Chapter 19: Trust the Fall

Somewhere on the edge of an abandoned forest,

a small campfire flickered quietly in the night.

Three men sat around it, the soft crackle of burning wood breaking the silence from time to time.

Kyojiro stared into the flames and asked,

“Do you think they’re still alive?”

Garb exhaled slowly, his voice low and uncertain.

“I don’t know… That’s why I’m looking for them.

They’re strong—too strong to be defeated easily.”

Kyojiro turned his head toward him, his eyes narrowing.

“Strong? You mean on the level of the Black Knight?”

Garb’s brows lifted in surprise.

“I haven’t heard that name in years…”

A faint smile touched Kyojiro’s lips, as if the memory stirred something deep within him.

“Right. He’s become a legend now.

The Immortal Black Knight—wandering the world, challenging anyone who stands in his way.”

He closed his eyes slightly.

“They say some wars ended the moment people learned he was near.”

A pause. Then, with a voice roughened by thought, he murmured,

“I wonder… where is he now?”

Before anyone could answer, another voice cut through the quiet.

From the far side of the camp, a man sat upon a wooden crate,

his eyes glinting beneath the firelight.

“The Black Knight… is dead.”

Garb rose to his feet, staring hard at him.

“Are you certain, Albedo?”

The man—Albedo—had shoulder-length golden hair,

his attire a blend of noble refinement and the markings of a scholar.

He gazed at the two with a faint, unreadable smile.

Kyojiro’s tone sharpened.

“How do you kill someone who cannot die?”

Without a word, Albedo drew a small dagger

and slowly drove it into his palm.

Blood trickled down for a heartbeat—then the flesh knitted back together before their eyes.

Garb and Kyojiro exchanged stunned looks.

“So you’re immortal too,” Garb muttered.

“You, of all people, should know how impossible it is to kill one of your kind.”

Albedo let out a short, bitter laugh, then inhaled deeply.

His voice grew heavy.

“That’s what I used to believe…”

And then, without warning, he gripped his clothes and pulled them aside.

Both men gasped.

Across his chest ran a massive wound—

stretching from shoulder to abdomen—

its scar gleaming under the firelight, refusing to heal even after centuries.

Garb’s voice trembled.

“That… that wound… how are you still alive?”

Albedo raised his gaze to them.

There was a weight in his tone that stilled the night.

“Let me tell you about the human who defied the laws of this world—

the one who slew the immortals five hundred years ago.”

And with those words, the fire seemed to calm,

as though it wished to listen.

The crackling of the wood faded away,

until all that remained was the sound of waiting breaths—

and the story about to begin.

——————-

Beyond the borders of Mond, where muddy plains stretched beneath a pale sunset, Liz stood with her gleaming knives raised, her eyes flashing sharply in readiness for battle.

Before her, Lunaria had taken a defensive stance, her hands blazing with the light of magical swords forming around her.

Ash raised her hand from afar and spoke in a firm tone:

— “I’ll be the judge… begin.”

Liz dashed forward like an arrow, her blades dancing with incredible speed. They clashed against Lunaria’s conjured weapons, the ring of steel echoing through the air. The two exchanged blows in swift rhythm, each strike met with one fiercer than before.

Lunaria suddenly dropped low, aiming a strike at Liz’s torso—

but Liz leapt lightly onto her shoulders and sprang high into the air.

— “What?!” gasped Lunaria, spinning around just in time to see Liz descending upon her, attack aimed straight down.

Lunaria conjured a sword behind her at the last moment, blocking the blow and countering immediately.

But Liz used Lunaria’s body as leverage, flipping backward gracefully before her feet even touched the ground.

Lunaria frowned, summoning several swords to orbit around her, then unleashed them all at once.

Liz sprinted between the trees, deftly dodging the flying blades until she ducked behind a thick trunk for cover.

Lunaria gave her no chance—she fired dozens of shimmering blades toward the tree.

A wooden explosion thundered through the field as the massive trunk toppled.

Through the settling dust, Liz appeared sprawled on the ground.

Lunaria advanced quickly, weapon raised and aimed at her neck.

