The sun was shining brightly above as I walked down the winding dirt road, flanked by Sayo and Lucaus. The air was fresh, with the occasional chirping of birds filling the silence between our steps. We had just left the comfort of the mansion, and the royal capital was still a few days’ journey away.

  “This is it,” Sayo said with excitement in her voice. “Once we reach the capital and become adventurers, our lives are going to change completely!”

  Lucaus grinned, adjusting the sword strapped to his back. “Finally, a chance to prove ourselves. I can’t wait to take on quests, battle monsters, and make a name for ourselves.”

  I smiled at their enthusiasm, but I remained quiet, letting their energy fill the conversation.

  “What about you, Amahiko?” Sayo asked, turning to me. “What kind of adventures are you looking forward to?”

  I thought for a moment before replying, “I’m not sure it’s about the adventures themselves. For me, it’s about growing stronger, meeting new people, and making a difference.”

  Lucaus laughed, clapping me on the back. “Always so serious, aren’t you? Lighten up a bit! This is going to be fun!”

  Sayo nodded in agreement. “He’s right, you know. Being an adventurer isn’t just about fighting and training. It’s about exploring new places, making friends, and enjoying the journey.”

  As we continued walking, the conversation shifted to the royal capital itself.

  “I’ve heard the capital is massive,” Lucaus said. “They say it’s so big you can get lost just trying to find a tavern.”

  “And the Adventurer’s Guild,” Sayo added. “I heard it’s the most prestigious in the kingdom. Only the best of the best get to take on the high-ranking quests.”

  “That’s why we’re going,” I said, a hint of determination in my voice. “To prove ourselves and aim for the top.”

  Sayo smiled. “And when we get there, we’ll take on quests together, right? The three of us, a team.”

  “Of course,” I replied.

  Lucaus smirked. “But don’t think I’ll let you two outshine me. I’ll be the strongest in our group.”

  “Keep dreaming,” Sayo teased.

  The day passed quickly as we talked and laughed, the excitement of the journey keeping us energized. As the sun began to set, we decided to set up camp near a small stream.

  I gathered firewood while Lucaus started a fire, and Sayo prepared some food from the supplies we’d brought.

  “Do you think we’ll face any challenges on the way to the capital?” Sayo asked as we sat around the fire, eating.

  “Most likely,” I said. “But we’ll handle whatever comes our way. That’s part of being an adventurer, isn’t it?”

  Lucaus grinned. “Exactly. If we can’t handle a few challenges on the road, we have no business calling ourselves adventurers.”

  As the stars began to fill the night sky, we lay back, staring up at the endless expanse above us.

  “This is just the beginning,” Sayo said softly. “Our lives are going to change so much once we reach the capital.”

  I nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation and purpose. “Yes, it’s the start of something big.”

  With that, we closed our eyes, the promise of adventure ahead filling our dreams.

  The morning sun rose gently, casting a warm glow over the landscape. After a few hours of walking, we decided to take a break near a serene river that flowed alongside the road. The sound of the rushing water was soothing, and the cool breeze made it the perfect spot to rest.

  “This place is nice,” Lucaus said, stretching his arms. “Why don’t we stop here for lunch?”

  Sayo nodded. “Good idea. We need to recharge before continuing.”

  “Alright,” I agreed. “I’ll catch some fish for us. You two can gather firewood and prepare the cooking ingredients.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Lucaus said, grabbing a small axe from his bag. “Let’s get to work, Sayo.”

  While Sayo and Lucaus headed toward the nearby trees to gather firewood, I made my way down to the riverbank. The water was clear, and I could see fish swimming lazily beneath the surface. Picking up a sturdy branch, I fashioned a makeshift fishing rod with a hook and line from my supplies.

  Sitting on a rock by the water, I cast the line and waited patiently. The calmness of the river and the quiet surroundings gave me time to reflect.

  “This journey feels so different,” I thought to myself. “It’s not just about getting stronger or fighting battles. It’s about the people I’m with, the bonds we’re forming.”

