldiers, knights, and mages from all corners united as one. Their auras merged into a single massive force, rivaling the demon's own pressure!
The command was given, and the army surged forward like a tidal wave.
The greatest battle in history had begun!
Mardom:
(Staring at the thousands of enemies charging with wide eyes, then laughing madly)
"HAHAHAHAHA!! NOW THIS IS ENTERTAINMENT!! COME ONE AND ALL!! I WILL CRUSH YOU ONE BY ONE!!"
The Massive Assault
Spearmen and swordsmen charged at the front. They attacked relentlessly, stabbing and slashing in every direction. But Mardom moved as fast as a shadow.
CLANG! SLASH! THUD!
Every time a weapon touched her body, Mardom simply blocked it with her bare hands or deflected it back. A single kick sent ten men flying at once. A snap of her fingers exploded the ground, shattering their formations into pieces.
Mardom:
"ANNOYING LITTLE ANT BITES!!"
Magic & Long-Range Barrage
From the back lines, mages from the Union of Kingdoms and priests from Zewilste unleashed elemental spells. Ice, fire, lightning, and light rained down on Mardom's position without pause.
ZAAAP! BOOM! WHOOSH!
The sky turned into a kaleidoscope of explosions. Yet Mardom protected herself with a black shield. She caught fireballs and threw them back, and sliced through ice attacks with her sheer aura.
The Leaders' Strike
Amidst the chaos, King Erico, King Gavriel, K, and other commanders searched for an opening.
King Erico:
"RIGHT HERE!!"
Erico attacked from the front with his golden sword, Gavriel struck from the side with water magic, while K dove from above with her severing blade.
DANGGGGG!!!
Three simultaneous attacks slammed into Mardom. The demon stumbled backward, her feet digging half a meter into the earth. Her expression twisted into pure rage, and a thin trickle of blood flowed from the corner of her lip.
Mardom:
"ARRRGGHHH!! YOU ARE REALLY MAKING ME ANGRY!!"
The situation was intense and thrilling. Although Mardom was incredibly powerful, she was gradually being pushed back by the sheer numbers and fearless fighting spirit of the united army. Blood began to drip, wounds appeared, and the demon's breathing became heavy.
The battle grew even more intense. Thousands of soldiers continued to attack, and while Mardom was still holding them off with her immense power, the situation changed drastically when Emily Hars and the White Wyvern finally intervened seriously!
Emily floated in the air, her hands continuously radiating a golden-white light that enveloped all their allies.
Emily:
"Virescet! Robur! Stamina!"
The light seeped into the bodies of every soldier, King Erico, and K. Fatigue vanished instantly, minor wounds closed up immediately, and their physical strength increased many times over! They could fight endlessly like tireless warhorses!
At the same time, the White Wyvern spread its wings wide across the sky. Its mouth opened wide, gathering within its throat a sacred flame of bright, blazing Blood Red. This fire was different—it was hot enough to burn away dark magic and evil energy!
White Wyvern:
"ROAAAAARRRRR!!!"
BYUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRR!!!!!!
A massive stream of red fire surged forth, striking Mardom's body mercilessly!
Mardom:
"AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!! IT BURNS!! DAMN ITTT!!"
The demon screamed in agony. The red flames clung to her body, incinerating her dark protective layers until they shattered. Her skin charred, her luxurious clothes burned away, and she was forced to retreat continuously, unable to withstand the heat of the holy fire.
Her face flushed with pain, her eyes radiating boundless hatred. She realized... with Emily and the Wyvern here, she could not win. Her enemies were being healed and strengthened endlessly, while she was being burned alive.
Mardom:
(Trembling inwardly) "No... This isn't fair... They have a healer and a sacred dragon... I... I am losing..."
Unable to fight back and cornered near death, Mardom did something insane. Gathering her last remaining strength, she burst through the rain of fire, pointing her index finger directly at King Erico Roses!
Her eyes glowed with pitch-black light, and she began chanting words in a heavy, terrifying ancient language—Hebrew, sounding like the wailing of tormented souls.
Mardom:
(Shouting amidst the flames)
"SH'MA MAL'AKH! ANI MEKALLEL ET ZAR'ACHA!"
"YAMUTU B'SHEMONA DERAKHIM SHONOT!"
"SHEVA HA'CHATA'IM HA'GEDOLIM YE'AFU OTAM!"
Mardom laughed bitterly, yet her eyes were filled with deadly menace.
Mardom:
"AVAL HASHMINI...! HASHMINI YAVRIA LEV HASH'OL VE'KOL RUCHOT HARA TISH'TACHAVAH LO!"
