Chapter 7: Duel Without Magic

Two days later… inside Anna’s house.

Leona finally awoke.

Lara pulled her into a tight embrace, tears of joy shimmering in her eyes as she whispered:

Lara: “Thank God… my daughter has returned.”

Outside, Y was training with Diona when Lara appeared, supporting Leona, who could barely stand on her feet.

The moment her eyes fell on Y, Leona tried to run toward him, but her frail body betrayed her.

Before she could collapse, Y caught her gently in his arms.

Leona (with glistening tears): “At last… I see you again.”

Y (with a rare warmth in his voice): “And I… am glad to see you too, Leona.”

Diona approached quietly, curiosity sparkling in her eyes like that of a child.

Y (smiling): “Allow me to introduce you… this is Diona, your sister in all but name.”

Diona extended her hand shyly, her smile as soft as the morning breeze:

Diona: “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Leona (with a faint smile): “And to meet you as well.”

Lara watched them, her face glowing with happiness. She stepped closer to Y and said:

Lara: “Diona and Leona… such fitting names for sisters.”

Anna nodded, smiling.

Anna: “That’s true.”

From behind, a deep, familiar voice rose—it was Licht:

Licht: “But… it was Anna who gave Diona her name.

When we found her in the cave, her memories were tainted… tampered with.

But why did you choose that name, specifically?”

Lara turned her gaze to Anna, and the two women exchanged a knowing smile.

Anna spoke simply, as though sharing a small secret:

Anna: “Because…”

While the others were gathered, Y sat a little apart, watching them all with quiet contentment.

Beside him sat a calm-faced man—Neval, Lara’s husband. He smiled warmly at Y and spoke with heartfelt gratitude:

Neval: “Thank you… You always appear when I need you most. My work, my marriage, even my daughter… you were always there, the reason I survived.

And every time I try to repay you… I find you’ve already given me yet another debt of gratitude.”

Y answered in a steady tone, his eyes fixed on the horizon:

Y: “There’s no debt to repay… You know I don’t care about such things. What matters… is that you’re all safe.”

Neval (softly): “Thank you.”

At midnight.

Tongues of fire flickered at the heart of the forest, their glow dancing across the faces gathered around them.

The air was cool, heavy with the scent of trees and ash, while the moonlight spilled gently through the towering oak branches.

Lara gazed at Y in silence. He sat apart, watching the moon, and she whispered, her eyes still fixed on the flames:

Lara: “He has never… changed.”

L turned toward her, curiosity gleaming in her eyes:

L: “Was he always like this? As if he had lived a thousand lives… carrying knowledge of everything.”

Leicht, leaning against the trunk of a tree, answered:

Leicht: “True… I’ve often wondered the same. His ability to adapt… it isn’t something one is simply born with.”

Lara lowered her head, her voice carrying a buried sorrow:

Lara: “Adaptation… was his only way to keep living.”

She paused briefly, then began her tale:

Lara:

“When Y was born… I was still a trainee in a dilapidated hospital.

His mother died right after childbirth… and his father was slain by thieves, simply because he carried the money meant for her treatment.

We never told the mother what happened… and when she passed, the child was left with no one.

In that wretched place, they saw no means to care for him… they said he was a burden. They decided to dispose of him.

I overheard their words… and followed them into the night. I saw them abandon him at the edge of the forest, as if he were nothing.”

Ash gasped softly, but Lara continued:

“I ran after them, terrified. The darkness was thick, and wolves encircled him.

But they… did not attack. They protected him.

I drew closer, fed him… tried to carry him, but the she-wolf growled at me.

So I left him there… and returned each day with food.”

The flames swayed as though listening to her story.

Lara (more quietly):

“After five years… the wolves cast him out. I tried to bring him home, but he always returned to the wild and the mountains.

I visited whenever I could… teaching him, watching him grow.

I never once saw him cry… nor ask for anyone’s help.”

She drew a deep breath and went on:

“His life was not a life… but a relentless chain of trials that forged him into what he is.

Yet he lost himself along the way… he had no dream, never thought of his future. He lived only… to survive.”

Silence fell for a moment. Then Lara smiled faintly:

“Until Anna’s misfortune… bound him to us.

I believe that being here, in this world… is better for him.

In ours, half his body was ruined—his eye, his arm, his leg… and yet, he never stopped.”

At last, she lifted her gaze, her smile warm with resolve:

Lara: “He is my little brother… and I will do everything in my power to protect him.”

She rose gently to her feet, saying as she prepared to leave:

Lara: “It’s late… good night.”

She walked away with quiet steps, leaving the fire to wane slowly behind her.

Leicht was the last to speak, his eyes fixed on the glowing embers:

Leicht: “Who would have thought… his past was so dark?

