Kazuki and Selena walked along a vast, empty road. The morning sun bathed the path in a soft glow, yet a lingering silence hung between them. After a few minutes of walking, Selena finally spoke up.
"Kazuki, tell me about your past."
Kazuki suddenly stopped. His expression darkened, his gaze distant. A fragmented memory surged into his mind—a memory he had long buried.
—
A dimly lit apartment. The stench of cigarettes.
A woman in her twenties, a cigarette dangling between her fingers, sat on the couch, frustration twisting her face. She exhaled a cloud of smoke before slamming her hand against the armrest.
"Shit! We're running out of money, and gambling's not helping either!"
Her gaze snapped toward a young boy—Kazuki, barely seven years old, standing motionless.
"Ever since we adopted you, everything went wrong! Bad luck follows you like a damn curse!"
Without warning, she lashed out, striking Kazuki across the face. The force sent him crashing to the floor. A sharp pain pulsed through his mouth as he coughed up blood—a lone tooth rolling across the wooden floorboards.
The woman's eyes flared with fresh anger.
"You even have the nerve to dirty my floor?!"
She grabbed a towel and threw it at him.
"Clean it up!"
At that moment, a man entered the room—her boyfriend. He rubbed his eyes groggily and sighed.
"Why the hell are you screaming so early?"
"This brat ruined my floor!" the woman snapped, pointing at Kazuki.
The man's indifferent gaze fell on the boy before scoffing.
"What was your name again? Whatever. Just clean it up."
The woman leaned closer, a cruel smirk twisting her lips.
"Maybe you're the reason your real parents died. A walking curse—that's what you are."
Kazuki gripped the towel tightly, his small fingers trembling. His vision blurred with unshed tears, but beneath it all—something else boiled within him. Rage.
His fist slammed against the floor.
The woman's smirk vanished.
"You ungrateful little—"
She raised her foot to kick him again, but before she could, the man grabbed her shoulder.
"He's just a kid. No point in beating him."
She scoffed, shoving his hand away.
"Whatever."
With a final look of disgust, she spat on Kazuki before slumping onto the couch.
—
The memory shattered, bringing Kazuki back to the present.
"Kazuki?"
Selena's voice was distant at first, then more urgent.
"Kazuki, are you okay?"
He clenched his fists. His voice was cold, sharp.
"Don't ask me that again."
With that, he started walking forward, not sparing Selena another glance.
Selena remained still, watching him. His entire demeanor had changed in an instant. A pang of guilt stirred in her chest.
"Did I just remind him of something painful?"
She said nothing more and simply followed.
—
Meanwhile, the Arcane Knights sat inside a large carriage, riding toward Mirkdusk.
The conductor, an old man with a rough voice, called back to them.
"Everyone Buckle Up! Were entering the Duskwither Grove! rumors say a powerful beast is living in here!"
The carriage creaked as they crossed the threshold into the dense forest, unaware of the terror lurking within.
The Arcane Knights rode through Duskwither Grove, their carriage rattling along the uneven forest path. The dense canopy overhead cast eerie shadows, allowing only slivers of light to seep through. The deeper they traveled, the heavier the air became, thick with a strange, foreboding energy.
After a while, boredom crept in. Some knights gazed outside, hoping for anything to break the monotony.
Taro, sitting by the window on the left side, suddenly perked up. His eyes widened in excitement as he spotted something in the distance.
"Guys, there's a structure out there!" he exclaimed, pointing beyond the thick trees.
Jiro raised a brow. "What?"
Sako, always eager for action, pushed Taro aside to get a better look. "Move over!"
As he squinted through the dense foliage, his breath hitched. "He's right! There's definitely something there!"
The conductor, an old man with years of experience traveling these roads, overheard their conversation and frowned.
"That place is bad news," he muttered. "No conductor ever dares to go near it."
Jiro, now fully invested, shoved Sako aside. "Let me see for myself!"
Aiko, sitting calmly beside Yuki, tilted her head. "I've never seen a structure in this forest before…"
Yuki, sensing something odd, turned to the conductor. "Why does no one go near it?"
The conductor exhaled heavily, gripping the reins tighter. "Rumors say a powerful creature guards that place. No one who's gone near has ever come back."
Jiro's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Then that means there's good loot!" He grinned. "We should check it out!"
Taro and Sako immediately agreed. "Yeah! Who knows what kind of treasures are hidden there?"
Aiko frowned. "What if it's a trap?"
Yuki nodded. "We should go to Mirkdusk first. People are waiting for us. We can always return later."
