When Nujah opened his eyes…
"Where is this…?" he wondered. It was a place he had never seen before. He lifted his head and saw the sun shining above.
"This… is Earth? But how…?"
Then his gaze caught a massive statue—
A statue that looked exactly like him.
He walked toward it slowly. The base of the monument was covered with countless flowers, toys, and painted handprints. On a plaque beneath the statue, words were carved:
"Endless gratitude. We can never repay your courage."
Nujah's lips trembled.
"Am I dead? … Wait, what am I saying? Of course I'm dead. But this isn't Alvaren's castle. My memories tell me death should mean hunger, filth, and despair… yet here, there was light. Hope. Life energy everywhere. So much of it that just trying to think made my head spin."
As he steadied himself, he noticed a family nearby.
A young boy he didn't recognize pulled a samurai-like toy from his backpack, placed it at the foot of the statue, and began to pray with his mother.
Nujah watched carefully.
When the boy stood up, he whispered:
"This toy belonged to my grandfather. I hope you like it. Thank you… for everything."
Together with his mother, he walked away.
Nujah approached the toy slowly. The samurai figure was beautifully crafted, though it carried no trace of life energy. Yet the moment he held it, a strange excitement and gratitude welled up inside him.
"But there's still a problem… Who am I now? Where am I? And what am I doing here?"
He hurried to find a shop nearby, clutching the toy. Stepping inside, he tried to speak to the shopkeeper. But the man gave no response—
as if he couldn't hear or see him at all.
Nujah's eyes darted to a mirror.
Nothing.
His reflection was gone.
Only the toy remained—floating in midair, visible to anyone who looked.
The shopkeeper saw it, screamed, and ran out.
Nujah slipped quickly through the back door, trying not to draw attention. But before he could leave, soldiers burst inside.
They looked around, confused—seeing nothing.
Then a hoarse, trembling voice spoke:
"…Nujah? Is that… you?"
Nujah turned and recognized the speaker.
It was the old captain of Seren Valinea's guard.
Nujah smiled faintly.
"It's been a long time…" he said.
The old commander froze in shock when he saw Nujah's presence."Nujah? Is that… you?" he whispered.
The soldiers rushed over."Commander, who are you talking to?" they asked.They searched the area, but found no one. The commander steadied himself and said,"False alarm. Calm the man down and clear this place."
The soldiers obeyed without question."Understood!" they said, dispersing slowly.
Nujah smiled faintly."My father's spear suits you well… even if he was a vile man."
The general planted the spear into the ground and sat down."We, the soldiers of King Arthur, take as an honor the weapon of the strongest one we've slain. Ever since I first held this spear, I've felt calmer, stronger. I know it's disgusting to think this way—because it's a weapon that killed you, and so many innocents. But since the day I took it… I haven't lost a single battle."
Nujah replied calmly:"It's no problem to me. As long as it keeps you and innocent people standing… my family's belongings are yours. They always deserve to be used for good."
For a moment, silence lingered. Nujah also lowered himself to sit on the ground."What happened to my siblings? Tell me… what happened?"
The general took a deep breath."After the funeral, Lady Seren took them in. She treats them as her own, handling their special training personally. As for now… in short, let's say they're happy. Lady Seren does everything she can so they won't feel your absence. Every evening, she visits the grave. Even King Arthur, no matter how busy, comes each night to pray and to thank you—because you managed to save your sister's life, and kept many of his soldiers from harm."
Nujah nodded slowly."I only did what I had to. Such gratitude isn't necessary. But… I'm glad they can forget the past a little and live happily."He paused, then added with a small smile:"Strange question… but I never asked your name. What was it?"
The commander smiled faintly."It's fine—we weren't together long. My name is Erymas."
Nujah tilted his head."Erymas… feels like I've heard it before, but I can't remember. Well then, pleased to meet you, Erymas. I think it's best if I leave now. Something tells me I shouldn't linger here too long."
Erymas shook his head."I can't let you go without seeing your siblings and Lady Seren."
Nujah frowned."I don't have the time. Besides, seeing me would only weigh them down with more pain from the past."
He stepped forward, but Erymas raised his spear."What's the meaning of this, Erymas?!" Nujah snapped angrily.
Erymas' voice was steady."I assume you heard me clearly. Even as a ghost, you managed to grasp my hand. And I'm certain that this weapon, the one that killed you, could still harm your spirit body. So until I understand what you really are, I cannot let you leave. And besides… this way, Lady Seren's wish to see you one last time will be fulfilled."
Nujah narrowed his eyes."So if I refuse… you threaten to kill me?"
"Until I understand what you are—yes. We don't see ghosts every day in this kingdom." Erymas replied.
Nujah exhaled deeply."Very well. Show me the way."
And so he was taken to the barracks. From outside, people found it strange to see their commander walking with his spear held aloft, as if guiding something unseen. Inside, Nujah was forced into a cell. The soldiers whispered rumors, but none dared defy their commander.
Inside the cage, Nujah lay down on the bed—but the moment he tried, his body slipped through and hit the floor."What am I supposed to do here?.." he thought aloud.
An idea struck him. He touched the wall—his body passed through it. While the commander was gone, Nujah darted through the walls and made it outside. But just as he felt freedom, he collapsed. His body seemed to be tearing apart, golden light burning inside him, leaving him too weak to rise.
Then, a woman's voice rang out:"I can't believe it…"
Erymas' voice followed:"I told you, my Lady."
The woman rushed forward, grabbing Nujah by the neck."Erymas! Don't just stand there—help me!" she shouted.
Erymas stammered,"My Queen, but—"
"No buts! Hold him!" she snapped.
Together, they carried Nujah into the cathedral.
Inside, shocked voices whispered:"This… this is Nujah!"
Erymas silenced them quickly:"Lady Seren does not wish for disturbance. Return to your seats, all of you."
Nujah was laid down where the guests sat. But the golden light within him burned through his body, starting from his eyes.
Seren knelt beside him."Can you hear me, Nujah? It's me… Seren."
Nujah couldn't speak—his throat and body were scorched. But he lifted his thumb weakly upward.
Seren turned her gaze on Erymas.Her eyes said enough.
Erymas quickly defended himself:"I swear—I didn't lay a finger on him! I only threatened… My Queen!"
As Nujah's body burned more fiercely, Seren clasped his hands in hers. Closing her eyes, she began to pray. Her own hands caught fire.
Erymas lunged forward instinctively, but Seren barked at him:"Touch him and you'll regret it—I'll see you banished!"
In moments, Seren drew the pain into herself, sharing it, until Nujah's body calmed. When his burns faded, she finally let go. Erymas immediately sent for a physician.
But Seren shouted after him:"Come back here!"
When Erymas returned, he saw that her charred hands had already healed—restored stronger than before.
Erymas asked in awe,"Then… what shall we do now, my Queen?"
Seren's voice was resolute."Call upon anyone my brother trusted—anyone skilled in magic and truly reliable. Bring them here at once. We'll be waiting."