As they say… hard times forge men.”

The northern region of Valmez Kingdom.

A tall man, clad in a black coat, stood before the ruins of the burned palace.

Smoke still curled upward into the sky, while ash drifted down slowly, like black snow.

His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the devastation, fury flickering within them. In a cold, restrained voice, he murmured:

“Who… lit this fire?”

He stepped across the rubble, each stride heavy, until he reached a shattered magical screen that still replayed fragments of images.

In one of the broken sequences, a man appeared—on his arm, a clear mark: the letter Y.

The man’s voice slithered out, a whisper steeped in hatred:

“I will make him… pay the price.”

Fairy Forest – The Following Morning

Sunlight filtered through the towering branches, birds chirping lightly, yet the group’s faces remained tense.

Anna unfolded a map atop a tree stump:

Anna: “I suggest we head to the Kingdom of Mond, where Aris lives.

It’s a suitable place to stay hidden… and we wouldn’t be far from the fairies.”

Everyone agreed, and they set off in a simple wooden carriage. Their journey took five days across forests and plains.

Leicht held the reins, with Neval seated beside him.

Inside sat L, Ash, Lara, and Anna.

At the back, perched on the edge, Y sat in silence, with Leona and Diona at his side.

Lara exchanged a brief glance with Ash, then whispered:

Lara: “You know… Y is the one who named Leona.”

L looked at the young girl with a curious smile:

L: “She sometimes says strange things… as if she can see spirits.”

Lara answered quietly:

Lara: “Yes… Leona is different.”

Y lifted his gaze, his voice low:

Y: “Perhaps… she speaks the truth.”

Ash looked at him in surprise:

Ash: “You… can you really see spirits?”

Y shook his head, hesitant:

Y: “I’m not sure… but I can sense them.”

Leona, her eyes half-open, whispered softly:

Leona: “I think you can see them… Your focus on auras draws you closer.

The more you concentrate, the nearer you get… seeing them is only a matter of time.”

A stunned silence fell.

L raised an eyebrow, impressed:

L: “You seem gifted at sensing auras! Did someone teach you this?”

Leona smiled shyly:

Leona: “I think it’s just… my own ability.”

Y closed his eyes for a moment, focusing as she described. Suddenly, he opened them, breathing lightly:

Y: “I see… a faint white aura… but it’s unclear.”

Leona leapt with excitement, laughing with joy:

Leona: “Amazing! Finally, someone else managed to do it!”

Diona leaned forward, her eyes sparkling:

Diona: “Can I do it too?”

Leona answered gently, smiling:

Leona: “Maybe… but Y is different.

My gift is tied to seeing people’s auras… but with him, it’s something else.”

Y looked down at his hands, his thoughts spilling aloud:

Y: “Perhaps… it’s because of this world.

I feel my senses have become sharper.”

Diona nodded, her words solemn:

Diona: “Anna said this world reshapes your body… it gives you what suits you, or enhances what’s already there.”

Y (quietly): “That… could be the reason.”

Five Days Later – The Gates of Mond

At last, the carriage reached Mond.

The noon sun shone brightly, and the small city pulsed with life.

Streets were paved with colored stones, and flowers spilled from wooden windows in vibrant hues.

The townsfolk greeted strangers with open smiles, as though they had known them all along.

Y paused at the gate, taking in the scene, and a faint smile crossed his face:

Y: “Now I understand… why Aris chose to remain here. The atmosphere brings me a strange sense of peace.”

Lara wiped the sweat from her brow, her eyes wandering over the houses and the friendly faces:

Lara: “It truly is a beautiful kingdom… because of its people, above all.”

Diona beamed, her smile radiant:

Diona: “I’ll be your guide here!”

Y chuckled softly, his voice calm:

Y: “Then we’ll rely on you… our guide.”

Diona pointed toward a broad road leading up to the palace:

Diona: “Y, you’ll find Aris there. As for us… why don’t we look for a house first? What do you think?”

Lara (smiling): “That sounds like a good idea.”

In Front of a Wooden House with Blue Windows

Diona knocked on the door, smiling at the homeowner who stepped out to greet them:

Diona: “Could we put the rent under Leicht’s account, please?”

Leicht sighed:

Leicht: “As always…”

But Y stepped forward, his voice steady:

Y: “That won’t be necessary.”

He addressed the owner directly:

Y: “We’d like to stay for one month only. After that, if we like the place, I’ll buy it.

This is a new beginning for us… and I want to try it first.”

The owner smiled kindly:

Owner: “That’s fine, one month will do.”

But as his eyes lingered on Y’s face, his expression suddenly shifted.

Owner (hesitant): “Wait… have I seen you before?”

Y: “No, this is my first time here.”

