Chapter 1: The Rage of the Knight
It had been one month since the Blood Titan fell. The village was at peace—happy, alive, thriving.
But Strom.....
His anger grew worse by the day. Even the smallest things made him snap, his voice sharp, his patience gone instantly. The team thought it was exhaustion, sleepless nights from the Titan war. Even Dravyss told herself it was stress.
But none of them knew the dark truth. Not even her.
A Quiet Morning
The sun shone bright over the village. Strom—the baker, the Dragon Knight—was at his stall, selling breads and pies. His hands worked the dough, but his mind felt heavy, restless.
Dravyss, in her human form, had gone to the market. When she returned with her basket full, a thief darted past, snatching bread and fleeing. Strom didn't even bother to chase him.
But then it happened...
The thief shoved Dravyss as he ran. She stumbled, falling to the ground, her palm scraping against a rock. A thin line of blood trickled down her hand.
And that single drop broke Strom's calm.
Unleashed...
He wasn't wearing his armor, his pendant, or carrying a blade. This wasn't the Dragon Knight.
This was Strom—raw power, raw fury and something else.
His eyes flared red as he sprinted after the thief. Within seconds, he caught him, dragging him down into the dirt.
Thief (panicked): S-Sorry! I was hungry, I don't have money!
Strom didn't reply. His fists did.
One punch. Then another. Then another.
Each blow thundered like a hammer, bones crunching beneath his knuckles. The thief's screams echoed through the streets, sharp and desperate.
Villagers froze in horror. This wasn't the calm, kind baker they knew. This was a monster—beating a starving man half to death over bread.
But Strom didn't see bread.
He saw the cut on Dravyss' palm.
And for that, his rage demanded blood.
The Saving Hand:-
Dravyss rushed in, grabbing Strom's arm just before the killing blow.
Dravyss: "Son! I'm fine! Nothing happened, please stop!"
Strom froze, breath ragged, fists trembling. Slowly, his eyes dimmed back to blue.
Strom (hoarse): "I… I'm sorry, Mom. I lost control again."
Dravyss pulled him close, shielding him with her presence, while villagers whispered in fear.
Dravyss ( laying horrible) :he hasn't slept well, nothing much!
Together, they returned home.
Mother & Son...
Inside, Dravyss cleaned her wound. Then she turned to Strom, her eyes sharp yet gentle at same moment..
Dravyss: "Tell me the truth… what's happening to you? Even the smallest things set you off."
Strom: "I don't know. But when anyone… when anyone dares hurt you… I can't stop myself. It's like something takes over."
She leaned forward, kissing his forehead, her voice soft.
Dravyss: "Listen. I have the best son in the entire world. No one can cause me pain—because you are my relief."
For a moment, Strom managed a small smile.
Strom: "Thanks, Mom."
Dravyss (smiling): "Stay calm, Strom. My son looks his best when he smiles."
Chapter 2: The Night of Nightmares
The village was quiet, the kind of silence that feels heavy.
Everyone slept… except Dravyss.
What she had witnessed that day — Strom's rage — refused to leave her mind. It gnawed at her peace.
She walked downstairs. Strom was asleep, his chest rising and falling calmly. For a moment, she allowed herself relief… until she noticed a shadow outside.
A man crept to the door, hand outstretched.
Before he could touch it, Dravyss moved. Her hand clamped around his neck, slamming him against the wall. With her second hand she closed the door silently, ensuring Strom didn't stir.
The man struggled, gasping. He wasn't strong — just a hired hand.
Dravyss (cold): "Speak. Who are you, and why are you here?"
Hunter (panicked): "Wait! Please! Someone sent me… a letter. Said if I brought the Dragon Knight's head, I'd be paid in gold!"
Her eyes narrowed.
Dravyss: "Who sent you?"
Hunter: "I don't know! No name, no face — just the promise of money."
Dravyss released him, tossing him aside like nothing.
Dravyss: "Then take this as mercy. Leave, and don't return."
Hunter: "Thank you, ma'am!"
He ran into the night. But Dravyss' thoughts grew heavier. Someone wanted Strom gone.
The Nightmare
Dravyss returned, sitting beside Strom. She brushed his hair gently. But his sleep was anything but calm.
Inside his dream, the world burned. Cities fell, screams filled the air.
And the one leading the destruction… was Strom.
He tore through everything. Soldiers. Villagers. Even those he loved. His hands were stained, his spear heavy with the weight of lives.
And then — Wraith appeared. Strom's hand closed around her throat—
—and she collapsed.