Liz smirked mischievously… and in the next instant, her body dissolved into thick black smoke.

Lunaria’s eyes widened.

— “What… is happening?”

From behind her, the chill of cold steel brushed against her throat.

— “The match is over,” Ash declared sternly. “The winner: Liz.”

From afar, Y stood beside Diona, watching in silence.

Y spoke calmly:

— “Now… I have an idea on how to train Lunaria.”

Diona whispered with admiration, eyes fixed on Liz:

— “She’s incredible.”

Y replied:

— “You could say she’s gifted by nature.”

Ash approached the two girls.

— “Well fought, both of you.”

Lunaria lowered her gaze, her voice heavy with defeat:

— “I lost… again.”

Liz smiled faintly.

— “Fighting you head-on is exhausting. That’s why your opponents always resort to magic.”

Ash raised a hand in agreement:

— “True. The only way to defeat you was through magic.”

Then she added with a small smile:

— “Without it… you’d have an overwhelming advantage. Well, not as overwhelming as someone else’s.”

A confident grin curled on Liz’s lips.

— “My goal… is to reach his level.”

Lunaria’s eyes froze, her voice trembling in uncertainty:

— “Who… are you talking about?”

They had followed Y in silence until they reached the peak of a towering mountain.

The wind howled across its summit, and the sky burned crimson beneath the fading light of sunset.

Y stopped at the edge.

Behind him stood Lunaria, then Ash, Liz, and Diona.

He turned to them, his calm eyes reflecting the dying sun, and spoke in a steady voice:

— “You’re going to jump off this mountain.”

Lunaria’s eyes widened.

— “Excuse me… what?”

She looked to Ash and the others for some explanation, but they all smiled quietly.

Ash tilted her head slightly.

— “He’s serious.”

Lunaria’s hand trembled as she stared at Y.

— “That’s impossible… I’ll die!”

Y replied in the same tranquil tone:

— “Without risk… you’ll never change.”

Lunaria hesitated, about to protest.

— “But—”

Y cut her off as he glanced toward Diona.

— “Understood. Diona, jump.”

Before Lunaria could object, Diona smiled and leapt from the cliff without a moment’s hesitation, her hair fluttering wildly in the wind.

Lunaria shouted in panic:

— “What are you doing?!”

Y looked down with cold composure.

— “Choose… Diona’s death, or her rescue.”

Lunaria stared at his calm face—there wasn’t a trace of worry in his expression. Her heart pounded harder.

— Who is this man? Why isn’t he afraid?

Y spoke again as he watched Diona’s descent.

— “The more you hesitate… the closer she gets to the ground.”

Without another thought, Lunaria jumped.

The wind lashed against her face, tearing at her breath, and below she heard Diona laughing joyfully.

— “This is my first time jumping from this high!”

Lunaria muttered between gasps:

— “Why are you even happy… what kind of insane team is this…”

She clenched her fist.

— “I have to save her… but how?”

Diona’s voice echoed in her mind:

— “Remember what Y said!”

Y’s words returned to her clearly:

“Magic isn’t just power — it’s the shape of what its wielder can imagine.

Those bound by limited imagination… will bind their magic as well.”

Lunaria took a deep breath.

A weapon of pure light began forming in her hand.

— “What can I do with this? I don’t have time… but… what if I control my weapon to fly?”

There was no other choice.

Moments before she hit the ground, she unleashed her magic with all her focus—

the sword lifted her suddenly into the air, catching her mid-fall, carrying her toward Diona.

She caught the girl just in time.

Diona laughed, eyes wide with awe.

— “Amazing! You’re flying—just like Y said!”

Lunaria gasped, struggling to steady herself.

— “When did he say that?”

Her body wavered; her focus slipped—

but a firm hand seized both of them.

She looked up to see Y, pulling them back toward the cliff’s edge with effortless strength.

— “Y… but… how?”

Diona smiled softly.

— “He planned everything. Even if you hadn’t jumped, he would’ve gone after me himself.”