  The line suddenly tugged, pulling me out of my thoughts. Smiling, I focused and pulled up a medium-sized fish. “Got one,” I said to myself, feeling a small sense of accomplishment.

  Meanwhile, Sayo and Lucaus were busy with their tasks.

  “This firewood should be enough,” Sayo said, stacking the collected sticks into a pile.

  Lucaus wiped the sweat from his brow. “Yeah, and I found some wild herbs we can use for cooking. Let’s head back to Amahiko.”

  The two returned to the riverbank, finding me with a small pile of fish beside me.

  “Wow, you’ve been busy,” Sayo said, impressed.

  Lucaus smirked. “Looks like Amahiko is good at more than just fighting.”

  “Fishing is about patience,” I said, casting my line again. “It’s a nice change from all the action.”

  Sayo knelt down to inspect the fish. “These look great. I’ll start preparing them. Lucaus, help me with the firewood.”

  “On it,” he replied, getting to work.

  As the fire crackled and the smell of cooking fish filled the air, I continued fishing. The river was calm, and the fish seemed plentiful.

  “This one’s a big one,” I muttered as the line tugged harder than before. With a bit of effort, I pulled up a large fish, its scales glinting in the sunlight.

  “Nice catch!” Lucaus called out from the fire.

  I smiled, holding up the fish. “Looks like lunch is going to be a feast.”

  As I cast the line again, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. It wasn’t often that I got to enjoy moments like this, surrounded by friends and the simple joys of nature.

  The fire crackled softly as the three of us sat around it, plates in hand. The smell of freshly cooked fish and wild herbs filled the air, a satisfying reminder of our teamwork.

  “This is amazing!” Lucaus said, biting into a piece of fish. “Who knew you could cook so well, Sayo?”

  Sayo smirked, clearly pleased with the compliment. “Well, someone had to step up, didn’t they? Besides, fresh ingredients make all the difference.”

  I chuckled, taking a bite of my own. “It’s better than anything I’ve had in a while. Definitely worth the effort we put into catching and preparing it.”

  Lucaus nodded, his mouth full. “Amahiko, you’ve got skills in fishing, fighting, and now eating. Is there anything you’re not good at?”

  I shook my head with a grin. “Plenty of things. But I guess I’ve learned to enjoy the small victories, like catching fish and sitting by a campfire with good company.”

  The conversation flowed easily as we ate, talking about everything from the journey ahead to our hopes for the future.

  As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we started setting up camp.

  “I’ll take care of the tents,” Lucaus said, pulling them out of his bag. “Let’s set up separate ones. We could all use some space.”

  Sayo nodded. “Agreed. A good night’s sleep will make tomorrow’s journey easier.”

  We worked together to pitch the tents, arranging them in a small circle around the fire. The process was quick and efficient, a testament to how well we were beginning to work as a team.

  Once everything was set, we gathered around the dying fire one last time, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

  “This isn’t so bad,” Lucaus said, leaning back on his hands. “Just the three of us, the stars above, and the open road ahead.”

  Sayo smiled. “It’s moments like this that make the journey worthwhile.”

  I nodded, staring into the flames. “True. But let’s not forget why we’re doing this. The kingdom holds opportunities, but also challenges. We need to be ready.”

  Lucaus smirked. “Always the serious one, huh? Don’t worry, Amahiko. We’ve got this.”

  With that, we each retreated to our tents. The night was quiet, the sounds of nature lulling us into a deep sleep.

  Inside my tent, I lay on my back, staring up at the fabric ceiling. The day had been simple, but fulfilling.

  “Things are different now,” I thought. “In my past life, I never had moments like this. Friends, laughter, a purpose. It’s all worth fighting for.”

  With a contented sigh, I closed my eyes, letting the peace of the moment carry me into slumber. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but for now, I felt ready to face whatever came next.

