C.N(Wow I'm surprised you made it here even though i made it using ai i still spend some time to get the script right. I appreciate you man/woman i hope you enjoy. Thank you for supporting me)
Scene Transition – Valoria Capital, Imperial Palace
Far away from the academy, inside a dark crimson bedroom lit by arcane lamps, the Empress of Valoria reclined against silk pillows.
Sheets tangled beneath her, a muscular knight lying beside her — unconscious or dead — his skin turning grey.
Her finger glowed with faint green magic. She sighed with disappointment.
"He was strong," she murmured. "But he broke too quickly inside."
She raised her hand with a small gesture. The knight's body twisted into dust without even a scream — disintegrated by unseen magic. The bed was clean again.
She lounged lazily, brushing silver hair over her shoulder. Her maid approached with a sealed envelope.
"From Princess Elara, Your Majesty."
The Empress read the letter. One line stood out:
> "Mother, I found someone. A sword user with eyes like a white serpent. I wish to bring him to you."
The Empress' lips curled up slowly. "Hoh… a gift for me?"
She licked her lips.
"Bring him alive."
---
Back to Academy – Elara's Perspective
Elara stood by a balcony, watching Akira walk through the courtyard below. She touched her lips lightly. He walked with blood on his bandage, eyes dead cold, aura different than others.
"He will make a perfect offering," she whispered. "I wonder if mother will love him… or devour him."
She smiled sweetly.
---
Students' Gathering – Announcement of Hunt
Grand bells rang across the campus. All students summoned to the arena.
Headmaster Kazama stepped forward. "Tomorrow begins your first real field combat outside academy walls – a live monster subjugation drill."
Shock spread. Some students cheered, many trembled.
He continued: "Beast-class dungeon in the Blackwood Forest. Real monsters. Real death possible. You will be grouped in squads of five."
Crystal screens flickered to show squad compositions.
I scanned until I saw my name:
> Squad 13:
Akira (Unaligned)
Amano Yui (Amaterasu)
Ren (Unaffiliated)
Fujiwara Riku (Divine Lance trainee)
Suzuhara Kaede (Imperial Princess)
Ren sipped tea. "Fate is strange."
Riku: "Two devils in one team! Kaede AND Akira?!"
Kaede looked at the screen, then at me — satisfied.
For a second, I thought she might grab me on the spot.
---
Later – Gear Prep and Rumors
In the weapon hall, I cleaned my blade. Some students stare with fear.
Kaede spoke behind me: "In the forest, monsters won't hold back. Don't die unless I kill you myself."
I put the blade into the sheath and said coldly, "Worry about yourself."
She inhaled sharply. Her pupils dilated. She was enjoying this too much.
---
Midnight Before the Hunt – Elara's Visit
As I returned to my dorm, I saw a girl in a white dress waiting in the hallway. Silver-haired, ethereal—Elara.
She smiled gently. "Akira. You will be entering a beast dungeon tomorrow. Be cautious."
I stared, silent.
She stepped closer. "Valoria respects talent. I respect strength. Perhaps, after the hunt, I can… speak with you privately."
Her smile looked kind, but her eyes were calculating.
She added softly, almost to herself: "Would mother prefer him bound… or willing?"
She left with a quiet giggle.
Ren emerged from the room. "She's dangerous."
I nodded. Ren poured tea as if it was simple weather chat. "Kaede, Elara, and Brynhildr. You seem popular."
I didn't find it funny.
---
Dawn – Blackwood Forest Dungeon Entrance
Buffeted by cold wind, over one hundred students and staff stood near the dungeon gate. Magical runes glowed on stone pillars.
Guilds and royals watched from platforms above — including Albrecht, Yuuto, the Drakken prince and princess, and others.
Our squad assembled.
Riku carried a giant shield. Yui had her fiery sword ready. Ren wore wrist wraps. Kaede stood near me… too close.
She looked at my sword grip and said softly, "Show me how you hunt when blood smells like steel."
I said nothing.
Gate opened— swirling green portal.
Headmaster shouted: "Begin!"
---
Inside the Dungeon – Forest Zone
The forest was dark, mossy, with giant twisted trees and howls echoing. We walked carefully.
Riku took point, shield forward. Yui scanned with fire magic. Ren sensed mana vibrations.
Kaede brandished her spear casually, yet her eyes were only on me.
Suddenly bushes shook — three wolf-monsters, C-rank, charged. Riku blocked one, Yui sliced another with flame slash. Ren disabled a third with a palm to its chest.
More growls. A larger alpha hound appeared — B-rank beast.
This was mine.
I stepped forward before anyone else.
The beast roared and lunged.
