Thirtos Garden, 8 PM. As dusk slowly transitions into darkness, the sky is filled with a dazzling red hue from the enchanting Garnet Moon. Its soft light dances upon the leaves, casting lively shadows on the ground, enhancing the magical atmosphere of the park, which seems to whisper of everlasting beauty.

  “We are the strongest nation. Why am I completely powerless in front of him?” Hernandez exclaimed, his voice trembling in confusion. His body felt heavy, unable to move at all, not due to the severe wounds that plagued him, but because of the energy he had just released. The nerve sensors in his body were in disarray, causing signals from his brain to fail to reach his muscles. In his despair, his gaze fell upon a girl who appeared more precious than a pile of diamonds, in a perilous position in the biting cold of the night that heightened the effectiveness of the atmosphere. He desperately wanted to run to help her; however, faintly within his spirit, a voice urged him to retreat, “If she understands the situation right now, it’s better for her to flee immediately.”

  Ten minutes ago

  The explosion attack from Hernandez was once again thwarted by an invisible force. In an instant, a loud bang echoed, filling the night air. Suddenly, from the thick clouds of smoke, a fist shot out swiftly, brutally striking Hernandez's jaw. Thrown into the air, his body spun before being slammed back down to the ground by a man in a black cloak, who gripped his head tightly and then smashed it down, creating a crack that shattered the night’s silence.

  Arkgh ....! Fresh blood splattered from Hernandez's mouth, creating red splashes that contrasted sharply with the dense darkness of the night.

  “Ho...w... ca...n... th...is,” Hernandez uttered with a raspy voice, each word coming out with effort, as if he were struggling to gather strength from the depths of his beaten spirit.

  “It’s quite simple,” came the calm yet confident reply. “You just need to think a step ahead of your opponent. Isn't that the essence of every fight?”

  “I can’t believe this,” Hernandez said, his voice filled with despair as he clawed at the dry, cracked earth, as if trying to draw strength from the seemingly innocent ground beneath him.

  After being struck by a thunderous attack from Firaga, Hernandez's body transformed into phase 3 Delta-Eisen. This change did not occur by his own will; rather, the searing heat of Firaga triggered a profound alteration in the quantum spectrum flowing within him. The first phase, H?lle, was employed when he launched an attack against the man in the black robe, where his assault seemed to be resisted by magnetische streu, a concept referring to the interaction between magnetic fields and ferromagnetic materials. However, the second phase, paramagnetischen, was able to penetrate his defenses, escalating the urgency of the situation. In the Delta-Eisen phase, the iron in his blood accumulated at a single point, forming characteristics similar to H?lle, thus reacting intensely with magnetische streu. This is why, in this state, the magnetic iron could be easily resisted by magnetische streu, heightening the tension in the air and creating an atmosphere of an unavoidable war.

  "You’re not the only one who can access the Quantum Spectrum," remarked the cloaked man in a voice that was rough yet assertive, creating an air of mystery around him.

  “As I suspected, you’re not as strong as you think,” he taunted with a mocking tone, “have you forgotten your own techniques?” His voice was laced with a challenge that resonated in the tense atmosphere, seemingly igniting a new wave of turmoil.

  “Well... I know that too,” Hernandez admitted, his tone filled with resignation as he faced the unavoidable harsh reality. “How can you endure all of this?” he continued, his voice piercing through the silence and hanging in the air, laden with uncertainty.

  The resilient person in question is not someone who appears physically strong; rather, they are an individual who may seem fragile, yet possesses an unyielding stance, like a rock steadfast against the crashing waves. Each time the waves strike, pounding fiercely and shaking everything around, they remain firmly grounded, unshaken, as if challenging the forces of nature trying to erase them. Despite the falling rocks and debris surrounding them, they strive to endure until their presence fades from sight. In this context, their mental resilience holds far greater significance than their physical strength, underscoring that a strong spirit can withstand any obstacle, echoing the classic tales of those who triumphed over adversity and emerged stronger.

  “Have you ever heard of the Vickers family from Gamma and the Brinell family from Gaia?” the man in the black cloak asked in a deep and mysterious voice. Hernandez was taken aback, his heart racing at the mention of those names. Both families, renowned as the finest craftsmen in the world, had created unparalleled metalworks; each strike of their hammer resonated with unmatched grandeur and rare skill. History records how their achievements transformed the world of metalworking and introduced techniques still studied today.

