Dust drifted across the silent battlefield.
Aven stood there, breathing heavily amid fallen corpses and shattered weapons. His body was covered in wounds.
The war against the demons had ended in his victory.
At least, it was supposed to.
Footsteps approached from behind.
"Enough, Aven."
Aven turned around.
Zain stood before him—one of the kingdom's knight captains, just like himself. His sword was already drawn.
Behind Zain, standing calmly, was a demon commander—one who should have been killed by Aven.
"The kingdom considers you a problem," Zain said coldly.
"You are too powerful to be controlled."
Before Aven could react—
Srrt!
The blade pierced straight through his abdomen.
Aven coughed violently as blood spilled from his mouth.
Zain tightened his grip on the sword.
"I'm sorry."
SRAKK!
A brutal slash tore across Aven's chest. His body staggered before collapsing onto the ground.
His gaze turned empty.
Zain pulled his blade free, then turned away.
"I'm only following orders."
He walked off, disappearing together with the demon commander.
Hurried footsteps echoed from afar.
"Aven!"
Lucas, his closest friend and right-hand man knelt beside him.
"How could this happen? Zain… why him?"
"We need to leave. Now." Lucas tried to lift Aven's body.
"Don't." Aven weakly pushed him away.
"Pretend you didn't see this."
Lucas froze.
"Forget about me…" Aven gave a faint smile.
"Please protect my sister. Tell her I'm on a very long mission…"
"But—"
"I'm begging you, Lucas."
Lucas clenched his jaw, holding back his grief. Slowly, he stood up.
"You're the best friend I've ever had…" With heavy steps, Lucas turned and walked away.
Aven's vision began to fade.
Amid the cold air of the abandoned battlefield, a woman with long silver hair approached. Her crimson eyes stared at Aven in concern.
"You're still alive… aren't you?"
Aven looked at her briefly—then lost consciousness.
She panicked and lifted his body.
"Hey! Stay awake!"
Wings spread wide.
With a powerful flap, they rose into the air.
The woman flew swiftly toward her castle.