Jiro waved them off. "Come on! Someone else might take the loot if we wait!" His eyes turned to their leader. "What do you think, Ryohie?"
The entire group fell silent.
Ryohie, the strongest among them, crossed his arms, considering their options. Finally, he smirked. "We'll stop and loot it—fast. Then we head straight to Mirkdusk."
The knights nodded in agreement, though Aiko and Yuki exchanged uneasy glances. They had no choice but to follow.
Ryohie turned to the conductor. "Stop the carriage. We'll be quick. If anything happens, retreat without us."
The conductor hesitated but eventually pulled the reins. The carriage came to a slow halt.
The Arcane Knights stepped out, their boots crunching against the forest floor as they moved toward the mysterious structure. The closer they got, the more details came into view—the structure was in ruins, its once-proud walls crumbling under time's weight.
Sako let out a whistle. "It's a broken outpost. You can tell from the remains."
Aiko and Yuki walked side by side, carefully stepping over fallen debris.
As they moved further in, Ryohie's keen eyes caught something unusual—a massive hole beneath the outpost, gaping like a mouth waiting to swallow them whole.
"Everyone, there's a large hole here!" he called out.
Stepping closer, he examined the opening. His mind raced. "Could this be an underground dungeon? Or even better…? Heh, I really am the best."
The others gathered around, peering down into the darkness.
Jiro nudged Ryohie. "Hey, bro, can you use that light thing of yours? Let's see how deep it is."
Ryohie smirked. "As you wish."
Opening his palm, he conjured a small orb of light and tossed it into the pit. As the glowing sphere descended, it illuminated the underground chamber—walls lined with unknown carvings, signs of past battles, and remnants of something long forgotten.
But then—the light abruptly vanished.
Jiro blinked. "Huh? That was fast. Guess it's not that deep."
Taro grinned. "Then what are we waiting for? It's an underground dungeon! We should check it out!"
Aiko sighed. "Let's just rush in, take whatever we can, and leave."
Ryohie nodded. "Agreed. If there's a lot of loot, we'll need all hands to carry it."
Just as they prepared to descend—the ground trembled.
A deep, thunderous BOOM-BOOM-BOOM echoed through the air, shaking the earth beneath their feet.
The Arcane Knights froze.
A massive gust of wind slammed into them, nearly knocking them off their feet. But this wasn't just the wind. It was something else—something alive.
Then, they saw it.
A towering silhouette emerged from the trees, its heavy footsteps making the ground quake with every step. Its breath came in deep, guttural pants, steaming against the cold air.
And then—glowing red eyes pierced the darkness.
The knights stood frozen in place, their hands slowly reaching for their weapons.
From the creature's massive mouth, two jagged horns curled outward, its presence exuding an overwhelming sense of primal dominance.
A monster stood before them.
And it was watching.
The Arcane Knights stood their ground as the massive beast roared, its glowing crimson eyes cutting through the thick steam that cloaked the battlefield. The sheer force of its roar sent a devastating shockwave in all directions, shaking the very earth beneath them. Cracks splintered across the ground, and the Arcane Knights were thrown backward like ragdolls, slamming against the debris of the ruined outpost.
From a safe distance, the carriage conductor watched in horror. His hands trembled as he gripped the reins. "So… the rumors were true." His mind raced. He had been tasked with ensuring the safety of the Arcane Knights, but this was beyond anything he had ever seen. His duty was clear—but so was his fear. If I stay… I'll die. I have a family waiting for me.
Clenching his teeth, he made his decision. With a final glance at the battlefield, he gripped the reins tightly. "I'm sorry," he muttered under his breath before turning the carriage around, retreating toward Mirkdusk at full speed.
Back in the battlefield, Jiro gritted his teeth and pushed himself off the ground. His body ached, but there was no time to rest. He stretched his right hand forward and cast a spell.
"Leaf Blades!"
A flurry of razor-sharp leaves materialized beside him and shot toward the towering beast like a hailstorm of green daggers. The attack struck true, but instead of piercing the creature's hide, the leaves merely bounced off, scattering harmlessly to the ground.
Jiro's eyes widened. "What the hell?!"
Before he could process what had happened, the behemoth slammed its foot into the ground. A thunderous BOOM erupted as the impact sent out another powerful shockwave. The lingering steam from its body was blown away, revealing its true form—a colossal silver-skinned mammoth with iron-like hide, its massive trunk curling as it exhaled.
Taro didn't hesitate. He stepped forward and stretched out his palm, forming a golden-brown magic circle in the air. "Sand Slash!"
