"Haah!!"

I find myself in a relentless struggle to make my way back to the capital, my nerves fraying with each passing moment, as the land is overrun by an ever-increasing horde of creatures. There's no respite for me; I push myself beyond my limits, fighting tirelessly to survive and vanquish these enchanted beasts blocking my path.

Among them, there are wolves, giant scorpions, peculiar floating eye creatures, viscous slimes, and goblin spellcasters— the variety of adversaries seems boundless. I take a deep breath, attempting to mentally count the creatures I've triumphed over, all while surveying the scattered remains of their bodies, a grim testament to my ongoing quest.

My trusty spear, my faithful companion, teeters on the brink of shattering, its endurance stretched to its very limits. The urgency for a replacement gnaws at me.

In the midst of this chaotic ordeal, one creature captures my attention—a Sahagin, a mystical being resembling a kappa, situated near a small lake along my route back to the capital. It wields a dark blue double-tipped spear, adorned with an imposing shell on its back. Astonishingly, it maneuvers gracefully despite the apparent weight of its formidable weapon.

I want that spear.

Without a moment's hesitation, I charge headlong toward the unsuspecting Sahagin, my battered spear finding its mark as it pierces the creature's head. But in the blink of an eye, my triumph is disrupted by the emergence of two more Sahagins, bursting forth from the water's depths. In a swift and decisive move, I snatch the fallen creature's spear, readying myself to confront this unforeseen challenge.

"Come at me!" I cry out, a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins like wildfire. With a firm grip on my newfound weapon, I assume a poised and piercing stance as the two Sahagins hiss menacingly, their double-tipped spears raised in defiance.

The battle unfolds in earnest. One of the Sahagins, swift and agile, springs toward me with a malevolent hiss that sends shivers down my spine. With precision, I position the spear, its tip aimed squarely at my advancing adversary. But in a daring maneuver, the second Sahagin launches itself straight at me, capitalizing on its companion's momentum.

Clang! The resounding clash of our weapons fills the air as I deftly swing the spear to parry both attacks. In a heartbeat, I retreat, swiftly repositioning myself with a renewed piercing stance.

In the midst of this intense two-on-one struggle against these humanoid foes, a fleeting wish for someone to come to my aid flits through my mind. But I promptly dismiss the thoughts, reminding myself of the paramount importance of growing stronger, of becoming someone who reliable for Ruby in the days to come. No longer do I wish to burden Alpha and Josh, and I can bring myself fighting alongside them.

With resolve burning within me, I dash forward toward the Sahagin nearest to me, determination etched into every fiber of my being.

"[Gale Thrust!!]"

I unleash a flurry of rapid thrusts, overwhelming the Sahagin's defenses with a relentless assault. One of my thrusts finds its mark squarely between the creature's eyes, and with a powerful swing of my spear, I force one of its eyes to burst from its socket in a grotesque spectacle.

But there's no time for respite, as another thrust hurtles toward me. My body twists and turns in a graceful twirl, my spear positioned with precision to block the incoming strike.

"[Spinning Strike!]" I counter with a fluid spinning motion, deftly using my spear to parry the attack, and I follow it up with a swift kick to the Sahagin's chest.

Pant... pant...

The sound of my labored breaths punctuates the air as I assess the two now-defenseless and flinching creatures. Without hesitation, I launch a Riselite Slash at the Sahagin clutching its wounded chest, then leap toward the Sahagin that rolls in pain. My spear arcs through the air, slicing open its neck in a decisive strike.

Pant... pant...

Exhaustion surges through me as I thrust the spear into the ground, leaning on it for support. Both hands press into the earth behind me as I gaze up at the sky, my chest heaving with each breath.

"Dammit, I really miss Ruby and her fireballs," I mutter, a weary yet fond grin gracing my lips.

Memories of Ruby flood my mind, the gentle touch of her hand, the warmth of her embrace, and the sweetness of her kisses. I can't help but reflect on how both of us faced battles side by side, fighting as a team.

Biting into the remaining morsels of food I have, my emotions well up, and tears threaten to escape. "Someday, you'll find a person who's better than me..." Amy, my first love's final words, echo in my thoughts.

With a mixture of smiles and tears, I continue to eat, speaking softly to myself amidst the solitude, "I think... I may have found that person, Amy... But... I fear I may have lost her... I don't know." My voice quivers with uncertainty, the weight of my emotions pressing upon me.

Thankfully, the creatures that had plagued me earlier remain at bay, granting me a brief respite. I gather my belongings, hoisting my backpack onto my shoulders and clutching my newfound sturdy weapon, the double-tipped spear. With renewed resolve, I continue on my journey back to the Capital, my heart heavy with the memories of the past and the uncertainty of the future.

