At the same time…
In a dark and silent place—
A vast hall stretched wide, illuminated only by the faint glow of torches along the walls. The air felt heavy… as if filled with an invisible pressure.
At the far end of the hall—
A man sat upon a throne.
Ferwel Noxes
His aura leaked uncontrollably—thick, cold, and overwhelming. Every breath he took felt enough to force anyone to kneel without resistance.
Before him—
Nine figures knelt.
Members of the Noxes Organization.
"Battaghor… your mission?"
Ferwel's voice was brief.
His eyes were empty.
Cold.
As if devoid of all emotion.
A man slightly raised his head.
Battaghor Noxes
Now 22 years old.
"The mission was successful, my lord."
His answer was calm… but the tension beneath it was unmistakable.
"More details, Battaghor."
A woman's voice cut in.
A woman with sharp brown eyes, long lashes, and dark brown hair resting neatly on her shoulders.
Sylpha Noxes
"You're troublesome, Sylpha…" Battaghor muttered, clearly annoyed.
Still, he let out a sigh.
"…Fine."
He began explaining.
"There were only two kids who caught my attention."
The atmosphere grew quieter.
"A blonde girl… and a red-haired boy."
"What do you mean?" Ferwel asked without changing his expression.
Battaghor lifted his gaze slightly.
"That boy… is not normal for his age."
His tone shifted.
Serious.
"He managed to make me… somewhat serious."
Several Noxes members began paying full attention.
"But… I crushed his arm… even if it wasn't intentional."
He paused.
His eyes trembled slightly.
"…Maybe… I even killed him."
A trace of panic slipped into his voice.
Then he continued.
"As for the girl…"
His eyes narrowed.
"The look in her eyes… it was just like Ryudien."
The hall grew colder.
"She created a golden barrier surrounding the academy."
"I didn't see it directly… but from the aura—I'm certain it was her."
Before he could finish—
Sylpha interrupted.
"The daughter of Damnern Solv… has awakened the 'Full Angel' Sigil, Lord Ferwel."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
"So you already knew, Sylpha?" Battaghor said, slightly irritated.
Sylpha didn't even look at him.
"She healed everyone who was injured… instantly."
She continued without emotion.
"And now… Battaghor is a wanted man, known as 'Iron Hand.'"
"…Oi."
Battaghor frowned, clearly displeased at being ignored.
However—
"Full Angel… is no threat to me."
Ferwel's voice cut through.
Cold.
Absolute.
"Of course it isn't a threat to you, Lord Ferwel," Sylpha replied immediately.
Beside them—
A man with dark green hair and bright green eyes stood quietly.
"Don't offend Lord Ferwel, Sylpha…" he whispered.
But Sylpha completely ignored him.
"So… when will we proceed with that, Lord Ferwel?"
"Not yet."
The answer was short.
But enough to end all further questions.
"If there's nothing else… leave."
All nine Noxes members bowed immediately.
"Yes, Lord Ferwel."
They rose in unison… and walked out of the suffocating hall.
Outside the hall…
"Batt!"
Someone called out.
A man with green eyes and dark blue hair approached.
Battaghor only glanced at him.
"…I know you and Ryudien were close."
The man continued.
"But what did you mean… when you said that kid reminded you of him?"
The blue-haired man let out a long sigh.
"…I miss him."
His voice was low.
"The will to live…" Battaghor replied briefly.
He stared ahead blankly.
"…and the desire to protect."
His eyes drifted.
Old memories resurfaced.
13 years ago…
A vast field soaked in blood.
Screams.
Cries.
And the bodies of children scattered everywhere.
Ferwel had gathered 100 children—
And forced them to kill each other.
Young Battaghor stood still.
Empty.
Not fighting.
Not running.
As if… waiting to die.
Suddenly—
A child appeared behind him, raising a weapon to strike.
But—
Another child rushed in and shoved the attacker away.
Stopping the blow.
Ryudien (9 years old)
"Why are you just standing there?"
Ryudien asked, breathing slightly heavily.
"…I just want to die."
Battaghor answered, his eyes empty.
A day later…
Only 10 survived.
Chosen by Ferwel.
"You're still alive?"
Ryudien asked again.
"Don't misunderstand."
Battaghor replied calmly.
"I survived… so your effort to save me wouldn't go to waste."
Ryudien fell silent for a moment.
"Why do you want to die so badly?"
"What's the point of living in such a cruel world?"
A short answer.
Cold.
But Ryudien only smiled faintly.
"I won't die… until I can live like a normal person."
Even though his eyes were filled with exhaustion…
His spirit never wavered.
Battaghor stared at him for a long time.
"…If that's the case…"
"I'll die… at the hands of someone strong enough to kill me."
Ryudien immediately replied—
"Looks like… your way of thinking is wrong."
Back to the present…
"I envy Ryudien… for being able to die…"
Battaghor's voice was low.
"…and at the same time… I regret it."
He turned away.
"Because he never got to achieve his dream."
Without waiting for a response—
Battaghor walked off.
A day after Elyra regained consciousness…
She was finally allowed to return home.
However—
She was still forbidden from using Fue Energy.
And had to rest completely.
"L-Lord Damnern! There are still many documents you haven't completed!"
Vastor spoke anxiously.
But—
"Elyra… are you still in pain?"
Damnern's voice was gentle.
Completely different from his usual reputation.
Elyra lay on the bed.
Her face looked slightly tired.
"…I'm just exhausted, pa… pa…"
She let out a small sigh.
"…so please leave."
Clearly annoyed.
"..."
Damnern fell silent.
A hint of disappointment appeared on his face.
"Damnern!"
Elina's voice called from outside.
Without arguing—
Damnern stood up and left.
Still looking worried.
"Thank you, Lady Elina," Vastor said in relief.
"…Mama… where's Eldern?" Elyra asked softly.
"I haven't seen him today…"
Elina replied.
In a forested area…
"Hyakk!"
"Hyak!"
"Arghhh!"
A boy trained relentlessly.
Eldern
Sweat drenched his body.
His breathing was rough.
"…That kid…"
He clenched his teeth.
"He's the same age as Elyra… but far stronger than me…"
His fists tightened.
"…I couldn't do anything…"
Two days earlier…
At the Willowess treatment center—
Eldern stood in front of a bed.
A red-haired boy lay there.
"What's your name?" Eldern asked.
"…Elrix. Elrix Myord."
His answer was casual.
"What class are you in?"
"1-1."
Eldern fell silent.
"…So he's in the same class as Elyra."
he thought to himself.
"How did you become that strong?"
Elrix frowned.
"What do you mean?"
As if… he himself didn't realize his own strength.
Eldern turned away.
"…Fine."
He clenched his teeth.
"But one day… I'll defeat you."
"…Huh?"
Elrix simply looked at him, confused.
End of Chapter 19