A blade of compressed sand shot forward at high speed, slashing against the behemoth's thick skin. A shallow cut formed along its leg, barely more than a scratch. But it was enough to enrage the beast.
With terrifying speed, the mammoth charged at Taro, its movements causing the entire battlefield to tremble. The sheer force of its approach sent loose stones and debris flying through the air.
"Shit—!" Taro turned and bolted, his instincts screaming at him to run.
The behemoth plowed through the steam like an unstoppable force, closing the distance in seconds.
"STOP!"
A voice rang out as Sako dashed forward. His hands were clenched into fists, a faint, smoke-like energy trailing behind him as he built up power. He leaped at the mammoth, his right fist engulfed in thick, swirling smoke.
"Smoke Punch!"
His fist connected with the behemoth's face, and an explosion of dense smoke erupted upon impact, momentarily shrouding the battlefield in a thick, suffocating haze.
For a second, the battlefield was silent.
Then—
A massive force surged through the smokescreen.
A WHIP-LIKE SWIPE from the behemoth's enormous trunk struck Sako with devastating force. His body shot through the air like a broken doll, tearing through his own smokescreen before crashing into a jagged rock formation. He hit the ground hard, groaning in pain.
"Sako!" Taro shouted in alarm.
Aiko and Yuki rushed to his side. Aiko knelt beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Can you stand?"
Sako coughed, trying to sit up, but his arms trembled.
"Yuki, I need a hand!" Aiko called.
Yuki knelt down and pressed her hands over Sako's wounds. "Blood Bind." A crimson glow pulsed from her palms as the bleeding slowed. "This should hold for now. Rest here—we'll take care of the rest."
Taro jogged over, his face tense with concern. "Is he okay?"
"He'll live," Yuki replied, standing up and turning toward the behemoth.
The beast let out another deafening roar, the sheer force of its voice blasting away the lingering smoke in an instant. Its glowing red eyes locked onto them once more.
Taro clenched his fists in rage. "You bastard… I'll kill you!"
He stretched his hands outward, summoning another magic circle. "Sand Storm!"
A powerful gust of wind howled through the battlefield, carrying sharp, high-speed grains of sand. The storm engulfed the behemoth, and within seconds, it began thrashing violently as sand lodged into its eyes, forcing it into a blind, enraged rampage.
"Nice one!" Ryohie yelled as he leaped into the air, his palm glowing brightly.
"Shining Beam!"
A concentrated beam of light shot from his hands, aiming for the behemoth's exposed head.
Meanwhile, as the conductor raced toward Mirkdusk, he spotted two figures approaching the forest—a white-haired young man with a tattered green coat and a purple-haired girl at his side.
The conductor pulled the reins, bringing the carriage to a sudden halt. "Are you guys adventurers?!"
Kazuki narrowed his eyes. "So what if we are? You planning to rob us?"
The conductor frantically shook his head. "No, no! I need help! There's a group of adventurers trapped in the forest ahead—they're fighting a massive creature, and it looks like they're losing! I can give you a free ride to their location if you help!"
Selena turned to Kazuki. "Tak—"
But before she could finish, Kazuki cut her off. "What's the reward?"
The conductor hesitated, caught off guard by the response. "I—"
"Forget it," Kazuki interrupted.
Without waiting for a reply, he and Selena continued walking toward the forest.
Selena frowned, crossing her arms. "Why did you cut me off?"
Kazuki didn't even glance her way. "It's none of our business. For all we know, this could be a trap."
Selena sighed. "I swear..." She followed after him, glancing back once at the conductor, who simply shook his head before riding off toward Mirkdusk.
In the distance, the battle raged on.
Kazuki and Selena walked through the misty depths of Duskwither Grove, the eerie silence of the forest broken only by the distant echoes of battle.
—
Back at the battlefield, the Arcane Knights fought desperately against the monstrous silver-skinned mammoth. Ryohie, still mid-air, unleashed his spell.
"Shining Beam!"
A massive ray of light erupted from his palm, surging toward the beast. But as soon as it struck, the silver hide gleamed—then reflected the attack.
"What the hell?!" Ryohie barely twisted his body in time, dodging his own spell as it ricocheted past him, scorching the treetops.
Jiro's eyes widened. "What?! It bounced back?"
Taro, witnessing the unexpected deflection, shouted, "What just happened?!"
Aiko clenched her fists. "That silver hide—it's reflecting magic!"
Jiro gritted his teeth. "Then how the hell do we damage it?!"