Lunaria stared at Y’s face, one thought echoing in her chest:

A young girl… yet she trusts him enough to leap from a mountain…

Y set both of them down gently, then looked directly at Lunaria.

— “Remember this feeling well. From now on… your real training begins. I want your complete trust.”

He gestured toward Diona.

— “And Diona will be your partner in training.”

Diona raised her hand eagerly.

— “I’m ready!”

Y smiled faintly and turned toward the forest.

— “Let’s head for the Elven Forest.”

After days of travel, they finally reached the heart of the Elven Forest.

The trees there towered high, their leaves shimmering with a faint green glow, while a gentle magical mist drifted between them like a thin veil.

Lunaria whispered nervously,

— “Is it really safe to enter? I’ve heard the elves hate humans…”

But suddenly, elves began appearing from every direction, surrounding them in solemn silence.

One of them stepped forward — a man with sharp features and eyes that radiated confidence.

— “Are you the one called Y?”

Y answered calmly,

— “That’s right.”

The man bowed without hesitation.

— “My name is Colm. I once led a group of elves… we were captured.

I’ve heard from the elves here that you were the reason we were freed.”

Y replied in his usual tranquil tone,

— “You should thank the elves here, not me. They’re the ones who strive to save their kin.”

Colm shook his head firmly.

— “On the contrary. Everyone here sings your name. Even my daughter won’t stop talking about you.

She says you tell them stories, play with them, and teach them how to defend themselves.

That’s why we’re here… to thank you.”

Soft murmurs of gratitude spread through the gathered elves, and several bowed their heads.

Lunaria thought to herself in surprise,

— “I didn’t expect him to be this loved here…”

Colm turned his gaze toward a nearby figure.

— “What does Lady Freya think of all this?”

Not far away, Freya sat gracefully on an elegant wooden chair, watching the scene with calm eyes.

She said,

— “I’ve witnessed all of Y’s efforts for the elves. There’s no denying it… he’s become one of us.”

Y replied gently,

— “There’s no need for all this. I’m just glad you’re all safe.”

Then, a familiar voice called from behind,

— “Is that Y and Diona?”

Freya smiled and turned.

— “Leicht… Anna… welcome back.”

Diona ran forward and threw her arms around Anna.

— “I missed you so much!”

Anna smiled warmly.

— “I missed you all too.”

Y approached Freya and said,

— “We’d like to stay here for a while, if that’s possible.”

Freya smiled softly.

— “There’s no need to ask. The Elven Forest will always welcome you.”

Leicht stood beside Y with a wry grin.

— “Looks like you’ve got quite the interesting team.”

Y looked down slightly.

— “It’s a bit complicated… that’s all.”

Leicht nodded.

— “I’ll help you. What do you need?”

Y answered,

— “I want to train Lunaria for a while, then head to the Academy of Mages. I need to meet Danslief.”

Anna’s tone turned firm.

— “You should rest first.”

Y replied coolly,

— “I’m fine.”

Anna looked toward Diona.

— “How many hours did he sleep today?”

Diona tilted her head.

— “Three hours.”

Anna sighed.

— “As I thought. Still only three hours. Then I’m not letting you go anywhere until you rest.”

Y gave a faint smile.

— “All right. Freya, may I rest inside your domain?”

Freya nodded.

— “Of course.”

Diona hopped onto Y’s shoulders.

— “I’m coming with you!”

Y chuckled.

— “Guess I don’t have a choice.”

Ash stretched her arms lazily.

— “I’ll go train for a bit.”

Anna placed a hand on her shoulder.

— “No training today.”

Y waved his hand as he walked away.

— “Give up, Ash… that’s an argument we can’t win. See you later.”

Ash muttered under her breath as she watched him leave,

— “Didn’t think he’d surrender that quickly…”

Freya smiled softly.

— “Let everyone rest for today.”

Then she turned to Ash and said,

— “Come with me.”

Freya walked with quiet grace, the hem of her robe brushing against the glowing grass that covered the ground of her domain.

Behind her, Ash followed in silence — her gaze distant, lost somewhere in thought.

They reached the center of the space, where the elven trees intertwined above them, forming a dome of soft green light.

