Chapter 20: Resolve

“There was a girl I knew named Chrystal. I met her shortly after my seventh birthday. I was playing in the forest near our home when I encountered a D-ranked Grey Boar. Since I had been learning swordsmanship and magic, I managed to defeat it with relative ease. I didn’t see it as a threat and let my guard down, which turned out to be a mistake.

As the boar charged at me with its last bit of strength, I delivered the final blow with a thrust to its throat. However, I hadn’t noticed that the surroundings had changed. I found myself on a small patch of land at the top of a hill. With the boar’s body knocking into mine, I was sent rolling down the hill. It felt like it would go on forever until I likely hit my head on something, and I lost consciousness.

When I woke up, I was in a room. Thinking it was a dream, I tried to move but felt sharp pain in my right shoulder, hip, and knee.

Then a girl who looked just like you, Princess, though a bit older—about twelve—entered the room. I went on guard, but Chrystal, upon seeing me, sighed with relief and smiled.

Slowly, so as not to alarm me, she explained that she had been out picking berries when she found me in the forest. Initially, she hesitated to check if I was dead, but her kind heart led her to investigate.

After confirming I was alive and performing some emergency measures, she took me to her home. I stayed there for two days while she cared for me. She mentioned worrying when I didn’t wake up immediately and stayed by my side throughout.

Hearing about her efforts, I felt a strange emotion. My heart raced. I spent the next week recovering at her house. During this time, we got to know each other better. Chrystal lived alone in the cabin because her parents had died from illness two years prior.

As I shared my own life story, our bond grew. Chrystal was fascinated by my magic, and I demonstrated a few basic spells for her. Her reactions were priceless. When it was time for me to leave, I couldn’t stop turning around to look at Chrystal, fearing she would disappear and that this was all a dream.

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Upon returning home, my parents were frantic. After hours of anger and tears, they calmed down and I explained what happened. They wanted to thank Chrystal and invite her to our home immediately, but I persuaded them to go the next day.

When we visited her house, my parents expressed their gratitude and invited her to our home. Chrystal was initially overwhelmed by the kindness from strangers. However, after understanding our intentions, she agreed to join us for dinner daily. It was probably the first time adults treated her so well since her parents’ death.

For the next four months, I visited her house to play and returned home with her for dinner. Every moment with her was precious. It might sound foolish, but I felt it was what love should feel like.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last. Five months later, as I was heading to her house, I heard the loud blare of horns. My heart sank, knowing it signified a raid, likely from Raxim. Chrystal’s home was close to the border.

I prayed desperately for her safety. Reaching her house, I found the door ajar. I rushed in and saw the inside in disarray. Two soldiers were standing over a bloodied figure—Chrystal.

Seeing her pale and bleeding, I felt an intense urge to act. I used all my skills to ambush and kill the soldiers. Ignoring them, I rushed to Chrystal’s side.

A large amount of blood flowed from her stomach. I tried to stop the bleeding, but Chrystal grabbed my hand and shook her head. With difficulty, she spoke.

“Azrael, I’m truly happy to have met you. After my parents died, I felt lost and lonely. These past four months have been some of the happiest moments of my life. Thank you.”

With a smile, she passed away in my arms. Although I knew she was gone, her peaceful expression made it seem like she was merely sleeping. Tears streamed down my face as I held her tightly, mourning her loss.”

After Azrael finished, he looked at the others. Zer had a stiff expression, possibly struggling to control his emotions. Winston’s face was a mix of horror and anger, his fists clenched tightly. Han Byul covered her mouth, her eyes wide in shock. Azrael noticed tears welling in her eyes.

Trying to ease the tension, Winston slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

“Those Raxim bastards! Az, just give me a couple of days. I’ll gather all the men my family can muster, and we’ll take them down!”

Azrael couldn’t help but smile at Winston’s outrage. Zer nodded in approval, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Winston’s fury. Azrael appreciated his friends’ support.

“Winston, Zer, I’m truly moved by your anger, but please calm down. I’ve already avenged Chrystal by slaying her killers. While Raxim Kingdom initiated the raid, it’s not certain they specifically targeted her. Princess Han Byul, I apologize for the somber story; I didn’t mean to ruin the mood.”

“No, no. I asked you to recount such an unpleasant memory. I should be the one apologizing.”

Azrael smiled at Han Byul and excused himself.

“I apologize, Princess, but I must leave for a while. I have some matters to attend to. Winston, Zer, you two stay. Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine.”

As he exited the patio, Azrael began heading back to his room.

‘...Uuu, Master. Even though I’ve seen your memories before, hearing you speak about it moves me deeply. Those humans dared to cause you such pain… If only I had been there.’

‘Chunyong, your words are enough, my friend. Samjoko, did Han Byul show any recognition of these events?’

‘I’m afraid she didn’t recognize anything you spoke about, Master.’

Azrael had shared the story in detail to test if Han Byul retained any memories of their past life. Though it was disappointing, it didn’t trouble him too much.

‘Oh well. Even if she doesn’t remember, it’s fine. I’ll make her fall in love with me again. Samjoko, Chunyong, Bonghwang, I’m counting on you three to help me.’

‘Yes, Master!’

Nodding in approval, Azrael took his spear and headed to the forest for training.

‘I only have two more weeks! Even if Han Byul falls in love with me, her father, the king, would never allow her to marry someone like me. I must become strong and famous. This tournament is just the beginning!’

With determination, Azrael focused on perfecting his technique, visualizing the movements in his mind before executing a precise attack.

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**“Hello everyone! This is Kevin Lenister, here to broadcast the tournament that will determine who will represent our great Sinara Academy! Beside me is one of the few advanced elemental course students, Rialesta Kian. Thank you for joining us today, Rialesta!”**

“Ho ho ho, it’s my pleasure, Kevin. I actually came back from training to watch this tournament. It brings back memories of when I was a representative…”

“Could you share your experience from last year?”

“Of course. Last year, our Sinara Academy had to…”

As the announcers spoke, Azrael prepared for his first match. In the corridor, he reviewed his preparations one last time. Satisfied, he began to relax and focus his mind when someone slapped him on the shoulder.

Turning around, he saw Winston grinning widely and Zer following behind.

“Yo, Az! Ready for the match?”

“Hey, Winst, Zer. You didn’t have to come here…”

“What are you talking about, Az! Of course, we’re here to cheer you on, especially since you’re in the first match of the tournament!”

“...Winston, he’ll be fine. Az has adjusted well to the spear. His talent with it is impressive. I can barely keep up with him in spars without using magic… Just thinking about when he does…”

Zer shook his head. Despite being happy for Azrael, he was frustrated by his friend’s progress. However, he knew how to separate competition from friendship.

“Alright, they’re introducing your opponent. Get ready. Good luck!”

Winston slapped Azrael on the shoulder and gave him two thumbs up. Zer, leaning against the wall, nodded in encouragement.

“And now, ladies and

gentlemen! The next contestant is a freshman who, along with Zer Aiur, has been making waves at the school—Azrael Celeste!”

As cheers erupted from the crowd, Azrael moved toward the light at the end of the corridor. He raised his right fist in appreciation to Zer and Winston. With his head held high, Azrael stepped onto the stage, ready for his fight.