Strom woke with a sharp gasp, sweat dripping. His eyes darted — only to find Dravyss there, watching him.
Strom (awkward): "Mom… why aren't you sleeping?"
Dravyss: "Because you can't."
Strom: "It's Just a dream. Nothing important."
Her hand cupped his face, her eyes full of love and worry.
Dravyss: "Tell me. What did you see?"
Strom (quietly): "Every time I close my eyes… I see myself losing control. I see myself hurting people. My friends. Even you."
Dravyss: "Forget it. It's only a dream."
Strom: "For me, it's not that easy."
Silence. Her gaze sharpened.
Dravyss: "You're not hiding something from me… are you?"
Strom: "What? No, I—"
Dravyss: "Then what about the bounty hunters?"
Strom exhaled heavily, avoiding her eyes.
Strom: "Oh. Those fools. Forget them. Someone wants me gone. It's nothing new."
Dravyss: "You once said you wouldn't carry the world anymore. And yet here you are, holding the same burden."
Strom: "It's my duty. Like the old days. I can't walk away."
Dravyss: "And if I told you to let someone else take that weight?"
Strom (gripping his pendant): "Then you'd leave me. And I won't let that happen. I'll bear this power, this curse — alone."
Dravyss (softly): "My son… I would never leave you. But you don't have to suffer by yourself."
Strom: "Thanks, Mom. You know… for eight years now, you've cared for me more than anyone else ever has."
Her smile warmed, eyes misty.
Dravyss: "Strom… those eight years are the most beautiful of my life."
He lay back, closing his eyes, forcing himself to rest again. Dravyss remained seated, watching the night.
The truth was clear now.
Someone was after Strom.
And inside him, something stirred — hungrier than ever.
Chapter 3: Just For Peace
The morning sun spilled into Strom's home. He stirred awake, only to notice the shop shutters closed, the smell of baked bread absent. Dravyss was already packing bags.
Strom: "Mom, where are you going?"
Dravyss: "To Astrid's house. Because you need rest — and time with your friends."
Strom: "I'm fine. I don't need a vacation."
Dravyss: "It's not a choice, it's an order. Besides, I want to see Flowra again."
Strom (sighing): "If you're happy, then I'm okay with it."
She paused, looking at him seriously.
Dravyss: "Strom… why do you always think of my happiness first? What about yours?"
Strom: "Because you've suffered enough already. You lost your love, your home, your people. And still, you stayed with me. That's why I always care about your smile more than mine."
Her heart softened.
Dravyss: "Then smile for me, my son. Get ready. We're going on a vacation."
Dravyss ( in her mind ): "but you need rest, kid"
At Astrid's House (Wraith's POV)
Morning light filled the Valkyrie household. Astrid was outside, training relentlessly. Flowra was still resting. Wraith busied herself in the kitchen, brewing tea.
Flowra: "Daughter, let me make it. Sit down."
Wraith (smiling): "No, Mom. I'll make it. Ask Astrid if she wants a cup."
Flowra (laughing): "You know she hates tea. Ever since she burned her tongue."
Wraith (grinning): "That was her fault. She gulps like a warrior, not a lady."
The two laughed, warmth filling the room. Wraith had never known a mother's love, but Flowra gave it freely — even to a child not her own.
Astrid entered, sweat dripping, sword in hand. She dropped onto a chair.
Astrid: "Mom, water."
Wraith handed her a glass.
Astrid (eyeing her): "Princess, you're awake early."
Wraith: "Yeah."
Astrid: "Still thinking about that day? Forget it. Things just… happened."
Wraith: "it's not easy"
But Wraith couldn't forget. When Strom slay the Blood Titan, none of them could even dent it. Yet Strom, in his fury, crushed it alone. That memory gnawed at her.
Reunion...
The door creaked open. Dravyss and Strom stepped in.
Dravyss: "Where's my sister?"
Flowra (rushing in): "My dragon sister! Finally — six months!"
The two embraced, lost in their chatter. Meanwhile, Strom, Astrid, and Wraith moved to the garden.
Strom: "Where's Sam?"
Astrid (grumbling): "That little guy ran off for some "work." Didn't even tell me."
Strom (teasing): "Careful, Valkyrie. What if he's found a new girl?"
Astrid (flatly): "Then it's his last day alive."
Wraith (laughing): "You two stop bullying him. He's not even here."
Strom: "Doesn't matter. It's a tradition."
Wraith (smirking): "Astrid trains like a maniac, and you? You're her role model."
