The mountains crumbled, collapsing under a heavy pressure, and in the middle of the chaos, Goliath began absorbing the mountain itself. His body transformed, merging with the stone, until he stood as tall and vast as a mountain. The wind howled violently, the atmosphere turned pitch black, and thunder roared across the sky. The Black Reaper marched through the storming heavens, his cloak fluttering with rage, as he let out a dreadful roar commanding his army of death. Far away, Lyoth sat quietly, one hand resting on his face. His cold eyes stared into the distance before he spoke a single command — "Bring me the Black Stone… and destroy everything." The army began to march forward. Goliath walked with them, massive and terrifying. Each step he took made the ground tremble, and the wind grew heavier with his presence.
In Wingman City, Aron suddenly woke up, his body drenched in sweat. A nightmare had haunted him — a deep voice whispering in his ear: "Your champion is here… follow the path… avenge… kill… this is your destiny." The words echoed in his mind like thunder. Aron clutched his head in pain; it felt like a terrible headache mixed with confusion and fear. Still breathing heavily, he stood up to get some water, trying to calm himself down. But as he stepped out, he froze — Lilith was standing right in front of him. They stared at each other in silence. Lilith looked hesitant at first, but then finally spoke, "I… I apologize. I was being reckless… brother."
The word "brother" echoed in Aron's heart like a deep memory. In that moment, as Lilith stood there, Aron saw an image of Kyle flash in front of him. He felt the sincerity behind Lilith's apology. Aron took a step forward and softly said, "It's okay… I accept your apology." A small smile appeared on both of their faces.
Then Aron spoke, "Wanna go outside? Let's talk." Lilith nodded, "Sure, but wait — Master will catch us. Let's sneak out first." They moved quietly, sneaking past Master and Hans, who were deep in conversation. A small rock was thrown behind them. Hans turned to check, but by the time he looked, the boys had slipped away.
Though it was still night, the sky hinted at the coming sunrise. They ran together toward the cliff, their hearts light. When they reached it, they stood at the edge, breathing the fresh air.
Aron laughed a little, "Man… you really made me tired."
Lilith smiled back, "Haha… Look, I brought this book. It holds the miracles and history of the world. Wanna give it a look?"
Aron nodded, "Sure."
They both sat on a large stone slab, and Lilith blew the dust off the cover. As he opened the first page, a glowing symbol appeared — the letter N. Aron's eyes widened. It was the same letter carved into the pages of his own book. But this one… was a story.
Lilith pointed to the page. "Look, Aron. This is the man who once destroyed darkness. Legend says he sacrificed himself for humanity. But in the end… he couldn't fully destroy the evil. He just put it into a deep sleep. A sleep that can only be broken… if someone finds the Black Stone."
Aron tilted his head, curious. "Black Stone? What is that?"
Lilith replied seriously, "It's a sign of death itself. It can resurrect anyone… but it's dangerous. Only one bloodline in humanity can even touch it. Anyone else… even if they touch it… they melt."
"Melt? That's ridiculous, man," Aron laughed.
Lilith continued, "My father used to tell me stories of Norm — the guardian. He had deep ties with our family."
Aron leaned forward. "Who was your father?"
Lilith looked up. "My father's name was Yade Thoms. My name is Lilith Thoms. And you?"
Aron paused. "Are you sure you can handle it?"
Lilith nodded, "Of course."
"My name is Aron Norm… Son of Agarth Norm."
Lilith's eyes widened. His breath caught. "Wait… really? Damn… I knew something was off about you from the start."
Aron stared into the distance. "I know. My kingdom… your kingdom… both destroyed. My parents, my siblings… all gone."
Lilith looked down. "I know, friend. The last time I saw my dad, he was preparing for war. He told me something big was coming… that's why he sent me here. This old man we stay with — he used to serve my father."
Aron asked, "So how did you survive that war?"
"I didn't. Not really. It was pure luck… or fate," Aron replied. "I remember finding my mother… her skin burned… yet I still felt warmth in her hands. I carried her… her… her…" The wind grew heavy. His hair swayed as his voice cracked. "I thought I could save her… but her breath left her. I buried her… and there was one more grave near the tree. I don't know whose it was."
Lilith looked into the sky. "I wish I had even one grave to bury my father or mother in. Now I only wish to protect my sister."
Aron looked at him, firmly. "For that, you need to be stronger. Better. Brave."
They both stood up. Without saying anything, they reached for each other's hand and shook it firmly. Aron said, "From now on… we are brothers. We'll always have each other's backs."
Lilith smiled. "Agreed."
As the sun finally rose, painting the sky in gold, the two stood together, proud. Aron stretched. "Let's learn swordsmanship."
They returned home. As expected, the old man was furious — flustered and angry. But Lilith stepped forward with courage. "Master."
The old man raised his eyebrows. "Yes, boy?"
"We want to join swordsmanship."
The old man smiled faintly. "Ah… I knew it. You two want to fight, huh? I can sense the spirit. Very well. Tomorrow, you'll pack your bags and leave for training camp. Hans will go with you."
Lilith groaned, "Nooo, not Hans! That man is seriously disturbing."
The old man chuckled, "Don't worry. He's going there for swordsmanship too."
Then he turned serious. "Lilith, step outside. I need to speak with Aron."
Aron stood there, nervous. The old man walked over and slowly handed him something wrapped in black cloth. Aron unwrapped it — it was the Black Blade.
"This blade," the old man said, "can only be forged and repaired by its master. That master… is you. Which means you must learn blacksmithing first."
Aron held the blade carefully. "Then I'll learn blacksmithing first."
The old man smiled, "That's the spirit. When you reach the training camp in the city, find a man named Wood. Tell him I sent you."
Elsewhere, horses snorted as they galloped toward the castle. The gates opened wide as soldiers stepped aside. A rider dismounted and marched into a chamber. Inside, a broad, muscular man stood with a sword resting beside him. "They're coming here, Commander."
The man nodded slowly. His eyes were full of fury. "Let them come… We will destroy them." A heavy aura spread through the room like death itself had awakened.