King Erico:
(Feeling an unbearable cold creep into his bones, his body trembling violently)
"What... what are you saying...? What does all this mean?!"
Mardom:
(Smiling widely as her face began to burn and crumble)
"HAHAHAHA! FEEL THIS, ERICO! ENJOY THE CURSE! YOUR BLOODLINE WILL BE DESTROYED, AND THE LAST ONE WILL BECOME THE MOST FEARED KING OF HELL! FAREWELL!!"
TRRRRRAAAAAAKKKK!!!
The Wyvern's fire finally exploded with devastating force, swallowing Mardom's entire body. But the curse had already been spoken. The air around Erico felt heavy and dark, as if the shadow of a grim future was already looming over him.
The battle was finally over.
The pitch-black sky had cleared up again, but the scene below left behind a deep sorrow. Thousands of bodies lay silent on the ground, blood flooded the streets, and the cries of survivors echoed everywhere. Almost half of the united army had fallen as heroes, yet the victory tasted incredibly bitter and costly.
Amidst the ruins, the leaders of the kingdoms gathered. King Gavriel held the body of his daughter, Clarissa, who had returned to her original form but lay lifeless, passing away peacefully after the demon was exorcised. Emily Hars and K stood frozen in place, while King Erico remained standing tall, though his body was covered in wounds and his heart felt heavy.
A representative from the Union of Kingdoms stepped forward. He was a wise old man who brought peace. He looked at all the kings and leaders present.
Union Representative:
"We have won the greatest war in history. Yet, the price we paid is unimaginable. The blood spilled today teaches us one thing: Division only brings destruction."
He raised his staff high into the air.
Union Representative:
"Therefore, I propose that we unite our strength. Merge Roses, Zewilste, and the other territories into one single, whole nation! Rebuild what was destroyed with our own hands, together!"
However, he then turned toward the ruins of the Darken territory.
Union Representative:
"However... the Kingdom of Darken will remain separate. Because two of their blue-blooded heirs are still alive and hiding somewhere. Let them grow, and one day... they will choose their own path, whether for good or for evil."
Everyone nodded in agreement. But then, all eyes turned toward King Erico Roses.
Everyone knew about the curse Mardom uttered before her destruction. The Kingdom of Roses now carried a dark stain and a terrifying threat to the future.
Suddenly, King Erico's body went rigid.
His eyes, usually sharp and fiery, now looked empty and distant. The world around him seemed to vanish. Time and space spun rapidly.
He was seeing the future. Not just one or two years ahead, but hundreds of years later...
He saw his descendants being born one by one. But their fates were truly tragic.
- One died because of greed for wealth.
- Another was destroyed by lust and drunkenness.
- Some were killed by uncontrollable rage.
- Others vanished due to blind arrogance.
One by one, his lineage perished in horrific ways, exactly matching the 7 Deadly Sins cursed by the demon. Tears streamed down Erico's face seeing his family's suffering, but he could do nothing but watch.
Finally, time stopped at the very last figure.
In the midst of the deepest darkness, in a place so profound where even light fears to tread...
Sat a beautiful woman wearing a sharp crown and a magnificent black gown. She sat upon a throne made of bones and eternal flames. Around her, thousands of demons, devils, and evil spirits knelt, trembling in fear yet filled with absolute reverence.
That woman was his last descendant. She was no longer a Queen in the human world, but the QUEEN OF HELL!
She had been despised, cast out, and cast down by the world. Yet, it was in the darkest abyss that she rose, conquered everything, and made all the inhabitants of the underworld bow before her feet. She was the manifestation of the terrifying eighth curse.
The woman looked up, and as if she could see Erico watching from the past, she smirked—a smile of absolute power and dominance.
King Erico:
"AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"
Erico jolted awake, gasping for air. Cold sweat drenched his entire body. He stumbled backward, nearly falling if not caught by K and Gavriel.
King Gavriel:
"Erico! What's wrong?! What did you see?!"
King Erico:
(Staring at his own trembling hands, his voice shaking)
"The curse... it is real... My family... they will suffer... and the last one... she will become something... far more terrifying than any enemy we have fought today..."
The sky turned gloomy once again, as if weeping for the grim destiny that had already been written.
The war was finally over.
On one side, there were cheers of victory and warm embraces among the survivors. But on the other, the air still felt heavy with the smell of blood and smoke. Sorrowful cries echoed across the battlefield as the bodies of the fallen heroes were gathered. The victory was sweet, yet it left a deep, bitter taste.
Amidst the crowd that was slowly dispersing, one spot remained silent.
In the center of the scorched and cracked plains, the mysterious warrior K stood frozen. Her beautiful face was now clearly visible, but her gaze was empty and distant. Before her stood Emily Hars, her white robe billowing in the wind, and beside them, the White Wyvern kept its distance, bowing its head in respect.
