Grey's mind swirled with thoughts. Why does this always happen to me? Am I cursed to never be happy? He stood frozen, staring at the lifeless body before him. His vision blurred, his chest tightened.

A hand gently rested on his shoulder. "Are you alright?" It was Arthur.

Grey remained silent, his gaze fixed on the cold, unmoving figure before him. After a moment, he replied in a hesitant voice, "Yeah... I’m alright."

Arthur looked at him seriously. "Come to the hall. We need to discuss the situation and how to handle the attack. Stay strong, Grey. Even when you lose someone precious, you must stand and fight. That’s the way of a knight."

Grey’s eyes widened. He muttered under his breath, “That’s cold... heartless.”

Arthur’s expression hardened. “Grey, answer me. Will you cry and remain weak forever, or will you stand up and fight?”

The harsh words stirred something inside Grey. He took a deep breath and clenched his fists. “I won’t... I won’t stay weak.”

Arthur gave him a nod of approval before walking away. As Grey turned to leave, Ash approached him, his face pale and his voice trembling. “I... I’m sorry, Grey. How can I ever be forgiven?”

Grey placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder. “Stay strong, Ash. We’ll talk about it later. Go and rest for now.”

Ash’s shoulders slumped as he whispered, “I’m so sorry...” before walking away, his head hung low.

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Grey made his way to the hall, where the room buzzed with tension. Important figures gathered, discussing strategies.

The troop commander spoke up, “The enemy is approximately a thousand strong, led by Heran. They attack only at night, and tonight they target Sun Fortress. We have about three hours to prepare. What’s the plan, Arthur?”

Arthur stood firm. “Staying inside the castle is useless. They can climb the walls, and we don’t want the monsters getting inside with the refugees. We fight outside the castle.”

Spance nodded. “Agreed. It’s already noon. We’ll prepare to face them outside at night.”

With the plan set, the meeting concluded. As they dispersed, Lira approached Grey. “You don’t seem like yourself. Is something wrong?”

Grey hesitated before replying, “I’m fine... just feeling a little under the weather.”

“You should rest,” Lira insisted gently.

“No... I can’t rest. I need some time alone,” Grey said, his voice firm but distant.

“If you need anything, just let me know,” Lira said softly.

Grey managed a weak smile. “Thanks.” He walked away; his shoulders heavy with the weight of his thoughts.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

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In his room, Grey lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Tears welled up in his eyes. Why... why is everything always taken away from me? Baran... Levy... I’m so sorry. I wasn’t there when you needed me. He wiped his tears. I have to be strong... I can’t let this happen again.

After a moment, he stood up, determination replacing the sorrow in his eyes. I need to check on Ash... he suffered the most. He lost his friends... friends he’s known far longer than me.

Grey walked to Ash’s room and knocked on the door. “Ash... you there?” No response. He tried again before slowly opening the door, finding Ash curled up in the corner, his face buried in a blanket, shoulders shaking.

Grey approached him. “Are you alright?”

Ash looked up; his face stained with tears. “It’s my fault... they died because of me. I dragged them with me to protect the village... If only I hadn’t... they’d still be alive. I ran away... I left them to die... I’m a coward.”

Grey knelt beside him. “It’s not your fault... you were just scared.”

“No... I... I should’ve died with them...” Ash sobbed.

Grey wanted to say more but stopped himself. “Alright... I’ll leave you alone for now. But I’ll be here when you’re ready.”

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Three hours later, night fell. The soldiers gathered outside the castle, seven thousand strong—more than enough to face the thousand monsters approaching. The ground trembled as the sounds of screams echoed, growing louder until the earth shook beneath their feet.

Arthur’s voice boomed, “Soldiers, be ready!”

The battle was pure chaos. Screams, blood, and lifeless bodies of humans and monsters alike littered the field. Grey stood amidst the carnage, his body trembling. This... this is hell...

After three grueling hours, victory was achieved, but at a heavy cost. Over two thousand soldiers lost their lives. Heran, however, was nowhere to be found.

Spance approached Arthur. “Where is Heran?”

Arthur’s eyes narrowed. “He didn’t show up. We’re forming a small subjugation squad. Crinx, Lira, Spance, and I will go. Grey... you stay here.”

Grey clenched his fists but nodded. I’m too weak... I would only drag them down.

He watched as the group departed, their silhouettes fading into the darkness of the forest. I have to get stronger... or I’ll always be left behind.

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Inside the forest, Arthur’s voice was firm. “Stay behind me, Prince.”

Spance scoffed. “I’m not some weak prince anymore, Arthur. Don’t treat me like a child.”

Arthur gave a small smile. “Alright... but be careful.”

Crinx grinned. “Why don’t you stay behind, Prince? I’ll protect you.”

Spance glared. “Keep talking, and I’ll cut your wages.”

A cold mist enveloped the area. A chilling voice echoed, “Humans... you dare trespass in my territory? If you wish for death, then I shall grant it.”

The mist cleared, revealing Heran, a legendary beast as white as snow, shining under the moonlight.

Crinx quickly cast a barrier as Heran launched a massive magic ball. The impact shook the ground, and Crinx dropped to one knee, blood dripping from his mouth. “He’s strong... I need time to recover.”

Arthur shouted, “Lira! Use fire magic! He’s weak to it!”

Lira began chanting her strongest spell. Meanwhile, Spance’s sword ignited in flames, shattering Heran’s magical shield. Arthur seized the opening, striking Heran’s back, leaving a deep wound. Lira’s fireball hit directly, causing a massive explosion.

But Heran still stood, weakened but defiant. “Foolish humans...” He cast a mind-control spell, affecting everyone except Crinx.

Crinx grinned. “You think that will work on me?” With a powerful chant, he broke the illusion, freeing his allies.

Arthur charged, his sword gleaming under the moonlight. Heran’s weakened barrier shattered, and his head flew as Arthur’s blade cut through. The legendary beast was finally slain.

They returned to the fortress, greeted by cheers. But amidst the celebration, Grey found no joy. He watched the sunrise alone, the weight of loss heavy on his heart.

Baran... Levy... I’m sorry...

When morning came, Grey went to call Ash. But as he opened the door, his heart sank. Ash’s lifeless body hung from the ceiling, a rope around his neck.

Grey fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. “Why... why did you all leave me all alone...?”

How can u ash ...how can u.