…

After what feels like an eternity, the towering walls of the capital finally emerge beneath the darkened sky. Approaching the front gate, I'm met with a grim scene – about eight guards, clad in their imposing armor, stand amidst a gruesome tableau of various creature corpses. But there's a more heart-wrenching sight – the lifeless forms of some of the guards themselves, a somber testament to the fact that not everyone has survived the relentless assault of these magical creatures.

It's clear that even the defenders of the capital are locked in a desperate struggle against this unrelenting onslaught. My voice trembles as I manage to utter a greeting, my strength on the verge of giving out.

The guards eye me with a mix of wariness and recognition. One of them, a fellow warrior, takes charge. "Quick, get inside! It's not safe here!" he exclaims urgently, urging me to step through the gate.

I nod in gratitude, and follow his lead as he swings the gate open for me.

Slam!

It slams shut with a resonant thud behind me as I step inside, leaving the chaos of the outside world behind.

Within the confines of the capital, archers stand vigilant at every corner, their bows at the ready. Windows and doors are securely shut, as if the very buildings themselves are huddling in fear. Among the chaos, I notice the lifeless forms of those large-eyed creatures with crimson wings scattered about.

A sense of profound guilt washes over me, realization dawning like a dark cloud.

This chaos, this mayhem – it's all my fault.

I am the one who bears the responsibility for the havoc that has befallen this place.

With my weary body dragging me along, I push forward toward the Guildhouse, driven by the need to submit my report before seeking refuge in the Inn's embrace.

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Inside the Guildhouse, the usual calm atmosphere has given way to a frenetic frenzy. An air of panic hangs over the familiar receptionists, and adventurers bustle about, coming and going, eager for rewards and fresh quests.

My eyes drift to the bulletin board, and I'm greeted by a sight that raises my eyebrows. The quest for magical creature hunting, once a humble C-class endeavor, has now ascended to the prestigious S-class tier. Given the relentless onslaught of magical beings and the chaos they've wrought, it's hardly surprising.

"W-welcome! You, over there!" A receptionist notices me and waves frantically. "I'm sorry, but could you please return later? We're kinda swamped right now!"

I offer her a brief nod, my fatigue rendering me nearly speechless. Realizing there's little more I can do here, I make the decision to leave the Guildhouse behind, my steps heavy as I trudge toward the Inn.

Yet, as I traverse the middle of the road and cast my gaze upward, an unexpected sight unfolds before me. Three figures gracefully leap and run across the rooftops, a breathtaking display of agility.

Meanwhile, unnotice guards and archers engage in a fierce struggle against the colossal one-eyed creatures with massive wings. The city is embroiled in a battle for survival, and I find myself caught in the midst of it all.

…

As I strain my fatigued eyes to get a better look, recognition dawns upon me. It's Rue, clad in his customary suit, and Alpha in a weirdly stylish light armor. Alpha has returned to the Capital, a glimmer of relief washing over me at his homecoming. But my relief is short-lived as I realize they are not here for a joyful reunion.

They're in hot pursuit of someone.

And, to my disbelief, it's Josh they're chasing.

He appears shirtless, clad only in tattered pants that reveal his muscular physique. My mind races, trying to comprehend the situation. Why are they chasing him, of all people? And what's with that mysterious black sword he wields, a weapon I've never seen before?

It's an unusual and unsettling sight. Josh leaps onto a tall building, with Alpha and Rue hot on his heels. I recall that building; it's the city library. They vanish through a third-floor window, leaving me with a sinking feeling in my chest.

Despite my exhaustion, a sense of foreboding urges me into action. Part of me longs for nothing more than to rest after this grueling day, but an inner voice compels me to follow them, to uncover the truth behind this perplexing chase.

There's something amiss, and I can't help but doubt Rue, especially considering his ancient history. His message to us, Alpha's changed behavior since then, it all seems interconnected in some unfathomable way. The urge to chase after them tugs at my very core.

…

Several minutes pass, and I find myself navigating the library's darkness, climbing the stairs with measured steps. The books stand neatly arranged in their shadowy shelves, their material shrouded in obscurity due to the absence of light, extinguished by the library staff before their departure.

Above, the cacophony of clashing and shattering objects reverberates, urging me onward. My body, weary and protesting, is overridden by my sheer curiousity.

Upon reaching the second floor, where the furnishings bear a striking resemblance to those below, the noises begin to wane, replaced by a single, agonizing scream—Josh's scream.