Amidst the chaos, Yuki narrowed her gaze, analyzing the beast's movements. Then, with a spark of realization, she shouted, "We can! That silver isn't its true skin—it's armor! If we concentrate our attacks on a single point, we can break through!"
Ryohie smirked as he landed. "A little help, Yuki?"
He dashed toward the mammoth while the others quickly prepared their spells, focusing on a single weak spot. Meanwhile, Aiko stood back, observing.
Yuki raised her hand, her eyes glowing crimson. Ryohie glanced at her, his thoughts racing.
"Blood Magic… A terrifying art. It grants complete control over the blood within any living creature. That's why people fear it—it can turn anyone into a puppet. And now… she's about to prove why it's so powerful."
Yuki's fingers clenched into a fist.
"Control: Freeze!"
The moment she spoke, an invisible force wrapped around the mammoth. A sickening crack echoed as its massive body stiffened, the very blood in its veins freezing in place.
The beast groaned in confusion, unable to move.
Seizing the opportunity, Ryohie slid between the mammoth's legs, pressing his palm against its hide.
"Time Seal!"
A faint golden glow pulsed beneath his fingers. As he slid past, he smirked.
"Time Magic—another feared ability. Even in its weakest form, it allows me to freeze objects in time for a few seconds. But if I fully awaken it… I'll be able to suspend anything permanently."
He leaped back to his feet. "Everyone, aim for its eye! Fire—now!"
Jiro raised his hands. "Leaf Blade Surge!"
A storm of razor-sharp leaves materialized around him, slicing through the air toward the mammoth's eye.
Taro followed up instantly. "Dust Spike!"
The ground trembled as a massive spike of compressed sand launched forward.
Both attacks struck true. The force shattered a portion of the silver armor covering the beast's face, exposing the soft flesh beneath.
Ryohie drew his sword. His movements were swift—like a flash of light.
In one clean motion, he drove his blade deep into the mammoth's exposed eye, dragging it downward in a devastating slash.
He landed smoothly, blood dripping from the edge of his sword. He turned to the others.
"It's done."
The mammoth remained frozen in time, unmoving.
Ryohie flicked his sword to the side, shaking off the blood. "Even if it still has a beating heart… it's brain-dead."
—
As Yuki released her magic, her body trembled. Her right arm shook violently before she collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily.
Ryohie glanced at her, his expression unreadable.
"Even though Blood Magic is feared… it has its limits. It drains mana far too quickly."
Aiko rushed to Yuki's side, supporting her. "Are you okay?!"
Jiro exhaled, still processing what just happened. "Did… did we win?"
Taro clenched his fists, looking at Sako's unconscious body. "That's payback, you damn beast!"
Ryohie sheathed his sword. "Let's loot it. Even if it's alive, it can't move or fight back."
Aiko nodded. "Fine, but we need to get back to Mirkdusk immediately. Sako needs medical attention."
The others agreed, taking a moment to catch their breath.
What they didn't know… was that the mammoth was no ordinary creature. It had been genetically modified.
—
Meanwhile, Kazuki and Selena continued their journey through the grove.
Selena glanced at him. "If we run into that adventurer group, we should at least observe them in case something goes wrong."
Kazuki didn't even look at her. "We only engage if that creature tries to attack us."
Selena frowned. "What if they need our help?"
Kazuki suddenly stopped, turning toward her. His golden eyes burned with something fierce.
"Did they help us when we needed it?"
Selena hesitated.
Kazuki continued. "Back in Mirkdusk, when we were struggling, no one lifted a damn finger. Even those so-called adventurers abandoned people and ran. What if it's the same group? What if this is a trap?"
Silence hung between them.
Selena averted her gaze and kept walking.
Kazuki followed.
The battlefield was still. The towering beast, frozen in time by Ryohie's spell, finally succumbed as the magic faded. With a thunderous crash, the mammoth's colossal body collapsed onto the ground. Dust and debris filled the air, and for a brief moment, the Arcane Knights thought it was over.
Jiro exhaled in relief, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Alright, we're looting it now!" he announced, stepping forward toward the fallen behemoth.
But in their ignorance, none of them realized the truth—this creature was no ordinary beast. It had no brain, no pain receptors. Each injury it suffered only made it stronger. And above all, it had only one purpose: to protect the outpost, just as it had been commanded to for centuries.
As Jiro's hand reached for the mammoth's armored hide, the monster unleashed a deafening ROAR!
The force of its bellow sent violent shockwaves through the air, splitting the ground beneath them. Trees swayed, cracks snaked across the battlefield, and the sky itself seemed to tremble at its fury.