I didn't parry this time. I dashed forward first, blade low.
I slashed across its jaw before it even reached me — blood sprayed. The beast staggered but swiped back. I stepped sideways, turned, slashed its rear leg, dashed past — a blur of cuts, first attack style.
I was using my stance footwork but not waiting. This was aggressive parry.
The beast snarled one last time before I cut its throat cleanly. One breath kill.
The team stared.
Kaede's voice behind me: "You're finally starting to draw blood first."
I glanced back. She looked thrilled.
---
Deeper in – Swarm Attack
The deeper we went, the darker the woods. Mana beasts appeared in packs: blade-lizards, goblin trolls, corrupted boars.
We fought as a unit. Riku took hits, Yui burned hordes, Ren blocked critical hits. Kaede danced like a war goddess.
But I began killing faster. I sliced before they attacked. I leapt into tree branches, jumped off, slammed boots onto monster skulls. Slashed mid-air, landing in crouch stance.
I used parry only to redirect for my next attack — offense layered on my defense.
Even Kaede paused mid-fight just to watch me with hunger in her eyes.
---
Unexpected Encounter – Royal Watchers Appear
After three hours, our squad took a break near a cave waterfall. But not for long.
A figure landed nearby — heavy armor. Brynhildr, Drakken Princess.
She wasn't supposed to be in the hunt, but she came anyway. "Sup, little swordsman. Out for a stroll?"
Kaede immediately stepped between me and her.
"Leave," Kaede said sharply.
Brynhildr raised an eyebrow. "This your man or something?"
Kaede's eyes narrowed like a bird of prey. "He is mine to watch."
Brynhildr laughed. "We'll see about that."
Behind them, another silhouette appeared —robes, silver hair. Elara. She smiled sweetly.
"I wonder if he bleeds sweeter than he looks," Elara said softly.
"What do you want?" Kaede snapped.
Elara shrugged gracefully, then looked behind at me like prey. "Just observing."
The tension was electric. Princesses of two empires watching me like property. I stepped forward, finally speaking:
"I'm not a toy for children."
All three women paused.
Kaede's lip curled in a pleased grin. Elara blinked… then smirked and licked her lips slightly. Brynhildr just laughed again.
"I like him more now!" Brynhildr said.
Kaede warned them coldly. "Back off."
Elara laughed and left into the trees. Brynhildr eventually walked off too.
---
Final Hunt Phase – Dungeon Alpha Beast
Loud roar. A massive Forest Ogre Alpha (A-rank dungeon boss) crashed through trees.
Tall as a building, club the size of a carriage.
Riku: "Oh lord—!"
Kaede stepped forward. "Stay close."
We formed around it. Riku blocked massive club strikes, his shield cracking with every hit. Yui threw flames. Ren parried giant fist, breaking an ogre finger. Kaede pierced its side with spear aura.
But it kept roaring, rage regen.
It swung again towards me. This time I attacked first— sliding under its swing, slashing its ankles with precise cuts. Blood spurted. It dropped to one knee.
Kaede spun in mid-air and launched a spear strike into its shoulder— blazing phoenix tip bursting. It roared in agony.
I ran, leapt onto its knee, used its shoulder as a platform, and slashed across its throat with a spinning slash — still not a kill… but enough.
It collapsed.
Kaede landed beside me almost shoulder-to-shoulder, blood on her robe. Her eyes looked directly at me — like she was high on battle.
Riku shouted: "Yoooo we did it!!"
Headmaster's voice announced across the dungeon crystal: "Squad 13 – Ogre Subjugation Complete."
We left the dungeon as the portal opened. Bloodied, exhausted, alive.
---
Outside – Mission Complete
Back on academy grounds, Kaede followed me quietly. As I tried to walk to the infirmary, she grabbed my wrist.
"You said something earlier… about not being a toy for children," she whispered close to my ear. "That includes me?"
I pulled my wrist away. "You're no child."
She stared at my face — a mix of pride and deeper obsession. She exhaled hot breath. "Good… then I will continue."
She walked ahead of me, like she owned the path. But I walked anyway, not following — walking beside her.
Yui walked behind, whispering: "This is like walking next to two beasts."
---
Final Scene – Elara's Private Thoughts
Elara sat inside her carriage, watching the academy grounds disappear.
She held a sealed letter and spoke quietly:
"Mother will love him… or I will watch her devour him…"
Her eyes glowed with faint silver and she smiled with sick joy.
> "He will be our next favorite toy."
She imagined Akira kneeling or bound in her mother's palace. The thought excited her. She licked the edge of her thumb sighing happilt
Morning – Courtyard of Silence
The sun had barely risen when I stepped out to the quiet courtyard. I had planned to train alone.