  The stillness of the night was broken by an unsettling feeling. I woke abruptly, my instincts screaming that something was wrong. My senses heightened, and I felt a distinct presence—a large group, closing in fast.

  I grabbed my weapons and stepped out of the tent. The dim moonlight illuminated the clearing, and that’s when I saw them—warwolves. Around two hundred of them, their glowing red eyes piercing through the darkness, their massive forms moving silently but menacingly.

  Each one of them had thick, matted fur and razor-sharp teeth bared in growls. They looked like they were under someone’s command, but I couldn’t see their leader.

  “They’re not here by accident,” I muttered to myself, gripping my daggers tightly.

  One of the wolves let out a chilling howl, and it seemed to be the signal. The entire pack charged at me like a tidal wave of teeth and claws.

  I leapt into action, slashing at the first wave with deadly precision. My daggers gleamed as they cut through their thick hides, but for every wolf that fell, another took its place.

  “They’re organized,” I thought, noticing how they moved in coordinated groups, attacking in patterns designed to overwhelm me.

  Behind me, I heard the sound of tents rustling.

  “What’s going on?” Lucaus’s voice called out, groggy but alert.

  Sayo emerged right after him, weapons at the ready. Her eyes widened when she saw the swarm of warwolves.

  “This isn’t normal,” she said, taking up a stance beside me.

  Lucaus nodded, drawing his sword. “They’re definitely under someone’s control. But who?”

  “Questions later!” I said, dodging a wolf’s lunge and slicing it down in one swift move. “We need to take them out first!”

  The three of us fought side by side, cutting through the relentless pack.

  Lucaus charged into the fray, his sword flashing with every swing. “These things are tougher than they look!” he shouted, deflecting a claw swipe aimed at his chest.

  Sayo, ever the strategist, used her agility and precision to strike the wolves’ weak points. “Their legs! Go for their legs!” she called out, managing to disable several with quick, calculated moves.

  I focused on keeping the wolves from surrounding us, using my speed and reflexes to stay one step ahead of the pack. My daggers danced through the air, each strike deliberate and deadly.

  But no matter how many we took down, their numbers didn’t seem to dwindle.

  “This isn’t good,” Sayo said, breathing heavily. “We can’t keep this up forever.”

  Lucaus gritted his teeth, his movements slowing slightly. “There’s got to be a leader somewhere. If we take them out, the rest might retreat.”

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  I nodded. “Agreed. Keep fighting—don’t let them overwhelm you. I’ll look for the one controlling them.”

  As I scanned the battlefield, my senses picked up a faint but distinct aura in the distance. It was stronger than the warwolves, more focused.

  “There,” I thought, locking onto the source.

  Before I could make a move, another wave of wolves lunged at me, forcing me back into the fight.

  The battle raged on, the night filled with snarls, clashing weapons, and the heavy breaths of both man and beast. Despite the odds, we held our ground, but the strain was beginning to show.

  Whoever was behind this attack clearly underestimated us—but for how long could we keep this up? The answer would have to wait, as the fight was far from over.

  The battle showed no sign of slowing. The warwolves were relentless, lunging at us with terrifying ferocity. Each strike I made was swift and calculated, yet for every wolf that fell, another seemed to rise in its place.

  Lucaus was fending off a group of warwolves on his left, his sword cleaving through their thick hides. His breathing was heavy, but he stood his ground.

  “I hope you’ve got a plan, Amahiko!” he called out, his voice strained as he deflected another claw swipe.

  “I’m working on it!” I shouted back, slashing two wolves in quick succession.

  Sayo was a blur of motion, her twin daggers flashing under the moonlight as she struck the wolves with deadly precision. “Their numbers aren’t thinning!” she yelled. “We need to find the one controlling them, or we’re just wasting energy!”

  I focused on my senses, trying to pinpoint the source of the aura I had felt earlier. It was faint but distinct, emanating from the forest beyond the clearing.

  “There!” I thought, my eyes narrowing. But before I could act, another wave of wolves charged at me.

