"Why… it happened again… I just wanted to…"

A grand castle stood between Aethrioes Peak and Khyrons Peak in the city of Asura, which was one of the richest and most peaceful countries throughout all of Nerfa. In addition to that, this peace was credited to a strong foundation, said to have lain by the legendary history. 

People here, in this world, have something called mana, which they use to raise their physical potential to higher levels and also cast many spells. I am Kael, Asura's Defense Executive. I was originally an orphan, adopted into the royal family as a servant. With that off-the-charts IQ and mana, I was trained to be a martial arts prodigy and rose all the way to the top. People look up to me; women want to marry into me; men want to be me. My life is perfect. I intend to confess to the Empress today and declare my wish to marry her.

A guard burst in. "Sir Kael, it has been a problem."

"What's wrong? What causes you such fluster?" I asked with curiosity.

"Sorry, sir. It is the boy who could not condense even one unit of mana. He has brutally beaten the children of the higher-ups. We have taken them to the medic."

"What? That weakling did this? How could he possibly beat them?" I was incredulous. "Bring him here immediately."

 "Yes, Sir Kael," the guards responded.

A skinny, average-looking boy was brought in, kneeling before me.

"Is it true you attacked the higher-ups' children?" I asked coldly, devoid of emotion.

"Yes, my lord," he replied, unfazed.

The guards and onlookers murmured in shock. The boy's calm demeanor amidst the tension was unsettling.

"And why did you do it?" I demanded.

"I acted to protect Riea from being molested," he said. "They were harassing her, and I couldn't stand by. I understand my position and am ready to accept any punishment."

The crowd gasped, whispers spreading like wildfire. I stared at him, a mix of emotions churning inside me.

"What is your name?" I asked.

"Eren, sir," he replied.

"From now on, half of your salary shall be deducted as punishment for life," I decreed.

Eren looked aghast and began to protest, but a guard came to cut him off. "Sir Kael, the Empress requests your presence immediately."

"Very well," I replied, turning my back on Eren and walking towards the Empress' chambers.

Eren's face was a picture of discontent, but he remembered how I used to mock him for attention from women. Now, I didn't remember his name, though. As I walked away, Eren's eyes burned with anger. A system notification popped up before him, indicating that I, Sir Kael, was his main villain, and he had to destroy me in the near future. A sinister smile unfolded across his face.

I bowed before her inside the Empress's chamber. The tall, strong Empress, with very long black hair, gazed at me with cold eyes.

"Rise, Sir Kael," she said. "You have served the royal house well. Because of you, the people of Asura can sleep well tonight. I would like to thank you personally."

"It is my honor to serve you and this country, Your Highness," I replied as I bowed again.

"Sir Kael, a favor I may ask of you?" she asked.

"Anything, my Queen, just ask," I replied, reining in my excitement.

"I want you to take some troops and head out towards the Niaol Kingdom. The Niaol Golden Arm is marching towards Asura, and he openly brags that after capturing our kingdom, he will commit obscenities on me in front of everyone."

A dark aura burst forth from me as the killing intent raged through my veins. The ground shook beneath our feet from my fury.

"Calm down, Sir Kael," the Empress beseeched.

But, before she could say any more, I cut in with the declaration, "I will bring back to you the head of the Golden Arm within four months." And I left the chamber, leaving a storm outside to match the tempest brewing within.

Upon this battlefield, now down on his knees to plead for his life was the Golden Arm of Niaol Kingdom, reputed to have been the greatest warrior. Standing in front of him, I, Sir Kael, remained unharmed, radiating pure malice.

"Good, I shall let you live, but what saves your life is hers," I said as I opened a portal. From it emerged the Golden Arm's wife, all beaten and with minimal clothing in bindings.

"Now, if you want to live, she must die. But if you want her to live, then…" I trailed off, waiting for him to reply.

Wiping his tearful eyes, the Golden Arm pleaded on his knees, "Just kill my wife and spare my life. I will serve you, Sir Kael, until my dying day. Please, spare her."

I looked at him, and my eyes spewed hate. "How noble of you to sacrifice two lives in return for your own," I said with a nonchalant smile.

The Golden Arm's face turned white as the realization set in on him. Right when I was to kill his wife, he yelled, "Stop!"

I halted my killing hand, looking at him.

"I cannot let my child die. No matter how cowardly I am, I just cannot let it happen. Please, kill me instead," he begged, tears streaming down his face.

"As you wish," I said, moving toward him. But just when I was about to strike, I smirked. "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. When my assassins captured your wife, they found her sleeping with your king."

The Golden Arm's eyes widened with surprise and betrayal as I beheaded him as swift as light. I picked up his head, turned around to leave, and left behind the cries of his wife. A knight drew near and asked, "What shall we do to the wife?"

"Kill her," I said, coldly. "Or maybe celebrate our victory before ending her life."

I returned to Asura, placing the Golden Arm head next to that of the Niaol Kingdom's king head . With the pleased Empress, I decided to make a proposal. Certainly, she could not refuse me—am I not the greatest warrior of all time and charming?.

But on the way back, the Empress was married to Eren a month ago. I was full of fury, as dark energy began getting out of me. I began to walk in rage towards the chamber of the Empress and burst into the room, where Eren was embracing her. I widened my eyes in rage.

"You son of a—! I'll kill you here and now!" I yelled, rushing to him with an Attack-Potential Killing Technique on Eren. But it was blocked by the Empress, her face full of anger.

"You know what the punishment is for attempting to kill the husband of the Empress?" she asked coldly.

"Eren? Your husband? Why would you marry such a loser?" I spat, not quite understanding the situation. "You're the Empress; you should at least consider the future of the Asura Kingdom!"

"You don't teach me how to rule. My decision is absolute," she retorted.

Eren smirked, taunting with, "Maybe Sir Kael is just jealous that I married her." He laughed mockingly.

"I'll kill you, weakling," I growled.

Eren's face turned solemn. "Really? Then let's do this: let's duel. If you win, I'll leave the country. But if I win—"

"Alright," I said, knowing full well I would defeat him in an instant and kill him right there in my mind.

But as we prepared ourselves for the fight, my eyes wandered to the Empress, who gazed worriedly at Eren. It didn't help calm me down.

In the training hall, where warriors would usually spar, Eren and I stood in the center. My face was masked with killing intent as he, Eren, smiled confidently