The girls exchanged glances. They had finally learned the name of the one who had saved them from danger.

Aerith's voice filled with gratitude as she repeated Kael's name, her heart still pounding from the recent danger they had faced

"Kael," she said sincerely,

"We cannot thank you enough for your help. We are indebted to you."

Kael's gaze softened, a glint of sorrow reflecting in his eyes. Among those he was fighting as a monster, those who had played a significant role were none other than the ones before him.

"You owe me nothing," he responded gently yet resolutely, leaving no room for arguments.

The atmosphere grew heavy, and silence lingered for a moment before Aerith spoke again.

"Is this where you live, Kael? In this cave and forest?"

Kael nodded in response,

"Yes. What about you?"

"We're from Emberia," Aerith responded,

"We were making our way home from Westhaven when we were suddenly attacked by the same people you eliminated, the ones with the medallions."

"How did you end up here? Emberia is a week's travel to the south. We're currently in The Forsaken Forest." Kael asked,

Aerith frowned, her fingers instinctively caressed the necklace adorning her neck.

"A few days ago," she began telling their story, her voice filled with frustration,

"We were resting in the central lands on our way to Emberia when the ambush happened. They used an artifact that teleported our carriage to this very spot despite our carriages being fortified with anti-magic enchantments and constructed using materials that neutralize spells."

Kael nodded after a moment of silence,

"I understand; I will ensure your safety and return you to Emberia once the snowstorm calms down, hopefully within a week."

The girls' eyes widened in surprise, they hadn't expected to be helped, all they wanted to do was tell their story.

"We're really.... thankful for your constant help, we assure you that we will repay this debt." Luna expressed, her voice emotional, trembling slightly.

Celestia, who had been listening attentively, couldn't contain her excitement any longer. Her voice chimed in with admiration, her eyes shimmering like precious crystals.

"We are truly lucky to have met someone like you, Kael! A true hero, selflessly coming to help those in need." Her words genuine, filled with awe and appreciation.

Kael's eyes dimmed for a moment because he was aware of the path he was taking.

He was unwilling to forge a new path that could save everyone, including himself. He would rather stick to what he knew, even if it meant sacrificing himself and causing hardship and grief to others.

"I'm no hero..." he responded quietly.

As Kael finished his last bite of the stew and rested enough,

"I will continue to keep watch outside." he announced, making his way to the supplies and retrieving a book before stepping outside.

He did it in a quick motion, leaving no room for the conversation to continue.

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Outside The Cave

Kael was greeted by countless trees, biting cold and a sea of clouds blocking the sun. An unforgiving scene even in the early morning hours.

He opened 'The Path of a Villain' to the page where words had last been breathed life into, as he read:

'A new arrival graced the forest: the 'Glacial Dragonet' is in the heart of the forest—a cherished kin of the 'Glacial Dragon'. She has disappeared and her absence kindled the flames of rage within the 'Glacial Dragon' as he relentlessly scoured for her. Embrace this opportunity to assume the role of the villain.

Shelter the dragonet and stand against the impending arrival of the 'Glacial Dragon' and his group in seven days. Prevent them from reaching her in your shelter. Your survival hinges on how long you can hold them at bay and your skill in assuming the role of the villain. Failing to do so will seal your fate.'

As he finished re-reading the vague page in front of him, Kael sighed heavily. He has no idea how long he needs to hold them or how exactly he should play the villain. All he knows is that he must do his absolute best.

His face became solemn as he retrieved a gleaming silver medallion from his pocket—an eye-shaped medallion.

Kael thought about what Aerith had said.

Traveling from the central lands to this location would take a minimum of ten days. An artifact capable of teleporting a carriage over such a vast distance despite the anti-magic enchantments would need to possess nothing less than a Relic-grade.

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His eyes fixed on the medallion,

"The Void-ones..." he muttered,

"They have far more resources, knowledge, and power than common criminals. Where did they get such funds and influence?"

They were the primary cause of the collapse of most kingdoms prior to the approaching monster war. Kael will have to deal with them sooner or later.

Kael also realized that this situation, in which the three girls are being pursued by The Void-ones and revealing themselves so early, was not from his previous life.

'Have things changed? But why?' He let out another deep sigh, fully aware that his burden had grown even heavier.

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A week later, The Forsaken Forest.

Kael woke up terrified from a nightmare, or rather, a reality yet to come. He breathed a sigh of relief as he looked deeper into the cave and saw the girls sleeping soundly.