But standing near the fountain was Elara, white Valorian robes floating like frostwind, her silver eyes already fixed on me.
"Akira," she said softly. "May we speak in private?"
Her tone was calm, but her eyes glittered with something twisted.
I didn't reply. I simply walked past her toward a secluded stone corridor behind the training hall. She followed.
In the shadows, she faced me, her hands folded gracefully.
She smiled as though she were greeting a friend. "You've been on my mind a lot."
I said nothing.
She leaned closer so her perfume of cold lilies brushed my senses. "Would you like to come back with me… to the Valoria Empire?"
I stared in silent refusal.
She continued, undisturbed. "I did some background research on you," she whispered. "Your hometown, your father the hunter… your little records say he died in a dungeon accident."
She made a sound — a little chuckle. "Unless… you still believe that?"
My fingers tightened on my sword hilt.
Her eyes sharpened, enjoying the tension. "Your father didn't die from a monster, did he? If you want to know who actually killed him… or what happened to his body… come to Valoria."
Then more quietly: "My mother, the Empress, will tell you… for a price."
Something in me snapped. I grabbed her robe front and slammed her into a pillar, blade half-drawn. My heart pounded like roaring thunder.
For a moment, her feet lifted off the ground as I held her up. A thin line of killing intent poured from my eyes.
Her face didn't show fear. Only a delighted smile, cheeks flushing pink faintly as she was getting choked enjoying it with her tongue falling out.
"Ah… so you do care," she whispered. Mana flickered gently around her — aura of a 6-star mage. My hand trembled — I knew I couldn't kill her here.
Her voice remained soft: "This is your invitation."
She pulled a small silver card from within her sleeve and slid it into my hand as I held her up. "Come to Valoria. My mother is waiting."
I released her and stepped back, eyes dark.
She fixed her robe, not insulted at all — looking almost satisfied. "See you soon… serpent-eyed swordsman."
She walked away gracefully.
---
Unseen Witness – Kaede
What Elara did not realize — hidden behind the column's shadow — Kaede had watched the entire scene, silent.
She saw the moment I slammed Elara into the wall. She saw the tremble in my hand.
Her eyes slowly narrowed. She slipped away before I could sense her — without making a sound.
She said nothing. She simply watched me from afar.
---
I Stare At The Card
I stood in the hallway holding the silver card for a long time.
Too long.
My mind was still repeating Elara's words. "Unless you still believe your father died from a dungeon monster."
My hands shook. Not rage at her. Rage at the truth I'd never known.
After what felt like minutes, I slid the card into my pocket. I began walking toward the training fields.
---
Later – Academy Training Fields
Riku noticed me first. "Yo bro— wait, you look... kinda scary today."
Ren sat sipping tea, looked at me once, and simply said, "So you know something new."
Haruto didn't approach at all — too scared. Yui arrived, looked worried.
I didn't respond. I began training swings — but harder. My blade cut through air violently. I wasn't just practicing. I was venting something.
Kaede arrived at the training ground and stared at me. She said nothing. She didn't ask what happened. But her gaze was sharper than ever.
She watched my movements for a long time, quietly assessing every change.
---
In Class – People Whisper
During classroom lectures, I sat with arms crossed, eyes forward — but not listening.
Student whispers:
> "He looked like he'd kill someone today." "They say Princess Elara met him earlier…" "Did he get threatened?"
My hand touched the card in my pocket again. I felt my heartbeat. Steady. Cold.
---
After Class – A Short Confrontation
Leaving class, a noble from Valoria confronted me with some arrogant remark about "lowborn dogs".
I didn't even respond verbally. I struck so fast and so precisely — a punch right into his stomach — he vomited and fell to his knees gasping.
I said two words: "Speak again."
He couldn't.
Other students were stunned. I walked away.
---
Brief Scene – Kaede's POV (Short Internal Monologue)
Kaede watched from the second-floor balcony.
He's changing, she thought. Something awakened... something savage.
She felt heat in her chest. Joy and something else. Possession intensified in her gaze.
---
Back in Dorm – Night Falls
Ren sat at our small table. "You should rest."
I replied quietly, "Not yet."
Ren asked, after a pause, "Did you find out about your father?"
I said, "Maybe."
Then I tossed the card onto the table. He glanced at it.
"How far will you go for the truth?" he asked.
I didn't answer. I sheathed my sword, lay down, staring at the ceiling.
Somewhere outside, I could almost feel Kaede watching the dorm from a distance like a predator guarding her prize.
And somewhere far in Valoria, an Empress was already setting the board.
Chapter 6
Very Early Morning – Women's Dormitory Hall
I walked through the dim hallway of the girls' dorm, cloak over my shoulders, boots echoing against polished stone.
