The black mark on my opponent's forehead was the last thing I expected. I recognized it immediately... the symbol of the Followers of Darkness — the faction I had written in my novel as allies to resurrect the Angel of Demons in the future. His appearance in this scene could only mean one thing: the events were accelerating, and he — the one I dare not name yet — was nearing his emergence.
But not yet... His time will come. He will reveal himself.
With the trust of the soldiers and the guards now earned, I committed myself to serious training. But I was not alone in this body. That "Golden Eye"... I never wrote it into the story — so how did it appear? Where did it come from? It dwelled within me like a sentient being, whispering horrific sounds into my mind — cries, screams, the agony of dying heroes, collapsing cities, and shattering swords.
I heard them even in my sleep.
What terrified me most was that I was no longer fully in control of my thoughts. It felt like I was living inside the minds of others — seeing their destinies, hearing their thoughts... but no one could hear me.
Days and months passed. Felix's body became a hardened weapon — powerful, refined, unmatched. I could stand against anyone... but I was losing something far more precious: my humanity. I became cold, emotionless, sleepless. The eye still burned... whispering, questioning me about things I had never written.
A week later, it was time to join the military academy on the Continent of Fire — a school renowned for producing the greatest warriors in sword and magic. I arrived in a noble carriage, adorned with my family's crest. The moment I set foot on campus, I felt eyes digging into my back. Everyone knew "Felix" — the arrogant, reckless, spoiled noble.
But that Felix was dead.
I walked quietly through the stone halls, studying the details I had once written myself — now feeling like I was reading a forgotten book. How ironic... to walk through a world I had created, constantly wondering: "Was my imagination too wild?"
In the midst of the crowd, I saw her...
Emily.
In the story, she had been Felix's fiancée — ranked S, gifted in both sword and magic. I had written her to be strong, proud, and to despise him with all her heart. I called out to her.
She turned, her eyes blazing with hatred:
"Didn't I tell you never to speak to me again? I'm no longer your fiancée! I want nothing to do with you, you filthy scoundrel who wastes time and money with no remorse!"
I lowered my gaze and said calmly:
"Speak kindly — or do not speak at all."
She froze in place. That wasn't the Felix she knew. She looked at me as if she were seeing a man in his forties — not the spoiled, foolish boy she remembered. Something had changed.
But it didn't heal her wounds.
She shouted, challenging me:
"So, you think you've changed? I challenge you to a duel! The loser apologizes and disappears from the other's life forever!"
I met her eyes and replied:
"I accept. But on one condition — if I win, let my apology be heard."
Students gathered around the arena. She chose her long sword. I chose... nothing.
She scoffed mockingly:
"You'll fight me unarmed? Cowardice or insanity?"
I answered with calm resolve:
"If you want to hunt a rabbit, carry a rifle. But to bring down a tiger... you need mind and faith."
A golden glow erupted from my eye. The red hue faded, replaced by a yellow light — like winter sunlight breaking through stormy skies. The voices returned... but this time, they were clearer — not torment, but guidance.
Emily struck first — fast, graceful, precise.
But through my eye, I saw it all as if in slow motion. Her movements were like a dance in the wind — each step frozen in time.
In one perfect moment, I stepped forward and gently placed two fingers on her forehead. Her sword fell from her hands.
Her eyes widened in shock. Her face trembled. She couldn't believe it.
But what truly stunned her... were my tears.
Yes — I, Felix, whom she knew as stone-hearted, was crying. Tears ran down the face of a man burdened with sins he hadn't committed, yet born to carry their weight.
Emily shivered, whispering to herself:
"He's changed... but he's also... in pain."
And for the first time, I felt I wasn't alone in this madness.