The owner called to his wife:

Owner: “Come here… do you know this young man?”

She studied Y carefully, then shook her head:

Wife: “No… I don’t think so.”

The owner stroked his chin, puzzled:

Owner: “I swear, he looks familiar…”

Diona giggled and chimed in lightly:

Diona: “This is Y.”

The owner’s eyes widened in sudden recognition. He spoke with excitement:

Owner: “That’s it! Now I remember… you’re Aris’s brother!”

Y: “Yes… Aris is my little sister.”

The owner’s face softened with emotion. He pulled out a small key and offered it to Y:

Owner: “Take this… the house key. A gift from us.

Aris has done so much for this kingdom… this is the least we can offer.”

Y accepted the key, studying it briefly before answering calmly:

Y: “Thank you… but I’d prefer to rent it for now. If it suits us, I’ll buy it later.”

The owner laughed, satisfied:

Owner: “As you wish. The house is yours to use.”

Y gave a small wave as he headed toward the palace, then tossed the key lightly to Lara:

Y: “Take care of the house.”

At the Small Square

Leicht lifted his eyes to the clear sky and said:

Leicht: “Unlike Valmez… the air here is peaceful.”

L smiled:

L: “Then the king must be a wise man.”

But a cry shattered the calm:

Diona (clutching her stomach): “I’m hungry!”

Ash (raising her hand): “Me too!”

Diona laughed and pointed eagerly:

Diona: “Follow me, there’s a great restaurant here!”

Y: “And what about the others?”

Lara: “We’ll catch up later, we want to see the house first.”

Leicht: “I’m not hungry.”

Anna: “I have work… I’ll help Lara set up the house.”

Y nodded and walked off:

Y: “Alright… see you later.”

⸻

They sat around a wooden table by a wide window overlooking the street—Y, L, Ash, and Diona.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, laying golden strands across the empty plates, as if preparing the stage for the coming feast.

L (with a sigh of relief):

“At last… a moment without blood, without demons, without explosions. Just food and peace.”

Ash (flipping through the menu with hungry eyes):

“The food looks better here… I was starting to get tired of fish.”

Diona (setting the menu aside):

“I recommend the red stew. No one makes it like they do here.”

But the calm didn’t last.

The restaurant door burst open, and a group of hunters stormed in. Arrogant faces, heavy steps, as though they owned the place.

One of them approached the table, his eyes raking over L with a vulgar gaze.

Hunter (with a mocking smile):

“You’re pretty… why not sit with us instead of these gloomy types?”

He reached out a hand toward her—

But before he could touch, a punch cracked the air like an explosion.

His body flew, slammed against the wall, and crumpled to the floor in agony.

It was the restaurant owner. Her expression was stern, her voice final, as though settling an old debt:

Owner: “This place is no home for foolishness. Out… now.”

The hunter staggered to his feet, seething, but suddenly his eyes froze.

A tall man, broad-shouldered, was approaching with slow, deliberate steps.

A heavy aura weighed upon the room, as if the very air were suffocating.

His eyes burned like embers beneath ice.

Hunter (stammering): “Wh-who… are you?”

The man didn’t answer. His gaze alone was enough.

Another hunter whispered, his face pale:

Hunter: “That’s… King… the Captain of the Royal Guard! What’s he doing here?!”

Their arrogance collapsed into terror.

King (his voice low, sharp as a blade):

“I suggest you leave. Today only… I’ll forgive you.”

They needed no second warning. They fled as if death itself pursued them.

King sat across from Y, his eyes studying him quietly.

King (looking at Y):

“First time in the kingdom… and trouble already?”

Y (smiling faintly):

“Seems trouble doesn’t leave us alone.”

King:

“No matter… you look strong. Have you trained?”

Y (calmly):

“I train myself.”

King leaned in, staring at Y with the composure of a man who sees beyond the surface.

The restaurant owner approached with a gentle smile:

Owner: “The table… is on you, King. Thank you for your help.”

With a quiet tension, like a storm beneath the ashes, King stretched out his hand across the table. Y met it instantly.

An arm-wrestling contest began in silence, the air around them growing heavier with each second.

The owner placed her hand over theirs, steadying them, then said firmly:

Owner: “Go.”

In the next moment, the atmosphere shifted. A hidden force filled the room—

The table groaned, then shattered under their strength, wooden splinters scattering like startled birds.

Owner (with a sigh): “A draw…”

King (rising, apologetic):

“Sorry about the table. Here’s the payment… I must return to my duties.”

Y: “Good luck.”

Inside, Y admitted: “In terms of raw strength… this man is exceptional.”

While Ash thought quietly: “Even his magic power must rival his physical might.”

A waitress arrived hesitantly, placing food on a freshly replaced table.