Some female students hiding behind their doors peeked at me — shocked. Boys were never allowed inside.
I didn't care.
I stopped before a white wooden door engraved with the Valorian crest.
Princess Elara Valoria
I raised my fist and knocked once. Hard.
A gentle voice answered from inside. "Come in."
I pushed the door open.
---
Inside Elara's Room
Her room was immaculate — silver curtains, stacks of spellbooks, flowers that smelled of frost.
Elara stood near the window in a nightgown layered with a transparent silk robe. She looked surprised but not afraid — almost… pleased.
She tilted her head. "You came. I planned to invite you a second time."
I shut the door behind me.
I spoke coldly. "If you're wasting my time, I'll drag you to my grave."
Her smile widened slowly. "Oh? Such passion in your voice this morning."
She turned fully toward me, hands gently clasped. "So… you accept my invitation?"
I nodded once, eyes sharpened. "I'll go to Valoria."
She stepped closer, almost touching me. "Good decision. Then after breakfast, we depart by imperial carriage."
I stared down at her. "If you lie about my father… you die."
Mana flickered around me unconsciously. She inhaled in excitement.
She whispered, "Mother will love you…"
---
Eavesdropper in the Shadows
Unknown to either of us — outside the slightly open window, hidden behind the castle stone, Kaede crouched silently.
She saw me go to Elara's door. She heard my cold voice.
Her hands clenched on her spear shaft so hard the wood creaked.
A whisper in her mind: He's leaving… with her.
Her eyes darkened — dangerously silent.
---
Ren Intercepts Me Outside
Leaving the girl's dorm, I walked toward the academy's front gate.
Ren was waiting.
"I know where you're going," he said quietly.
I didn't stop walking.
He followed beside me. "Valoria is filled with hidden snakes. Even royalty kill their own sons. They are worse than dungeons."
I said, "If they lie about my father, I'll burn their empire."
Ren looked at me, then exhaled. He placed a hand briefly on my shoulder — the first time he touched me like a friend.
"At least promise me you'll return alive."
I paused. "I will."
Ren nodded once, then turned and left me to my path.
---
Departure – Imperial Carriage
At the academy gate, a large white carriage drawn by two horned mana horses waited. The Valorian emblem glowed on the door. Several armored knights stood waiting.
Elara stepped inside gracefully, motioning me in.
As I climbed into the carriage — I felt a stare from afar.
I turned my head.
Across the courtyard, in shadow under a cherry tree — Kaede stood. Alone. Watching.
Her expression unreadable — but her eyes locked on mine.
I didn't break eye contact.
The carriage door closed.
---
Inside the Carriage
Elara sat opposite me, legs crossed, a satisfied expression.
She stared at my expression, tense, angry, quiet.
"If you meet my mother," she said, "do not speak without permission. She doesn't tolerate disrespect even from kings."
I said nothing.
She reached out and touched the side of my face. "She kills men for disappointing her. But you… hmm… I'm curious if you'll interest her like I do."
I grabbed her wrist and shoved it aside gently but firmly. "Don't touch me."
She bit her lip slightly and smiled, clearly enjoying my hostility.
"As you wish. Your anger is beautiful."
I stared out the window. My mind only on my father. On truth. On vengeance.
---
Carriage Moves – Kaede Watches
Kaede watched the carriage roll away with stone-cold fury.
One of her retainers approached quietly. "Princess… shall we pursue?"
She whispered without emotion: "No."
She turned and walked back to the training grounds, spear in hand.
"He will come back," she muttered.
"…and if that witch lays a single finger on him… I will burn Valoria from its foundations."
---
Final Scene – The Road to Valoria
Inside the carriage I closed my eyes, resting head back, but my hand clasped my sword tightly.
Elara hummed softly across from me, pleased.
Hours passed in silence. My breathing slow but heavy.
But in my mind… a single repeating thought:
If this is a trap, I'll kill them all…
And far ahead… the dark towers of Valoria's Imperial Palace began to appear on the horizon beneath a gray sky.
Chapter 7
Arrival – Valoria Imperial Capital
The carriage rolled across a massive stone bridge lined with statues of past emperors. Mana-lights floated in the sky like silver stars. The city itself felt like a maze of towers and marble roads.
Valorian soldiers in silver armor saluted Elara as we passed.
I stepped out of the carriage in front of the Ivory Palace, an ancient castle that radiated magic so thick it felt like stepping into fog.
Waiting at the courtyard were several nobles and officers. One nobleman sneered as I passed. "They let a mongrel inside the imperial palace now?"
