The night in Eldoria was unusually quiet.
A strange tension filled the air—as if the land itself knew something was coming.
Inside the castle, Ace stood near the balcony, staring into the dark horizon. The plan they had formed still echoed in his mind. It wasn't just dangerous—it was uncertain.
Then suddenly—
A powerful presence swept across the kingdom.
Heavy.
Overwhelming.
Unnatural.
Every warrior in the castle felt it.
Amagi's eyes sharpened. "He's here."
---
The gates of Eldoria opened slowly.
Standing at the entrance… was Vaelros.
His presence was calm, almost casual—but the air around him felt distorted, like it was bending to his will. His eyes scanned the guards, the walls… and then the castle itself.
"I expected more resistance," he said, his voice steady.
No one moved.
Amagi stepped forward, standing firm. "State your purpose."
Vaelros looked at him, then smiled faintly.
"I didn't come to fight today."
That alone unsettled everyone.
"I came with a proposal."
---
Moments later, Vaelros stood inside the royal hall—surrounded, yet completely unfazed.
Ace, Amagi, Gorath, Norio, Darian, Tarin, and the others all stood ready.
Vaelros glanced around, as if studying each of them.
"…So these are the ones standing against me."
His gaze paused briefly on Ace.
"Interesting."
Ace clenched his fists—but stayed silent.
---
Vaelros finally spoke.
"Prepare yourselves."
The room went still.
"Tomorrow," he continued, "in the open countryside beyond this kingdom…"
His voice carried absolute certainty.
"…we fight."
No tricks.
No ambush.
A direct battle.
Even Amagi was slightly surprised.
Vaelros then added casually—
"And until then… I'll need food."
The room fell into stunned silence.
"…What?" Gorath muttered.
Vaelros shrugged slightly. "Even someone like me needs to survive the night."
It was absurd.
And yet—
No one laughed.
---
Amagi narrowed his eyes, studying him carefully.
This wasn't arrogance.
This was confidence.
The kind that didn't need to prove itself.
After a moment, Amagi turned.
"…Prepare a meal."
Some of the others looked at him in disbelief—but he didn't change his decision.
"If he wants a fair fight," Amagi said, "then we give him one."
---
Later that night—
A grand meal was sent to Vaelros.
Fresh bread, roasted meat, fruits, and warm dishes—prepared with the same care as a royal feast.
Vaelros sat alone outside the castle walls, eating calmly under the night sky.
No guards approached him.
No one dared.
---
Inside the castle, however—
There was no peace.
Everyone was preparing.
Weapons were sharpened.
Strategies were refined.
Tensions rose.
---
In the training hall—
Amagi stood with Ace.
"This isn't just a fight," Amagi said. "This decides everything."
Ace nodded.
"I know."
Amagi looked at him seriously. "If things go wrong… don't hesitate."
Ace didn't respond immediately.
But his silence said enough.
---
Elsewhere—
Darian leaned against a pillar, deep in thought.
Tarin stood nearby.
"You think we can win?" Tarin asked.
Darian exhaled slowly.
"…We don't have a choice."
---
Norio sat alone, staring at his hands.
"…Vaelros," he muttered.
Once, he had followed him.
Believed in him.
Now—
He would have to fight him.
---
The night passed slowly.
No one truly slept.
---
At dawn—
The sky turned pale gold.
The battlefield awaited.
---
The countryside outside Eldoria stretched wide and empty.
Open land.
No cover.
No escape.
A perfect place for a final clash.
---
Vaelros stood alone at the center.
Calm.
Unmoving.
Waiting.
---
Soon—
Figures began to appear from the horizon.
One by one.
Amagi.
Ace.
Gorath.
Norio.
Seris.
Kael.
Liora.
Darian.
Tarin.
The strongest warriors from two kingdoms… gathered together.
The "six," along with their allies.
They stood in formation.
Facing a single man.
---
Vaelros looked at them all—and smiled.
"So this is your answer."
Amagi stepped forward.
"…This ends today."
Vaelros tilted his head slightly.
"We'll see."
---
The wind began to pick up.
Dust moved across the ground.
Silence filled the space between them.
---
Ace stepped forward slightly.
His eyes locked onto Vaelros.
No fear.
Only determination.
---
Vaelros raised his hand slowly.
"Come."
---
And just like that—
The battle was about to begin.