The morning sun rose gently over the vast plains of the Welfer territory. Dew still clung to the blades of grass, and a light breeze carried the scent of damp earth. At the center of this tranquil scene, a young man trained relentlessly.
Dorn Welfer, dressed in simple linen pants and a shirt torn from the rigors of exercise, was drenched in sweat. His black hair stuck to his forehead, and his intense gaze betrayed unwavering determination. Since his last revelation, where he had seen Kael Draven stab Elyna, Dorn had known no rest.
Every morning, he awoke before dawn and trained until dusk. He slashed through the air with his sword, tirelessly repeating the same movements. His once slender and underdeveloped muscles had hardened. His body bore the marks of his dedication — bruises, cuts, but also growing strength.
"Again."
His hoarse voice echoed through the clearing. Dorn brandished his sword and charged at a row of wooden dummies. His weapon sliced through the air, each strike releasing a shockwave. The aura he radiated was no longer that of a mere novice knight. He was no longer a one-star knight.
In just one week, Dorn had climbed two levels — a feat that would have been deemed impossible for anyone else. But for him, everything was different. His revelations gave him visions of the future, glimpses of battles he had yet to fight. Every night, he saw techniques, stances, and flawless movements, which he relentlessly practiced at sunrise.
And the more he trained, the more refined his mastery became.
"It's not enough."
He took a few steps back, breathless but resolute. His arms trembled from the strain, but he didn't care. He had to become stronger. He had to surpass Kael.
Two days earlier, a new vision had come to him. But this time, it wasn't a nightmare. He hadn't seen Elyna die.
No.
He had seen a brilliant light, a golden sword embedded in the heart of a forgotten sanctuary. The voice in his vision had guided him, whispering ancient words.
"Seek the sacred sword… and your destiny shall be fulfilled."
Convinced that this weapon was the key to countering Kael's threat, Dorn had followed the clues from his vision. After days of exploration, he finally discovered the ruins of an ancient temple, dedicated to a long-lost saint.
The sword lay there, embedded in stone like a remnant of the past.
The young man approached it cautiously. As soon as his hands touched the hilt, a powerful wave of light enveloped him. Sacred energy coursed through his body, slightly burning his skin, but he did not retreat. Gritting his teeth, he pulled.
The sword emerged from the stone in a burst of golden radiance.
Dorn could feel its power. The weapon vibrated in his hands, as if responding to his resolve. It was not merely a weapon — it was a symbol, a burden he accepted without hesitation.
Upon returning home, Dorn resumed his training immediately. The sacred sword amplified his strength, and each strike emitted a dazzling glow.
That day, he faced multiple dummies, simulating an intense battle. He leaped forward, bringing the sword down with force. A surge of sacred energy erupted, cleaving the dummies in two.
"Incredible…"
Even he was astonished. The strength he felt was overwhelming. Yet, he knew he couldn't grow complacent. He had to keep pushing forward.
"I will protect Elyna, no matter the cost."
His resolve was unshakable.
But as he sheathed his sword, another vision forced itself upon him. This time, he saw Kael, surrounded by black flames, a wicked smile on his face. Behind him stood the seven demon kings, their eyes glowing with boundless malice.
And on the ground before them lay Elyna's lifeless body.
Dorn awoke with a start, his breath ragged. Sweat dripped from his forehead, but his gaze no longer reflected fear.
"I will become stronger."
He gripped his sacred sword tightly. No matter the visions or the obstacles, he would never allow that future to become reality.
The sun was gently setting on the horizon, casting an orange glow on the dusty road Kael and his unlikely companion traveled. After days of tension and misadventures, Kael had finally managed to calm Lysandra and mend their relationship. Of course, she hadn't forgotten Alvina's letter, but Kael had relied on his legendary charm — or rather, his ability to endure murderous glares — to soothe the princess.
But now, another problem weighed heavily on his mind.
A problem named Calvin Jehlfeld.
With every loud chewing sound from the cart behind him, Kael felt his patience slipping away bit by bit.
