Valkryie

Before she could protest further, he stepped forward and took matters into his own hands. With swift efficiency, he retrieved what he needed. Fresh water, clean gauze, a sterilizing agent. He barely needed to think about the process—his hands worked on instinct, cleaning the wound thoroughly before applying a thin layer of antiseptic.

Rhianna winced as he worked, but she didn't resist. Kayvaan caught the way her gaze lingered on him—not in fear, but in trust. A blind faith born from what she had just endured. "Bear with it," he said, finishing the treatment. He wrapped the wound in gauze, securing it firmly before stepping back. "Done."

Rhianna clenched her fist experimentally, testing the tightness of the wrapping. She grimaced at the sting but nodded in approval. "That's it?"

Kayvaan smirked. "What, were you expecting something dramatic?"

"But the dagger was poisoned," she pointed out. "Shouldn't I be dying?"

Kayvaan let out a dry chuckle. "Rhianna, think for a moment. You live in a world that still thinks leeches are the pinnacle of medicine. You really think they've mastered advanced poisons?" He shook his head. "Whatever he used was crude at best. I've already cleaned the wound and neutralized any trace of toxin. You'll be fine."

Rhianna exhaled, nodding. "Alright." For the first time since the fight ended, she allowed herself to relax.

Kayvaan watched her carefully. "And what now?"

Rhianna hesitated. "…I never really thought about it." She sighed, glancing at the fire. "Before you appeared, my only plan was to survive. I thought I'd join an adventuring party, earn enough coin to ensure my sister never had to struggle again." Her fingers tightened around the edge of her sleeve. "I joined Nighthawk for a reason. I just wanted to make Youlun suffer. I never thought I'd actually kill him." She shook her head. "Now that it's over, it doesn't feel real." She looked up at him, determination in her eyes. "Whatever comes next, I'll follow your lead."

Kayvaan's gaze remained steady. "Just like that? You don't care who I am? Where I come from? What my goals are?"

Rhianna gave him a wry smile. "My sword belongs to you."

Kayvaan snorted. "Your sword? Rhianna, you're not a sword yet. You're still too fragile. Too dull." He paused, studying her closely. "…But you are smart."

Rhianna said nothing. Kayvaan turned slightly, looking up toward the night sky. He decided it was time to tell her the truth. "People like you live with their heads down. You only see what's in front of you—the land, the city, the struggles of everyday survival. Even the so-called scholars and priests of this world have no concept of what truly exists beyond their borders." He pointed to the sky. "There are battles being fought beyond this world—wars greater than anything you could imagine. And you, like everyone else, are blind to them."

Rhianna followed his gaze, staring at the stars. Kayvaan continued. "Epic wars rage beyond this sky. Wars that have shaped entire civilizations. Wars that decide the fate of countless souls." His voice hardened. "The enemies we fight are unlike anything you have ever seen. Some are monsters—abominations that crawl from the darkness between dimensions. Others are horrors from beyond the veil of reality. There are creatures that no mortal should ever have to face."

Rhianna swallowed. "…Then why are you here?"

Kayvaan turned back to her. "I came to this world for one reason," he said. "To find warriors."

Rhianna's breath hitched. "I came here to seek out those with the will to fight. The strongest, the bravest. Those who are willing to stand against the darkness, no matter the cost. And when I find them, I will train them. Shape them into something greater." He met her gaze directly. "And then, I will lead them to war."

Rhianna's mouth hung open in disbelief. It took her several moments to find her voice. "You—you're talking about the wars in the heavens? Are you saying you're truly a warrior of the God-Emperor? A guardian of the world? Are you serious?"

Kayvaan regarded her impassively. "I've never lied to you, nor do I have any reason to." His voice was steady, unwavering. "Not everyone is worthy to fight in this war. The enemies we face are beyond anything you can imagine—powerful, relentless, utterly merciless. Standing against them requires more than just strength. It demands willpower, discipline, and an unbreakable resolve." His gaze sharpened. "The weak have no place in this battle. Some would die from sheer terror the moment they saw what we fight against."

Rhianna swallowed, but Kayvaan wasn't finished. "I seek only the strongest. The best. But how do I ensure that the warriors I choose are truly worthy? How do I guarantee that heroes will continue to rise? Reputation and rumor are worthless. Even your so-called 'Number One Killer of Nighthawk' was nothing more than a fool." His eyes locked onto hers. "Remember this, Rhianna—he didn't die because you were strong. He died because he was arrogant."

Rhianna frowned. "So, you do have a plan."

Kayvaan nodded. "Have you ever heard of the legend of the Valkyries?"

Rhianna blinked. "No."

"It's an ancient tale, originating from the warrior traditions of a barbarian culture. They mythologized strength, turning their greatest fighters into legends. According to the stories, the Valkyries were the daughters of a supreme god, tasked with watching over battlefields. Only the most exceptional warriors—those who displayed the highest courage—could see them in their final moments. The Valkyries would then guide them to the Hall of Valor, where only the most worthy were granted a place among the honored dead." Kayvaan's expression darkened, his voice taking on a quiet intensity. "That, Rhianna, is what I want you to become."

Rhianna hesitated. "But… belief in other gods is forbidden by the Holy Church. If they think I'm—"

"You misunderstand," Kayvaan interrupted. "I have no interest in creating a new religion. This is not about faith—it's about forging something greater. The 'Valkyrie' is simply a title, a symbol. The Holy See will not stand in our way. They will support us." His tone was absolute. "The Blue Knights will not be just another order of warriors. It will be an elite brotherhood, one that will draw the strongest individuals from across the world."

Rhianna listened carefully as he continued. "Hunters, assassins, knights, warpriests, mercenaries, soldiers—anyone with strength will be welcome, no matter their origins, no matter their weapons. The only condition is that they must be exceptional." He folded his arms. "This will be more than just a gathering of warriors. Over time, it will become a beacon—one that attracts more and more powerful individuals. And when the time comes, I will choose from among them the very best. The strongest. The bravest. Those worthy of something greater."

Rhianna was quiet for a long moment before she finally spoke. "And why would these warriors join you?"