Chapter 1: The Betrayal That Should've Ended Me
The sky burned crimson that night.
Elias Valen, once humanity's most loyal hero, stood alone on the battlefield surrounded by the corpses of demons and his own comrades. His sword dripped with blood, but not all of it belonged to monsters.
> "You've done well, Hero,"
the Archmage said with a smile that twisted into mockery. "But your usefulness ends here."
Before Elias could react, the magic circle beneath his feet ignited. His heart clenched it wasn't a summoning spell. It was an execution ritual.
> "W-Why?" he gasped, feeling his body burn from the inside.
"Because heroes die as martyrs," the Saintess whispered coldly, pressing her staff to his chest. "And martyrs inspire loyalty."
Elias's last sight was the Kingdom's holy emblem flashing before his eyes the same symbol he had fought for. Then darkness swallowed everything.