"For the love of the gods, could you at least chew with your mouth closed, Calvin?"
The young man in question, a broad grin plastered across his face, held a massive roasted chicken leg. His cheeks, stuffed with food, gave him the look of a hamster preparing for winter.
"Mmph... but it's so good!" he mumbled through a mouthful, sending a piece of meat flying somewhere into the bushes.
Kael rolled his eyes.
This boy... He's supposed to be a future hero?
When Kael had found Calvin in the burning village, sobbing uncontrollably, he'd had a gut feeling. A tragic fate, eyes filled with sorrow, and a thirst for vengeance? All the classic signs of a novel's protagonist!
Except...
"Calvin, you ate enough for three people last night. And this morning. And at noon. Are you sure you're not possessed by a glutton demon?"
Calvin shook his head, his grin widening.
"No, no! I just need to regain my strength, boss! You never know when we might face a terrifying monster."
Kael cast an exasperated look at his companion.
"The only thing you're fighting is your own stomach."
But Calvin's colossal appetite wasn't the only issue.
No, it was also his... complete lack of talent.
During their journey, Kael had tried — with the patience of a saint — to train the young man. Yet Calvin had shown an exceptional ability to evade
any form of practice.
— "Argh, my back hurts, boss!"
— "Oh no, I think I feel a cramp!"
— "I need a digestion break!"
At this rate, Kael was seriously wondering if fate had made a mistake by designating Calvin as a future hero.
Maybe it was some kind of divine prank.
"Calvin," Kael growled, "at this rate, even a rabbit could beat you in a duel."
Calvin raised his arms in protest, still chewing.
"I'm a pacifist, boss! Why fight when you can enjoy life?"
Kael took a deep breath. "Patience, Kael. Patience."
And as if to test his godlike patience, fate decided to throw yet another absurd trial at him.
As they ventured down a tree-lined path, a sudden rustling broke the silence. Without warning, a massive rabbit burst from the underbrush. But this wasn't an ordinary rabbit.
No.
This monstrous creature stood as tall as a man, its glowing red eyes gleaming with malice. Jagged teeth protruded from its maw, and its pure white fur contrasted with the ominous aura it radiated.
"A Giant Carnivorous Rabbit?" Kael exclaimed.
Calvin, on the other hand, let out a shriek so high-pitched it could rival that of a startled child.
"Aaaaaaah! A monster! Every man for himself!"
Without a second thought, Calvin bolted, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake.
Kael stood frozen, disbelief etched on his face.
"Did... Did that idiot really just abandon me to fight a giant rabbit alone?"
The beast leapt, its massive claws slashing through the air. But with calm elegance, Kael sidestepped the attack and drew his sword.
"I can't believe this is my life now."
The battle was swift. As a master swordsman, Kael had no trouble dispatching the monstrous creature. The rabbit collapsed with a final dramatic squeal.
Minutes later, Calvin cautiously reappeared, his hair disheveled and his expression sheepish.
"Uh... Boss, I can explain."
"Oh? I'd love to hear it."
"I… uh… I wanted to leave you all the glory of the fight!" Calvin declared with a forced smile.
Kael stared at him in silence.
"Calvin."
"Yes?"
"If I had to rely on you to save the world, I'd resign immediately."
Calvin laughed nervously, but his grin quickly faded as Kael pointed his sword at him.
"Okay, okay! I promise I won't run away next time."
"Mmh."
He didn't believe a word of it.
As they resumed their journey, Kael couldn't help but reflect.
Why did I think this boy could be a hero?
He had everything to fit the typical protagonist mold — a tragic past, a burning desire for revenge, and even a somewhat heroic appearance. But instead of a legendary warrior, Kael had ended up with a cowardly glutton.
"Maybe I should just drop him off at the next village and be done with it."
But despite his thoughts, Kael felt a small flicker of amusement.
Maybe Calvin would surprise him one day.
Or, more likely, he'd find a new and even more ridiculous way to get into trouble.
And Kael already knew he'd be the one left to clean up the mess.