Kazuki and Selena were walking through the dense forest when the tremors reached them. The violent quake made the trees rustle, and the echoes of the roar sent a chill down their spines.
Selena's eyes narrowed. "What was that…?"
Kazuki barely reacted. "Probably the creature's final scream. Looks like they managed to take it down."
Selena frowned. "You worry too much."
Kazuki simply kept walking, his expression unreadable. Selena matched his pace, though her instincts told her something wasn't right.
When they finally arrived at the spot where their carriage had stopped, Selena turned toward the direction of the tremors. Her sharp eyes squinted against the distance, spotting small figures struggling against the towering silhouette of a beast.
Then, it hit her.
A memory resurfaced. A vision of the past—of the Great War. She saw the God of Mammals shaping a mighty guardian, one that would never die, one that would obey only his will. A beast that existed solely to protect the outpost from the devils.
Her heart pounded.
"We have to go!" she blurted out and sprinted toward the battlefield.
But before she could get far, a firm hand grasped her wrist, halting her in place.
She turned to see Kazuki, his grip unyielding.
"Let go!" she snapped. "That thing will kill them if they don't end it quickly!"
Kazuki met her gaze with calm indifference. "We wait."
Selena struggled, but Kazuki moved swiftly, covering her mouth with his hand and guiding her behind the cover of a thick bush. From the shadows, he watched the battle unfold.
Then, his eyes widened slightly.
He recognized them.
The Arcane Knights.
His grip loosened, his hand slipping away from Selena's mouth. She took the chance to study his face—his blank, almost detached expression. It wasn't concern, nor was it anger.
It was something else.
Fear? No… something deeper.
A bitter silence hung between them.
Selena's mind raced. "He's different. Just like before. Emotionless, like he's seeing something that's haunted him for years."
She clenched her fists. "Kazuki… we need to help them! That monster grows stronger every time it's hurt!"
Kazuki didn't respond.
His body was still, but his mind was in turmoil. Memories crashed into him like an unforgiving tide.
The day they were summoned.
The moment he awakened his magic.
The betrayal.
Darkness and lightning—the elements he was given. Considered a curse and a blessing. The fear in their eyes when they saw him.
Jiro's mocking laughter.
Ryohie's sudden attack.
Yuki's disgusted glance.
Taro and Sako's taunts.
Aiko… the only one who didn't react, simply turning away.
His fingers curled into a tight fist, trembling with rage.
"This is it… I can take my revenge early."
"Kazuki?"
Selena's voice was softer now, almost uncertain.
"Kazuki…?"
But he didn't answer.
His eyes were locked on the battlefield, his mind somewhere far darker.
Taro was down. Blood stained the earth beneath him as he gasped for breath.
Ryohie hoisted Taro's injured body over his shoulder, sweat trickling down his forehead. "Why… why won't this thing die?!"
Jiro gritted his teeth and raised a trembling hand. "Leaf Bla—!"
But before he could finish his incantation, the mammoth's trunk slammed into him, sending his body flying like a ragdoll. He crashed into a nearby tree with a sickening thud.
Yuki tried to stand but collapsed, her body too drained from the previous spell.
Aiko stepped in front of her. "I'll protect you!" she declared, her voice unwavering.
Ryohie set Taro down gently before charging toward the beast. "We need time to use the trump card!" he shouted, leaping toward the mammoth. "I'LL DISTRACT IT!"
He jumped, slashing at the air to keep the beast's attention.
"Aiko! NOW!"
Aiko spread both hands forward, her eyes burning with resolve. Energy swirled around her fingertips, forming a radiant orb of molten mana. Flames roared, turning the night into day.
"Wrath of the Sun!"
A brilliant beam of fire shot toward the mammoth.
But her inexperience showed. Most of the attack missed its mark, scorching the ground instead. Only a small portion grazed the beast's thick hide.
Yet, even that minor hit was enough.
The mammoth turned its attention away from Ryohie, its gaze locking onto Aiko instead.
The ground trembled as it reared back, then lunged forward with terrifying speed.
Aiko's eyes widened. She tried to cast another spell, but it was too late.
The mammoth charged.
Ryohie saw it, panic flaring in his chest. He sprinted after the beast, desperately trying to reach Aiko in time.
"I'M HERE!" he shouted, hoping to redirect the monster's attention.
But the mammoth didn't even glance his way.
It simply swung its trunk—
CRACK!
The impact sent Ryohie flying.
And Aiko was next.
