The sun was gently setting over the vast plains surrounding the Welfer family estate. In a dusty training yard, the metallic clash of swords echoed. Dorn Welfer, shirtless, his body covered in sweat and bandages, delivered furious blows against a reinforced metal training dummy.
Each strike of his divine sword, bathed in sacred energy, sent golden sparks crackling through the air. The intensity in his gaze was unwavering. His muscles were taut, his breath short, he was on the brink of a breakthrough. The power within him seemed ready to explode.
"Just a little more… just a little more…" he murmured through clenched teeth.
Dorn could feel the threshold of a 4-star knight rank within his grasp. He could almost touch that power. His determination flared even stronger as he recalled the last revelation he had received in his dreams.
The vision of Kael Draven, commanding the demon kings, unleashing destruction upon the world… and worse still, murdering Elyna Draven, his beloved sister. That nightmare haunted him relentlessly.
"I won't let you, Kael…"
Dorn brought his sword down with all his might. A burst of energy erupted, shattering the training dummy into fragments. Metal shards scattered in all directions. But as he caught his breath, a young servant rushed toward him, breathless.
"Young Master Dorn! Young Master Dorn!"
Dorn sheathed his sword, his gaze stern.
"What is it?"
The servant struggled to catch his breath, his hands trembling.
"It's Kael Draven, sir. He… he's returned home."
Silence fell. Dorn's pupils narrowed.
"He's back already?"
"Yes, sir. He arrived this morning. It's said that his mother and sister welcomed him warmly."
A shadow of concern crossed Dorn's eyes. He had expected to have a little more time before facing Kael. His training was nearly complete. With just a few more days, he could have reached the 4-star knight rank and ensured he was fully prepared.
But Kael was here. The threat was real.
"Prepare clean clothes for me. We're leaving for the Draven manor immediately."
The servant bowed quickly and hurried away. Dorn, meanwhile, cast one last glance at his divine sword, which still emitted a faint, sacred glow.
"Kael… this time, I will uncover your true intentions."
A few minutes later, after a swift bath and donning pristine clothes adorned with the Welfer family emblem, Dorn mounted his horse. The young knight's imposing figure and resolute gaze reflected his unshakable determination.
The road to the Draven manor wasn't long, yet each step of his horse echoed the urgency pounding in his mind.
"Elyna…" he whispered. "I will protect you. Even if it means facing Kael Draven himself."
As the gates of the Draven manor came into view on the horizon, a fresh memory of his nightmare resurfaced. Kael's cruel smile, the bloodstained blade, and Elyna's lifeless body…
Dorn clenched his fists.
"Not this time."
He was no longer the hesitant young knight of the past. This time, he was ready to face his destiny.
The Draven manor stood proudly, surrounded by vast blooming gardens and majestic statues. The morning breeze gently caressed the leaves, bringing a deceptive sense of serenity. However, for Dorn Welfer, each step he took toward the grand entrance echoed like the beat of a war drum.
"This time, Elyna," he murmured, clenching his fists. "I will protect you."
Two Draven knights in silver armor crossed their halberds in front of him, blocking his path.
"Halt! Sir Welfer, what brings you here?"
Dorn straightened up, a determined smile on his face.
"I've come to speak with Lady Elyna Draven. It's a matter of great urgency."
The knights exchanged skeptical glances, but after a brief moment, one of them relented.
"Very well. Wait here."
Dorn tapped the hilt of his sword anxiously as he waited. Minutes later, the grand door opened, revealing Elyna Draven in all her splendor. Her long silver hair shimmered in the daylight, and her golden eyes sparkled with sharp intelligence. She wore a pale blue dress that accentuated her natural grace.
"Sir Welfer?" she said, puzzled.
Dorn immediately knelt, bowing deeply.
"Lady Elyna, I have come to ask you… once again…" He raised his gaze, his eyes burning with almost theatrical sincerity. "Please marry me!"
An awkward silence fell. The knights shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact. Elyna, on the other hand, stared at him, utterly stunned.
"Dorn, how many times must I say no?"
"I understand your hesitation!" Dorn exclaimed, waving his arms dramatically. "But I love you sincerely! And more than that, I have received a sacred revelation!"
Elyna crossed her arms, exasperated.
"A revelation, really?"
"Yes! Destiny has shown me the horrors that await if I fail to protect you! Your brother Kael…" He paused, his face darkening. "He might… he might harm you!"
"Kael? My brother?"
