The next morning, Elron sat inside one of the occupied houses, his eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. The cabin was normal enough, but everything was oversized. The tables, the chairs, even the plates were massive. It felt off, like he was a child sitting in an adult’s world. He absently picked at his food while receiving healing from Maris.

Kael, sitting across from him, shoveled eggs into his mouth and said, “Killing a stonehide is no joke, you know.”

Slyra stood nearby, arms crossed, her eyes sharp with frustration. “That was fucking stupid. It’s like you’re trying to die.”

Elron winced as Maris touched one of his deeper wounds. “Ouch.”

“Sorry, my lord. Almost done,” Maris said, the glow of her magic intensifying.

Elron took another bite, meeting Slyra’s angry gaze. “Yeah, it was probably a little reckless, but what a thrill—”

Before he could finish, Slyra grabbed his oversized plate and flung it against the wall, shattering it into pieces. She stormed out of the cabin, slamming the door behind her.

Elron sighed, setting down his utensils. “Well, I guess I’m done with breakfast.”

Kael smirked, chuckling as he wiped his mouth. “You really messed that one up.”

Maris, still healing his wounds, looked at him seriously. “My lord, if you don’t go after her and apologize, she’ll hold this against you.”

Elron groaned, standing up. “I will, after the ceremony.”

Kael’s eyes darted to the window. “Speaking of, you’re going to be late if you don’t leave now.”

Elron hopped out of the chair, throwing his baldric over his shoulder. “Of course, of course.”

He paced behind a large tent, his nerves buzzing as he prepared for the ceremony. His stomach churned, and he waved his arms to shake off the anxious energy, but the burning sensation in his head wouldn’t go away.

The announcer's voice echoed through the crowd: “Last but not least, we would like to honor our new captain of the first brigade...”

Elron took a deep breath, running up the steps and through the drape opening. The sight of hundreds of people milling about, eating and chatting below the stage, made him pause. It was overwhelming.

The major gestured him over, snapping him out of his daze. “Over here, come forward.”

That’s when Elron found himself standing face to face with his brother, Adan, who held a pendant in his palm. Adan raised an eyebrow, narrowing his eyes. “Have we met before? Your voice sounds familiar.”

Elron’s heart raced. He silently questioned how well Kael’s illusion spell was holding up as Adan moved closer. “No,” he replied, a wave of unease washing over him.

Adan's sneer faded, and he gave a slight nod. “No matter. From what I hear, you’re the slayer of beasts. Is that true?”

“I suppose so,” Elron muttered, eager to get through the ceremony.

Adan clasped a hand on Elron’s back as they both turned to face the crowd. Elron tensed under his brother’s touch, resisting the urge to remove his arm.

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As Adan pinned the pendant to Elron’s collar, he leaned in and whispered, “You’re not much of a looker with that nose and all, but I could find you a decent—”

Without thinking, Elron shoved Adan, sending him stumbling. Gasps echoed through the crowd.

Years of pain, humiliation, and childhood mockery battered his psyche, yet no longer did they crash and breakapart. It all spilled out.

“My nose, huh?! Is it really that hard to look at?!” Elron yelled, his voice shaking with fury.

The major stepped forward, trying to calm him. “Let’s take it easy—”

Elron's gaze burned into him, and with a flick of his hand, the major stepped back without a single touch. Elron’s hand suddenly held a knife, seemingly appearing from nowhere.

“Don’t,” warned a crouched Sylph, materializing in front of Adan with a dagger drawn.

Elron ignored him, turning to the crowd. His voice, now filled with venom, rang out. “This nose bothers you all so much?! Fine. Here—take it!”

In one swift motion, he raised the blade to the bottom of his nose and sliced it off. Blood splattered across his face as he hurled the severed piece into the crowd.

“Here! All yours! Get rid of it for me!” he snarled, his voice raw with madness.

The crowd recoiled in horror. The bloody nose landed on a fat man’s plate with a sickening plop. The man, wearing a bib and holding silverware, screamed, falling to the floor in panic. He nearly took the entire table with him.

A heavy silence fell over the hall, broken only by Elron’s ragged breathing.

“Um, we’re leaving,” Slyra suddenly appeared, dragging Elron out of the back door. “He’s had a bit of a day.”

She yanked him through the alleys, pulling him until they were far enough from the ceremony. Then, she spun him around and hissed, “What the absolute fuck is going on in your head?”

Elron spat blood, stumbling over his words. “I—I don’t know! I was holding it together, and then... I just… I wasn’t.”

Slyra watched him pace back and forth, her expression softening with pity. She sighed heavily. “I’m with you, all the way, but if you don’t start talking to me, I can’t help you.”

Elron stopped pacing and approached her, his eyes wild. “You want to help me?! Then find me something to kill because that’s the only time I feel any peace. I don’t enjoy sleeping, I don’t enjoy peace and quiet—nothing brings me joy anymore...”

Slyra’s face fell, her voice small. “Not even me?”

“I didn’t say that,” he murmured.

She scratched her head, and looked at him with caustion. “You weren’t like this before. What changed after your ascension?”

“First off, I’m not crazy. Don’t look at me like that,” he snapped. “And the change happened before the ascension.”

“What change exactly?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.

Elron looked away, his voice barely a whisper. “I made a deal with Balmer.”

“The sword that fucking talks?” Slyra asked, incredulously.

Elron finally met her gaze, his hands trembling. “He’s no ordinary sword. I’ve made a pact that I can’t go back on.”

Slyra threw her hands up in frustration. “What?! Talk to Maris! Maybe she can help remove—”

Elron shook his head, his voice low but firm. “If you really want to help me, then be ready when I need you. I’ll need help soon. A lot of help.”

Slyra started to respond, but Kael and Maris jogged over, their eyes wide.

“Yikes. What the hell happened to your face?” Kael grimaced, eyeing the wound.

“Let me heal you!” Maris exclaimed, her hands glowing as she reached for him.

Slyra rubbed her face and said, “He decided to cut off his beautiful nose. Idiot.”

Kael examined him, shaking his head. “Our glorious leader has finally lost it. Yet here we all stand,” and he looked at the girls with a smirk.

Suddenly, the sound of marching boots interrupted them. Two fully-armored guards from the royal guard approached, grabbing Elron by the arms. Instinctively, Elron’s party drew their weapons.

“It’s fine,” Elron said, going limp in their grip. “Let them take me.”

The group reluctantly lowered their weapons, though their faces remained tense.

“He’s done nothing wrong,” Slyra said, stepping forward.

One of the guards raised a hand, halting her approach. “At ease. He’s just wanted for questioning by the Major.” They then hauled Elron away, his body sagging between them.

Maris stepped up beside Slyra, her voice tight with worry. “I hope they don’t try to charge him.”

Slyra watched him go, her face clouded with concern. “Me too...”