Chapter 6:Decision

Kael stepped out of the cave and began walking toward the inn. Night had already fallen; there were no animals around, and everything was silent. After a short while, he heard a voice crying for help from the forest. Though he felt conflicted, he drew his sword and set off toward the source of the sound. Leaping through the trees, he arrived beside a carriage. The area was drenched in blood. Four lifeless bodies lay there. One of them took their last breath, whispering, "Please... save them..."

Despite being exhausted and wounded, Kael had made up his mind; he began following the bloodstains. As he pressed on, he eventually reached a muddy terrain. The dense fog obscured everything. Then, suddenly, something in the water caught his attention. It belonged to the person he was trying to save. Kael gripped his sword and took a defensive stance. The Karnak began to appear.

He was completely surrounded by them—fifteen in total. At that moment, his usual calm demeanor was overtaken by a sudden surge of rage, and within seconds, he cut through them all. However, he was utterly drained, and four Karnak still remained. Unable to continue, he collapsed onto the ground.

Kael opened his eyes. The sun was shining above. The four Karnak were dead. He couldn't comprehend what had happened. Just then, a familiar voice reached his ears.

"Kael."

It was Ywain's voice. He was sitting on a rock.

"I don't want you to forgive us. I just did this as an apology," he said before walking away.

Beside him was a piece of paper. On it, the words "Come to Helke around noon today." were written. Kael began walking through the forest toward the city. Just then, he abruptly swung his sword. The clash of metal rang out—his attacker was Ywain. Ywain calmly muttered, "Limit release." Though it wasn't a serious fight, it was an exhausting duel. In the end, it was a draw.

"You're really good," Ywain remarked.

"And you're fit to be a knight," Kael responded.

Ywain continued, "Don't misunderstand me. I'm simply following the path I believe in. My lady wishes to go with you. I wanted to see if you were strong enough to protect her."

Kael sighed. "Do whatever you want," he said and fell silent. The two parted ways, but Ywain kept glancing back at Kael with suspicious eyes.

By the time noon arrived, Kael had reached the meeting place and began waiting. Compared to previous days, the city seemed livelier. Memories of his childhood surfaced in his mind. Suddenly, a hand touched his back, and his brief moment of peace was shattered.

When he turned around, he saw Beatrice—who, unusually, looked more beautiful than ever. She bowed slightly.

Before Beatrice could speak, Kael asked, "Where is Ywain?"

Beatrice said she didn't know. Kael continued, "Isn't that your sword? A swordsman never abandons their blade, do they?"

Beatrice shook her head and dismissed it as unimportant. She then added, "If you're planning to go to the capital, we'd love to accompany you."

Kael simply responded, "Alright," and fell silent.

"Is tomorrow good?" Beatrice asked.

Kael, in a low voice, replied, "Yes."

"Then, see you tomorrow," Beatrice said with a grin. She waved and walked away.

Kael let out a deep sigh. "Is that all?" he murmured to himself before heading toward the inn. He greeted the servant, entered his room, and drifted off to sleep.