Rameses rode his horse at a relentless pace, the wind lashing against his face as pain flared from the deep wound in his abdomen. Blood soaked his tunic, warm and unyielding. He had lost Maikell and Thane in the chaos of the battle against the Targaryens. Gritting his teeth, he gripped the reins tighter, fury and despair swirling in his chest.
He hadn't expected the Targaryens to be so prepared. Their defense had been merciless, bolstered by a monstrous new weapon—flying explosives, each one a deadly iron sphere that rained fire upon his forces. Swords and arrows had been useless against such devastation. Even the beast they'd brought—mighty and fearsome—had fallen, torn apart under the ceaseless barrage.
What in the gods' name was that weapon?
He pressed on, leaving behind the dying screams of his army. He didn't look back. Survival was the only thing that mattered now. He had to reach King Velnias—had to report what had happened before it was too late.
Lost in grim thought, he failed to notice that he had gone in the wrong direction. He had ridden straight into Wyrmholt Forest. The shadows closed in. Suddenly, pain surged anew in his side. The wound was worsening. He clutched it instinctively, trying in vain to stop the bleeding.
And so, he didn't see the wild beast that emerged from the underbrush, eyes gleaming with menace. His horse reared in panic, letting out a shriek as it leapt back. Rameses lost his grip. Time slowed as he tumbled from the saddle, crashing to the ground and rolling helplessly—over the edge of a cliff.
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Arash grinned as the dust of battle settled—their victory over Rameses' forces was complete. The turning point had come thanks to Harusheen's ideas. They had constructed a new weapon: a massive cannon, mounted on wheels, capable of unleashing devastating explosive shells. More than just artillery, it functioned like an automatic aircraft gun—ruthless and unrelenting in its firepower.
"Even my reckless brother, for all his chaos, left behind something useful," Arash muttered under his breath.
It had been Harusheen who had drawn up the designs, detailing every procedure and listing each material needed to bring the cannon to life.
A knight approached, his armor clinking with every step. "Your Majesty, we have captured several enemies alive."
"Take them to the dungeons. Interrogate them thoroughly," Arash commanded.
"At once, Your Majesty." The knight bowed and departed without delay.
Arash exhaled, allowing himself a brief moment of relief. For now, his kingdom was safe. But he knew it wouldn't last. The Montclairs would strike again—it was only a matter of time.
He turned toward the palace. It was time to report today's events to his brother, Matias—and inform him of the powerful new weapon now in their arsenal.
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Jinny hid behind Ran, trembling with fear. They had just stepped out of the carriages when they were confronted by the beastmen. Despite their efforts to avoid them, fate had turned cruel. The beastmen, out hunting for food, had caught their scent—and now surrounded them, eyes wild, weapons drawn.
"We didn't come here to fight. We just want to pass through to reach the next village," Hajee said, trying to reason with them.
He stepped forward, hands raised in peace, attempting to negotiate. But the beastmen were towering, their muscular bodies dwarfing that of any normal human. This forest bordered Apomon village, and it was only by cruel chance that the beastmen had stumbled upon them.
"Please... we mean no harm. Just let us through," Hajee pleaded again.
But the beastmen weren't listening. Without a word, they lunged.
"Tsk. Get to the carriages!" Kiko shouted.
Everyone scattered in panic, sprinting back toward safety. But then—
"Aahh!" Jinny screamed as she tripped and hit the ground hard.
"Jin!" Ran turned just in time to see her struggling to get up.
He made a move to run to her, but Rin grabbed his arm.
"Let's go! They're coming!" Rin urged, his voice tight with fear.
"But I can't leave her!" Ran shouted, panic rising.
Another scream pierced the chaos. They turned and saw Jinny bolting in the opposite direction, a pack of beastmen chasing her.
"Come on! They'll catch us too!" Tohru yelled from the carriage.
Ran gritted his teeth, torn. Rin pulled at him again, but Ran resisted, shoving him off. Seeing the struggle, the others rushed in to help restrain him.
"No! I'm not leaving her!" Ran roared, thrashing against their grip.
His brothers held him tightly, forcing him into the carriage as Imman snapped the reins and the horses bolted forward.
"I said let go!" Ran yelled, his voice breaking with rage.
"If you want to save her—save yourself first!" Rin shouted back, desperate.
Ran clenched his fists, breathing hard as he looked out the window. Jinny was gone—swallowed by the trees and the chaos.
"Fuck!" he slammed his fists against the wooden frame and shoved his brothers away, eyes blazing with helpless fury.
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Jinny ran as fast as her legs would carry her, heart pounding in her chest. Behind her, the beastmen roared, relentless in their pursuit. Fear gripped her like ice. She was alone—separated from her brothers, surrounded by danger.
She risked a glance over her shoulder. The beastmen were gaining on her, their monstrous forms closing the distance. Her breath hitched. They looked terrifying.
Clutching her stomach protectively, she pushed herself harder. I have to lose them... I have to find a place to hide.
She wasn't just running for herself—she was running for the life growing inside her.
But in her panic, she didn't see the massive roots jutting out from the forest floor. Her foot caught, and she stumbled forward.
She tumbled, rolling violently—then suddenly, the ground vanished beneath her.
"AAAHHHH!" she screamed, falling off the cliff.
She squeezed her eyes shut as wind whipped past her, tears streaming down her face.
Is this how I'm going to die...?
A bitter smile tugged at her lips.
Mom... thank you for everything.
She had accepted her fate. She would die here—in a foreign world—without ever seeing the woman who had adopted and loved her like her own.