Waitress (with an awkward smile):

“Here’s your meal…”

They began to eat.

But suddenly, Y stopped mid-bite, his gaze fixed on a shadowed corner of the restaurant.

A faint smile curved his lips.

The owner whispered to herself, watching him:

Owner: “As I thought… he’s no ordinary man. I didn’t expect him to see Liz… even though she’s hidden.”

Another waitress stepped closer, speaking softly:

Waitress: “If you hadn’t struck that fool first… he’d be dead now.”

Owner: “Do you know him?”

Waitress: “No… it’s the first time I’ve seen him.”

The owner smiled faintly, murmuring:

Owner: “At least… he doesn’t seem bad.”

After Lunch

L and Ash bid farewell to the group and headed to the house, while Y and Diona continued on toward the palace.

The street was paved with white stone, flanked by ornate buildings whose windows gleamed beneath the midday sun.

Diona (pointing to a tall building):

“That’s the Royal Guard headquarters. King is their commander… one of the strongest humans alive.”

Y (studying it intently):

“He doesn’t seem like someone who seeks fame.”

Diona (smiling):

“He turned down offers from five major kingdoms. One even offered him the title of prince… and he refused.”

Y (quietly):

“Interesting.”

⸻

Before the Palace

The palace loomed with majesty, its walls a blend of artistry and grandeur, its gates adorned with gold.

At the entrance stood a woman in armor studded with blue gems. The moment her eyes fell on Diona, her expression lit with surprise.

Woman (astonished):

“Diona?! You’ve returned? You came to see Aris?”

Diona (shaking her head, glancing at Y):

“Not me… my older brother. He’s the one who wishes to see her.”

The woman turned to Y, her royal elegance fully revealed. She bowed lightly, with composed grace.

Rosary:

“Your older brother? …It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Rosary, princess of this kingdom.”

Y (returning the courtesy without exaggeration):

“An honor to meet you… I am Y.”

Rosary (with a gentle smile):

“We’ve heard much about you. Please, come inside. But unfortunately… Aris isn’t here.”

Y (calmly):

“She’s likely… on a protection mission.”

Rosary (raising an eyebrow in surprise):

“Your intuition is sharp… as though you know her well.”

⸻

The Outer Courtyard

Heavy footsteps echoed along the corridor… King appeared, wearing a calm smile.

King: “I expected you’d arrive. How about a simple training bout?”

Y (ready): “Why not?”

Word spread quickly among the soldiers: “Someone is challenging King!”

They gathered around the courtyard, cheers rising for their commander, eyes fixed on the stranger.

One soldier whispered:

Soldier: “That outsider… he has no magic!”

Y (clearly):

“That’s right… I have no magic.”

A wave of shock swept the courtyard.

Rosary (anxious): “I didn’t expect that… I thought he was hiding his strength. Will he be alright?”

Diona (smiling): “Don’t worry. He’ll be fine.”

King offered Y a wooden sword:

King: “Just one strike.”

Rosary (raising her hand firmly): “Are you both ready?”

Y assumed an unusual stance, one not made for swords.

King lifted his weapon with both hands.

Rosary (bringing her hand down):

“Begin!”

They charged. Swords clashed with an explosive force, sending a wave of dust through the courtyard.

When the haze cleared, Y had stepped back a few paces, sword still in hand.

King hadn’t moved.

Rosary (impressed):

“A draw… in strength!”

The soldiers gasped, unable to believe it.

King (eyeing the sword coolly):

“You’re not fond of swords, are you?”

Y (with a faint smile):

“You could say that.”

King: “I thought your weapon would resemble Aris’s.”

Y: “It’s good you didn’t hold back.”

King (studying his features):

“Strength alone isn’t enough… But if this had been a real fight, I suspect you would have had the upper hand.”

Y: “No need to exaggerate… you still have the advantage of magic.”

Rosary (clapping softly):

“A splendid match.”

⸻

Kaguya’s Entrance

Before the scene could settle, a knight strode in—her attire evoking ancient Japan. Her black hair was tied back, and a katana hung at her waist.

Her voice was sharp, edged with concern:

Kaguya:

“Who attacked us?!”

King (calmly, without turning):

“Just training… Kaguya.”

Kaguya (raising an eyebrow):

“Training? With whom?”

King simply pointed to Y.

Kaguya stepped closer, her gaze narrowing—then widening suddenly.

Kaguya (startled):

“This is the first time I’ve seen you here… but you seem familiar. What’s your name?”

Y (calmly, his expression unshaken):

“I am Y.”

She staggered back a step, her eyes widening as though hearing the impossible:

Kaguya (in shock):

“You… you’re Aris’s brother?!”

Whispers rippled among the soldiers, astonishment spreading through the courtyard.