  “Enough!” I roared, unleashing a burst of energy from my daggers. A shockwave rippled outward, sending the wolves closest to me flying back.

  Lucaus and Sayo took the opportunity to regroup, falling into position beside me.

  “What’s the plan?” Sayo asked, panting slightly.

  “I’ve located the source of their command,” I said. “Someone’s controlling them from the shadows. If we can take them out, this will end.”

  Lucaus nodded, gripping his sword tightly. “Then let’s go after them.”

  Sayo glanced at the remaining wolves, who were regrouping for another attack. “They won’t let us leave so easily.”

  “Leave them to me,” I said, stepping forward.

  “You sure?” Lucaus asked, concern flickering in his eyes.

  I nodded. “I’ll hold them off. You two find the one behind this and take them out.”

  Lucaus and Sayo hesitated for a moment, then exchanged a quick glance.

  “Don’t die on us,” Sayo said, her voice firm but laced with worry.

  “Don’t worry about me,” I replied, a small smirk playing on my lips. “I’ll catch up soon.”

  With that, Lucaus and Sayo broke away, weaving through the chaos toward the forest.

  I turned my attention back to the warwolves. Their glowing red eyes locked onto me, and they charged in unison.

  “Alright, you bastards,” I muttered, gripping my daggers. “Let’s finish this.”

  I activated my enhanced agility, my body moving faster than the wolves could track. Each slash of my daggers was precise, cutting through the pack like a whirlwind.

  Despite their numbers, the warwolves began to falter, their movements less coordinated. It was clear they were feeling the strain of the battle, but I couldn’t afford to let up.

  As the fight dragged on, I felt my energy surge, my instincts sharpening with every move. My daggers glowed faintly, resonating with my determination.

  “This is my fight,” I thought, driving myself forward.

  The wolves came at me in waves, but I stood firm, slashing and dodging with relentless focus.

  I could feel the tide beginning to turn, but the battle was far from over. Somewhere in the shadows, their master waited—and I would not rest until this fight was finished.

  The warwolves charged in relentless waves, their crimson eyes glowing like embers in the dark. Each growl and snap of their fangs echoed through the night, creating an unending cacophony of chaos. My daggers moved like extensions of my own arms, slashing through the air with precision.

  But the wolves weren’t backing down. Their movements became faster, more aggressive, as if their master had tightened his grip on them.

  “Come on,” I muttered under my breath. “You’re going to have to do better than this.”

  Three wolves lunged at me from different angles, their claws aimed for my throat and sides. I spun on my heel, ducking under their strikes and driving one of my daggers into the neck of the nearest wolf. The other two tried to recover, but I was already ahead, slashing through their torsos before they could react.

  Another wave came from behind, but I anticipated their approach. With a quick leap, I vaulted over the pack, landing behind them and cutting through their ranks in one fluid motion.

  As I fought, I felt the ground beneath me tremble slightly. The wolves seemed to be growing more desperate, their attacks wild and frenzied.

  “They’re trying to buy time,” I realized.

  The thought made me grit my teeth. Whoever was controlling them wasn’t just hiding—they were strategizing, using the wolves to exhaust me while preparing something worse.

  I planted my feet firmly on the ground, channeling my mana into my daggers. They began to glow with a dark, fiery aura, radiating power.

  “Enough of this,” I growled, slashing both weapons in a wide arc.

  A massive wave of energy erupted from the blades, cutting through the nearest wolves and sending the rest scattering. The ground was scorched where the attack had landed, and for a moment, the pack hesitated.

  But their pause didn’t last long. A deep howl echoed from the forest, and the wolves’ eyes glowed brighter, their bodies trembling with renewed aggression.

  “Tch, they’re not going to stop, are they?” I muttered.

  Suddenly, a massive warwolf emerged from the pack, its body larger and more muscular than the others. It growled deeply, its eyes fixed on me with a predatory hunger.

  “So, the leader finally shows up,” I said, gripping my daggers tightly.

