Early in the morning, accompanied by the chirping of birds, Grey woke up and decided it was time to leave.
However, when he went to the dining hall for breakfast, he was met with an unexpected sight.
Sitting across the table was someone who immediately stood out—Prince Spance. His bright golden hair was as radiant as the sun. Yet, he didn’t say a word or even glance at Grey.
After Grey sat down, Spance finally broke the silence, “You’re Grey, right?”
Grey responded, “Yes, Prince.”
Spance smiled slightly. “You don’t have to be so formal. Just call me by my name.”
Without hesitation, Grey said, “Spance, did you need something?”
With a serious expression, Spance replied, “I just want to spar with you. I want to see how strong a hero is.”
Grey hesitated. “I’m weak. I don’t think you’ll gain anything from sparring with me.”
Spance laughed, his serious demeanor fading. “You’re funny. I don’t want to bully someone who’s weak. I just want a light sparring session.”
After a moment of thought, Grey agreed.
Spance nodded, “Alright, after eating, we’ll rest for a while and then meet at the training hall.”
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After breakfast, Grey returned to his room to rest.
He muttered to himself, “I was planning to leave, but it seems I’ll have to stay a bit longer. I don’t think he’ll let me go after just a light spar. Is he trying to get something from me? Could it be support for claiming the throne? But he doesn’t seem like that kind of person… Whatever. I should relax for now and hope nothing happens later.”
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A few hours later, a knight arrived to summon him, saying that the prince was waiting.
When Grey reached the training ground, he was stunned.
Spance stood there in his training attire, revealing his muscular build.
“He looked so small in his royal robes at breakfast, but he’s no joke. Did I offend him somehow? I can’t recall doing anything…”
Spance called out, “You’re here.”
They began sparring.
Spance’s swordsmanship was similar to Arthur’s but faster and more lethal. Fortunately, Spance kept his word and held back, making it a light duel.
After the match, Spance remarked, “You’re good, but you can improve more. Don’t slack off.” His words were oddly encouraging.
Grey then asked, “How many aura cores do you have?”
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Spance responded, “Five.”
Grey was impressed. Reaching five as a spirit swordsman at such a young age was remarkable.
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Afterward, Spance invited Grey to go hunting. Grey agreed, and they hunted until dawn.
It was exhausting. Spance easily defeated a mystic lion without breaking a sweat, but Grey struggled, using all his aura to bring down just one. Exhausted, he collapsed into his bed and fell asleep instantly.
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The next day, Grey woke up late in the afternoon, realizing he was behind schedule.
He headed to the training ground and found Spance already practicing. They trained together, and Grey learned a lot from him.
“He’s a great person,” Grey thought, “I admire him.”
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After training, Grey took a bath and then wandered around the castle.
He encountered Queen Lageria, who invited him for tea. She was both beautiful and imposing.
The Queen asked, “How is the training going?”
Grey replied, “It’s going well. I’m improving.”
She then inquired, “I saw you with Spance. Are you two close?”
Grey explained how they had met the day before.
After a brief conversation, she asked, “Have you met Wisteria? How is she doing?”
Grey was puzzled. “Isn’t she her daughter? Wouldn’t she know better than me?”
But before he could ask, a maid interrupted, whispering something to the Queen. Her expression changed.
She stood up and said, “Grey, you should come to the audience hall as well.”
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Confused, Grey followed her, sensing that something serious had occurred.
As they walked, his thoughts drifted to Arthur and his other friends.
“Should I bring souvenirs for them? I hope they’re okay…”
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Upon reaching the hall, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. Faces were filled with anxiety, but no one spoke.
Spance and Lira were present, along with the King.
After a moment of silence, the King spoke, “This is the second time this has happened. It could be Altania’s doing.”
Grey was confused.
The King noticed and explained, “Three months ago, at the Swo border, beasts from the forest rampaged through villages. Many soldiers and villagers were killed.
Now, it’s happening again at the Altania border, but this time it’s worse.
Reports from the Sun Fortress say that three villages have already been destroyed within a day. Countless monsters are attacking, led by a Heran. A Heran emerging from the deep forest is not normal…
Something serious must be happening.
Over ten thousand lives have been lost, including soldiers and villagers. The Sun Fortress is struggling to hold them off. We must send reinforcements before more lives are lost.”
The King continued, “We’re deploying the Phantom Knights, led by Prince Spance. Prepare to depart within an hour. You must reach there as fast as possible.”
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Grey’s heart sank. He thought of Arthur and his friends.
“Are they alright? I can only hope… They’ll be fine. Commander Arthur is with them.”
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An hour later, the Phantom Knights, led by Commander Crinx and Prince Spance, departed with five thousand soldiers.
The journey was grim, and Grey couldn’t bring himself to ask about the situation.
As they traveled, they passed refugees carrying their belongings, some crying, others badly injured.
They passed the village where Grey had celebrated the festival. It was completely destroyed, smoke rising in the distance. Grey’s heart ached.
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When they arrived at the Sun Fortress, signs of a fierce battle were everywhere—bloodstains on the walls, injured soldiers with missing limbs, exhausted faces.
Grey’s heart raced as he searched for Arthur.
When he finally saw him, Grey ran over, “Are you alright?”
Arthur smiled, “You came back. Don’t worry about me. But… you should go talk to him.”
Arthur pointed to Ash, who was crying.
Grey hurried over, “Ash! What happened? Where are the others? Are they safe?”
Ash looked up, his eyes red with tears. “I’m sorry… I was a coward… I couldn’t protect them… I ran away… I was selfish.”
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Grey’s heart sank, “What do you mean? Where are Levy and Baran?”
Ash pointed to two bodies covered in white sheets.
Grey’s heart stopped as he slowly lifted the sheets, revealing the lifeless bodies of Baran and Levy, their limbs missing, bite marks and sword wounds covering them.
Grey collapsed, turning to Ash in desperation, “This is a joke, right? Tell me you’re joking!”
Ash’s voice was hollow, “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”
He could only repeat those words as Grey’s world shattered.