Freya sat upon a seat made of woven roots and spoke in her gentle voice,

— “You seem a little distracted. Tell me… what’s on your mind?”

Ash hesitated before sitting across from her. Her eyes drifted toward the far corner of the domain — where Y lay in a deep sleep, Diona curled up beside him like a quiet child.

Freya smiled faintly.

— “Is it about Y?”

Ash took a slow breath and replied softly,

— “It is… I want to help him.”

Freya leaned forward slightly.

— “And how do you plan to do that? Tell me what you’re thinking.”

Ash closed her eyes for a moment.

Flashes of the old battle crossed her mind — tongues of fire, bursts of wind, and the sound of clashing blades in Y’s fight against Valzinor.

She spoke quietly, her voice touched with regret,

— “In that battle… all I could do was buy him a little time.

But one question has haunted me ever since:

What if Y had fallen there?”

She placed a hand over her chest, her tone steady but subdued,

— “Y grows stronger every day, yes… but in the end, he’s still limited —

unlike us, who wield magic.

That’s why I’ve decided… I’ll become his magic.”

Raising her gaze toward the luminous sky within the domain, she continued with quiet determination,

— “The stronger I become, the more versatile Y’s magic will be.

Even L felt the same way.

She wanted to go with him… but stayed behind to protect Lara.”

Freya chuckled softly.

— “You’ve become much more honest, Ash.”

Then, with the gentle tone of a wise mother, she added,

— “My advice… go with Y to the Academy of Mages.”

Ash blinked in surprise.

— “The Academy of Mages?”

Freya nodded.

— “Yes. Every four years, a great test is held — gathering magi from all corners of the world.

The victor receives a personal reward from Danslief himself… even a rare spell, if they wish.”

Ash’s eyes sparkled at the name.

— “Danslief… the King of Mages? That makes sense.

If I win, I might learn the art of creating a domain like yours.”

Freya smiled warmly.

— “That’s entirely possible.”

Ash stood up, her expression alight with renewed resolve.

— “Then I’ll win. Thank you, Freya.”

Freya let out a soft laugh.

— “There’s no need to thank me. Rest for now.”

Ash nodded, then shifted into her fox form — a small creature with soft, silken fur — and darted lightly across the grass to settle beside Y, curling up against the quiet warmth of his aura.

Freya watched them for a moment, her smile tender.

Then, closing her eyes, she whispered softly,

— “There’s no need to change your form…”

In the heart of the Fairy Kingdom, amid glowing trees and drifting magical mist, Lunaria struggled for breath.

Her silver hair whipped in the wind as she stood atop a flying sword carrying her through the sky.

Y’s voice echoed in her mind like an old whisper:

“Magic is not power… it is imagination.”

Day One — Lesson One

Flying on the sword.

She fell many times, crashed to the ground, broke branches beneath her weight — but she never stopped.

By sunset she succeeded for moments… then longer… then longer still.

A glint of determination shone in her eyes.

⸻

The Chase Game

In the Elven Forest, where trees intertwined like a maze of light, Diona darted between trunks like a flickering shadow, while Lunaria hurled swords and used them as platforms to propel herself forward.

Light laughter threaded through the woods, sweat dripped down her brow… but the result was always the same:

she couldn’t catch her.

⸻

Week Two

Anna stood at a distance, bow in hand, loosing arrows one after another at the airborne Lunaria.

Lunaria swerved, dove, and sped up, but Anna’s voice rose over the wind:

— “You’re slower than before!”

Lunaria gritted her teeth and whispered:

— “Then… faster.”

⸻

Week Three — Reaction Test

Deep in the forest, where the trees crisscrossed like a living labyrinth, Diona stood before Lunaria, a spark of challenge in her eyes.

From afar, Ash called out with a mocking lilt:

— “No orders, no signals… only anticipation.”

Diona said nothing; she shot forward between the trees like an arrow, rebounding off trunks, scaling branches, changing direction without warning.

Lunaria raised her hand silently.

One sword appeared in the air… then another… then a third.

