The night that was supposed to be silent in Alexandria had turned into hell. The sky was torn apart by fire, and the roars of demons echoed from every direction. Human screams—desperate and dying—ripped through the final silence of the kingdom.
My footsteps echoed through the palace corridor, stained with blood and rubble. I pushed open the large doors that still stood tall, and beyond them, a regal figure stared at me.
"Your Majesty, the situation is out of control. You must leave immediately."
But Queen Rose Von Starlight met my gaze sharply, her eyes filled with courage, not an ounce of fear.
"Why should I leave?" she said, her voice calm yet resolute. "When death itself is already standing before me?"
I clenched my teeth. "You must not give up, Your Majesty! The continent of Eldia has already fallen. If you remain here, then Astria will—"
"I know," she whispered, cutting me off. Her gaze drifted blankly toward the cracked ceiling of the palace. "It's only a matter of time before Astria follows Eldia…"
She took a deep breath, as if preparing herself for the end.
"…Arvant."
I bowed my head slightly. "What is it you wish to ask, Your Majesty?"
She rose to her feet, her body frail, but her eyes still burning with the fire of conviction.
"Why did you betray mankind… the seventh Hero, Arvant Starlight?"
I remained silent. My hand gripped the hilt of the sword at my side.
"I asked you a question!" she shouted, her lips trembling.
My gaze locked onto hers.
"I had no other choice… Your Majesty, Queen Rose Von Starlight."
"No choice?" Her voice cracked. "Since you were a child, you were destined to save this world! You were our last light, Arvant!"
I looked at her—empty eyes, a frozen heart.
"…Forgive me."
A swift thrust pierced the queen's chest. She staggered, blood staining her white royal robe. Her body collapsed into my arms.
"Ungrateful… traitorous… worthless… hero…" she whispered, her voice heavy with sorrow and disappointment.
I slowly pulled the sword from her body.
"Happy now, you damn system…" I muttered. "Because of you… I had to do this."
---
[System: Congratulations. Host has unlocked a hidden route. 10th Regression will now commence.]
---
I closed my eyes.
"This time… I swear I'll save the world—
on my own terms."