  The giant warwolf didn’t waste any time. It charged at me with incredible speed, its claws slicing through the air like blades.

  I met its attack head-on, blocking its claws with my daggers. The force of the clash sent a shockwave through the battlefield, knocking smaller wolves off their feet.

  The leader pushed against me, its strength immense. My feet slid back slightly, but I held my ground.

  “You’re strong,” I admitted, a grin tugging at my lips. “But strength alone won’t save you.”

  With a burst of mana, I shoved the leader back, creating enough distance to counterattack. I dashed forward, my daggers glowing as I struck at its legs and torso in rapid succession.

  The leader howled in pain but retaliated with a swipe of its massive claws. I dodged narrowly, the force of the strike cutting through the air behind me.

  Our battle continued, each exchange more intense than the last. The smaller wolves tried to intervene, but I dispatched them quickly, refusing to let anything distract me from the real threat.

  As the leader stumbled from one of my strikes, I seized the opportunity to deliver a powerful blow. I infused my daggers with mana, their blades crackling with energy, and struck the wolf square in the chest.

  The impact sent it flying backward, crashing into a group of its own pack.

  Breathing heavily, I stood my ground, watching as the remaining wolves hesitated once more.

  “Your turn,” I said, glaring into the forest where the master’s aura still lingered.

  The fight was nearing its end, but I knew the true challenge was only just beginning.

  The battlefield grew eerily quiet as I stood over the massive warwolf leader’s body, its life fading away with each passing second. The smaller wolves that had survived scurried into the shadows, retreating without their master’s presence to command them.

  “That’s it…” I muttered, taking a deep breath. My body ached from the relentless fighting, but the sense of victory kept me steady.

  Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a faint movement. A figure emerged from the darkness, their presence cold and calculated.

  “Finally,” I said, gripping my daggers tighter. “The puppeteer reveals himself.”

  The figure stepped forward, dressed in black assassin robes that blended seamlessly with the night. Their face was concealed by a mask, but their eyes glinted with a chilling intelligence.

  The warwolf leader growled weakly, trying to rise, but the assassin placed a hand on its head.

  “Enough,” the assassin said, their voice low and commanding.

  The warwolf leader collapsed, its body convulsing once before falling still. With a swift motion, the assassin unsheathed a dagger and plunged it into the creature’s neck, ending its life completely.

  “You… were controlling them,” I said, narrowing my eyes.

  The assassin tilted their head slightly. “Impressive deduction,” they said. “But you’re far too late to do anything about it.”

  Before I could respond, I heard a sharp cry from the forest.

  “Sayo! Lucaus!”

  I turned toward the sound, my heart racing. In the distance, I saw two more assassins clad in similar robes. They moved with incredible speed, striking Sayo and Lucaus with precision.

  Sayo barely had time to raise her daggers before she was struck in the chest, her body crumpling to the ground. Lucaus swung his sword in desperation, but the second assassin evaded his attack effortlessly and delivered a powerful blow to his head.

  “No!” I shouted, starting to run toward them.

  The assassins moved quickly, grabbing Sayo and Lucaus and slinging them over their shoulders.

  “Let them go!” I roared, dashing forward.

  But before I could close the distance, the assassin who had controlled the warwolves stepped in front of me.

  “You’re not going anywhere,” they said, their voice filled with cold amusement.

  I lunged at them, my daggers glowing with energy, but they dodged my attack with ease.

  “You’re strong,” they admitted, their movements fluid as they avoided each of my strikes. “But you’re reckless. And now you’ll pay the price for your arrogance.”

  As I swung my dagger again, the assassin caught my wrist with one hand and drove a needle into my neck with the other.

  “What—” I gasped, stumbling backward.

  A strange numbness spread through my body, and my vision blurred.

  “You fought well,” the assassin said, stepping back as I fell to my knees. “But this is where your journey ends—for now.”

  I tried to fight the effects, forcing myself to stay conscious, but the drug was too strong.

