Born into one of the wealthiest noble families in the entire empire, I was bound to have a great future.

With a very talented martial body, exceptional academic records and an attractive face, I was truly blessed beyond normal parameters. Such was the life I was supposed to have, so where did it all go wrong?

Surrounded by a group of people dressed in majestic armour, exuding insurmountable aura from their body, they all stared at Julian with hostile eyes.

You demon, who have terrified the entire nation from your atrocities and merciless slaughterings, this is your end.

Julian, with a pale face filled with blood all over, with burns and slashes throughout his body, he rolls his eyes towards the man cursing at him.

A slight grin appeared on Julian's face upon hearing the man speak, as if he just sprouted some joke.

The man could clearly see the hysterical smile on Julian and was flustered.

Julian the eldest son of the Embers family, who had a bright future with a gifted body. Say Julian, Why did you do it?

Another man, with dark aura much more intimidating then the previous person's was now pulling Julian on his hair, lifting his head up and staring at him with murderous intent.

Why did you kill innocent people?

Julian, even after getting his hair pulled he showed no emotions and stared at him back but with lifting his chin slightly high as if looking down on him.

Fxxk off

I see, till the very end you won't say anything

'You know what I hate the most? People who act like they know nothing of what they have done and then try to act like they are the victims here.'

Shhhkk

In an instant, Julian gets beheaded.

.........

Born to one of the wealthiest man, I was most definitely supposed to have an extraordinary life.

Great family ties, great body, great facial features, great academics. I had everything. But who knew that I'd lose everything right in front of my eyes.

20 years ago, age 12, our family went on a journey to the nothern border to meet maternal grandfather on his deathbed. But who knew that someone had hired very skilled assassins.

That day, my entire family was murdered right infront of my eyes. Thanks to the knight captain's sacrifice I managed to escape to another kingdom, the kingdom of Elvenar.

I trained day in and day out, every single day pushing myself to my limits only for one sake, revenge. I don't care who lives and who dies, as long as those murderers dies, I'll cross all limits.

But, it wasn't be easy cause the core reason of why my family died was deep rooted within the Empire itself like a string of pearls. I had no choice but to wait a little longer.

Climbing to the ranks in Elvanor's military I finally reached to the position of Chief, while also bearing the title of the Strongest Swordsman in the entire nation. It took me a whole 18 years.

I finally felt I was at my peak and my revenge wasn't that far off.

Oh boy, was I so wrong.

The Empire of Aurelian was one of the strongest nations. Even at my peak, I could barely injure Three out of the Seven Grandmasters.

Julian with his head now rolling on the ground, finally closes his eyes with a deep resentment.

.........

If only I had pushed myself harder

If only I had joined the military 2 years earlier

If only I had went beyond my limits

Maybe then, I could have completed my revenge

If only I had one last chance

If only.....

Juli, Juli...

In the total void of darkness, Julian could hear a faint and soft whisper ringing in his ears.

Juli, Juli.....

It was his mother holding Julian in her arms with a worried expression.

'Where am I? Is this a dream?'

Julian pulled his cheeks hard unconsciously.

'Were the Grandmasters' illusion spell this realistic?' Feeling the pain he put his hands on his red cheeks but still unable to believe what he was seeing as he could clearly feel the sensation of his head getting beheaded.

His mother on the other hand was shaking his entire body from worrisome.

Julian quickly stands up.

"Are you okay Juli? You fell down unconscious all of a sudden. I was really worried that something might have happened to you."

Julain froze for a moment after hearing that nostalgic voice. His heart felt heavy as he looked he stared at where the voice was coming from.

"Mother?"

Knowing that this was just an illusion, yet he was overwhelmed with strong emotions, his eyes got teary as he stared at her, slowly the vision got blurred from tears.

Julian quickly holds her hands and smiles at her 'I don't care it's a dream or an illusion anymore.'

The mother unable to comprehend the situation just stood motionless but she could definitely feel the sadness in his eyes.

Soon someone suddenly knocks the door to the carriage.

"Madame, it seems we have met with a trouble. The Lord has said that we won't be travelling for some time so please stay here patiently."

The soldier spoke in a rush as he returned back. Julian who heard the news, his mood immediately changed. With a cold expression and sharp gaze he looked everywhere around his surroundings.

They were inside the carriage, beyond the windows there were thick trees that made the forest look dark and uneasy.

Julian could feel a very bad memory, both nostalgic and an absolute nightmare.

Julian was back to the same day, when his family was massacred by the assassins.

The forest was quiet and was filled with fresh greeny smell of the trees with birds chirping and sound of insects buzzing. But beyond the trees where assassins lurking the shadows waiting for the perfect time to strike.

I guess that means I'm also back to my old self. Julian could see the soft, tiny and fragile hands as he clinched his fist.

"I don't care if it's a dream, illusion or reality, I'll kill you as much as it takes. Bastxrds, bring it on."