These weren’t weapons to strike with, but temporary platforms — appearing at the critical instant beneath Diona’s feet, propelling her forward, upward, or shifting her path in midair.

Diona never once looked back, but her feet always landed on a blade at precisely the right place.

Sweat ran down Lunaria’s brow, her eyes locked in absolute focus… a moment’s delay meant Diona would fall.

She was shaping a path full of angles, as if sketching an invisible map in the air.

Ash gasped:

— “A sword on the left… before Diona even moved?”

Y answered quietly as he watched:

— “She’s not just anticipating… she’s starting to understand her style.”

Finally, Diona stopped on a high branch, resting a hand on her hip and panting.

— “Well done… in a real fight, I’d still be alive thanks to you.”

Lunaria didn’t reply; she closed her eyes for a moment, letting her heartbeat settle.

That week, it wasn’t power being tested… but trust, focus, and the bond of two fighters moving as one.

⸻

Final Week — The Exam

Ten swords revolved around Lunaria like the orbits of stars, sweat dripping from her brow.

Each blade at its angle, every motion calculated.

Then suddenly… stillness.

All the swords froze in the air at once.

From afar, Y gave a small smile.

And on the last day, Erylia stood upon the flying sword, Diona beside her in the air.

Both of them flew with precision and ease, as if they had become part of the wind itself.

Diona laughed, shouting over the rush of air:

— “You’ve gone completely crazy like us!”

Lunaria lifted her gaze to the sky, then smiled faintly and whispered:

— “That means… I’ve become one of you.”

Lunaria soared gracefully among the flying blades, leaping from one sword to another as if dancing on the wind.

Each movement was fluid, precise — she dodged arrows with astonishing accuracy, her control so refined it seemed the swords were an extension of her own body.

From afar, Ash watched her with sharp eyes and a faint, proud smile.

— “You’ve grown… a lot.”

Anna approached, bow in hand, with Ash still observing beside her.

— “How are you, Lunaria?” Anna asked in her gentle tone.

— “I’m fine, thank you,” Lunaria replied politely.

Ash folded her arms.

— “It looks like you’re finally ready to stand beside Y.”

Lunaria hesitated, then said firmly:

— “I was thinking… of testing myself against him.”

A calm voice came from the shadows behind them.

— “I wouldn’t recommend that.”

They all turned — Liz had appeared, her steps silent, her familiar smile in place.

Lunaria frowned.

— “Why not?”

Anna smiled faintly.

— “It’s not a bad idea… but you should understand what you’re walking into.”

Ash added quietly:

— “In battle, Y never holds back.”

And Diona, with her hands behind her head, chimed in:

— “Training with him is fun… but fighting him? That’s a whole different story.”

Lunaria fell silent for a moment, then lifted her head with calm resolve.

— “I won’t back down. I’ll do my best.”

⸻

The Training Grounds

Y stood at the center of the field — calm, composed, his very presence heavy with quiet authority.

His voice cut through the air, steady and unyielding:

— “I won’t go easy on you, Lunaria.”

She met his gaze, her tone confident yet respectful.

— “That’s exactly what I want.”

Ash raised her hand.

— “Get ready… Begin!”

The moment the final word left her lips, the air changed.

It grew heavier… deeper… as though the world itself bowed beneath Y’s presence.

Lunaria’s breath quickened.

This pressure… it’s like standing before Commander Milena herself!

She tried to move — but before she could even take a step—

Y was already behind her.

That instant would be carved into her memory forever.

She hadn’t heard his footsteps, hadn’t sensed his aura; it was as if the world had frozen, allowing him alone to move.

Was he standing there all along? Or was I simply not ready to see him?

The thought flashed through her mind as she struggled to regain her breath —

but the battle was already over.

She tried to turn, to counter, yet time itself seemed one step ahead.

The next heartbeat — she was on the ground, Y’s sword resting gently against her neck.

Ash’s clear voice broke the silence:

— “The match is over.”

Y stepped back, lowering his blade.

— “You wanted to face me to show what you’ve learned.”

He paused, his calm tone carrying quiet weight.