Suddenly, Emily raised her hand.
SYUUUUUUUUUU!!!
A dome of translucent white light exploded outward, enveloping the three of them. The world outside was instantly cut off—no sound, no wind, only absolute silence.
👁️ INSIDE THE DOME: THE SECRET OF TIME
Emily Hars looked at K with deep, wise eyes. She spoke not as a comrade-in-arms, but as a guardian of balance.
Emily:
"You did it, didn't you? You actually used that forbidden power..."
K lowered her head, her fingers gripping her own arm tightly.
K:
"I had no choice, Emily. If I hadn't rewound time and fixed what was broken in the past... we would all be dead today. This world would have been shattered to pieces."
Emily:
"But you forget one law of nature, K. Every time you turn back time, every time you repair a mistake... you create new wounds in space and time itself."
Emily stepped closer, her voice low but firm.
Emily:
"That battle earlier... the curse the demon uttered... the vision Erico saw... all of it are omens. Not a destiny already written, but the direct consequence of your own actions."
K:
(Eyes glistening with tears)
"What do you mean? I fought to save them..."
Emily:
"Because you changed the past too many times, the future has become chaotic. You created cracks where evil can grow even stronger. The Queen of Hell who will be born from Erico's lineage... she exists because you disrupted the balance of fate. You wanted to save a little, but instead, you triggered an even greater catastrophe for the end times."
A long silence followed. K stood still, finally realizing the heavy burden of sin she had carried alone all this time.
K:
"Then... what should I do now? Should I destroy everything and start over again?"
Emily:
(Shaking her head slowly)
"No. Do not change anything this time. Let what happens, happen. You have done your part as a protector. Now... let humans write their own destiny, even if the road ahead is filled with thorns and blood."
👑 OUTSIDE THE DOME: WATCHING EYES
Outside the barrier, the atmosphere was extremely quiet.
King Erico Roses, King Gavriel Zewilste, and Rimery Barkley—the leader of the Union of Kingdoms—stood not far away. They looked at the two women inside the dome with a mix of curiosity, respect, and vigilance.
They could not hear what was being said, but they could see their lip movements and expressions—serious, and at times, deeply saddened.
King Gavriel:
(Whispering)
"Who are they really...? The power they possess... it goes far beyond ordinary human limits."
Rimery Barkley:
"They are the guardians of the ancient era. People who existed long before these kingdoms were built. They know secrets we do not understand... about the past, and about the future."
King Erico:
(Staring intently at K)
"K... That woman... she is hiding something enormous. I can feel it. But somehow... I trust her. She means no harm."
Rimery:
"Exactly. They seek no throne, no wealth. They only ensure this world keeps turning. Let them talk. We will wait here... because whatever comes out of their mouths next... might become the guidance for all of us for years to come."
The three men stood still, waiting patiently, allowing the secrets of the universe to be discussed behind the walls of white light.
Kingdom of Roses Palace - Main Throne Room
Months had passed since the great war ended. The scars on the battlefield were slowly covered by new grass, but the wounds in hearts and memories remained deeply etched.
Today, the throne room was filled with the most influential people in the world. The atmosphere was silent, cold, and extremely formal. Majestic marble pillars stood tall, and a red carpet stretched from the entrance all the way to the dais.
In the center of the room stood a woman dressed simply, yet radiating an aura that was incomparable. It was K, formerly known as the Mysterious Knight. Her beautiful and radiant face was now clearly visible to everyone—no mask, no hood.
Upon the highest seat sat King Erico Roses. He looked more mature and serious, bearing the heavy weight of the future vision he had witnessed. Beside him sat Queen Eivana Roses, graceful yet with eyes sharp and vigilant.
On the left side sat the military leaders:
- Commander Eleonor Silvio: The valiant woman was still in a wheelchair or leaning on her cane, her body still recovering from the severe injuries sustained in battle. Her face was pale, but her eyes burned with unyielding spirit.
- Four other commanders stood tall, maintaining order.
And below the dais stood the royal heirs:
- Prince Andrew Roses (The eldest)
- Prince Xevac
- Princess Seraphina Roses
The three of them stood with utmost seriousness, though curiosity was clearly visible in their eyes. They had thousands of questions, yet they held back out of respect for the formal occasion.
On the right side of the room were the honored guests:
- King Gavriel Zewilste, who still looked sorrowful yet strong.
- Rimery Barkley, leader of the Union of Kingdoms.
- And Emily Hars, standing calmly beside them, acting as a silent witness.
King Erico took a deep breath and spoke. His voice echoed clearly throughout the hall.
