The seasons passed quietly.
Yozaro was now fifteen.
The boy who had entered the Royal Academy with a wooden sword had grown into one of its brightest students.
He was taller, his shoulders broader from years of training.
His black hair was tied behind his head, and his crimson eyes had become calmer than ever.
People still called him The Crimson Swordsman.
Not because he sought fame…
But because he never ignored those who needed help.
The academy courtyard was packed.
Headmaster Aldric stood before hundreds of students.
“This year, Team Seven has completed more missions than any student team in the last thirty years.”
Applause erupted.
Kael scratched his head awkwardly.
“We’re actually famous now.”
Rex laughed.
“I like being famous.”
Luna sighed.
“You like free food.”
“…That’s also true.”
Even Yozaro laughed.
After the ceremony, a royal knight approached.
“His Majesty requests your presence.”
Inside the palace…
King Aurelius stood beside a giant map.
Princess Elenia stood quietly beside him.
The King’s expression was serious.
“Three weeks ago…”
“An entire expedition disappeared inside the Ruins of Valeria.”
He pointed to a red mark on the map.
“Our scouts found signs of the Cult.”
Aldric folded his arms.
“We cannot send the army.”
“The neighboring kingdoms would mistake it for an invasion.”
The King nodded.
“So…”
He looked at Team Seven.
“I’m asking you.”
“Will you investigate?”
Without hesitation…
Yozaro stepped forward.
“We accept.”
As preparations began…
Raizen arrived carrying a long wooden box.
“I have one more gift.”
He opened it.
Inside rested a black cloak embroidered with silver thread.
“This was your father’s traveling cloak.”
“It has been enchanted to resist heat, cold, and minor magic.”
Yozaro carefully draped it over his shoulders. Find the original chapter at g.com.
For a brief moment…
He felt as if Gareth were standing beside him again.
“I’ll wear it with honor.”
The academy gathered to see Team Seven off.
Cedric walked toward Yozaro.
Everyone expected another challenge.
Instead…
He extended his hand.
“When you come back…”
“We’ll settle our score.”
Yozaro smiled.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
They shook hands.
No jealousy.
No hatred.
Only respect.
The journey to Valeria would take nearly a month.
The first few days were peaceful.
Rolling green hills.
Small villages.
Children waving as adventurers passed.
At night…
The group camped beneath the stars.
Around the fire, Kael grinned.
“Let’s make a promise.”
“What kind?”
“No matter what happens…”
“We all come back.”
Rex immediately held out his fist.
“I’m in.”
Mira placed hers on top.
“So am I.”
Luna hesitated only a second before joining.
Finally…
Yozaro placed his hand over theirs.
“We return together.”
Five days into the journey…
Fenrir suddenly stopped.
His ears stood upright.
He growled softly.
The smell of smoke drifted through the trees.
The team hurried forward.
A merchant caravan lay in ruins.
Broken wagons.
Scattered supplies.
Several guards lay injured.
A little girl hid beneath an overturned cart, trembling.
Yozaro slowly approached.
“It’s alright.”
The girl looked up with tear-filled eyes.
“…They took my father.”
Before anyone could ask who—
An arrow struck the ground between them.
A rough voice echoed from the forest.
“Leave.”
“This doesn’t concern you.”
Dozens of armed bandits emerged from the trees.
Their armor wasn’t ordinary.
Each wore the symbol of a black wolf.
Kael frowned.
“They’re organized.”
Yozaro’s gaze sharpened.
“No…”
“They’re mercenaries.”
The leader stepped forward.
Handsome.
Scar across one eye.
A massive greatsword rested on his shoulder.
“My name is Darius Voss.”
“We’ve been paid to delay anyone heading toward Valeria.”
He smiled.
“If you turn back…”
“No one else has to die.”
Rex slammed his axe into the ground.
“We’re not leaving innocent people.”
Luna quietly raised her staff.
Mana gathered around her fingertips.
Mira began healing the wounded guards.
Yozaro slowly drew Dawnbringer.
The silver blade reflected the evening sun.
“I’ve heard my master say something once.”
Darius tilted his head.
“What was it?”
Yozaro pointed his sword toward the mercenary captain.
“A swordsman should avoid battle whenever possible.”
He took one step forward.
“…But when battle becomes unavoidable…”
A cold wind swept across the ruined road.
“…End it without hesitation.”
Darius smiled for the first time.
“…Good answer.”
He raised his greatsword.
“Men!”
“Formation!”
The mercenaries charged.
And Team Seven charged to meet them.