Strom (mock serious): "Really, Valkyrie? You want to be like me?"
Astrid (grinning): "Nah. Better than you."
Their laughter filled the air. It almost felt normal — until Sam appeared at the gate.
Sam: "Well, well. Look who's here. The knight himself."
Strom: "Speak of the devil — and here he is."
Astrid: "Or as we say, talk about a rat and it runs in."
Wraith: "A tiny devil who blows everything up. That's you."
Sam (pouting): "Do you three only exist to bully me?"
Strom: "Don't forget who started it. Me."
Sam: "Yeah, the root of all my misery. Why am I even blaming the branches?"
Laughter echoed again. For a brief moment, peace felt real.
Nightfall
Later that night, the group walked through the village streets, lanterns glowing around them.
But Then chaos struck — a goblin rushed through the crowd, clawing at jewelry. In its desperation, it snatched Wraith's necklace — the one Strom had gifted her....
Worse, its claw scratched her neck, leaving a thin crimson line.
That single drop broke something inside Strom again.
Without armor. Without thought. He lunged. His fists and fury rip the goblin apart in seconds. Silence swallowed the street as blood spilled on ground...
Strom (snarling): "I hate those worthless green pests."
No one spoke. Not Astrid, not Wraith, not even Sam. The villagers stared in horror. Strom wasn't just punishing a thief. He was unleashing pure, merciless rage.
Even Astrid — who loved battle — felt a chill run through her.
This was no knight.
This was something darker...
Chapter 4: The Prediction
Night had fallen. The village slept in silence.
Strom and Sam were sprawled across their room like snoring pigs, dead to the world. Dravyss and Flowra shared another room, talking quietly, laughing softly. For that night, Dravyss wasn't the Dragon Mother — she was simply a woman, living in the warmth of her sister's home.
But in Astrid's room, sleep never came. She sat upright, staring at the ceiling. Wraith lay beside her, restless as well.
Wraith (whispering): "You still think it was just the heat of the moment?"
Astrid: "…No. Something's off. Strom didn't just fight that goblin — he butchered it. For jewelry theft."
Wraith (hesitant): "I don't know why, but lately… I feel uncomfortable when he's around."
Astrid (sharply): "Don't say that. You know he's not like that. He needs time. We don't even know what he carries every day."
Wraith: "Carries? He chooses blood over peace."
Astrid: "And do you think he wants that? NO!. He fights for those who can't fight for themselves."
Wraith: "He's losing himself, Astrid. You saw how he killed that goblin."
Astrid (softening): "And did you see his face when your blood spilled?"
Wraith: "It was just a scratch. Nothing special."
Astrid: "To you, maybe. But to him… seeing someone he loves bleed, even a little — it tears him apart."
Wraith: "But killing wasn't the answer."
Astrid: "You're right. But the past can't be undone."
The two lay back, but only Wraith remained awake. A heaviness filled her chest. Something was wrong with Strom. And the more she thought of it, the more certain she became.
Morning Training Time..
The next day, Strom sparred with Astrid in the garden, correcting her swings, while Sam and Wraith sipped tea nearby. Dravyss and Flowra had gone for a walk.
Sam (smirking): "You know this guy could charm any girl alive and still claim looks don't matter."
Wraith (laughing): "Yeah, better keep an eye on Astrid or he'll steal her."
Sam:" You think my sister Wraith would let that happen?"
Wraith (grinning): "Not even in Strom's dreams."
Sam: "Exactly."
Wraith set her cup down, her tone shifting serious.
Wraith: "Sam… why is Strom like this? He snaps when he's angry — like a psycho."
Sam (sighing): "I don't know, Wraith."
Wraith: "Don't lie. You know him better than all of us. You've been with him longest. Tell me what you're hiding."
Sam stared into his cup, hesitant, before speaking.
Sam: "Strom's past… is darker than most can imagine. At eight, he lost his parents. Then his master. Then his first love. And his very identity. People spat on him, calling him a monster, even when he saved their lives."
Wraith: "Maybe because of the way he kills. You told me yourself."
Sam: "Yeah. I also don't know why his anger burns like that after seeing demons. But it's always been there."
Wraith: "Always? Yet when I tried to kill him, he offered me a place at his side."
Sam: "You're different. I see the way he looks at you. You remind him of Angela."
Wraith (frowning): "That minion of Darkius? Tell me more about her."
Sam: "I barely knew her. She only spoke with Strom. She was… fragile. Afraid of everything, We haven't talked either. But I think she truly loved him. And I think if I'd told Strom earlier about her fear, she might still be alive."
