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Chapter 5 - Myself

A name is deemed the very essence of one's identity, the mark of one's uniqueness. Yet, was I the sole bearer of that name? Even if I were not, would that diminish and make it less special? No, not in the slightest.

A name. My name existed so that my beloved ones might call me by . But now they are no longer here. Then what is the purpose of that name? What is the purpose of myself?

Is it not change what I sought? Is it not change what I resolved to accept? Would not Alex, the one who stands before me now, bring such a thing ?

At this moment, I need something to be called by. [What name did I once find cool? O' , there is one.]

As I rose from the throne, all the life forms began to sway gently, in contrast to their previous erratic movements.

Descending the stairs, a trail of blood followed in my wake, a testament to the wounds inflicted by the relentless plea of the thorns.

From that very blood, life emerged; flowers bloomed with each step I took. I could feel the awe and surprise in everyone's eyes, including Mirai and Edward, who made no attempt to conceal their keen interest.

Once I reached the end of the unnecessarily long stairs, I gazed upon Alex, whose envy and anticipation only grew stronger, and I spoke.

"O valiant knight, alas, no name can I bestow upon thee, yet thou mayst call me Gracefell. Upon mine honor as the sovereign of this forest, Alex Lionheart, I accept thy challenge to duel, but first-"

Behind me, the flowers began to shimmer faintly, their glow intensifying as they coalesced into my palms, gradually taking the form of a sword. Each petal fused into the blade, its hilt adorned with intricate floral patterns. [Fortunately, when I was young, I took lessons in swordsmanship, and the fundamentals remain vivid in my memory.] The weight of the sword felt familiar, a comforting reminder of those early days of training.

"- Blood, the emblem of life, and through it shall it flourish. O' blood become my blade."

The thorns gripped tightly on my hand and the handle of the sword to make sure it wouldn't fall off accidentally. But what truly surprised me was the dumbfounded face of Alex. Even his inner emotions went through turmoil, but his face made things clear more than anyone could ask.

It was the face of someone who messed up bad... really bad.