I turned and stared at him. His smile vanished. I stepped toward him once. He tripped backward and ran. Coward.
Elara giggled like a child who brought a stray wolf home.
---
The Palace Halls
Elara led me through halls lined with living statues, wraith butlers, and shimmering magical wards. I sensed thousands of spells watching me.
I passed elites, librarians, concubines, and magical beasts on chains held by mages.
Finally, massive golden doors opened into the throne hall.
---
The Empress Appears
The throne was carved from black crystal with phoenix wings. On it sat a woman with flowing silver hair and blood-red lips.
Her gown shimmered between white and silver, embroidered with runes. She didn't look human—but something beyond.
Her gaze struck like lightning. The entire hall was silent, kneeling.
Except me, standing.
She stared at me without blinking. I felt my skin burn.
She spoke, voice like velvet dripping poison. "Akira, the boy with serpent eyes… you have come."
Her presence alone made my knees nearly buckle. I resisted.
She smiled slowly. "You want the truth about your father."
I nodded, eyes cold.
Her voice lowered, seductive and chilling:
"Then accompany me in my bed tonight. If you satisfy me well enough… I shall tell you."
Silence. The court froze.
My veins bulged, rage exploding in my chest. I clenched my fists, voice trembling with fury:
> "Is this some kind of joke?"
She raised one finger.
A crushing unseen force slammed my body. My knees hit the floor—hard. The marble cracked. I tried to rise but the weight of her magic pressed like mountains on my shoulders.
She didn't move at all.
She whispered: "Bow, dog."
I growled, trying to stand. No use. Blood dripped from my lips as I resisted her killing intent. She watched with almost maternal amusement.
Then she relaxed the force slightly. I was still kneeling, head lowered without wanting to.
She leaned forward on her throne slightly. "You will sign a contract. You will belong to me. As a weapon, or possibly more, if you impress me."
She extended her hand. A scroll of glowing blood-red parchment appeared.
> "Swear obedience. Serve me for a time," she said calmly. "And I shall give you the truth you seek."
I stared up, breathing like an animal cornered. I hate this. I hate her. I hate every noble.
But… my father…
My hands trembled—but I reached out and signed the scroll with a drop of blood from my finger.
The hall glowed with red. The contract sealed.
She smiled beautifully.
"Good boy."
Elara smiled behind her mother.
---
(scene skip…) Next Morning – Imperial Chamber
Sunlight streamed through tall windows. I stood in the Empress's private chamber — not the bedroom, but a grand desk with ancient books.
The Empress sat calmly with scrolls, sipping wine.
She glanced at me lazily. "I am pleased. You didn't die."
My voice was flat. "Tell me about my father."
Her eyes gleamed. "Very well."
She tossed a parchment onto the desk.
"Your father… did not die in a dungeon."
I unfurled the parchment. It was a report: Yamato Akihiro – slain during rogue escort mission, body never recovered. Killed by unknown human hunter, not monster.
"Elara intercepted official records," she said. "Your beloved father was killed by a guild — a corrupt small guild seeking to steal a special artifact he was carrying."
My heart pounded. Blood roared in my ears.
She continued: "That guild was destroyed years later by an unknown hunter in black. Perhaps… someone avenged him already."
I whispered bitterly: "You think that helps?"
She smiled. "Anger suits you… almost beautifully."
She placed her wine glass down. "If you want names, I shall give you one who still lives — the man who ordered the kill. He is currently the Chief Knight of a noble family in the Drakken Empire."
She slid a name written in golden ink:
> Durandal Leonhardt
I stared at the name.
Then I bowed my head, shaking with hate.
She leaned forward, stroking my hair once — like petting a chained beast.
"You belong to me now," she whispered. "Claim your vengeance. Then return to my side."
I raised my head, eyes burning with murderous focus.
She laughed softly. "You may go."
---
Exiting the Palace
Elara waited outside the chamber with a satisfied smile.
She whispered, "Mother enjoys you. That means… be careful not to die."
I walked past her. She touched my shoulder. I stopped.
She said: "You will come back. Because you are now tied to us."
I didn't respond.
---
Leaving Valoria – Return Path
A teleport carriage was prepared.
As I stepped inside, clutching the name Durandal Leonhardt, the contract seal still throbbed faintly on my chest like a brand.
I murmured only one thing under my breath:
> "I'll kill him."
Chapter 8
Valoria – The Morning After
I stood in silence, shirt half open, the cold morning wind brushing against my skin. The contract crest burned faintly on my chest, glowing red. The Empress' mark. Ownership in blood and magic.
She stood behind me, eyes brighter than the dawn sun. The Empress of Valoria—face flush, hair glowing, lips parted in satisfaction.
