Volume 2: Mysterious Cave

It had been a year since I joined the guild. For my final mission, Yuki assigned me to defeat one of the most powerful dark creatures. Without hesitation, I accepted the task, believing it wouldn't be too difficult.

Arriving at the designated location, a lost memory surfaced. The place seemed eerily familiar. It was then that I realized: it was the same place where my Sensei, Haruki, had perished in battle. The weight of that moment fell upon me, and the anger I felt toward Aiko and the dark creature involved in that tragedy reignited.

As I approached the cave, I saw Aiko and the creature conversing outside. Aiko was wearing a school uniform, indicating she was likely infiltrating another academy. I couldn't allow what happened to me to repeat itself with other innocents. Without thinking twice, I drew their attention.

They didn’t recognize me, but I wasn't there to chat. I charged with all my strength. Both were incredibly fast and managed to hit me, but I kept my focus. Amid the battle, I spotted Princess Rina in the distance, which caught Aiko's attention, and she immediately tried to attack her. I couldn’t let that happen.

I defended Rina and placed her in a safe spot away from the battle, recalling the moment when Sensei Haruki had protected me in the same way in the past. But this time, I would not retreat. With each blow, my determination grew. I managed to hit Aiko and cut her arm. She fled quickly, leaving me face to face with the dark creature.

— Hey, dark creature, what's your name? — I asked, with anger in my eyes.

— You want to know my name? — it replied, with a malicious smile. — My name is Ryuga.

— Good to know, Ryuga. Know that I will defeat you and Aiko as well.

— Try your luck, human. You are nothing but a small fish thinking you can defeat me.

I didn’t let his words shake me. With renewed strength, I advanced against Ryuga, exchanging intense blows. Both of us were severely wounded, but I was consumed by fury and a thirst for revenge. Even with an arm severed, I found the strength to deliver the final blow, decapitating Ryuga and ending his existence.

When I entered the cave, I was met by a horde of dark creatures. All were weak compared to Ryuga, and one by one, they fell before my sword. Reaching Aiko, she had no chance left. Before she could react, her head was already on the ground. The cycle of vengeance was complete.

I left the cave and found Princess Rina with the kingdom's guards who had come to rescue me. They asked if I was alright, and before I could respond, I saw a golden carriage approaching. It was the King.

To my surprise, the King allowed me to marry his daughter. I was unsure for a moment, not knowing if Rina truly felt anything for me, but she accepted without hesitation. We went to the Kingdom together, where a grand banquet awaited us. The King began discussing the wedding preparations while I enjoyed the moment alongside Rina.

I fulfilled the promise I made to my Sensei. I became the strongest warrior and exterminated the dark creatures. However, deep inside, I knew that evil could return someday. But for now, I was at peace, knowing I had done my duty.