Behind the Bushes
Kazuki clenched his jaw.
His fingers twitched.
Selena turned to him.
"...Kazuki?"
And in that moment—
Something in him snapped.
Kazuki watched in silence as the massive mammoth charged toward Aiko, its colossal form blotting out the sky above her. Time seemed to slow, and for a brief moment, the battlefield faded from his vision.
A memory resurfaced.
—A distant past, when he was just eleven.
His face had looked fine back then, normal even. But beneath his clothes, his body was littered with bruises and scars, a testament to the abuse he suffered at the hands of his adoptive parents. No one knew. No one even suspected. To the world, Kazuki Takashi was just another ordinary kid with an ordinary life.
But there was one person who saw through it all.
Aiko.
She had found out during gym class when he was changing. Her eyes widened when she saw the scars lining his back, the bruises on his ribs.
"Kazuki… these… who did this to you?"
He had stayed silent, refusing to meet her gaze.
Over time, however, Aiko became the one person he could trust. She checked on him every day, watching for new wounds. Then one day, she couldn't hold back anymore.
"Why don't you report them?! The police! The school! Someone has to stop them!"
Kazuki had shaken his head, his expression blank. "I can't."
"Why not?!"
"Because… I deserve it."
Aiko froze.
"I bring bad luck to everyone," he had muttered. "I was the reason my real parents died. I'm useless. I—"
Tears welled up in his eyes before he could finish. He had turned away, trying to wipe them before she could see.
But Aiko didn't let him.
"That's not true!" she had snapped, her own voice breaking. "You're believing a lie! If you accept that, you'll just prove them right!"
She pulled him into a hug, her warmth melting through the cold isolation he had wrapped himself in for years.
That was the first time someone had ever truly fought for him.
—
Kazuki's mind snapped back to the present.
Aiko.
She was the only one who truly understood him back then. The only one who didn't look at him with scorn or pity.
And now, she was about to die.
"Not again."
Lightning surged through Kazuki's body. He dashed forward with such force that the ground cracked beneath his feet. The mammoth loomed above Aiko, its massive foot descending like an executioner's blade.
She squeezed her eyes shut.
Then—
BAM!
A thunderous shockwave exploded through the battlefield as Kazuki's fist met the mammoth's foot. The beast staggered back, confusion flashing in its hollow eyes.
Then, another figure rushed in.
Selena.
With a burst of speed, she launched herself into the air and delivered a powerful spinning kick to the side of the mammoth's head. The impact sent a ripple of force through its colossal body.
From a distance, Yuki watched in disbelief.
"That guy…" she thought, her heart pounding. "It's him. The one who saved us in the dungeon!"
—
Back on the battlefield, Selena landed gracefully beside Kazuki.
"Why did you charge in without telling me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ignoring her, Kazuki turned to Aiko and Yuki. "Are you two alright?"
Aiko hesitated, still processing what had just happened. Then she nodded.
"There are others still down!" she said urgently.
Selena followed her gaze, taking in the unconscious bodies of Taro, Sako, and Jiro.
Aiko clenched her fists. "I want to fight with you! That thing… it's stronger than anything we've faced!"
Selena smirked. "Then let's take it down together."
Kazuki, however, remained silent.
He clenched his fists, feeling an overwhelming urge to get his revenge right then and there. The people who had abandoned him—mocked him—stood battered before him.
But another part of him resisted.
"Not now. Focus."
He took a deep breath and turned to Selena. "Let's go."
Selena nodded, and the two of them charged at the mammoth once more.
The beast roared, swinging its massive trunk at them. Kazuki dodged, weaving through its attacks with precision. Selena leaped into the air, her sharp gaze locking onto its weak spot—its unarmored eye.
"The armor is too tough," she called out. "We need to aim for the gaps!"
She conjured a shimmering blade of pure light in midair. With a swift motion, she slashed at the mammoth's exposed eye.
The beast bellowed in agony, its body trembling as a surge of power coursed through it. Instead of weakening, it became even stronger.
Kazuki grit his teeth.
"Damn it, this thing doesn't feel pain—it thrives on it!"
Selena didn't hesitate.
She raised her hand. "Aerial Fang!"
A spiraling drill of wind materialized in her palm, whirling with enough force to tear through solid stone. She launched it toward the mammoth's injured eye.
Kazuki saw his opening.
Lightning crackled around his hands. He formed two bolts of pure energy—one in each palm.
"Hand of Zeus!"
He hurled the first bolt, striking the mammoth's trunk. Then, using the moment of distraction, he jumped into the air and drove the second bolt straight into the beast's eye.
