Chapter 1 – What Do You Fight For?
Year 1182
The sky was calm, and the summer weather prevailed everywhere. In a small town called Gravus, a man sat inside a bar—drinking strong liquor—before facing what was to come. He just wanted to clear his mind, not thinking too much about the massacre that would occur in just a few hours. He kept drinking non-stop while feeling the small rays of sunlight that seeped through the tiny gaps of the humble bar where he was.
Only one thing was on his mind: "What do you fight for?" He debated with himself while drinking.
Suddenly, a man in a warrior's uniform approached the one who was drinking.
"Captain, only a few hours remain before the attack." He touched the man's shoulder.
"Alright… I'll meet you all there," he said, finishing another drink.
The uniformed man walked away and muttered under his breath: "You haven't changed at all."
He always drank uncontrollably before going to war. He feared death, knowing how fragile he was compared to mage-knights, even though he was a renowned captain. The man was Grim Alphesys, a young man of only 22 years old. His eyes were dark, his hair smooth and wavy. He wore protective armor, but it was barely visible beneath the large cloak draped over his back, which he used to cover his entire body.
He stood up, left a sack full of gold coins to pay for his drinks, and walked out of the bar.
As soon as he stepped outside, the sun's rays hit his face. He raised his hand to cover his eyes and started walking toward his destination. He strolled calmly through the town, watching people enter shops, couples taking their children to enjoy the limited entertainment available—it was a peaceful place.
After exiting the town, he found himself on a trail through a vast forest. His surroundings were filled with animals and beautiful flowers, and although the trees provided some shade, the sunlight still reached him.
When he finally reached the end of the trail, his sight was met with hundreds of warriors, all highly equipped with weapons and armor, waiting for their superior—Captain Grim Alphesys.
He walked past his soldiers until he reached the edge of the town. Before him lay a deep abyss and a breathtaking view of the sky.
Turning around to face his troops, he raised his sword toward the sky and spoke words of motivation:
"We are here once again, to finally put an end to this battle. Think about the journey that led you to this moment. Remember your children, remember your loved ones, remember why you fight. Now is the time to finish this. Forward, troops!"
"YES, CAPTAIN!" they roared in unison, burning with the desire for eternal victory.
The mages among the troops stepped forward, chanting continuously as they conjured a stone bridge. Once the bridge was formed, Grim raised his hand to the sky one last time before battle.
"May Aurora protect us."
With that, he lowered his hand, signaling the beginning of the attack.
The warriors and mages surged forward. The frontline mages chanted ceaselessly, conjuring flaming orbs in their hands. With a swift motion, they hurled them at the fortified walls of the Kingdom of Kravyt, causing a massive explosion.
Grim walked calmly behind his warriors, who charged forward with their swords raised high.
Inside the Castle
Meanwhile, inside the king's castle, the ruler stood with two other men.
One of them wore a simple trench coat made of serpent skin, while the other was clad in gleaming white armor, reflecting the sunlight that streamed through the massive window in the office.
The king gave his final command, ordering his troops to clash against Grim's army.
"He's already here…" said the man in the serpent-skin coat.
"Don't get excited. He won't make it this far. He'll be dead soon." replied the armored man.
The Battle Unfolds
Outside, chaos had erupted. Warriors fought fiercely, mages flew through the air, casting devastating spells that demolished houses and shops—they cared for nothing but victory.
Grim plunged into battle, cutting down every enemy in sight without hesitation.
The three men inside the castle watched from the window, observing Grim's speed, skill, and agility—all without possessing any magic.
He drew closer to the castle, slaying enemy warriors along the way.
Upon reaching the massive entrance gate, he pushed it open effortlessly.
Inside, more guards were waiting.
As soon as they saw Grim, they charged at him without hesitation.
Grim readied his stance, prepared to use the skills he had honed for years. His dream had been to become a great warrior, but he had risen to captain for standing out among the rest.
His enemies were nothing to him.
He brutally cut down every soldier who dared stand in his way, ascending the castle stairs and advancing down the corridors toward the king's chamber—all while slaughtering those who opposed him.
The cowardly king was heavily guarded, paralyzed by fear.
After cutting down the last of the guards, Grim finally reached the royal chamber.
Inside, the three men awaited him.
"You're finally here. I was growing impatient, Lord Grim."
Grim's eyes widened in shock.
"You… Snasty!"
Snasty was the man in the serpent-skin coat.
His skin was deathly pale, his emerald-green eyes gleamed, and his long dark hair flowed over his shoulders.
He wore silver rings on his fingers, his claws long and sharp.
He was known as the "Serpent God", for he could summon and manipulate countless deadly snakes at will.
But for Grim, Snasty was something else entirely—the man who had brutally murdered his wife after defiling her.
"I see you're already seething with rage, dear Grim. Don't worry, I'll end your suffering quickly."
Snasty extended his hand, summoning a massive serpent, poised to strike.
Grim dodged swiftly, his rage blinding him.
He launched relentless attacks, but Snasty was too fast. After all, he was one of the gods.
Snasty merged another serpent with his arm, striking Grim and slamming him against the wall, shattering part of the chamber.
"You're weak. I can smell it… The scent of fear. But don't worry—you'll share the same fate as your beloved."
Snasty walked toward Grim, mocking his helpless state.
He then drew his massive spear, its curved and razor-sharp tip gleaming.
Without hesitation, he plunged it deep into Grim's chest, lifting him off the ground.
Grim choked on blood, tears streaming down his face.
Through the large window, he saw a mysterious entity—a woman draped in an ethereal gown, her form ghostly and indistinct.
He lowered his gaze, his strength fading.
"Sleep well, Lord Grim," Snasty whispered with a smirk.
With his final breath, Grim muttered:
"Forgive me… Jenyce…"