This place reeks.
The air is thick with the stench of alcohol, the metallic smell of blood, and the cold scent of blades and sword.
-"Get up, kid. You're not allowed to sleep here. If you don't stand up, we'll use force."
Two men dragged me to my feet. Spears and iron swords were clenched in their hands, the cold gleam of metal reflecting before my eyes.
-"Ugh… my head hurts… Where am I…?"
The two men in armor showed no patience.
-"Go back to the other side. Take one more step forward, and we won't hold back."
I slowly stood up, my head pounding like it was being struck by a hammer.
But what frightened me even more was—
I remembered nothing.
I didn't remember my name.
I didn't remember where I came from.
I didn't remember why I was here.
It felt as if I had just been brought back to life, only to already be lying in this place.
Ahead of me stood a run-down tavern. With nowhere else to go, I walked toward it.
Trash was scattered everywhere along the street—filthy and foul-smelling. The stench of blood, alcohol, and societal decay assaulted my nose.
What a strange place.
I stepped inside the tavern.
Inside were packing of rough-looking men with vicious expressions, drinking and indulging themselves. I chose a small chair at the far end of the room and sat down.
The tavern was old and worn, the wooden floor creaking loudly every time someone walked by.
At the center of the room sat a large, obese man, eating and drinking. Grease dripped down his chin, soaking his clothes as he gulped down beer. Laughing loudly, he spoke to the men beside him.
-"You idiots don't know a damn thing. I'm the real boss of this area. Don't even think about those guys from Heavenfield."
-"Y-Yes! You're absolutely right, boss!"
Suddenly, two men turned to look at me. Their eyes were filled with ill intent as they slowly approached.
Just then, a voice rang out from a table near the fat man.
-"Hey there. Inslut about the people who are protecting you… that's not very wise."
The entire tavern fell silent.
The fat man flared with rage, and his subordinates jumped to their feet.
-"Hey! You bastard! How dare you talk to Lord Kulcha like that?!"
The cloaked man replies calmly
-"I didn't say anything wrong, Im just telling the truth."
Kulcha's anger exploded.
-"You little shit! You think you're on the same level as me?!"
He leapt up, knocking over the table in front of him, and grabbed a wooden mace. Without hesitation, he charged toward the mysterious man, raising his weapon high.
-"Die, you bastard!"
The cloaked man didn't move.
-"You're wasting food," he said quietly.
SHHNK—
A golden flash of light filled the room, spilling out through the tavern door.
Kulcha's arm was severed cleanly, flying through the air before crashing onto the floor.
He screamed in agony, collapsing as he writhed in pain. His subordinates staggered back in terror.
-"W-Who the hell are you?! Lord Kulcha is the strongest in this area!"
-"Oh, that?"
The mysterious man removed his cloak, revealing a refined, handsome face. Embedded in the center of his forehead was a small, glowing golden gem.
-"I am Ares," he said.
-"A Grand Commander of Heavenfield."
The tavern instantly erupted into chaos. The men who had been acting tough moments ago now fled in panic.
Still confused, I turned to the two men who had tried to approach me earlier.
-"Heavenfield… what is that?"
They stared at me as if I were insane.
-"What are you saying?! Run! If he gets angry, we're all dead!"
Kulcha remained on the ground, groaning in pain, while Ares calmly walked toward the exit. He glanced back at the tavern one last time and muttered softly.
-"Seems… it's not here after all."
He was about to leave.
For some reason, a strange impulse surged within my chest.
-"Wait!" I blurted out.
-"I want to go with you, Ares!"
The remaining men screamed in horror.
-"Is this kid crazy?! They're our enemies!"
Ares turned back, a look of interest in his eyes.
-"Someone from the Underworld wanting to join Heavenfield? How interesting."
He smiled.
-"Very well, young man. Heavenfield welcomes everyone."
Even I didn't understand myself.
Why did I say those words?
It felt as if… it wasn't my will at all,
but this body making the decision on its own.