The battlefield erupted in a blinding explosion of wind and lightning.
As the smoke cleared, Selena landed beside Kazuki.
She glanced at him, noticing something.
"He's not using his dark magic."
She frowned. "He's holding back… but why?"
From the sidelines, Aiko and Yuki watched in awe.
Yuki's eyes widened. "They're amazing."
Aiko's heart pounded. "Yeah… that's him. The one who saved us before. Zuki… was that his name?"
Meanwhile, Ryohie, who had been struggling to stand, observed them in silence. His fingers trembled.
"Creating weapons from light magic? I've never seen that before."
His gaze shifted to Kazuki.
"And that guy… his combat abilities are unreal. If we fought them, they'd probably wipe us out. I tried to recruit that girl before, but Jiro refused. And that boy… I tried to recruit him back in Veridonne."
His fists tightened.
"These two together… they're monsters."
Selena took a quick survey of the battlefield, then began dragging the unconscious bodies of Taro, Sako, and Jiro over to Aiko and Yuki.
She then walked up to Ryohie and offered him a hand.
"How?" he muttered.
Selena tilted her head. "Huh?"
"How can you summon weapons with light magic?"
She smiled. "Oh, that? Takes practice."
As Ryohie finally managed to stand, he took a deep breath. Then, to Selena's surprise, he suddenly knelt.
"Thank you for saving us."
Selena blinked. "Huh? That's a bit much, don't you think?"
Ryohie shook his head. "We—The Arcane Knights—were completely defeated. You two saved us, and we owe you our lives. Please, accept an invitation to Malvora. The king will reward you personally."
Selena hesitated. "Malvora…?"
She glanced at Kazuki, but he wasn't looking at her. He was staring at the sky, lost in thought.
Ryohie continued.
"We are the Arcane Knights—heroes summoned from another world. We were brought here to protect Malvora from monsters and war."
Selena's eyes widened.
"Summoned heroes…? Another world…?"
She clenched her fists.
"I've been trapped in that crystal for too long."
Ryohie looked at her expectantly.
"If I may ask… what are your names?"
A deep, thunderous roar tore through the battlefield, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The sheer force of the sound sent tremors through the air, carrying with it an overwhelming sense of dread. The massive mammoth loomed before them, its crimson eyes burning with primal fury.
Selena turned toward the group. "We'll talk later," she said sharply, her gaze fixed on the monstrous beast.
Kazuki, unfazed by the mammoth's display of power, stood firm. His eyes locked onto the creature, his expression unreadable. The mammoth stomped forward, its massive feet cracking the earth beneath it, until it stood directly across from him.
Ryohie tightened his grip on his sword. "I'll help!"
Selena spared him a glance before refocusing on the enemy. "Fine. Stay at a distance. He'll handle the close combat."
Aiko stepped up beside Selena, determination in her eyes. "I'm in, too."
Selena nodded in approval. With a swift motion, she raised her hand, and in an instant, a gleaming sword of pure light materialized in her grasp.
Yuki, panting and visibly drained, shook her head. "I'm out of mana... I'll support the others!"
Ryohie unsheathed his sword, the steel glinting under the eerie light of the battlefield. "Then I'll take the front lines. We've got too many ranged attackers as it is."
Another earth-shattering roar erupted from the mammoth as it swung its head, its massive trunk lashing sideways like a wrecking ball. Then, without hesitation, it charged.
"Hand of Zeus!"
A voice cut through the chaos as bolts of lightning coiled around Kazuki's hands, illuminating the battlefield with crackling energy. He shot forward, the ground beneath him scorching with every step.
Ryohie's eyes widened in shock and thought. "Zeus...? But that's from our world! There are no Greek myths in this one... Just who is this guy?!"
Kazuki reached the mammoth first, dodging its wild swings with fluid precision before launching himself into the air. His fist, wreathed in lightning, connected with the beast's head in a devastating uppercut.
Selena seized the opening.
"Light Barrage!"
A rain of luminous spears materialized around her before launching toward the mammoth's unarmored eye. The spears struck true, embedding deep into its flesh. The beast bellowed in agony, its rage intensifying.
Aiko, standing beside Selena, extended her hands. Fiery energy crackled at her fingertips as she channeled her power. "I can only use this spell twice per day...!"
Selena turned to her. "Do it."
Aiko clenched her teeth. "Wrath of the Sun!"
A massive beam of searing heat erupted from her palms, colliding with the mammoth's armor. The thick plating sizzled and warped under the immense heat, melting away in streams of molten metal.
