Haru slowly opened his eyes, the faint golden light of morning filtering through the crystal windows.
The bed beneath him was soft — too soft — the kind of comfort that still felt unreal.
He sat up, rubbing his neck. How long have I been asleep?
After washing up, he stepped outside the room. The marble halls of the elven castle were alive with movement.
Elves ran past him, armored and armed, their cloaks fluttering like streaks of green and silver.
The calm beauty of Silver Grove was gone — replaced with tension, sharp and heavy in the air.
Haru frowned and stopped one of the younger warriors who was rushing by, his silver hair tied tightly behind his ears.
"Hey—what's going on?" Haru asked.
The elf turned, breathing hard. "You didn't hear? There's another battle… this time in the south. The Fifth Seat of Paradox has appeared."
Haru's eyes widened. "Fifth seat?"
The elf nodded grimly. "Yes. It's not like the others. This one's stronger — much stronger. Even the elder units are preparing to depart."
He tightened the strap of his gauntlet and continued, "They say this one wields black fire… and commands thousands of undead. The king's forces are already mobilizing."
Haru's grip tightened around his robe. Another Seat of Paradox... so soon?
He looked out the balcony. Below, the courtyard blazed with motion — dozens of elven knights forming ranks, mages chanting spells of preparation, and the great wyverns being armed for flight.
Something deep inside him stirred — the same restless fire that burned every time chaos appeared.
This time, Haru didn't wait for orders.
He didn't ask permission.
The moment he heard Fifth Seat of Paradox, his body moved before his mind could stop him.
Outside the castle gates, the elven forces were already mounting their carriages and beasts. The air smelled of steel, dust, and mana — heavy, charged, and ready for war.
Haru glanced at his system panel.
> [Level: 63]
Is this enough… to fight one of them?
His expression tightened, a flicker of worry in his eyes. "Level 63…" he muttered. "I've come far—but still…"
He exhaled and shook his head. No more doubts.
Without hesitation, he climbed onto one of the carriages.
The elves already seated inside turned their heads — eyes widening the moment they recognized him.
"Wait—isn't that the human?The One Who defended the north?" one whispered.
Another, a female archer, frowned with concern. "Sir Haru, you shouldn't come. The Fifth Seat is… beyond anyone's control. Even our High Command fears it."
Haru just offered a faint smile. "That's why I'm coming."
Silence filled the carriage.
The rhythmic clack-clack of wheels against the stone echoed as they sped through the forest road, golden leaves blurring past.
Outside, magic beasts howled in the distance. The tension was suffocating.
One of the elves, his hands trembling slightly, asked softly,
"Human… are you going to be okay?"
Haru leaned back against the wooden wall, eyes fixed on the faint shimmer of his sword at his side.
His voice came quiet, calm — almost detached.
"I don't know," he said. "But I'll make sure they won't reach this land."
The elves exchanged looks — fear and respect mixing in their gazes.
Even without wings, that human carried an aura that felt heavier than the forest itself.