She didn't bother dressing fully. She stood in her silk robe, like a queen after conquering a kingdom. She reached out to stroke my shoulder with possessive gentleness, whispering:
"You belong to me now, my beautiful sword."
I didn't look at her. I merely nodded once. No rage now. Only a cold submission… for now. She watched me with obsession in her crimson stare.
"I will watch your path. Kill Durandal. Then return to me."
She placed a kiss on my neck. "You are mine… husband or blade. One of them."
I closed my shirt, grabbed my sword, walked away without words.
She laughed softly behind me, pleased beyond measure.
---
On the Road Back – Inside the Teleport Carriage
The ride back to the academy was silent. Elara sat beside me, leaning against me like we were already lovers. She traced circles with her finger on my arm.
She whispered, "You destroyed her expectations. She is satisfied… which means she will never let you go."
My voice was low and cold. "That was never my intent."
Elara smiled. "Whether you intended or not… you are now the Valorian Empress's obsession. And mine."
I ignored her. She tightened her grip on my arm — almost affectionate.
"You will speak to me kindly, Akira." She whispered. "Because I will kill anyone else if they touch you."
I glanced at her with faint annoyance. "Try not to bore me."
She shivered slightly at my cold tone. Her smile widened.
"Very well, my serpent."
---
Return to Academy – Two Days Later
The sky was gray. I walked through the academy gates, cloak billowing. Students stopped. Whispers erupted like wildfire.
> "He's back…" "Something's different— his eyes…" "He bowed to no one…"
Kaede stood leaning against a tree, arms folded. She watched me enter. Her eyes widened slightly. My aura had changed. No longer simply quiet — now it was oppressive.
Her voice, low: "You smell… different."
I walked past her without replying. Not disrespectfully. Just… indifferent.
She turned and followed me a few steps, her face flushed with frustration and a hint of excitement. She didn't say another word. She simply stared hungrily.
---
Encounter – Yui Tries to Approach
In the hallway, Amano Yui jogged toward me, smiling. "Akira! You're back— we were worried—"
I didn't stop. "Move."
She froze mid-step. Her smile faded. "...huh?"
I walked around her and kept going. She stood there, stunned, heart sinking.
Even Haruto tried to greet me timidly. I didn't respond.
---
Ren – The Only One
I finally entered my dorm room. Ren sat at the desk as usual, meditating. He looked up, saw the blood-red crest glowing faintly at my collar.
"So. You accepted the contract."
I closed the door behind me. "It was the only way."
Ren nodded, opened a jar of tea, poured some quietly. He slid a cup to my side of the table. I sat down.
"I found the name," I said.
Ren listened.
"Durandal Leonhardt. Chief knight in the Drakken capital. He ordered the kill."
Ren closed his eyes. "So that's the man you'll kill."
"Yes."
He said nothing more. He simply sipped his tea. And for a moment, I felt a strange calm. Because Ren did not judge or pity me.
He raised one eyebrow. "You've changed. You know that."
I lifted the cup. "For the better."
He nodded. "For what it's worth, I'll watch your back until the end."
I said quietly. "You're the only one I trust."
Ren smiled faintly.
---
In the Main Training Field – New Akira
I stepped into the open training arena. Every student training there fell silent.
Some noble boy snorted. "Look, the dog returned from his noble mistress."
I turned slowly. I held his gaze until he paled.
I said loudly enough for everyone to hear:
"Kneel."
He blinked, confused. "W-what?"
I strode forward. He panicked and raised a sword. I slapped the blade aside with a parry and kicked his knee backwards, shattering it. He collapsed screaming.
I put my boot on his chest. Everyone watched, horrified.
I said with a calm voice: "Next person who calls me dog… loses their tongue."
No one spoke. Not even teachers intervened.
I kicked the noble aside like trash. Then I walked back to the center. Silence followed me like I parted the sea.
---
Kaede's Reaction – Hunting Glance
Up on the second floor balcony, Kaede watched the entire scene.
She exhaled slowly, her breath trembling.
A monster, she thought. He's becoming a monster...
And she was addicted to it.
She whispered to herself: "He belongs to me."
---
Later – Ren & Akira at Night
Back in the dorm, I sharpened my sword.
Ren asked, "So, what's the plan?"
"I break every bone in Durandal's body," I said flatly.
Ren placed a small letter in front of me. "From Kaede."
I didn't even look at it. "Tear it."
Ren raised an eyebrow but complied, ripping the letter in half.
---
That Night – Message from the Empress
As I closed my eyes, a magical whisper echoed in my mind. The Empress's voice — warm, burning, dominant.
"My serpent… how was your day?"
I didn't answer. She laughed.