  The last thing I saw before darkness consumed me was the three assassins disappearing into the night, taking Sayo and Lucaus with them.

  When I woke up, I was alone in the clearing, the bodies of the warwolves scattered around me. The realization hit me like a blow to the chest.

  They were gone.

  The sun began to rise over the forest, its golden rays breaking through the shadows of the night. I stood amidst the carnage, my body aching and my mind racing. Sayo and Lucaus were gone, taken by those assassins. My fists clenched, anger bubbling beneath the surface.

  “I won’t let this slide,” I muttered to myself.

  I activated my Sprint skill, my legs burning with newfound determination. The forest blurred around me as I pushed my body to its limits, my focus set on one goal: the kingdom. If those assassins thought they could hide from me, they were sorely mistaken.

  The hours passed as I dashed through the dense woods, jumping over fallen trees and navigating treacherous paths. My stamina drained rapidly, but I refused to stop. Memories of Sayo’s laughter and Lucaus’s determination filled my mind, fueling my resolve.

  Finally, the forest opened up, revealing a vast plain. In the distance, the towering walls of the kingdom stood tall, its gates bustling with activity as travelers and merchants entered.

  I approached the gate, my clothes tattered and bloodied from the battle. The guards eyed me warily, their hands instinctively moving toward their weapons.

  “Halt,” one of them said, stepping forward. “State your business.”

  “I need to enter the kingdom,” I replied, my voice steady despite the exhaustion.

  The guard frowned. “Do you have an identification card?”

  I shook my head. “No, but I want to make a temporary one.”

  The guard sighed, motioning me to a small booth nearby. “Fill out the necessary details. It’ll cost you 5 silver coins.”

  After completing the paperwork and handing over the coins, I was handed a temporary identification card.

  “Welcome to the kingdom,” the guard said as he opened the gate.

  I stepped inside, the sounds of bustling markets and the chatter of townsfolk surrounding me. But I paid them no attention. My mind was solely focused on my mission.

  Standing in the heart of the kingdom, I clenched the card in my hand and gazed toward the horizon.

  “Sayo… Lucaus…” I whispered, my voice filled with determination.

  “I will find you two for sure!”

  The streets of the kingdom were bustling with activity, but the air felt heavy, almost oppressive. I wandered through the cobblestone roads, my eyes taking in every detail. Merchants shouted their wares from stalls, while children in tattered clothes ran barefoot through the alleys. It was a stark contrast to the polished carriages and well-dressed nobles who passed by without a glance at the struggling commoners.

  As I walked further, the gap between the rich and the poor became painfully obvious. Nobles, adorned in luxurious silks and jewels, strolled along clean, well-maintained paths, their laughter carefree. On the other side of the street, commoners huddled together, some begging for scraps while others toiled with tired faces.

  A young girl with dirt-streaked cheeks tugged at the hem of my cloak, her eyes wide with desperation.

  “Please, sir,” she pleaded, holding out a small wooden bowl. “Just a coin… my brother is sick, and we have no food.”

  Her words stung. I reached into my pouch, pulling out a bag full of 25 bronze coins, 20 silver coin and 10 gold coins and placed it in her bowl. Because I have a lot of coins as I encountered many bandits.

  She opened the bag and said, “But, sir.... This is too much for me.”

  “Don’t think. Take care of your brother and use it safely,” I said softly.

  Her face lit up with gratitude, and she ran off into the crowd.

  I continued walking, my thoughts growing darker with every step. Near the central square, a nobleman berated a fruit vendor, accusing him of selling spoiled goods. The vendor, an elderly man with a hunched back, apologized profusely, but the noble struck him across the face without hesitation.

  “Know your place, filth!” the noble spat, tossing a handful of coins at the vendor before walking away.

  I clenched my fists, my anger bubbling to the surface. The sight of such cruelty disgusted me. But I knew better than to act recklessly in this unfamiliar territory.

