Since that wild night, I have truly felt liberated. I found my path even in this situation and handled the training much better. During the first weeks, exhaustion tore me apart, but as time passed, I grew accustomed to the trials. It consumed an incredible amount of energy—I learned so much, from wielding a staff to defense techniques and endurance training. Most of my days revolved around training: we often fought, ran, wielded weapons, and mastered new techniques from morning until night.
The training was not only physically exhausting but mentally draining as well. I had to learn to control my instincts, make quick decisions, and think with a clear mind. One day, our reflexes were tested—we had to block attacks while blindfolded. On another, we had to hide in real-life scenarios, listening for tiny sounds, controlling our breathing. The most grueling exercises were those where we had to work as a team in complete silence, in perfect synchronization—because in the work of the Dark-Clad, there was often no place for words.
I wasn't just training—I was also on duty. I often guarded the fortress, escorted convoys, and protected important figures, all in silence, following orders. I experienced nearly every situation a Dark-Clad warrior could face. The city's coldness remained unchanged—people still kept their distance—but I approached it differently now. I had become braver, more decisive, and sometimes more outspoken, though in most situations, I still had to maintain silence and discipline.
My team and I grew more synchronized. We didn't become lifelong friends, but we worked together excellently, and they helped me whenever I needed it. This life had strengthened me—both physically and mentally.
That day, we had a break. We were just leaving the dining hall, ready to finally relax a little, when the blond general called out to me. He was as cold as ever, but this time, he informed me that I had to work today—I was to escort the ruler to a meeting.
This surprised me. I hadn't seen the ruler since that day, and I had never escorted his convoy before—only those of lower-ranking individuals. But I had no choice. I simply nodded.
The convoy was ready. The black cars with tinted windows lined up one after another, their shadows almost blending into the asphalt. In one of the rear cars sat a motionless figure. I could see his silhouette through the dark glass but not his face. I knew it was him. The ruler.
I got into the third car in the convoy, the one trailing behind the ruler's vehicle. The blond general sat beside me, and I was in the passenger seat. I didn't ask where we were going—I knew that wasn't customary. If he wanted to tell me, he would have.
But this time, he spoke.
"We are taking the ruler to Michael. They have a meeting."
I was pleased. I had always found Michael likable, though we had barely met.
The general rolled down the window, and the wind blew my hair toward his face. Though he remained stern, for a fleeting moment, it seemed as if a faint smile brushed across his lips.
"Your hair smells like coconut," he remarked.
I was taken aback. I didn't know how to respond, so I just nodded awkwardly.
The moment, however, quickly passed. The general continued in his usual strict tone:
"The rules remain unchanged. You don't ask, you don't speak. You observe, you stay ready for battle. You are part of the team, always. If necessary, you protect the ruler with your life."
I nodded. I knew the rules.
I had never seen the ruler. I was curious about him, but I couldn't ask.
The road led through a forest to Michael's headquarters. There, other Dark-Clad warriors awaited us—wearing silk shirts, but their bulletproof vests were visible. Everything was perfectly organized.
Michael was already at the entrance, standing with a broad smile and outstretched arms.
The moment the ruler stepped out of the vehicle, time seemed to freeze. My posture was rigid anyway, but now even my inner voice was paralyzed. It was as if all my thoughts had frozen within me at once.
The emerald-green eyes… or rather, poison-green. The way they gleamed—it was as if they swallowed the light itself. And I knew that gaze.
Recognition dawned on me slowly, but with crushing force.
It was him. The one I had wanted to see for months, the one whose identity I had tried so hard to imagine—he had been there on the very first day. Right in front of me. And back then… back then, he had treated me the harshest.
My chest tightened. The realization was overwhelming. The mystery I had been so desperate to unravel had been right in front of me all along.
And now that I knew who he was, he seemed even more formidable.
Even through his clothes, his muscles were visible, his movements tense yet confident, as if his presence in this world was the most natural thing. His jet-black hair blended into the background, yet it drew the eye. His entire being radiated raw power and a threatening elegance.
Now, I truly didn't understand why we needed to protect him. A man like him… a ruler like him didn't seem like someone who could be broken by anyone.
Michael greeted the ruler with a brotherly handshake. As they were about to head inside, he noticed me in the front row.
"Oh, little one! You came too! I told you we'd meet again! Come inside!"
I froze. I couldn't just step forward, couldn't act like a guest of honor. But the general nudged me to move.
As I greeted Michael respectfully, he responded by casually throwing an arm around my shoulder and leading me inside.
The ruler, meanwhile, observed in silence. His gaze was cold, yet something else lurked beneath it. Perhaps displeasure. Or irritation.
I couldn't tell what bothered him more: that Michael had embraced me, or that he had acknowledged me at all.
And then, we entered the manor.