Rain poured mercilessly. Using my sword like a cane to support my weight, I found a cave not far from my position. Once steadied, I summoned all my strength to trod through the forest. Mud accumulated on my boots, dragging down my movements. As I entered the cave, all my strength left me and I fell. I pulled myself to an upright position and held my wound. Blood kept on gushing out.

Am I going to die?

When did I start to fear death? This question struck irony when I thought about it. How many people have I killed with my sword? Did they all feel the same way? The rain continued to pour as I hid in a cave nearby, awaiting the inevitable. My consciousness drifted, as if this was all just a dream and memories of my life started to play itself out like an old recording. My thoughts were only filled with her sharp smile and fierce, red eyes.

When did I fall so deep?

I wondered. As if possessed, I reached my hand out to hold something seemingly far away.

[Edmond]: Lucia…

I still had so many things to say. Regret lingered inside my soul. All I prayed for was to see her one more time, but was that too much to ask for? As my hand fell, I drifted out of consciousness.

* * * * *

[Alex]: YOUR MAJESTY, WAKE UP!!!!

I heard Alex screaming.

[Edmond]: I am awake. Stop screaming already.

I answered while I glared at him. He always stood behind me like a shadow.

[Edmond]: What is it?

I asked.

[Alex]: Your Majesty, it’s already afternoon. The sun will set soon. Please rest.

He answered while bowing his head. I sighed and turned my attention to the pile of papers in front of me. Perhaps, I can finish them tomorrow.

Almost 5 months have passed since I returned to the capital, yet all I did was process paperwork and reports concerning the last war. Mauritius was the largest empire in the continent, and the great city of Kohl was its capital. It was previously a small country. However, through conquest, it quickly engulfed the surrounding small countries and the cluster later united into an Empire. I was sent to the northern borders to wage war against the barbarians. I was only 18 years old, with no experience in wielding a sword or taking a life. They expected me to die in war, but I quickly learned and sharpened my skills in fighting thanks to Hawkeye.

* * * * *

It was 3 years ago, just before the beginning of winter. The soldiers were fortifying the camp to brace themselves for the harsh changes in climate. Hawkeye called out.

[Hawkeye]: Boy, here is your shovel. Get busy.

[Edmond]: Do I look like a farmer to you?

I was annoyed, because, in the last hunt, he made me dig out all the traps as he complained about his aging back.

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[Hawkeye]: I cannot believe you are still angry about that.

His face turned apologetic as he looked at me.

[Edmond]: I prefer the warmth of the campfire.

I looked around the area and saw many knights moving about.

[Edmond]: Come. They’ve got this covered.

Hawkeye inhaled and replied.

[Hawkeye]: You are the laziest person I have ever seen.

As he sat on the opposite side of the campfire.

[Edmond]: Says the man who steals wine from the nobles to drink at night.

That’s when we both laughed. Then, the mood shifted and we sobered up.

[Hawkeye]: Winter is approaching. The barbarians have an advantage over us.

I looked down on the ground, where snow slowly gathered.

[Hawkeye]: Do you have a plan?

I turned my gaze towards Hawkeye.

[Edmond]: I thought you were the brains of the camp.

He then started laughing.

[Edmond]: I have one, but it is very dangerous.

I adjusted my posture to an upright position.

[Hawkeye]: Really, you are a funny person. Every plan of yours is dangerous.

He smiled mischievously. I continued.

[Edmond]: I will take a small platoon and attack their strongest camp.

Hawkeye was shocked for a minute, then composed himself.

[Hawkeye]: You are sending them to die. You do know that, right?

I looked at the sunset, then continued.

[Edmond]: They will leave me behind and I will kill their leader. Then, I will send you a signal to attack the base.

After a brief pause, I continued.

[Edmond]: You will be hiding in a nearby area.

Hawkeye’s gaze fixed onto me as he asked.

[Hawkeye]: How will you accomplish that?

[Edmond]: Leave that to me. In two days, I will launch this expedition.

We stood up together.

[Hawkeye]: Aye aye, Captain.

He mockingly saluted.

[Edmond]: Don’t fall behind, Old Man.

Meanwhile, within the capital, the queen sat in the teahouse with her son.

[Cesar]: Mother, is Edmond still alive? That worthless person, whom I call my brother, will try to take my crown.

He bitterly spat out the words.

[Elena]: Do not worry, my son. Only you will become king.

She said with a smile. Then, a maid walked in.

[Maid]: Your Majesty, sorry for interrupting you. A letter arrived for you.

Atop a silver tray, an orange envelope could be seen. Reaching out, the queen picked up the envelope, pried it open, and read the letter that was inside.

[Elena]: Mhmm... Interesting.

As she smiled satisfactorily.

[Cesar]: Mother, did something happen?

He asked in curiosity.

[Elena]: It seems your brother is either stupid or suicidal.

She started laughing.

[Elena]: A mole in the northern army reported of his plan.

Cesar, who was taught the art of war and other studies, began to laugh.

[Cesar]: Who knew one could be so stupid? Maybe the north has taken his sanity.

Then, the queen suddenly turned pensive.

[Elena]: If he manages to survive, I should send someone to assassinate him.

Cesar nodded in agreement, immediately writing a letter for a henchman to deliver this command.

The next day, Mauritius’s army prepared for battle in their northern camps.

[Hawkeye]: Boy, are you ready?

Hawkeye asked as he mounted a black horse.

[Edmond]: Go ahead and find a good vantage point.

As he was about to leave, he looked down.

[Hawkeye]: Before I forget, what is the signal?

He asked.

[Edmond]: Just go. You will know when you see it.

I spanked his horse. It raced forward in reaction.

[Hawkeye]: AAHHHHH BOY, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

The screams slowly faded away, with the army following behind him. I donned my helmet and called upon the candidates.

[Edmond]: You will escort me to the base, fight for a moment, and then retreat without me.

One of the knights raised his voice.

[Guard]: I can’t let you do that, Your Highness.

I faced him.

[Edmond]: Then, leave if you won’t take part.

I then continued.

[Edmond]: Disguise it to appear as if you betrayed me. Do you understand?

They raised their fists across their chest.

[Guards]: Yes, sir.

We galloped towards the enemy base. Though we faced opposition, we handled them swiftly. Upon reaching the base, more enemies appeared. I swung my sword at the attackers, killing one of them by completely beheading him. The knights continued to fight for a bit, then retreated as planned. One of them was hesitant

but, with a sharp glance, he turned as well. The enemy quickly overpowered me and captured me. They ushered me inside a tent, where a tall, muscular figure stood.

[Leader]: So, you are the legendary Devil of the North.