Wraith: "Fear of who?"
Sam: "That wizard. Darkius. She may have been sent to spy on him, but she fell in love for real. She was the first person who saw him as human, not a beast. Even I was afraid of Strom when we first met. But Angela… she gave him peace."
Wraith (quietly): "That's why he clings to us. That's Why he protect so much."
Sam: "Exactly. That's why he wears that helmet — not just for battle, but to hide his face. To protect those he loves."
Wraith (narrowing her eyes): "His rage isn't natural. There's something behind it. Maybe something related to Darkius."
Sam (grim): "…Maybe."
Wraith: "Will you help me!"
Sam: "anything for you"
The air grew heavy. For the first time, Wraith and Sam shared the same thought — Strom's fury was not his own. Something darker was pulling the strings together...
Chapter 5 – The Wizard's House
The noon sun hung high when Sam and Wraith decided to slip out. They gave no reason, only small excuses.
Strom raised an eyebrow.
Strom – "And we're not involved? Why?"
Astrid folded her arms, staring at Sam.
Astrid – "Yes, Sam. Why not us? Tell me."
Sam waved his hand like it was nothing.
Sam – "When you two hang out, it's fine. But when we do, suddenly it's suspicious? Why?"
Wraith smirked.
Wraith – "He's right. Why can't I hang out with my brother, huh?"
Strom sighed, throwing his hands up.
Strom – "Okay, okay… go. Spend some time together."
Astrid leaned forward with a grin.
Astrid – "Bring something sweet when you come back, listen here, little mage."
Sam gave a mock bow.
Sam – "Yes, ma'am."
And with that, the two left.
No one else knew where they were headed.
But the truth was darker—
They were going to the ruins of the wizard's home. The house that carries the childhood of dragon knight...
The Dark Wizard's House:-
The building loomed at the edge of the woods, blackened timbers clawing at the sky. The air was heavier here, pressing down on their chests.
Wraith (in her mind ): "Please god I beg you, don't take him away, he is my everything"
They stepped inside.
Blood stains still painted the walls, dried into rusty streaks. Blade marks shredded the stone. The silence screamed louder than words.
Wraith clutched her arms.
Wraith – "This place… it's crushing me. The pain of so many people still lingers. Especially her. Angela…"
Sam's eyes hardened as he stepped further in. His hand brushed a wall, over a streak of old blood.
Sam – "I can feel it too. How much she missed Strom in her final moment… when Jack ended her. The helplessness is still here."
Wraith's fists tightened.
Wraith – "How could someone kill an innocent girl who just wanted a peaceful life? Does Jack even have a heart?"
Sam shook his head slowly.
Sam – "I don't know. Strom still thinks the wizard killed Angela. If he knew the truth—that it was Jack—he wouldn't have let him walk away alive after their first fight."
Wraith exhaled shakily.
Wraith – "Then let's search. There has to be something here… something about Strom's rage, or Angela's past."
And so they searched. Through broken furniture, torn parchment, scattered bones of old memories.
Until Sam pulled a leather book from the rubble. A diary.
Its cover was cracked and stained. The letters were carved in jagged strokes:
"Experiment No. 1000 – The Dragon Knight"
Sam opened it, and the words of Darkius bled across the pages.
The Diary of Darkius..
#Entry One
"Today I ended my student and his wife. They dared to choose a stone other than Dragon Aura. Weak. Pitiful. Their son will not escape me."
[Strom's parents—murdered for their choice. The boy left behind, a prisoner of Darkius's plan.]
#Entry Two – November 3
"The Experiment is ten years old. I stripped his memories with a spell. He believes it will help him move on. Foolish child. Pain is my leash."
[The missing years of Strom's childhood weren't fate—they were stolen. Only the agony was left.]
#Entry Three – November 3, one year later
"The Experiment is eleven. His strength grows. I forged his rage with a spell. Now even the smallest spark will consume him. Anger makes him stronger. Anger makes him mine. A seed that bloom when he feels love again."
[The curse revealed: Strom's fury wasn't natural. It was planted. Engineered.]
#Entry Four
"The body is ready to resist the bond. He will choose Dragon Aura I'm sure because Blue—the color he loves. His 'destiny' is mine to write and I'll write it till end.."
[Even Strom's choice of stone wasn't freedom. It was manipulation from the start.]
#Entry Five – November 5
"The Experiment thinks I am dead. Good. Now I shall make him believe demons killed his parents. He will slaughter them, and then people will call him a monster. He will believe it."