— “But choosing me as your opponent… was your biggest mistake.”

Then, with a faint smile:

— “Even so, I acknowledge your growth. Keep going… well done, Lunaria.”

Diona hurried over, taking her hand.

— “Are you okay?”

Lunaria gave a tired but genuine smile.

— “I knew I’d lose… but I didn’t expect three seconds would be enough.”

She laughed softly, brushing the dust from her arm.

— “I still have a long way to go… but I’ll get there.”

In the heart of the Fairy Forest, within the great tree whose branches reached the heavens,

Freya, Queen of the Elves, sat within her private realm as always — surrounded by threads of gentle light.

Beside her sat Anna, listening in reverent silence.

The wooden door opened with a soft creak, and Y entered with his steady, confident steps.

His gaze wandered over the serene place in quiet admiration.

— “I’m still amazed that this place is your personal domain…

The fact that it remains this stable for so long is truly fascinating.”

Freya smiled kindly.

— “Did the training go as you expected?”

Y stood before her and replied calmly:

— “Yes. All thanks to her determination.

Fighting her confirmed what I suspected.”

Freya leaned forward slightly.

— “And what about the others?”

— “Diona and Liz have both improved noticeably,” Y answered,

“but Diona still can’t use magic.”

Anna sighed softly, her expression tinged with regret.

— “That’s unfortunate… Her magic used to resemble mine quite a lot.”

Y froze for a moment, his curiosity suddenly sparked.

— “Wait… what did you just say?”

Anna blinked.

— “I said Diona’s magic is similar to mine.”

Freya nodded gently.

— “That’s true. I’ve always seen her as a younger version of Anna.”

Y sat down on the ground, deep in thought. After a moment of silence, he spoke:

— “It seems Diona’s magic is far more unique than we assumed.”

Anna tilted her head slightly.

— “Have you figured something out?”

— “No solid proof yet,” Y replied, “but I have a theory.

The problem lies with the seal…

That’s why I plan to visit Dansleif.”

Freya folded her hands together.

— “And what about Ash? Is she still intent on awakening her own domain?”

Y gave a faint, knowing smile.

— “Yes. It seems she’s quite determined.”

Freya chuckled softly.

— “I’m glad to hear that. Then tell me — have you achieved your other goal?”

— “More or less, thanks to you,” Y replied.

“I’ve understood much about domains and how to harness them…

but there are still some obstacles.”

— “You mean the problem of using magic when you’re alone?”

— “Exactly. Which brings me to my question…”

He paused, then looked at her seriously.

— “Is it possible to craft a magic device using fairy water?”

Freya raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

— “And what are you planning, Y?”

He stepped closer, his voice calm yet veiled with mystery.

— “I plan to—”

Freya interrupted him with a quiet laugh.

— “I didn’t expect magical tools to be used in that way.

You truly are full of surprises.”

Anna chuckled as well.

— “If you succeed, it’ll be something entirely new.”

Freya nodded in agreement.

— “I’ll provide you with everything you need once you return from Dansleif.”

Y rose to his feet.

— “I’ll count on you… as always.”

⸻

The Next Morning

With the first light of dawn, everyone gathered in the forest clearing.

Y’s confident voice broke the morning calm:

— “Is everyone ready? We depart today — for the Academy of Mages.”

Anna adjusted her bow.

— “Where exactly is it located?”

Y unfolded an old parchment sealed with a crest.

— “The address is written here.”

Anna took the letter, studying it carefully before frowning and handing it to Licht.

After a brief glance, Licht sighed.

— “It’s a long journey…

It might take a full month — maybe more.”

Y thought for a moment.

— “Very well. I’ll go with Diona and Lunaria.

Anyone else joining us?”

Anna crossed her arms.

— “I’m coming with you.”

Ash smiled.

— “Me too. I want to take part in the mage trials.”

Liz adjusted her blades across her back.

— “I’ll stay here. I’d like to continue training with Licht.”

Y nodded.

— “Then it’s settled.”

He turned toward the forest path ahead, the light filtering through the leaves.

— “Let’s move out.”