I enter the kingdom on foot. Around me, elves and beastfolk go about their lives. It's a lived-in place—well-marked streets, bustling shops, vibrant in a way human cities I've visited never were. At the heart of the realm stands Stela's castle.
The only problem? Dozens of beastfolk guards patrol the entrance. Guards who won't let a human pass—least of all the hero destined to kill their queen.
So I circle the outer wall, searching for a gap. After a long walk, I find thick vines climbing the stone. I grab hold and start to climb. It's harder than I expected—more than once, I nearly slip—but I make it to the top. Below me stretches an imposing castle of black stone.
It's daytime, so I keep low, hiding my silhouette as best I can. I slip onto a path lined with roses and hedges, weaving past guards and servants until I'm inside the castle walls.
The interior gleams with gold, yet the decor remains simple. I try to blend in, scanning every corridor for Stela. I need to talk to her—just talk.
But as I move through the halls, a pack of wolf-like beastfolk spots me.
"Intruder!" one shouts, lunging at me with a spear.
I dodge and drive my fist into his ribs, knocking him out cold.
The second guard thrusts his saber—it clangs against my armor, jarring my bones. Bare-knuckled, I unleash a flurry of punches until he crumples to the floor.
Just when I think I'm safe, fourteen more beastfolk round the corner.
"Get the human!" barks their captain, a massive figure with a bear's snout.
I bolt down the hall, avoiding direct confrontation—but they're fast, and closing in.
I draw my sword and turn to face them. Activating [Predator's Sense], I see every twitch of their muscles, every shift in stance. Their strikes either miss or glance off my armor. I fight to wound, not kill—only two fall before I sprint away again.
I duck into what looks like a library. My blood drips from my arm and forehead; despite my dodges, some blows landed. My breath comes heavy, but for now, I have a moment of quiet.
The library is vast—tall shelves, ancient tomes, and a fireplace burning eerie blue flames. On the wall hangs a portrait of Stela in royal robes, a crown resting on her silver hair.
"So she really is the Demon King," I murmur, exhaling slowly.
"Did you doubt it?" a woman's voice says.
I whirl around. Stela stands there—but now she's not hiding what she is. Her pointed ears are bare, her golden eyes sharp. Instinctively, I tighten my grip on my sword so it won't slip from my trembling hand.
Silence fills the room. Only the crackle of the fire and the soft drip of my blood break it.
"You've come to finish your work," Stela says, calm as still water, slipping into a fighting stance.
I wipe blood from my brow and straighten. "Stela, no—"
Before I can finish, she hurls a ball of blue flame—deliberately missing me by inches.
"Don't lie," she snaps, charging.
Her fists fly—fast, furious. Most land. To stop the barrage, I kick her back. The move only enrages her further.
"Stela, I don't want to fight!" I shout.
She doesn't listen. Fire projectiles erupt from her palms.
I dodge as best I can; some I cleave in half with my blade. I don't know how to end this. After a storm of fire, she pauses—just for a second. Hope flickers. Maybe she'll hear me now.
But instead, she gathers her magic for something bigger.
Before she can unleash it, the library doors explode inward. The remaining twelve guards storm in, weapons drawn, roaring for my blood. Stela drops her stance and steps back, letting them take over.
Bruised and scorched, I fight back as hard as I can. The once-peaceful library erupts into chaos—flames lick the shelves, books scatter, smoke chokes the air. I'm losing. My mind races: How do I stop this?
Then—a brilliant blue screen flashes before my eyes, brighter than ever:
[Secret Quest Conditions Met: "Do Not Betray the Demon King"]
[Claim Reward?]
"A secret quest?" I mutter. It really is like a video game.
I accept.
Heat floods my body. I feel lighter, faster, sharper.
[Level Up – Level 25]
[Unique Skill Unlocked: Shadow Lord]
[New Path Selected: Dark Lord]
I don't fully understand what this means—but I activate [Shadow Lord] anyway. My movements blur. Speed surges through me. It helps… but I'm still outnumbered. Still, the quest's condition—do not betray the Demon King—echoes in my mind. That's what matters.
The tide turns. Nine guards remain standing. My vision swims. I'm so tired I think I might vomit. My limbs feel hollow.
"Enough!" Stela's voice cuts through the noise.
The guards freeze. I collapse to my knees, my blood pooling on the marble floor. Stela steps in front of me, her golden eyes locked onto mine.
I drop my sword. Close my eyes. Let it end.
But she orders the guards out. Then, softly, she raises her hands. A green aura envelops me—warm, healing. My wounds seal. My breath steadies. And her eyes… they shift back to violet. Deeper. Brighter.
"They summoned me here to kill you," I rasp, pushing myself up. "Said it was the only way home."
She crosses her arms, avoiding my gaze. "A hero shouldn't wield shadow magic."
I'm not sure if the shadow magic came from the secret quest—but whatever it was, it made her hesitate. Made her stop.
"I don't know why… but I want to trust you," she whispers, tears glistening in her eyes.
I step forward and pull her into an embrace. "I'm sorry," I murmur against her hair. "For hurting you."
She doesn't speak. But she hugs me back—tight. Warmth radiates from her. Her sobs fade. She pulls away, offering a small, trembling smile that melts something deep in my chest.
I still don't know how I'll get home. Or what comes next.
But for now… I think I made the right choice.