[The lie that chained Strom—every kill, every fearful glance—seeded by Darkius's hand.]
#Entry Six – December 9
"The girl. Angela. She loves him now. Not planned. Love is a weakness. But weakness can be sharpened. My son will kill her. Her blood will bring him to me. Then the Dragon Aura is mine. And Dravyss will kneel, a dragon reduced to a pet."
[Angela's death wasn't fate. It was written. A trap meant to break Strom fully.]
The Last Line of him...
"A Brave Man Is Worth A Thousand."
The diary ended.
The silence in the room was unbearable.
Sam closed the book with shaking hands.
Wraith's face was pale, her chest rising and falling in ragged breaths.
Neither spoke.
The truth itself was too heavy to put into words.
Then it happened.
The air thickened. The shadows on the wall stretched unnaturally.
And slowly… a figure began to form.
Darkius...
His silhouette stood in the ruins, faint and blurred, but the burning eyes and twisted smile were unmistakable.
Wraith's scream shattered the silence.
Wraith – "No… no! This can't be real! You're supposed to be dead!"
Sam stumbled back, voice cracking.
Sam – "This isn't possible… we saw you fall… you're gone! You're gone!"
The shadow leaned closer, silent, smirking. Its gaze crawled under their skin like a poison.
And then it vanished like smoke in air, it feels that he wasn't there....
But the silence it left was worse. Too quiet. Too wrong.
The house felt alive now. The walls seemed to breathe. The floor creaked like footsteps.It feels like someone is watching.
Sam's breath broke.
Sam – "W-We needs to leave… now."
Wraith nodded frantically.
They didn't look back. They ran—through the broken doorway, out into the cold air, their footsteps pounding like drums of panic.
They didn't stop until the wizard's house was a shadow far behind them.
Wraith: "he was there!"
Sam: "but how can we both see the same thing?"
But even then… both of them knew.
The house wasn't empty.
And Darkius wasn't gone.
Chapter 6 – The Spark to Ignite
Later in the night, both Sam and Wraith returned to the house — but they had forgotten the sweets. Strom and Astrid were waiting for them.
Astrid: "Where are sweets?"
Sam: "Ahhh… I think I forgot."
Wraith: "We were a little busy, sorry."
Strom: "I already told you, Astrid, both of them are dumb. That's why I already brought sweets."
Astrid: smiling "This is the knight I love."
They shared dinner, then sweets. Strom and Astrid were tired from cleaning the whole house, so they went to rest. But later that night, Sam slipped into Astrid's room where Wraith was still awake.
Sam: "So we do that, okay?"
Astrid: "What do you mean?"
Wraith: "Relax. We need to make Strom angry… to see what will happen."
Astrid: "You both are mad. You saw what happened to the Blood Titan and that goblin. He won't take a single minute to end us."
Wraith: "Astrid, it's not his own anger."
Astrid: "What do you mean?"
Then Sam and Wraith explained what they saw in Darkius' house — the diary, the rage spell. Even Astrid, though as a Valkyrie, shivered at the thought.
Astrid: "WTF… I don't believe this, is that really possible?"
Sam: "My plan — to make him angry with traps and pranks."
Astrid: "bad idea"
Wraith: "Okay, I'm in."
Astrid: ( grinning) "Guess what, I'm also in. Because it's a rare moment to bully The Dragon Knight."
They all went to sleep, each one thinking about what tricks they could play without truly hurting him...
The Next Morning — The Hunt Begins
Strom woke up, walking lazily into the hall. Suddenly, his foot slipped on oil and he crashed to the ground.
Astrid: "Sorry, I was trying to cook!"
Strom: "getting up, brushing himself off "It's okay.""
Later, Strom sat down on a chair — but Wraith yanked it out from under him.
Wraith: "First take a bath, idiot."
Strom: rubbing his back "Ok, Wraith, okay… I'm going."
He opened the bathroom door and — SPLASH! A bucket of freezing water fell on him.
Sam: "Yo bro, I thought it'd make your bath easy."
Strom: (shivering) "Man! The water is too cold."
Later, after changing, Strom came out only to have Flowra accidentally spill curry on his fresh new shirt.
Flowra ( Oscar winner acting) "Sorry, I'm sorry, son! Please forgive me, I don't want to do this!"
Strom: (smiling gently) "It's okay, I'll wash it. Don't panic, it's just curry."
He tasted some with his finger. "And tastes as hell."
Flowra:( laughing in relief ) "You always say that."
Strom: "Because your cooking is insanely good."