  “The family was lost ten years ago,” Hernandez said, trying to explain the intent of the man in the black cloak standing before him. His voice was soft yet emphasized, as if each word he spoke carried a heavy weight and a dark history.

  “Now, the question is, what exactly does 'lost' mean?” the man in the black cloak asked with a curious tone, raising his index finger as if to highlight the importance of the question. His piercing gaze awaited an answer, creating a tense atmosphere between them.

  “Lost means vanished without a trace,” Hernandez replied calmly, although there was a slight tension in his voice.

  “It seems you read too many history books,” he remarked skeptically. “History books written too honestly are often less entertaining to read. That’s why most history books tend to create exaggerated depictions, crafting heroes that resemble characters in fairy tales. No matter how magnificent the past events may be, in the end, they are simply tales of war filled with sorrow and loss,” he continued with a serious expression, as if wanting to emphasize the depth of the reality hidden behind a snippet of the story.

  “What are you talking about? This is about what’s happening in the world right now,” said Hernandez, trying to dismiss the comment. “Do you want to be a hero, or do you just want revenge? Who are you really? Are you merely a ghost of the past, trying to lead humanity back to an era of suffering? Where do these thoughts come from?” He continued, staring intently, as if he wanted to pierce through the heart of every word spoken.

  “Whoa... I can't answer all that. Besides, should I respond to questions from someone who has already lost?” the man replied, raising an eyebrow as if unsure whether defending his argument was more pathetic than the situation itself. “The Rockwell family is called heroes for destroying the families of traitors. But honestly, that paragraph should be censored, to prevent sending our descendants to drama school with such a dull topic in the future,” he added, with a crooked smile as if he had just revealed a major secret of the world.

  “What do you mean?” Hernandez asked, his eyes piercing intensely, filled with burning curiosity.

  “What if I told you that the Rockwell family eliminated both families to gain wealth, fame, and power?” the cloaked man asked, his voice filled with mystery and provocation. “Moreover, history notes that the Rockwell family was once a poor family struggling to survive.”

  “WHAT!?” Hernandez shouted in anger, his face turning bright red as the words left his lips. With all his strength, he tried to move, dragging his body that felt trapped in frustration and rage. However, his efforts were brutally halted when the cloaked man pressed his head to the ground with an authoritative step, crushing any hope of moving freely.

  “That is the reality. You can rage all you want, but remember, regardless of status, every human has a greedy nature. Humans are choosers, caught in the dilemma between plunging into the dark pit of sin or stepping closer to the shining figure of an angel, bringing hope,” the cloaked man said in a deep voice, emphasizing the inherent duality of human nature in the face of morality. Each word he uttered was like a bullet piercing through the walls of uncertainty, evoking profound reflection within his listener's soul.

  Hernandez fell silent.

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  “The skills of magnetische streu and entmagnetisierung that you demonstrated while facing me are proof that, in the human lexicon, there is no term for annihilation. Therefore, as fellow human beings, we should neither belittle one another nor forget our origins,” the man in the black robe said, his voice deep and emphatic, as his footsteps began to fade away from Hernandez, underscoring the importance of mutual respect, especially in battles that often reveal the darker sides of humanity.

  “Who is he really?” he murmured to himself, questioning the existence of that enigmatic figure. With knowledge of the entmagnetisierung skill—radiating an aura of expertise in its field—he spoke of truth as if he were the sole arbiter of defining right and wrong in the world. Feelings of irritation and dissatisfaction stirred a wave of emotions within him, as if this world revolved solely around his perspective.

  Magnetic stray may not be able to withstand the forces of elemental magic such as fire, air, earth, or lightning. However, when applied correctly, its defensive capabilities can surpass aegis, a term often used to describe shields or protectors in the context of mythology. Excessive use of this quantum spectrum can have significant effects on the user's body, disrupting blood circulation and potentially damaging vital organs. Nevertheless, if one masters demagnetization, these risks can be minimized, much like in the art of magic which requires careful practice and self-control. In this analogy, magnetic stray acts like poison, while demagnetization serves as its antidote.