My heart leaps, racing in my chest. After a week of separation, I had really hoped for a joyous reunion.

With each step onto the third floor, I turn right from the stairs, and my eyes are met with a scene of pure chaos. Bookshelves lay shattered, strewn about in disarray, chairs and tables upended, all bearing witness to a fierce struggle. The window, now widely destroyed, leads a trail of gaping holes straight to the outside.

At the far end of this scene of devastation, two figures stand amidst the wreckage, their presence a harbinger of impending revelation.

!!!

I'm left utterly aghast, my breath catching in my throat, as the shocking tableau before me unfolds.

Rue, perched like an ominous sentinel atop a bookshelf, exudes an eerie aura. Below him stands Alpha, his breath labored and heavy, clutching an ominous black sword with a handle resembling a dragon's gaping maw, its pitch-black blade an embodiment of darkness itself. In his other hand, he holds a severed head, a head I recognize all too well—

Joshua's head.

Horror courses through my veins, and I'm frozen in place, unable to comprehend the gruesome sight that lays bare before my eyes. My mind reels, my vision blurred, as I struggle to accept the unimaginable.

"Alpha..." My voice quivers as I extend my trembling hand toward him in an extremely disbelief. "What... what are you... What happened to you...?"

Alpha slowly turns his head, his gaze locking onto mine. His once-familiar pupils have transformed into a dark, glowing red, a chilling metamorphosis that defies reason.

Time seems to stretch, my heartbeat slowing to a near halt as though the world itself is caught in a moment of eerie stillness. Alpha sighs, closing his eyes briefly, before gazing back at me with an unsettling intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.

His gaze, now chilling and otherworldly, fixes upon me. "Because it is necessary," he replies, bitterness tainting his voice. "Sacrifices must be made to fulfill the [Prophecy]."

Shock courses through me as I grapple with the gravity of his words. I clutch my head, unable to bear the overwhelming pain.

"We're wasting our time here, Roseeta," Rue, now in his alter ego form as Dark Serenity, interjects, shaking his head.

I rise, my fingers tightening around the Spear, fury building within me. The scene before my eyes becomes painfully clear: Alpha has slain Josh right in front of me.

"You..." I growl, consumed by a despairing rage.

"YOU'RE NOT THE ALPHA I USED TO KNOW!!!"

With all the might I can muster, I charge at Alpha, my intent clear—to exact vengeance for what he has done to Josh.

Alpha, however, responds with casual indifference, tossing something from his right hand in my direction.

!!!

"J... Josh...!!" I exclaim, my voice quivering with a mixture of pain and anger. My trembling hands reach out to catch Josh's severed head, but the shock of seeing it, the terror in his expression, and the pallor of his skin overwhelm me.

“Ugh…!!”

Subconsciously, I drop his head and retch, expelling everything I had eaten earlier in response to the overwhelming horror.

Alpha moves toward me at a deliberate pace, the black sword that once belonged to Josh now in his possession. Despite my exhaustion, I cast aside my weariness, gently setting Josh's head beside me as I retrieve my spear from the ground. Stepping resolutely toward Alpha, I swing my spear with a desperate resolve.

Clang!

"Give..." I swing again.

Clang!

"Give... Josh...!"

I swing once more.

Clang!

"GIVE JOSH BACK!!!" My voice echoes with a fervent, desperate plea.

...

With every fiber of my being, I channel every ounce of strength into my desperate strikes, but Alpha's movements are grace and precision incarnate. He effortlessly parries each of my attacks with an almost mocking ease.

Then, in a single, fluid motion, he delivers a devastating kick, the force of which sends me hurtling through the air, my body crashing mercilessly into a bookshelf near the wall. A deafening thud resonates through the air as I slump to the ground.

"I'm tired of this," Alpha's voice cuts through the tension, a smug smile dancing upon his lips. "You can't even touch my hair."

My eyes twitch, a seething fury bubbling within me. I muster every last ounce of strength to rise, battling against my failing body. A growl escapes my lips, and as I lie on the ground, my words emerge as desperate murmurs.

"I'll kill you," I swear, my teeth gritted, my vision blurring at the edges.

Alpha pauses in his steps, his expression unchanging.

"I swear... I swear!!" I rasp through the pain, my voice cracking.

"I will get stronger!!! I SWEAR!!! I WILL GET STRONGER AND KILL THE CRAP OUT OF YOU!!! I SWEAR IT!!!"

"I swear..."

Alpha turns away, his face an emotionless mask, closing his eyes as he walks toward the window. Dark Serenity follows him, leaving me behind with my slowly fading sight.

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End of Volume One...