By evening, Dravyss asked Strom to fetch water from the well. But the stone cracked, and Strom fell right in.
Dravyss: (fake panicked) "Son, are you okay?!"
Strom: coughing, climbing out "Yes, mom!"
But even with all their efforts — slipping, splashing, spilling, falling — Strom's rage never came. Because the people he loved could never truly make him angry.
Nightfall – The Failed Plan
Sam: "Bro, why are you not angry? We literally did everything to make you angry!"
Strom: (raising a brow ) "Okay… so all that was actually planned, huh?"
Wraith: "Yes! Now can you please be angry?"
Astrid: "Come on, Strom, get angry."
Strom:( calmly) "But why? I don't have any reason to get angry."
And then — SLAP!!!!!
Sam smacked Strom across the face. The room went silent.
Sam: "Now you are angry."
Strom: touching his cheek "Man! I'm chill as F."
Sam: (looking at the ceiling in despair )"Why, God, why? Why he is not angry?"
Strom suddenly shouting: "WHY THE FUCK would I get angry because of silly things?!"
Wraith: (grinning) "Come on, Strom, get angry or I'll kick you hard."
Strom: serious, low voice "Hey you demon, please… leave that place. You don't know how much it hurts."
Astrid: "Why are you not angry?"
Strom: "Because I'm not feeling anger."
They all went to sleep, defeated. Strom seemed unshakable — as if he was just built differently.
Midnight – The Whisper
The house was silent, moonlight spilling through the windows. Strom lay asleep, but his lips began to move, whispering words in a voice not his own...
"Experiment No. 1000… erase the memory… increase the rage… break him with love…"
Sam, Wraith, and Astrid froze in their beds, eyes wide open. It was the exact same words from the diary of Darkius. Strom kept muttering, sweat dripping down his forehead.
"…a brave man is worth a thousand…"
Wraith clutched Astrid's arm, trembling. Sam whispered so low only they could hear:
Sam: "He doesn't even know what he's saying ."
No one slept that night. Because now they realized — Strom's anger wasn't gone. It was waiting and waiting because it hunt....
Chapter 7 – The Rage Ignite
The next morning, no one could shake off the terror of last night. Strom's whispers — Darkius' voice spilling from his own lips — still rang in their ears. Plans, traps, jokes… nothing felt enough anymore. Everyone knew one thing now: if Strom's anger truly ignited, no one would be able to contain it.
Strom sat on the chair in the center of the hall, arms folded.
Strom: "Now… please. No more tricks."
Sam: "You remember what you were saying last night?"
Strom: (confused) "No. Not a single thing."
Wraith: (narrowing her eyes )"You are acting like Darkius."
Strom: (slamming his hand on the armrest) "Don't you dare to say that name. Ever again."
Astrid: (coldly) "Darkius… the legendary wizard that ended your happiness."
Strom:( voice rising) "I said… don't say that name!"
The team exchanged looks. In that instant, they all realized — the very name itself was enough to push Strom toward the edge.
So they all began saying it, one after another.
Sam. Astrid. Wraith. Dravyss. Flowra.
Each one spoke the name Darkius, stabbing Strom's mind like daggers.
At first, Strom sat silent. Eyes closed. Breathing steady. But then — he opened his eyes.
They were glowing crimson....
And his lips curled into a twisted smile, not his own. A smile that reeked of bloodlust. For the first time, Strom looked like someone else entirely. A monster wearing his skin...
Strom:( low & cold voice ) "I warned you all… don't say that name. Now see what will happen."
In an instant, his pendant flared with light. Armor plates materialized around him. His spear slid into his grip. In less than five seconds, Strom was fully armed — ready to slaughter his own family with a smile..
They scrambled outside just as his weapon carved through the air.
Dravyss: "Son! That's not you. Fight your rage!"
Strom: (laughing darkly) "You… dragon. You want me angry too, huh? Fine. Now see who I am."
His tone wasn't Strom's. It was Darkius. Mocking, cruel, savoring the madness. Strom hurled a small rock skyward — and a heartbeat later, a massive asteroid crashed into the village, flattening houses and sending people screaming into the streets.
Strom: (grinning) "Want to see some magic tricks?"
He hurled more stones, each one igniting in the sky and raining destruction. His aura bled blue fire, blades of energy swirling around him, shielding him from every strike.
The villagers screamed. They had once celebrated the Dragon Knight. But now, they witnessed an evil far worse than demons. They saw Strom as a Monster...
