The morning sun was warm, but Serian couldn't feel it.
He sat at the edge of the training cliffs, watching the city stretch below. His sword rested beside him—still clean, still unused since the last mission.
But in his mind…
> He saw flames. Screaming.
A throne of ash.
And two red eyes watching him—lovingly.
---
A Rift Between Friends
"Serian!"
He turned to see Aria walking up the slope, wind catching her pale hair like silver flame.
"You skipped morning drills again."
He gave a tired smile. "Didn't feel like swinging a sword today."
She stood beside him, arms crossed. "What's wrong with you lately?"
He didn't answer.
Not because he didn't want to.
Because he couldn't explain.
How could he tell her he saw people die in places he'd never been? That he felt things that didn't belong to him?
That sometimes, when he looked in the mirror… he wasn't sure if he was Serian at all?
---
The Mission from the Council
Later that afternoon, the Hero Council summoned him.
A new mission.
A deep infiltration near the Demon Lord's outer territories. Strange rumors. Survivors rescued by the demon army. Refugees speaking well of Malveth.
> "We need truth," the Head Advisor said.
"You're the only one who can lead this without drawing suspicion."
Serian frowned.
"Why not just attack?"
The old man gave him a long look. "Because something isn't right.
And truth be told, Serian… I think she's protecting someone."
His blood ran cold.
---
The Night Before the Mission
That night, Serian couldn't sleep.
He stood by his window, watching shadows shift.
He thought of Malveth.
He thought of the girl in the ruins—the one who called her "savior."
And worst of all… he thought of himself.
> "Why do I feel like I know her?"
"Why does the thought of fighting her make me sick?"
In the mirror, his reflection twitched.
For just a breath.
And he heard her voice:
> "Don't leave me behind."
---
As dawn broke, Serian strapped on his sword and joined the party at the gates.
And for the first time in his life as a hero…
> He wasn't sure he was the good guy anymore.
---