Aiko staggered, sweat dripping down her face. "I... I hit it!"
The mammoth, its body steaming, reeled in pain.
Ryohie took the chance. "Glowing Slash!"
His sword shimmered as he swung it, releasing a crescent-shaped arc of energy that raced toward the beast, striking its exposed flesh.
Nearby, Jiro stirred, groaning as he pushed himself up.
"Take it easy," Yuki urged. "You need to rest."
Jiro scowled, rage flashing in his eyes. "Shut up!" He forced himself to stand, his fists clenched. "I won't sit here while you all fight!"
The mammoth roared once more—this time, stronger. The ground quaked beneath them, and a deafening shockwave sent dust and debris flying.
Selena's expression darkened. "We have to end this before it gets any stronger!"
Ryohie turned to her. "What do you mean?!"
Selena's grip on her sword tightened. "The more damage it takes, the stronger it becomes. It has no brain, no will—just an undying loyalty to its master. We can't afford to drag this out!"
She stepped beside Kazuki. "Can you finish this quickly?"
Kazuki cracked his knuckles, his expression unreadable. "I'll try."
The mammoth charged once more, but this time, Selena moved in sync with Kazuki, their speed perfectly matched.
Ryohie turned to the others. "We have to be useful! Everyone, we're doing a combo spell!"
The Arcane Knights gathered, focusing their energy into a single point. "Special Spell Combo!"
A colossal magic circle formed beneath them, its inscriptions glowing brightly. A beam of concentrated white light shot forward, racing toward the mammoth with blinding speed.
The beam struck the beast head-on, lifting its massive body off the ground.
Selena dashed forward, trailing golden light as she accelerated. Closing the distance in an instant, she reached the airborne mammoth and delivered a powerful kick, sending it hurtling back toward Kazuki.
Kazuki's stance shifted. He clenched his fists. Jab. Jab. Hook. Uppercut. Straight.
A brutal barrage of punches rained down on the beast.
The mammoth thrashed wildly, but Kazuki leapt onto its back, his fists hammering down on its exposed spine.
Selena raised her hand. "Radiant Burst!"
A blinding beam of energy erupted from her palm, hurtling toward the mammoth.
But the beast was not done.
It roared, shaking its body violently. Kazuki lost his footing and fell, plummeting toward the ground.
Selena's eyes widened. "Kazuki...!"
Thoughts raced through her mind. Most regenerating creatures, like orcs, have a core or heart that needs to be destroyed to stop their healing. Could Kazuki be the same...?
The Arcane Knights saw it too.
"Shining Beam!" Ryohie shouted, firing a blast of light.
"Leaf Blades!" Jiro followed, summoning razor-sharp green projectiles.
But they were too late.
The mammoth's foot came crashing down.
THUD. THUD. THUD.
Blood splattered with every impact.
The battlefield fell silent.
Selena's breath hitched. "NO!"
She dashed forward, but the mammoth roared again, releasing a devastating shockwave that sent her stumbling backward. The Arcane Knights froze in terror, their bodies refusing to move.
The beast lifted its trunk and flung Kazuki's mangled body into the air.
Then, with terrifying precision, its massive horn impaled him straight through the chest—through the heart.
Selena's eyes widened in horror. "KAZUKI!"
Rage surged through her veins, burning hotter than the sun.
Golden light exploded from her body as two swords of pure energy materialized in her hands. Her speed surged, shattering the ground beneath her feet as she shot toward the beast.
The Arcane Knights were frozen in shock.
Aiko's eyes filled with tears. "Kazuki...? He's alive...?!"
Jiro's mind reeled. "No... That can't be him! He was weak three years ago! And why isn't he using his dark magic?!"
Yuki's breath caught in her throat. "Did I hear that right...?"
Ryohie paled, memories flooding back—the day he humiliated Kazuki when they were summoned.
And Kazuki's broken body slid down the mammoth's horn.
TBC
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NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: DAYM! I THINK IMMA TAKE A 1 WEEK BREAK! I HAVE A EXAM UPCOMING AND I NEED TO BRAINSTORM IDEAS FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER. IF ANYONE IS WONDERING WHY SOME OF THE CHAPTERS ARE LONG AND SOME ARE SHORT I ALSO DONT KNOW, IF THAT IS ANNOYING I'M SORRY. IDK IF SOMEONE'S READING MY NOVEL BUT IF YOU ARE READING THIS, I WISH YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY! AND ALSO COMMENT HEHE.