  "You talk too much for someone weak," the cloaked man said coldly, his eyes piercing. "I will not kill you, not in front of that girl.” After uttering these words, he strode confidently toward Rinoa, while Hernandez lay weakly, beginning to lose consciousness, his body swaying amid the haunting shadows.

  Ten minutes later

  “You are a good girl, at least an elegant woman,” the cloaked man with a deep voice remarked, each word seemingly filling the space with mystery and tension. "Or should I call you the Elegant Queen of the Kingdom of Darkness?"

  “Your joke isn't funny,” Rinoa replied, her voice short yet rich in meaning, as if every letter reverberated in the tense air surrounding them. Her expression conveyed dissatisfaction, as if rejecting the seemingly endless wordplay.

  With a fiery determination in her eyes, Rinoa attempted to punch the cloaked man. She enveloped her hand in gleaming light, as if the bright shine served as a protective shield guarding her from the looming darkness around them.

  Unlike when facing Hernandez, the cloaked man chose not to retaliate; instead, he stepped back cautiously, as if something was sapping his spirit, feeling the darkness closing in around him.

  “What do you desire most in this world?” he asked again, his voice trembling with deep curiosity, as though this question were a fine thread connecting their previous conversation about loneliness and sin, traversing the dark space filled with secrets. His eyes, filled with inquisitiveness, reflected the dim light surrounding them, creating an atmosphere that stirred the heart.

  “Surely, I want to change the past,” Rinoa replied firmly, her voice quivering with conviction, as if no doubt remained in her heart. Her bright eyes reflected hope for new possibilities, and in a soft whisper, her words pierced the darkness like a star's light in the night sky.

  “It seems you still don't understand,” he said in a firm tone, suggesting a sense of superiority behind his words. “Even though you are the hardest material in the world, you will gradually crumble. And not because of external threats, but due to the instability within yourself,” continued the cloaked man, his face hidden in the shadows of his dark robe, as if carrying an unseen calamity.

  “Why should I listen to you?” Rinoa spat the words with a tone full of hatred, each syllable stinging like poison. “You are nobody, just a coward. You only represent a dark past, as if you carry no sins clinging to the walls of your life. Do you truly believe you are the purest human in the world?” Her voice rang out harshly, yet it carried a deep sadness, reflecting the internal battle that remained unspoken in her heart.

  “You are not strong,” he said, his voice echoing, “If this continues, you will only live your life like a zombie.” His words pierced through her, causing Rinoa's body to tremble as if she were exposed to a cold that seeped into her soul.

  “Naughty girl,” the man in the cloak said, his voice familiar and completely recognizable to Rinoa.

  “Who are you really?” Rinoa asked, her voice trembling, filled with a profound sadness and loneliness. In her gaze was a flicker of hope, as if she were questioning her own existence amid the darkness surrounding her.

  Then,

  "THAT'S NOT TRUE!" Hernandez shouted, his charismatic voice rising again as awareness flooded his mind. "RINOA IS THE STRONGEST WOMAN I'VE EVER KNOWN, AND THE WOMAN I LOVE MOST IN THE WHOLE WORLD!" He yelled with all his heart, releasing all the feelings he had kept hidden for so long. "RINOA, I LOVE YOU! WILL YOU LIVE WITH ME?" The cold night wind seemed to carry his profound love, making every word he spoke feel like an irresistible wave of emotion. The deeper he buried those feelings, the more powerful the love radiating from the depths of his soul became.

  The cloaked man stood tense, his expression revealing deep anger, as if a storm were brewing behind his furious eyes.

  Suddenly, Rinoa was awakened, as if the moonlight had pierced through the darkness of her heart, reminding her of the reality she had to face.

  “I’m sorry, Hernandez, my love is not for you,” Rinoa replied, presenting the most beautiful smile she had ever shown during their time together, even though her voice was soft like a whispering breeze. However, for Hernandez, that rejection echoed like the rumble of thunder, shattering the silence between them and making his heart tremble. With heavy and uncertain steps, Hernandez approached the two of them, his face reflecting the turmoil he had concealed.

