A battalion of knights moved through the dense forest, their horses galloping swiftly along the narrow dirt path. The plants and trees around them looked unusual—some were small and twisted, while others loomed high above, their towering forms casting eerie shadows. It felt as if they had entered an entirely different world.
"Crown Prince, be careful," one of the knights warned. "We've received reports that someone has been killing people in this forest. We must remain cautious. This is your first mission outside the academy."
"I know, Lars," the Crown Prince replied confidently. He had golden hair and a strong build, his presence exuding authority.
It's been almost five years since that frightful incident—a nightmare that had shaken the entire kingdom. A sinister force had seized control of people's minds, turning them into ruthless killers.
"That day…" A knight tightened his grip on the reins. "It was horrific." He shuddered. "If not for Grand Magician Carlas, the entire kingdom would have been reduced to a wasteland."
Another knight clicked his tongue. "And the traitor? The Second Prince—the so-called filthy-blooded—was the one behind it all… before vanishing."
"Ever since then, dungeon outbreaks have been increasing at an alarming rate," another knight added grimly.
Suddenly, a knight at the front yanked on his reins, his breath hitching.
"Sir… I think that's him."
The battalion came to an abrupt halt.
Ahead of them, beneath a massive tree, a lone figure sat in deep meditation. The scene felt almost surreal—birds chirped softly in the background, and the swaying branches cast flickering shadows, making the man appear godlike.
His long white hair cascaded down his back, his black robes adorned with intricate white patterns. A strange, R-shaped red mark was engraved on his forehead.
The Crown Prince swung his leg over the saddle, dismounting. His boots thudded against the earth as he stepped forward.
"Are you the one responsible for the murders in this forest?!" he shouted, shattering the silence.
The man did not react. It was as if he hadn't even heard him.
The prince's brow furrowed. "You filthy demon! Do you want to die? Open your eyes and answer me!"
At last, the man's eyes opened. His gaze was cold and indifferent, as if he were staring at an insect.
The prince smirked. "So, the shameless demon finally reacts." He crossed his arms. "Tell me, why did you kill those innocent people? Not that it matters—you're under arrest either way. If you don't want to die, start talking."
The wind stirred, carrying the tension higher. With the rustling of leaves The white-haired man finally spoke, his voice calm, steady.
"I did kill them," he admitted.
Then, he tilted his head slightly.
"But do you really think they were innocent?"
His words carried an unsettling weight.
"Or are you just fools pretending to be righteous?"
The Crown Prince's jaw clenched. He gripped his sword tightly.
"So, you think I'm like you? A filthy demon?" He scoffed. "You're dead."
Drawing his sword, he chanted a spell. A golden glow bloomed around the blade, humming with magic.
"You'll die right here, demon!"
He swung his sword—fast, sharp, aimed right at the man's throat.
But—
Clang!
Just as the sword was about to strike, a hand intercepted the attack with ease.
The prince's eyes widened in shock. He took a step back, rage filling his voice.
"What do you think you're doing, Shelly Grevelia?!"
Shelly stood firm, her gaze cold.
"Did you forget the King's orders?" she said sharply. "We are to capture the enemy, not kill them. We need information about the Tower."
The prince clicked his tongue but smirked. "Yes, yes. I know the King's orders."
Shelly pulled out a pair of enchanted cuffs. "You are under arrest for the murders committed in this forest."
The white-haired man sighed softly, shaking his head.
"I was right. You're all fools."
He slowly stood up.
The air thickened.
The temperature dropped, an unnatural chill creeping through the forest. as if the weight of jotunn crushing the earth.
One by one, the knights collapsed. Some clawed at their throats, gasping for air. Others trembled violently, their limbs locking up. Even the Crown Prince and Shelly buckled, their vision darkening as an invisible weight crushed them into submission.
The horses reared back in terror, their panicked neighs cutting through the silence.
"Y-you… filthy demon…!" The Crown Prince gasped, his voice barely audible. "What… is… this…?!"
But there was one exception—Lars.
Unlike the others, Lars remained standing. Though his body trembled, he gritted his teeth and forced himself to stay firm.
He took a deep breath, his voice shaking yet resolute.
"Don't worry, everyone! I'll kill him with my own hands!"
The knights who were kneeling found hope in his words. Some murmured in agreement.
"Of course. Sir Lars is powerful."
"He's General Viscal's personal student, after all."
Smack!
Lars suddenly found himself kneeling at the base of the tree—right beside the white-haired man.
Not because of the spiritual pressure—
But because of a heavenly slap across his face.
His cheek burned. His vision blurred.
"Wh—what just happened…?" he mumbled, swallowing his pride. Tears welled in his eyes.
"Sir… why did you slap me so hard?"
The white-haired man smirked. "Because you were too confident."
Lars clutched his stinging cheek. "S-should I just dig my own grave now?" he muttered. "I was hiding behind a tree, trying to avoid you. But look at me— kneeling at your feet"
The white-haired man stuck out his tongue. "I should eat you."
Lars paled. "P-please don't eat me! I haven't even gotten married yet!"
The man chuckled. "Relax. Just tell the knights to go back—except for the prince, you, and that woman."
Lars blinked. "But they won't listen to me… Not after this." His voice wobbled. "My five years of reputation—you destroyed in one slap…"
Alex sighed and withdrew his spiritual pressure from the Crown Prince.
The prince staggered to his feet, rage burning in his eyes. "You… demon… I swear, I'll—"
Smack!
The prince froze, his head snapping to the side.
His lips parted, but all that escaped was a defeated whisper.
"S-Sir… what can I do for you? D-dear sir… You must be someone who surpasses the world itself. Let this humble junior serve you."
The entire battalion was silent.
Alex cleared his throat. "Hem, hem. Tell your knights to go back and report that you're… going on a vacation with a friend for a week."
The prince's face twitched. "A vacation?"
"You'll be taking Shelly and this fragile knight, Lars, with you," Alex added.
The prince hesitated. "Senior… As you wish, but… my father will kill me…"
Alex smirked. "Don't worry. You'll handle him after the vacation." He took a step closer, tilting his head.
"Unless, of course… you need another lesson?"
The prince flinched. "N-no need, Senior! This junior will follow your wise command!" while spittling He straightened his back, suddenly looking determined.
Lars groaned. "Unbelievable… he's really doing this…"