"Kill Durandal. Then crawl back to me."
Her voice echoed until I fell asleep.
---
Next Morning – New Training Regime
At dawn I trained alone. No stances even. Just pure speed, pure offense. Slashing until my arms went numb.
Kaede approached behind me. "You're going to kill yourself before reaching him."
I ignored her and kept slashing.
She walked closer. "Say something."
I stopped. I turned. My voice was a hiss.
> "Leave, woman."
Her eyes widened. But instead of anger, her cheeks flushed. She bit her lip slightly and laughed under her breath.
"Very well. But you will speak to me again… eventually."
She walked off — spear slung over her back.
---
Yui Cries – Haruto Shocked
Later, I passed by Yui sitting near a garden. She looked at me, tears visible in her eyes. "What… what happened to you...?"
I didn't answer her.
Haruto tried to talk: "Akira, we… we were all… friends, right?"
I walked past them, heart cold. I left them behind.
---
Final Act – Public Duel Challenge
Near the end of the day, a senior swordsman from another guild stepped in my path.
"You think you're strong now just because some queen likes you? Face me."
I didn't speak. I unsheathed my sword halfway and vanished in a blur. One slash. He collapsed unconscious.
I stepped past him without even looking back.
Everyone whispered one new title:
> "The Serpent Prince"
---
End Scene – Ren & Akira Late Night
Ren sat drinking tea. I stared out the window at the moon.
Ren spoke quietly, "You're moving toward darkness. Be careful you don't lose everything you once were."
I responded: "Everything I once was… died with my father."
Ren nodded, understanding.
I whispered the name one more time.
> "Durandal Leonhardt."
The moon shone on my blade, and in that reflection, I barely recognized myself anymore.
Chapter 9 and ending
Abandoning the Academy
I didn't sleep.
I woke before the sun could breathe. My body was shaking — not from fear… from an itch.
An itch to kill him.
I didn't train. No footwork. No parries. No sword swings.
Just a single word over and over in my skull:
> Durandal.
By sunrise, I was already gone. I walked past the academy gates without telling a single soul. Teachers yelled behind me — I didn't hear them. The world was silent. Just one path.
Behind me, I could feel Kaede watching from her balcony. Elara was smiling somewhere across the continent. The Empress… watching everything through the contract.
I didn't care.
My eyes were dead.
I left the city. I headed toward the Drakken Empire.
---
Durandal Leonhardt's Manor – Midnight Arrival
A stone fortress stood among jagged hills. Torches on the ramparts. Guards in black armor. The Leonhardt crest carved into the front gate.
I didn't sneak in.
I kicked the gates open.
CLANG.
Alarms rang. Guards shouted. Then they saw me — single sword, black cloak, no fear.
One guard yelled: "Intruder — kill him!!"
Four rushed me. I cut one's throat with a single slash. Another's head rolled before he realized it had left his shoulders. The third I stabbed through the chest, lifted, and threw into the fourth guard.
I walked, leaving bodies bleeding out, calm.
At the manor doors stood tall, armored knights. They recognized me.
"You're that Akira… the academy prodigy."
"Lord Durandal is sleeping. You will—"
I shattered the knight's helmet with a simple downward slash and cut his torso in half. The second knight fell shortly after.
Blood trailed behind me like a river.
I climbed the grand staircase — a crimson serpent slithering with a sword.
---
The Chamber – Durandal Steps Forward
Large hall. Red carpets, massive windows, family portraits on walls.
At the far end, a giant of a man stood holding a massive two-handed sword and wearing black noble armor with lion crest.
Durandal Leonhardt.
His presence was frightening— even stronger than Albrecht. A monster of war.
He raised his blade lazily as I approached.
He spoke, voice rough and arrogant:
"So… you're the bastard spawn of that hunter trash I killed years ago."
I stopped.
He pointed his sword at me. "I paid his whore widow two copper coins as compensation. Did she tell you that before she died from plague?"
My grip tightened.
He laughed. "Are you here to avenge them? Pathetic boy."
He swung his giant sword onto his shoulder. "I slew your father because I could. Because I was bored. You should be grateful I let his corpse rot— it fed the crows."
My head tilted slightly… something inside me snapped.
"Attack me," I whispered.
He grinned and charged — ground shaking from his steps. A colossal slash came toward me.
I stepped aside… but I didn't parry fully. I let the blade slam my shoulder, ripping flesh.
Blood splattered the floor. I didn't flinch.
Durandal frowned.
"You… let me hit you?"
I raised my head, eyes glowing dead white. I smiled — a terrifying smile.
"I wanted to feel how weak you are."