Wraith: (desperate, shouting to Dravyss ) "Mom! Please transform! End him! He's not himself!"
Dravyss:( shaking, voice breaking) "Sam… say those words. The ones you used last time."
Sam: (yelling through the chaos) "Angela doesn't want you like this! Not a demon! Not a pet of Darkius! Not a monster! Strom — this is not you! You are her knight! Please, fight back!"
But Strom's eyes burned red. The words meant nothing. His strikes grew heavier, sharper, and cruel.
Astrid and Flowra leapt into the fight, their blades and magic clashing against his. Sam desperately chanted spells, runes burning into the ground. Wraith pulled Dravyss back.
Wraith: "Mom! Please — you have to kill him! He'll end us all! I've seen it… I've seen the nightmare where Strom kills everyone!"
Dravyss: (tears falling) "I can't… how can I? Why—"
Wraith: (cutting her words, screaming) "HE IS NOT YOUR SON!"
The rage comes out but this time didn't come from Strom. It came from Dravyss.
She slapped Wraith across the face, her golden eyes burning with grief and fury.
Dravyss: (voice breaking ) "Don't you dare to say that thing again! What do you know about him? Huh?!."
" I raised him like my own. I took care of him more than his own mother ever could! And you… you dare say he's not my son?!"
Wraith: (coldly, through the sting of the slap) "Then go stop him. Call him son. And see what he'll do — to You...to Us."
Dravyss's chest ached as if crushed under the weight of the world. She turned, and saw Strom's face — not her son's face, but a stranger's, his smile twisted, his eyes blood red. He was already attacking her.
The strike nearly split the ground in half.
Dravyss's heart cracked. The boy she loved more than her own life, the one who had once called her "Mother" with pure love, was now trying to kill her.
The memories rushed back — his laughter, his smile, his tears. The night he leaned on her, the moments he whispered "Thank you, Mom." To the world, she was a dragon guardian. But to Strom, she was simply his mother. And that had made her feel alive.
Now, she had to decide.
Dravyss's tears burned as she transformed. Her colossal dragon form burst into the sky, wings unfurling, tail sweeping. One strike of her tail sent Strom flying back like a ragdoll.
The battlefield froze...
Dravyss's chest heaved. She didn't want this fight. But now, she had no choice — to protect Strom from himself, to protect everyone else from him, to decide between her promise and the love that made her heart beat.
The team struck again, but Strom's armor was alive, repairing itself each time Dravyss drew near. It was like his rage fed directly on her presence.
Sam's eyes widened. He realized something. A chance — slim, dangerous, maybe hopeless. But the only way.
Sam:( to Wraith) "Keep him busy! I'll be back soon!"
Wraith:( blocking a strike) "Where are you going, Sam?!"
But Sam didn't answer. He just ran, faster than ever before, disappearing into the smoke and chaos.
The others fought on, blades and fire clashing, Strom's laughter echoing through the burning village.
And Dravyss, the mother who never wanted this fight, whispered to herself as she clashed with the son she loved:
"Please, Strom… please come back to me."
Chapter 7 – "You Left Me No Choice"
The battlefield burned. Houses shattered, villagers scattered, and Strom stood like a demon wrapped in armor. His laughter echoed through the chaos as the team struggled, barely holding the line.
Everyone knew the truth. Dravyss could end him with a single strike. But no one dared speak it aloud. Because everyone saw the tears in her eyes.
She wasn't just fighting a monster. She was fighting her son.
Meanwhile, far from the chaos, Sam was running. His lungs burned, his legs screamed, but he didn't stop. His destination — Strom's old village. The one where he once worked as a blacksmith. The same place that Warlock had destroyed.
Sam finally reached Strom's ruined home, broken walls and ash still clinging to the air.
Sam: (panting) "Okay, Sam… think like Strom. If you wanted to hide something precious… where would you put it?"
He searched the ruins. Empty shelves, cracked stone, burned chests — nothing.
Sam: "No. Strom's a musclehead. He wouldn't risk hiding it in plain sight."
He grabbed a pickaxe and smashed it into the floor. Each strike echoed like thunder in the dead village.
Then CLING!!!!!.
A hidden box...
Sam open the box and, Inside lay Strom's first sword. Rusted, worn, but still alive with memory. And beside it — a blood-stained scarf. Angela's scarf. The last piece of her memories left behind.
Sam's hands trembled as he lifted it.
Sam: "Got it. This will stop him."
He bolted back toward Astrid's village, a scarf clutched in his grip and his mind chanting spells again and again....
