The forest was quiet once again.
Kael stood where Darius had fallen, the weight of the battle still heavy on his body. The crimson aura around him slowly faded.
He had won.
But the cost was clear—his armor was damaged, his body covered in wounds, and his energy nearly drained.
"I need to move…" he muttered.
Staying here would only attract more enemies.
After hours of walking, Kael finally reached a large road.
In the distance, massive walls rose toward the sky.
A city.
Tall iron gates stood guarded by heavily armed soldiers. Flags of different kingdoms waved above the walls.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"The City of Steel…"
A place known for warriors, mercenaries, and traders from all over the world.
If he wanted to grow stronger…
This was the perfect place.
As Kael approached the gate, two guards stepped forward.
"Halt," one of them said.
"State your name and origin."
Kael paused for a moment.
He couldn't reveal too much.
"…Kael. A survivor from the northern battlefield."
The guards looked at each other, then back at him.
"You look half-dead," the second guard said.
Kael said nothing.
After a moment, the first guard stepped aside.
"Fine. You can enter. But don't cause trouble."
The gates slowly opened.
Inside, the city was alive.
The streets were filled with people—warriors in heavy armor, merchants selling weapons, and mercenary groups laughing loudly.
The sound of metal clashing echoed from nearby training grounds.
Kael looked around carefully.
"This place…" he thought.
"…is full of strong people."
Suddenly, the system appeared again.
New Mission: Grow Stronger
Objective: Join a faction or create your ownReward: Unknown
Kael frowned slightly.
"A faction…"
Before he could think further, a voice called out to him.
"You look new here."
Kael turned.
A young woman stood nearby, wearing light armor and carrying a sword on her back. Her eyes were sharp, and her expression confident.
"I've never seen you before," she said.
Kael remained calm.
"And?"
She smirked.
"And people like you either become strong… or die quickly."
She stepped closer.
"My name is Lyra. I lead a small mercenary group."
Kael watched her carefully.
"What do you want?"
Lyra crossed her arms.
"You're injured, but I can tell… you're strong."
She smiled slightly.
"How about joining us?"
Kael was silent for a moment.
A new path was opening before him.
Join others…
Or walk alone.
Either way—
His journey in the world of war had truly begun.
To be continued…