He roared and swung again and again. I stepped, dodged, sometimes letting his blade scrape me — bleeding, but still smiling. My blade tapped his armor, slowly peeling bits of steel, piece by piece.
He was getting desperate. Aure flared around him. "I'll crush you like—"
I cut him across the cheek. He stepped back, shocked.
I whispered: "Weak fuck… like you ordered my father's death?"
He roared, swinging down with full power.
This time, I didn't dodge.
I stood still.
Blood sprayed when his sword hit my shoulder fully — bone cracked. I didn't move. I didn't even blink.
He hesitated.
Then… I placed my hand on my hilt.
And flicked my grip.
The South Stance.
The entire room seemed to go silent. My breathing stopped.
Time slowed.
Durandal's sword came down again — a killing blow. But his sword met nothing but air.
I stepped inside his guard at impossible speed. He didn't even see me move.
My blade parried his strike upward, and his entire stance shattered — wrists buckling, arms wide open.
He couldn't move.
My body moved on its own — the south parry driving me into a single absolute trajectory. My sword thrust forward like a living devil, slicing straight through his throat — from one side to the other — rupturing vein, windpipe, spine — everything.
His arms dropped. Blood spurted so violently it painted the wall behind him with crimson spray.
He tried to speak— only gargling blood poured out.
I whispered in his ear as he collapsed: "You die. You don't reincarnate."
He fell to his knees, dying, choking in terror.
I grabbed his hair, yanked his head back — and sliced. One clean cut. His head came free, spurting like a fountain from the severed neck.
I stared at his dead eyes with my serpent gaze. Then I took his head by the hair and stood.
---
Speaking to The Empress Through the Contract
Blood all over my clothes, face, hands. I stood in that empty hall holding Durandal's head in my hand like a trophy.
I knew she was watching.
I knelt on one knee — like a slave.
> "My Empress… as requested…"
I lifted the head up like an offering.
> "…Please keep his head in a jar of water… so that he never reincarnates."
Silence. Then… her voice echoed in my mind — ecstatic, shivering.
> "My beautiful serpent… you bring me gifts worthy of a queen."
I felt her magic wrap around me — a caressing pressure, proud and possessive.
She whispered like a goddess: "Come home soon… and bring me more heads."
---
Aftermath – The Walk Back
I carried the head outside. The manor was burning behind me — I had set it aflame before leaving.
The Red Leonhardt estate collapsed in fire as I walked down the hill.
I dropped the head into a bucket of water near the horses. The blood turned the water black instantly.
I whispered one final thing:
> "Rot there forever."
Then I walked down the road, body still bleeding — but the itch was gone. I felt… nothing.
The road back to Valoria was cold and windless.
The blood had dried on my cloak. My sword was silent. The rage in my heart was gone — replaced by emptiness.
The Leonhardt estate no longer existed. Durandal's head floated in a jar by now, locked in some cursed vault deep in the Valorian treasury. He would never reincarnate; never breathe; never laugh at my father's corpse again.
I was done.
---
The Final Return
The palace gates opened when I arrived. Guards bowed silently, terrified.
Inside the throne hall, the Empress reclined on her black crystal throne — shimmering in silver lace, like a goddess draped in moonlight.
Her eyes lit up when she saw me.
"You returned…" she said softly — but it sounded like both a command and a prayer.
I walked across the hall — sword in hand — and knelt at her feet.
> "I have fulfilled my vengeance."
She stood and looked down on me with a gaze that devoured. She gently touched my hair with her fingertips.
"And now… you are mine," she whispered.
She turned to the court and announced:
"From this day forward, Akira is bound to me by blood and soul. He is no longer a citizen of any kingdom — he is my sword… my king… my property."
The nobles trembled. Some bowed. Others stared in awe.
Elara stood beside the throne smiling softly — twisted satisfaction in her eyes.
---
Final Memories – A Distant Name
Somewhere far away, I imagined Kaede standing alone in the academy gardens — hearing the rumor that Akira had left forever, sworn to Valoria's Empress.
Perhaps she clenched her teeth. Perhaps she smiled in anger. Perhaps she whispered, "You were mine."
But I had left that world behind.
No more friends.
No more academy.
No more chains… except hers.
---
The Last Words
The Empress placed a kiss on my forehead — a brand of ownership glowing red.
"You will never leave my side again," she whispered to me.
I looked up at her — eyes like a serpent, calm, cold — and accepted the final truth.
> I belonged to her now — for the rest of my life.
The Empress smiled, satisfied beyond all human pleasure.
She stepped down from the throne, placed her hand beneath my chin, and said:
> "Rise, my serpent king."
I rose — not as a student, not as a swordsman — but as her eternal weapon.
---
[END]