David had taken some time to rest, but now he was ready to set his next plan into motion—the complete destruction of the Sword Kingdom and the birth of a new world. Having already resurrected the fallen Ruins Kingdom, he now stood in the orphanage he had rebuilt, preparing to leave once more.
Ruby, the fifteen-year-old girl who had grown attached to him, clung to the hem of his cloak, her eyes brimming with tears. "Master, are you leaving again? When will I see you again?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
David placed a firm but gentle hand on her head, ruffling her hair. "You don't need to worry. I'll return as soon as possible. But until then, you must become strong. Understood?"
Ruby sniffled, nodding as she wiped her tears, forcing herself to be strong for him. She waved her small hand as he turned and walked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "Come back soon..."
David inhaled deeply, glancing back at the girl one last time. Someone was waiting for him, someone in this world who needed his protection. That thought alone made his departure feel heavier.
As he strode forward, towering trees flanked his path, their canopies casting shadows over the forest floor. Birds chirped above, while rabbits and deer darted through the underbrush. The serenity of nature contrasted starkly with the darkness that loomed in his heart.
"Why should I walk when I can ride?" David muttered to himself, a smirk curling his lips. With a flick of his wrist, dark energy coalesced around him, crackling like tendrils of midnight fire. The shadows twisted and formed into a monstrous steed—a black ghost horse with gleaming crimson eyes, its mane flowing like tendrils of darkness. Its body radiated an aura of fear, a beast that only the strongest could dare to control.
"From today onward, your name shall be Deathhorse," David declared.
The beast reared up, letting out a bone-chilling neigh, its hooves striking the ground with a resounding thud. The sheer power it exuded sent a shiver down the spines of nearby creatures, sending them scurrying into the depths of the forest.
David climbed onto the creature's back, gripping the reins as Deathhorse stormed forward. The wind lashed against him as they galloped, the world blurring past in streaks of green and brown. After riding for miles, David spotted a large, crystalline pond nestled between the trees. He tugged on the reins, bringing Deathhorse to a halt.
The beast snorted as it trotted toward the water, dipping its head to drink. David dismounted and stretched his arms before stepping toward the shimmering pond. "I'll take a quick swim," he muttered, removing his cloak before slipping into the water.
The cool liquid embraced him, offering a brief moment of tranquility. He submerged himself, allowing his thoughts to drift—but the serenity didn't last long. The moment his eyes adjusted beneath the surface, he saw it.
A massive shape slithered through the depths, its body coiling with a predatory grace. Before David could react, the creature lunged—a monstrous serpent, its scales gleaming like liquid obsidian.
David shot out of the water, landing on the shore in a crouch. The serpent erupted from the pond, its body sending waves crashing against the shore. It was enormous—easily thirty feet long, its fanged mouth wide open, releasing a guttural, reverberating hiss. But this was no ordinary snake.
A chilling, blue light formed in the back of its throat before it unleashed an icy breath. A beam of freezing energy shot toward David, the sheer intensity turning the air frigid.
David smirked. "Oh? A frost serpent? This is getting interesting."
He sidestepped effortlessly, the beam narrowly missing him, but when he glanced back, the ground where the attack had landed was coated in solid ice. His excitement surged.
Before he could retaliate, a streak of golden light shot from the sky. A radiant figure descended with blinding speed, landing between David and the serpent with a thunderous impact. The force of her arrival kicked up a cloud of dust, the ground trembling beneath her presence.
As the smoke cleared, David's eyes locked onto the newcomer. Long, golden hair cascaded behind her, catching the wind like a celestial banner. Her eyes, like molten gold, glowed with divine intensity. She was clad in shining silver armor, an emblem of a holy church engraved onto her chest plate. In her hands, she wielded an ornate longsword, its blade infused with sacred energy.
Her voice was firm, unwavering. "Mister, are you unharmed?"
David's eyes narrowed, intrigued. Before he could respond, she raised her sword, chanting, "Holy Sword, bless me with the light of judgment!"
A golden aura enveloped her blade as she surged forward, meeting the serpent's frost breath head-on. With a single, powerful slash, her sword cleaved through the icy beam, dispelling it instantly. The impact of her strike sent another shockwave through the air, distorting the surroundings.
David barely had time to react as she landed once more, standing before him, her presence exuding an aura of righteousness and power. Behind her, the serpent let out a final shriek before its body split in two, blood spraying across the pond as it collapsed into the water.
David raised a brow, mildly impressed. "Who are you?"
The woman sheathed her sword before meeting his gaze. "I am Luna, a Holy Knight of the Sword Kingdom."
David studied her, taking in the striking beauty that accompanied her overwhelming strength. "Huh... thanks, I guess, for saving me from that thing."
Luna smiled slightly. "It is a knight's duty to protect those in danger."
Her golden eyes flickered with curiosity as she examined David's attire. "You wear the robes of a mage... Are you a sorcerer?"
David nodded. "A dark mage from the Ruins Kingdom's mage tower."
Luna's expression shifted to one of awe. "A dark mage? That's incredible! Only a handful of humans have ever achieved such mastery."
David smirked. "I suppose it is."
She extended her hand. "It is an honor to meet you, David."
David grasped her hand firmly. "Likewise. And please, no need for formalities. Just call me David."
Luna chuckled. "Alright, David."
As the night fell, they set up camp near the pond. David conjured a flickering sphere of dark fire, illuminating the area, while Luna gathered supplies. As they sat near the fire, the two exchanged stories, their words drifting into the night.
Little did Luna know, the man sitting beside her—the one she had invited to travel with her—was the very force that would bring ruin to her homeland.