A slight smile appeared on his face as he realized they were no longer cold, hungry, or scared. Despite the fact that they were living in a cave in the middle of a snowstorm, their days together were filled with comfort.

A slight smile appeared in his face, knowing that they were no longer cold, hungry, or scared. Despite the fact that they were living in a cave and were in a snowstorm, their days together were filled with warmth and comfort.

Today was beautiful; the sun shone brightly outside, and the forest was calm and peaceful. It appeared as if there had never been a storm.

Kael went to a location near the cave where he had hidden the items he had gathered over the previous three years. The items he purchased from 'Forge and Fire'.

Slowly, he double-checked everything, making sure nothing was overlooked.

He focused his attention on his twin blades, a pair of Greater-grade twin blades, and a powerful strengthening pills.

In theory, he would need strength and durability equivalent to a Mid-Master stage to inflict damage on a Mid-Grandmaster. Using these would increase his strength to at least Mid-Master level.

He took a look at the giant sword and leather armor.

The Greater-grade giant sword was created for a single purpose. It will create a powerful barrier within a small radius if infused with mana, allowing those inside to attack while preventing counterattacks from outside.

The Greater-grade leather armor is enchanted with a haste spell that speeds up Kael's movement.

Finally, there are the rings he received as a gift from Morven, each of which contains a unique and powerful self-buff.

Despite his costly and extensive preparations, which included equipping himself with a full set of Greater-grade items, fear began to overwhelm him. Against someone as powerful as the 'Glacial Dragon,' all of this seemed insignificant.

He can't die before completing his mission; failure is not an option.

But doubt began to creep into his mind.

'Can I do it?...' Kael thought, knowing that if he lost focus for a moment, he would die.

Aerith's voice cut him off in his thoughts, filled with concern as she observed Kael's extensive preparations and expression, as if he were preparing to go to war.

"What are all these for?" she asked, worried.

"Are these for the journey to Emberia?"

Kael responded with a faint smile, trying to hide his fear.

"I'm sorry, but I won't be able to take you home today," he said,

"A monster is approaching, accompanied by others. I'll go stop them. Please stay inside the cave."

Aerith's face paled as she observed Kael's determined expression, sensing that he was about to die.

"Why don't we just run away? You don't have to face them!" she pleaded.

"It's too late to turn back now. I have to do it." Kael responded calmly, addressing his earlier doubts aloud.

"Then just run by yourself! Why are you helping us?... Why... are you doing this?" Aerith yelled, struggling to hold back her tears.

Kael recalled a distant memory, a scene engraved deeply in his mind. He saw the Princess of Emberia, her head lowered and devoid of tears; in front of her were the sea of graves of her people. These were the brave souls who had fought to protect their kingdom and loved ones, even when survival seemed impossible.

He muttered her name in a soft, weak voice,

"Aerith..." trying to draw a distinction between the past and the present.

Kael smiled, his conviction to complete his mission growing stronger.

"Haven't I told you already?" He responded with firm resolve,

"I cannot stand to witness someone's suffering when I have the ability to help."

With tears in her eyes, Aerith fixed her gaze on Kael. Why would he willingly put himself in danger for others he barely knew?

"Kael, I... I," Aerith stutteringly said, her voice trembling.

Kael gently patted her head, comforting her, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"I have no doubt that if you had the ability to help, you would do the same,"

After all, she was the Princess who had fought bravely on the front lines.

"Please," Kael asked,

"Stay in the cave until it's safe."

Aerith nodded weakly, aware that her presence would be useless other than to be a burden. As Kael moved deeper into the forest, she made her way back to the cave with unsteady steps.

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Inside The Cave

Luna and Celestia sat next to each other and had a lively conversation.

"The sun outside is shining so brightly today. It seems we'll finally go back home." Luna spoke, as she cast a glance at the glow coming from the cave's entrance.

"I will miss this place though..." Celestia said it with a hint of sadness in her voice.

As she had an idea, Celestia clapped her hands together, her crystal-like eyes shining.

"Why don't we invite Kael to stay in Emberia with us?" Her excitement was overflowing.

Luna paused before responding,

"You believe he would accept?" with a hesitant tone.

"Yes, I do," Celestia affirmed with a hearty nod,

"He has shown us nothing but kindness, why not offer him a comfortable place to stay in Emberia?"

Luna chuckled softly at Celestia's enthusiasm, admiring her spirit.

"You're right, Celestia."

At this moment, Aerith entered the cave, her eyes bright red with sadness.