  Rinoa felt a deep wave of gratitude flowing within her towards Hernandez.

  “Rejection actually strengthens a man. This is what we call resilience; those who talk about rejection are not arrogant, but rather those with steadfast hearts. Ever since the first time I met him, I have deeply felt what is stored in his heart,” Hernandez said, preparing to demonstrate the true meaning of heartfelt sincerity.

  “Hernandez, you are a true man,” Rinoa said passionately, trying to uplift his spirits. Her gentle voice flowed like a soothing river, as if she were providing a breath of fresh air amidst the tension enveloping them.

  “Cih,” the man in the black cloak grumbled, his voice filled with hatred like the cold wind buffeting the leaves on a dark night.

  “Phase Delta-Eisen consists of three categories,” Hernandez stated confidently, extending his arms. “First, quantum Normalisieren.”

  A mass of air began to gather in front of Hernandez, slowly forming into a denser accumulation, like clouds gathering before a storm.

  “Second quantum, Abschrecken,” he continued, his voice echoing amidst the tension surrounding them.

  With immense pressure, the phase of the air mass transformed, becoming a surge of water shaped like towering waves.

  “Third quantum, Glühen!” he shouted as the water began to throb with heat, boiling with a chilling bubbling sound.

  “Combo element, hei?wasserstrahl-kanone!” Hernandez yelled, his eyes shining with determination. “Rinoa, get out of the way!” he commanded. Rinoa sprang into action, deftly leaping away from danger, while the man in the black cloak remained still, trapped in uncertainty.

  The boiling water moved rapidly, racing wildly like a train barreling down the tracks without brakes, cracking the ground around it. As the assault drew near...

  “First quantum, gefroren,” said the man in the black cloak in a low voice, his sharp gaze fixed on the incoming attack. In an instant, the boiling water began to harden, freezing as if captured in an icy grip.

  “Second quantum, Kochen,” he continued with a slight smile, as the frozen water returned to its liquid form, flowing spontaneously as if released from its bonds.

  “Third quantum, komprimierbaren,” he went on, transforming the water into gas that swirled like mysterious smoke.

  “Fourth quantum, erhitzen!” he exclaimed, turning the ordinary air into a blazing red gas, its temperature skyrocketing as if it could ignite everything around it.

  “What?! Four elements?” Hernandez exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. This was the second time he had seen someone master a combination of four elements, besides his legendary father.

  “Combo elements, kochend hei?es Jet-Stream...”

  Before launching the attack, Rinoa gathered her softly radiating magical energy, preparing a strike filled with power. In a gentle voice, she uttered, “O thou who breath the world, give me blessing for thy who lost.”

  “For those who are lost,” she continued with a hopeful tone, raising her hands to the sky as if seeking strength from nature. “Call for wind, breath of elyun.” Her voice soared, summoning a gentle breeze that began to swirl around her, marking the beginning of the magical action to come.

  “The magic of air flowed gracefully, neutralizing the attack from the man in the black robe who hovered in the air. The force generated felt immense, as if it could lift the opponent with the infinite cosmos of wind. The wind acted like a sharp blade, tearing through his body with precision, proving the power of the magic wielded in this battle.”

  “Ageis,” the man in the black robe uttered, and in that instant, the raging wind vanished in the blink of an eye. He floated in the air, his robe tattered and blown by the wind, creating a hauntingly mystical shadow.

  “Hehehehe... You are strong,” he said with a challenging tone. “One day we will meet again. You must realize and distinguish between reality and belief, especially in a world filled with illusions. No one knows how far the truth goes. The human heart is a labyrinth with ten doors, each representing a different character, and only those who dare to explore can find their way out of that labyrinth.” With a graceful movement, he raised his hand, and suddenly an impressive dimensional space appeared, shimmering with mysterious light, a reminder that there are more unseen sides of reality.

  “Until we meet again,” he said, before being swallowed by the dimensional space that consumed everything into darkness.

  Rinoa watched his departure with a face full of anger. Inside her, a storm of emotions raged; what truly disturbed her heart? She found herself lost in thought, unsure of what path to take after this encounter. The memories opened up slowly, like flipping through an old album locked away in an ancient chest, revealing suffocating recollections.