By the time he returned, the battlefield was almost lost. The team lay on the ground, battered but alive. Only Dravyss still stood, trading desperate blows with Strom. Not with full strength — but with restraint, with hope that he might return.
Sam ( heavy breathing): "Okay, Aunt Dravyss. That's enough. Step back — I'll handle this."
Without hesitation, Dravyss lowered her claws. She didn't want to kill her son. She'd rather let the world burn than take his life.
Sam stepped forward, raising the scarf.
Sam: "Strom… remember her?"
He held out Angela's blood-stained scarf.
Strom froze. For a heartbeat, his red eyes flickered. But then his voice came, cold and venomous.
Strom: "I don't even care about her. Not anymore. She wasn't even real."
Sam: "Let's see."
Sam's voice boomed with spellcraft. The scarf glowed, and in a shimmer of light, Angela appeared. Not truly alive — but an illusion, a memory made flesh.
Angela - "I Love You, Strom!"
Strom's rage didn't vanish. But his body trembled. His hand lifted as if reaching for her.
Before he could touch her, Sam whispered another incantation. His hand slammed on Strom's helmet, tearing it off. A surge of power rushed in.
Strom collapsed on the ground instantly, screaming in pain, clutching his head as if it were splitting open.
Sam: "Sorry, brother… but You left me no choice."
The team stared, horrified, as Strom writhed on the ground. His screams was painful that shook the earth.
Wraith( panicking) : "What have you done?!"
Sam: "Sorry, Wraith. But it's this — or we lose him."
Flowra: "Lose? You mean… he'll lose control again?"
Sam: grimly "No. Lose means he won't survive."
Dravyss: (shaking, pleading) "No! Stop that spell! I want my son back! Please Sam No!."
Sam: (voice breaking) "I'm sorry. But I can't take it back now. If it's possible, please forgive me. I know no one can take Strom's place in your heart. But even I… had no choice."
Then suddenly, the screaming stopped and Strom stood up again...
Strom's eyes shot open — glowing blood red that make everyone froze in terror.
But then… the red faded. Blue returned.
Strom fell to his knees beside his dragon spear. The battlefield went silent....
He looked around. At the destruction. At the people he loved, wounded now because He tries to kill them....
Strom ( realised what he has done) "I'm sorry…. I… I became a monster. But it won't happen again."
He lifted his spear. His hands trembled. The weapon rose above him — and in one sudden motion, he drove it toward himself.
Dravyss: (screaming, intercepting the strike) "No! Son, please! Don't leave me! Please, please No!"
Strom: (tears streaming) "Please, Mother… I'm not worth a single second of life. I'm not a guardian knight. I'm a monster, a demon that only knows how to kill...Please… let me go."
Dravyss: (holding him close, sobbing) "I failed too. But look — I'm here. I'm still here. Please… Strom no."
Silence fell over the battlefield. Heavy. Final.
Everyone was injured. But no one was smiling now through the pain they are almost dead. The Storm had returned maybe....
Aftermath:-
Later that night, they gathered.
Wraith: "So, Sam… the curse. It's broken now, right?"
Sam: "Yes. Fully broken. Strom won't lose himself like that again."
Astrid: (crossing her arms) "I don't believe in you. But I hope you're right."
Flowra: (softly, to Strom) "Son… how are you feeling now?"
Strom:( weakly smiling, still doubting himself ) "Not much better. But good. Light, actually."
Dravyss: "Looks like the spell really worked. Thank you, Sam."
The whole team thanked him. The best thing wasn't survival. It was Strom — back with them.
Wraith: (grinning suddenly) "Wait… you're saying all those times you fought like a psycho… it was the curse?"
Astrid: "But he never lost himself like this before."
Strom: "I don't know… but whenever anyone tried to hurt the people I love… or challenged me… I just lost control."
Sam:(laughing) "Ohhh, that's why you almost killed Knull, the Gate Knight, when he challenged you."
Strom: (shrugging) "Maybe I don't remember much."
Wraith: "So villains like Dark Strom and Ross… just because they dared to challenge you."
Astrid: "And Darkius… because he killed Angela."
Strom held the blood-stained scarf of Angela, his hand trembling.
Strom: "You're right. All of you. But when that Blood Titan grabbed Mom… when it tried to kill her… I just lost control. I don't even remember if I killed it."
The fire cracked. Silence settled.
Now the team understood. Every fight Strom had fought wasn't just strength. It was his rage. His rage alone was powerful enough to destroy anything and with the Darkius curse it that's made it worse than anything...