King Erico:
"K... or whatever your true name is..."
Erico looked straight into the woman's eyes.
King Erico:
"You have saved us. You fought on the front lines, exposed evil, and kept many secrets. But today, not as an enemy, not as a comrade-in-arms, but as the ruler of this land... I ask you with all due respect."
King Erico:
"Tell us all. Who are you really? And why are you here, standing before us?"
Absolute silence fell. Even the wind seemed to stop blowing. Every eye was fixed on her. Princess Seraphina even held her breath, eagerly waiting for the answer.
The woman before them slowly lifted her head, looking straight at King Erico with a calm gaze that held deep sorrow.
Karrens:
"Forgive me for hiding my identity all this time... My real name is not just the letter K. My name is Karrens Bluehost."
The mention of that family name caused whispers to spread among the audience. Bluehost... A name that had almost vanished from history.
Karrens:
"I am just an ordinary servant... and also... the lover of the brave knight Bastian Auslen, who fell valiantly on the battlefield."
Her words exploded like a bomb.
"WHAT?!"
"Commander Bastian's lover?!"
"But wasn't she just a lowly maid?! How can she possess god-like power like that?!"
King Erico frowned in disbelief. Queen Eivana and the commanders looked confused. This story sounded too dramatic and impossible.
King Erico:
"You say you are a servant and his lover?! But the power you displayed... it far exceeds human limits. Explain yourself, Karrens!"
Karrens Bluehost:
(Bowing her head slightly, her voice soft yet firm)
"I cannot explain everything, Your Majesty. There are things that must remain unspoken. I can only say this: My life is like walking along the edge of a steep cliff. If I step forward, the path is rough and filled with sharp stones that wound my feet. But if I dare retreat even a single step... I will fall into an abyss of endless destruction."
She looked sharply at Erico.
"So I had no choice but to keep moving forward, enduring the pain, to protect what must be protected."
Her explanation was vague and full of riddles, yet it only heightened the tension. They didn't fully believe her, but they couldn't deny her words either.
📩 THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER
As tensions peaked, the doors suddenly swung wide open. The Head Servant ran in, panting heavily, holding an old leather envelope sealed with wax.
Head Servant:
"Forgive the interruption, Your Majesty! But I found this in Miss Karrens' room... when we were clearing her things before the great war! This letter was written long before the battle even began!"
Every eye widened. King Erico immediately snatched the letter and tossed it to one of the commanders standing nearby.
King Erico:
"Commander Robert! Read it aloud! Let everyone hear the truth!"
Commander Robert Leonard took the letter, broke the seal, and began reading the beautiful yet firm handwriting in a booming voice.
Commander Robert:
"If this letter is being read, it means the battle is over... Whether I won or lost, whether I am still alive or already dead..."
"I am Karrens Bluehost. The power I possess was not gained overnight. I have seen many things, I have walked far beyond the boundaries that ordinary humans should never cross."
"I love Bastian Auslen more than my own life. Seeing him fall... was the worst thing I have ever experienced. But I know, fate cannot be changed with tears, but with swords and struggle."
"Do not judge me by my tattered clothes or my status as a maid. Within my blood flows the will to protect. And if I must lie or disguise myself for the greater good... I will do so without hesitation."
"Signed: Karrens Bluehost, The Servant who will become a Sword."
👁️ UNYIELDING GAZE
Robert's voice faded. Silence returned to the room.
King Erico slowly turned toward Karrens. His gaze was now extremely sharp, piercing, trying to find any trace of lies behind that beautiful face.
King Erico:
"So... everything written here is the truth? You are indeed a maid, you indeed loved Bastian, and you have been hiding this huge secret from the beginning?"
Everyone waited for her answer. The pressure radiating from the King was so heavy that even the commanders found it hard to breathe.
Yet...
Karrens Bluehost did not back down. She did not tremble. Instead, she looked right back into King Erico's eyes without blinking even once. Her expression was calm, cold, and filled with absolute conviction.
Karrens:
"Yes, Your Majesty. Every single word is the truth. I never intended to deceive the kingdom; I was only protecting my heart and my duty. Is the truth hard to accept? Perhaps. But this is who I am."
Her courage amazed Princess Seraphina and Prince Andrew. Even Emily Hars in the corner nodded slowly, acknowledging the woman's resolve.
King Erico let out a long sigh, then slowly relaxed his tense expression.
King Erico:
"Good... What a brave answer. From this day forth... Karrens Bluehost, your status as a servant is revoked. You are appointed as Royal Advisor and Protector of the Royal Family. Because only a truly great person could accomplish what you have done."
The end of Battle of Wildness.....