  The further I ventured, the more I realized how broken this kingdom was. Lavish mansions stood proudly in the noble district, their gardens lush and vibrant, while the commoner neighbourhoods were crowded with crumbling houses and filth-strewn streets.

  “This kingdom is rotten,” I muttered under my breath. “No wonder the people suffer.”

  As the day turned to evening, I found myself in a small tavern on the edge of the commoner district. The smell of ale and roasted meat filled the air, but the mood was somber. Conversations were hushed, and the patrons avoided making eye contact.

  Sitting at a corner table, I sipped a glass of water and observed the room.

  “This place… it’s not just about Sayo and Lucaus anymore,” I thought. “If I’m going to stay here, I need to understand the power structure—and maybe, just maybe, make a difference.”

  The image of the young girl and the fruit vendor lingered in my mind as I finished my drink and left the tavern.

  Stepping into the cool night air, I gazed up at the towering castle in the distance. Its grandeur only served as a reminder of the stark divide between the nobles and the commoners.

  “I’ll start with finding Sayo and Lucaus,” I murmured to myself. “But after that… maybe it’s time for this kingdom to see some real change.”

  With that resolve, I headed back to the inn I’d found earlier, ready to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead.

  The night was quiet, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows across the room. I sat on the edge of the bed, my thoughts swirling with everything I had seen in the kingdom. The bustling streets, the careless nobles, the beggars and workers crushed underfoot—the stark inequality had unsettled me.

  I could still see the face of that old vendor, trembling in front of the noble. And the little girl, desperately trying to save her brother. It was wrong. All of it was wrong.

  “I can’t just sit by and watch,” I muttered to myself, clenching my fists. The anger I had been holding in for so long finally started to burn brighter.

  I paced back and forth in the room, mulling over my options. If I was going to stay in this kingdom, I couldn’t simply be an observer. I had to act. It wasn’t enough to find Sayo and Lucaus and rescue them. There were bigger forces at play here—forces that kept the common people oppressed and suffering.

  “Those nobles… they have no idea what it’s like for the people they trample on. But maybe they’ll understand if someone teaches them a lesson,” I thought, a dangerous smirk forming on my face.

  The more I thought about it, the clearer the picture became. The nobles couldn’t be the only ones responsible for this corruption. Someone had to be orchestrating everything from behind the scenes. The king, perhaps? The more I considered it, the more it made sense.

  “Could it be the king himself pulling the strings?” I wondered. “What if he’s behind all the assassinations, the corruption, the suffering of the people? After all, he’s the one with the most power in the kingdom.”

  I leaned against the wall, my mind racing. If the king was indeed behind all of this, then I had to confront him. I had to uncover the truth—no matter the cost.

  I looked out of the window at the kingdom sprawled before me, a city of contrasts. The upper city glittered with wealth, while the lower city festered with decay. People were suffering, and the cause of that suffering had to be dealt with.

  “No more. I won’t stand by and watch this kingdom rot from the inside out,” I vowed, a burning determination taking hold of me. “I’ll find Sayo and Lucaus, but after that... I will expose the truth. I’ll make sure the nobles learn that they can’t keep abusing the common people.”

  With that thought, I made my decision. The road ahead would be difficult, but I was ready. I had already seen enough of this kingdom’s injustices.

  I had a feeling that my next steps would be dangerous, but I didn’t care. The people needed someone to stand up for them—and I was going to be that person.

  The king, the nobles, the assassins—they would all feel the consequences of their actions.

  “I’ll find you, Sayo. I’ll find you, Lucaus,” I whispered to myself. “And when I do, I’ll make sure you’re safe. But after that, I will bring this kingdom to its knees.”

  With a final glance out the window, I extinguished the candle and lay back in bed, the weight of my resolve settling over me like a cloak. Tomorrow would be the beginning of something new. The end of the corruption, and the rise of someone who would bring real change.

  And as I closed my eyes, the thought lingered in my mind—Maybe the king is behind all this assassination and corruption. But I’ll find out. I’ll expose everything.