"Yes!" Dorn leapt to his feet, his gaze filled with emotion. "I saw a future where Kael controls the demon kings! He—"
"I control what now?"
The calm yet commanding voice of Kael echoed through the entrance. Dorn froze, and all eyes turned toward the young man who had just appeared.
Kael Draven, dressed in an elegant black coat embroidered with silver, stepped forward leisurely. His dark hair contrasted with his pale complexion, and his ever-present smirk only heightened his nonchalant demeanor. Yet what struck Dorn the most was the undeniable aura of power that surrounded him.
"My dear Dorn," Kael began, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, "forcing a woman to accept your advances, especially my sister, is not only rude… but incredibly foolish."
Dorn's heart pounded in his chest.
"I… I'm not forcing anything!" he protested, scrambling to justify himself. "I'm simply a sincere man, guided by divine visions!"
Kael narrowed his eyes, amused.
"Visions, huh? And what did they show you? That I'm a monster set on destroying the world?"
"Exactly!"
Kael burst into laughter.
"And you thought coming here to plead with my sister would change anything?"
"I wanted to protect her from you!" Dorn shouted, his voice trembling with emotion.
Elyna sighed, running a hand over her face.
"Dorn, really… You need help. And not the kind you think."
Kael stepped closer, placing a friendly — yet firm — hand on Dorn's shoulder.
"Listen closely, Dorn," he murmured with a chilling smile. "I just returned home. I have neither the time nor the patience to deal with your nonsense."
"But—"
"And if you keep pestering my sister," Kael added, tilting his head slightly, "I might just start taking those visions a little more… personally."
A shiver ran down Dorn's spine.
"I… I'll be back!" he declared, retreating cautiously. "When you see that I was right, it will be too late!"
With those parting words, he turned and hurriedly left the manor, under the exasperated gazes of Kael and Elyna.
"That man is hopeless," Elyna sighed.
"Oh, I don't know," Kael replied with a mischievous grin. "Sometimes, having such a devoted fan can be quite entertaining."
Kael gently closed the large doors of his chamber, leaving the commotion of the manor behind him. The room, bathed in a soft, dim light, exuded a warm atmosphere with its crimson curtains and canopy bed. A large dark wooden desk occupied one corner, cluttered with parchments and ancient books.
He stretched slightly, then collapsed onto his bed.
"Ah… Finally, a little peace."
But that peace was short-lived. A burst of black light suddenly erupted at the center of the room, and within a swirling mass of shadows, a figure appeared.
"Gemini," Kael murmured, a smirk forming on his lips.
His familiar, the mimic monster, had materialized. Its base form was that of a humanoid with blurred contours, its ink-black skin shimmering faintly like a starry sky. Its glowing red eyes gleamed with mischievous delight.
"Master," Gemini replied in an ethereal, slightly playful voice. "Why have you summoned me? You seem in good spirits. A new victim in sight?"
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"Not exactly. It's a certain Dorn Welfer. That guy sticks like gum on a boot."
Gemini chuckled, its laughter echoing like a distant whisper.
"And what would you have me do with him?"
Kael sat up, adopting a mock-serious expression.
"Nothing violent, of course. But it seems Dorn has gotten his hands on a sacred sword filled with divine energy."
Gemini tilted its head slightly, intrigued.
"Oh? A blessed sword? Human relics like those tend to be dreadfully dull."
"True," Kael replied with a sly grin. "But a sword of that magnitude could be quite useful. Imagine what I could do with it after a little… 'adjustment.'"
The familiar nodded, quickly understanding his master's intent.
"I see. You want me to steal it."
"Exactly!" Kael exclaimed, raising a finger dramatically. "Transform into an elite thief. Agility, stealth, and silence. You're a mimic monster, Gemini. Take on the perfect form for the job."
Gemini let out a soft laugh, then its dark form rippled like a pool of ink. Slowly, its figure reshaped. Black garments emerged, tailored to move with graceful ease. A mask concealed its face, while a flowing dark cloak draped over its back. It now resembled a true master thief.
"Quite convincing, don't you think?" Gemini whispered, admiring its new appearance.
Kael clapped slowly, impressed.
"Perfect. Remember, be discreet. No unnecessary noise. Take the sword and return directly."
"Understood, Master."
With feline grace, Gemini bowed before vanishing into a burst of shadows.
Kael flopped back onto his bed, hands behind his head.
"Dorn, you may be determined, but you have no idea who you've decided to challenge."
He closed his eyes, a satisfied smile curving his lips.
"Let the game begin."