Hifung's Return.
On the battlefield, both armies were clashing in fierce combat.
The King, Ray, Micyl, and Darius landed nearby, observing the situation.
King: We can't just stand by. Let's go help them.
Darius: Your Majesty, please return to the castle. Let us handle this.
Ray: He's right.
King: Oh... alright then. I'll head back.
Just as the King was about to leave, King Hakao suddenly hurled a fire spell in front of him to block his path.
The King turned around quickly, and there stood King Hakao, landing with a cruel smile on his face.
King Hakao: This is your end.
King: You agreed not to attack this kingdom for two years!
Ray: Are you planning to break that agreement!?
King Hakao: I no longer care about that deal.
King: What!?
King Hakao gave the King and Ray a wicked grin.
King Hakao: Where is the boy?
King (in his thoughts): "The boy...? Hifung?? Why is he looking for Hifung? Don't tell me it's because..."
King Hakao: Tch, no matter. If I destroy this kingdom, he'll come to me.
King Hakao chuckled softly, then looked around the battlefield.
King Hakao: Hmph, it's not very fun right now. Muahahaha...
He turned away-only for Ruze to appear before him.
King Hakao: Pull back all the troops.
Ruze: Eh? But-
The King, Ray, Micyl, and Darius looked confused.
King Hakao: We'll attack again tomorrow. That's enough for today.
Ruze: Understood...
King Hakao turned to the King with a sharp, sadistic gaze and smiled.
King Hakao: See you tomorrow. Muahahaha!
The King looked furious.
The enemy troops began to retreat.
---
The King was now in his chambers with Ray, Micyl, Darius, and Feds.
King: Tomorrow, they'll strike again.
Darius: Right.
King: Okay... what's our plan?
Feds: If King Hakao himself joins the battle tomorrow... it's almost certain we'll lose.
King: Hm...
The King looked troubled, trying to think.
Ray: We can win. If-
The King turned to Ray, eyes full of hope.
King: If?
Ray: If he is here.
Micyl's eyes widened at Ray's words.
Far away, Hifung stood in a black cloak, walking into the sunset.
The King paused in thought.
Suddenly, a dove flew in and landed on the table before him.
King: Hm?
He took a small scroll tied to the bird's leg.
Ray, Darius, Feds, and Micyl watched with puzzled expressions.
The King opened it and read the message. His eyes widened, and he crushed the paper in his hand.
Feds: What is it?
The King slammed his palm onto the table, visibly angry.
Darius: What's going on!?
The King lowered his head slightly.
Ray looked at him, confused.
King: King Hakao... killed Hifung's parents.
Micyl and Ray were completely shocked. Their eyes widened in disbelief.
Feds: What!?
Suddenly, Micyl fainted from the shock.
Darius: H-Hey!
Darius quickly caught her.
He carried her over and laid her down on the sofa.
Ray looked furious. He clenched his fists tightly-too tightly.
Ray: Hifung...
---
The next morning.
The King entered the room. He walked to his desk and sat down.
As he glanced around, he suddenly realized something.
King: What!?
He stood up and searched the entire room.
Just then, Ray and Darius entered. The King rushed to them.
King: Darius, Ray. Where's Micyl?
Darius: Huh?
Ray's face changed. He quickly ran into the center of the room and looked around.
Ray: Micyl!? Where is she!?
Darius: She should still be here, right!?
King: She's not here. She was gone when I came in.
Ray: How is that possible!?
Darius: Where could she have gone!?
They kept searching the room.
After a while, they gave up and sat down, baffled by her disappearance.
Ray: This is strange. Where could Micyl have gone?
King: It's definitely strange. But we have to prepare-Hakao's forces will strike again soon.
Darius: Right. I'll rally the troops.
Darius stood and left.
King: We should head to the front lines as well.
He looked over at Ray, who still seemed troubled.
King: Ray.
Ray: Y-Yes?
King: We must go now. We need to lead the soldiers.
Ray: Alright...
The King stood and placed a firm hand on Ray's shoulder.
King: Don't worry. Micyl will come back. I'm sure of it.
Ray looked at him.
Ray: ...Yeah.
They walked out together.
---
Meanwhile, in a distant forest, Hifung was relaxing, gazing up at the late morning sky.
He gripped his black cloak, thoughts drifting to his past.
-One day earlier-
Hifung had entered the first chamber. He looked at the skeletal remains of the spider that once guarded the library.
He made his way toward the old library. Once there, he approached a corner of the room.
There sat an old box. He opened it-inside was a black cloak.
He picked it up and put it on.
Hifung then walked toward the corridor leading back to the first chamber. But before leaving, he stopped and looked back.
Hifung (in his thoughts): "This ancient library holds many secrets-magic and forbidden techniques. I won't let anyone else read them."
He raised his left hand toward a bookshelf.
An orange fire spell began to form in his palm.
Time seemed to slow as he released it. The spell shot toward the shelf.
The flames began to spread to the rest of the bookshelves, and it wasn't long before the entire library was consumed by fire.
Hifung turned toward the corridor and used earth magic to seal off the entrance behind him.
Then he exited the cave.
Outside, he was suddenly approached by a group of people.
They were nobles and their underlings. One of them was a noble Hifung and Ray had once defeated.
Hifung: What do you want?
Noble: You and your friend once humiliated me in front of the commoners. Today, I'll have my revenge.
Hifung: You're the one who's shameful.
The noble's face twisted in anger.
Noble: How dare you!
Hifung: I don't have time to waste on you.
Noble: Oh? So you're scared?
The noble smirked.
Hifung: A dragon doesn't stoop to argue with a rat.
Now the noble was furious.
Noble: Get him!
His lackeys charged with swords drawn.
But Hifung remained calm.
In an instant, he defeated them all-with a lightning sword in his right hand and magma magic in his left.
Hifung gave the noble a cold stare.
Terrified, the noble fled.
Hifung let out a faint smile.
Hifung: Hmph... It's time I return to Milty.