Barbara's scream echoed across the ruins. The mist twisted and coiled as the dark energy lashed out. But before it could consume her, a flash of silver light burst through the air.
"Krad! Stop!"
A sharp voice rang through the battlefield.
Mist.
Krad froze. His fist remained pressed against the fractured core, but his gaze snapped to the side.
"Don't finish her," Mist growled, his voice laced with urgency.
Krad's body trembled. The Moon Eater's whispers scratched at the edge of his mind. He could feel the power surging. Begging him to complete the strike, to destroy Barbara once and for all.
But Mist's words anchored him.
"Why?" Krad's voice cracked, his fist still glowing. "She's the Cursed Elf Fairy. She tried to corrupt me."
"Just look!" Mist shouted.
Krad hesitated. The glow around his fist flickered. Then, as if in response to Mist's command, the shattered fragments of the core pulsed one last time. A pale, ethereal light engulfed Barbara's trembling form.
The twisted black mist that had clung to her shattered wings evaporated. The bones that framed her face crumbled away, revealing smooth, porcelain skin beneath. Her skeletal limbs healed, her frail body growing stronger. The corruption that had wrapped around her figure disintegrated into nothingness.
Krad's eyes widened in disbelief.
"No way..."
The woman before him no longer bore the form of the Cursed Elf Fairy. Her silver hair cascaded down her back in elegant waves. Her pale emerald eyes glowed softly, no longer clouded by malice. Pointed Elven ears peeked through her hair. Her regal features were hauntingly familiar.
She was no monster.
She was... beautiful.
But that wasn't what shook Krad to his core.
Because the face before him...
It was like seeing an adult version of Hanan.
"No…" He stumbled back, his voice barely a whisper. "That's not possible."
Barbara's eyes fluttered open.
"Why… do you look like her?" his voice cracked. "Why do you look like Hanan?!"
Tears welled in Barbara's eyes, but before she could speak, Mist's voice echoed across the ruined battlefield.
"Because…" Mist's gaze darkened. "She's Hania, the Queen of this kingdom." His voice wavered. "And… the mother of Princess Hanan and Bruwa."
Krad's entire world shattered.
"N-No. You're lying!" He stumbled back, his legs weak. "I thought Hanan's mother died!"
Mist shook his head.
"You..." Krad's voice cracked. "You're their mother?"
Queen Hania's tears fell silently. "I... was once."
"But how?!" Krad's voice broke. "Why were you like that? Why were you corrupted?"
Queen Hania clutched her chest, the remnants of the shattered core still embedded faintly within her.
"The Dark System... It twisted me. When Damos attacked our kingdom, I tried to protect my daughters. But I failed."
Her voice trembled. "The gods punished me for stopping Damos. They shattered my soul and cursed my body. I was turned into a vessel of corruption. The Cursed Elf Fairy, Barbara. They made me forget who I was."
Krad's knees buckled. "No… this can't be…"
"But my daughters," The Queen's voice softened, her tears shimmering in the moonlight. "They were spared. Hanan and Bruwa were all I ever wanted to protect. And now…" Her voice cracked. "Now you stand before me. The one who carries their hopes."
"You knew," Krad whispered, his eyes burning as he turned to Mist. "You knew the truth, didn't you?"
Mist lowered his gaze. "Not at first. But when I saw her final form, I… I remembered. The stories, the resemblance. It all made sense."
Krad's chest ached. The rage, the sorrow. It twisted within him. "And you didn't tell me?! You let me almost kill her!"
"I had no choice!" Mist's voice cracked. "If I stopped you any sooner, the curse might've consumed her completely. You were the only one who could break it!"
"But at what cost?" Krad's voice trembled. "I could've killed Hanan's mother!"
Silence.
Barbara's pale fingers brushed against Krad's face. Her touch was trembling, warm.
"But you didn't," she whispered. "You saved me."
Krad's breath hitched. He didn't know how to respond. The weight of his choices pressed down on him.
System Alert!
Player 'Mist' - Vitality Critical.
Countdown Remaining: 00:00:12
Mist's body trembled, his breathing ragged. The crimson numbers above him ticked down mercilessly.
"No, no, no!" Krad's voice cracked. "Stay with me, Captain!"
Mist's weak grin flickered. "Damn... You're so dramatic," he coughed, blood staining his lips.
00:00:08
"Shut up," Krad growled, his hands trembling. "I won't let you die!"
The system's voice echoed once again:
Player Mist is in Critical Condition. Support Player Required for Emergency Healing.
Krad clenched his teeth. "But there's no Support Player!"
00:00:05
The air shifted. A sudden, gentle breeze swept through the ruins. The twisted darkness that once lingered around Queen Hania began to fade. Her silver hair shimmered under the pale light, and her emerald eyes, no longer clouded by corruption, locked onto Mist's crumpling form.
Without a word, she approached. Her presence radiated warmth like a forgotten lullaby carried on the wind.
System Alert!
Entity Identified: Queen Hania
Status: Pure Elf Form Restored
Class Revealed: Divine Support
Krad's eyes widened. "Support?"
Queen Hania's True Power as a Divine Support is Unsealed. Healing Abilities Activated.
Queen Hania knelt beside Mist, her delicate hands hovering over his chest. A soft glow surrounded her, illuminating the ruins in a gold light.
"Rest now," her voice was calm, soothing. "The curse that bound me no longer holds power. Allow me to return what was stolen."
Krad could only watch as Queen Hania's magic flowed into Mist. The dark veins across his body pulsed, then faded. The deep wound on his side began to close. His pained gasps softened.
00:00:02
The crimson timer flickered.
Then...
Player Mist's Condition Stabilized. Fatal Countdown Terminated. Vitality Restored 20%.
Krad collapsed to his knees, his body trembling from the weight of relief. Mist coughed weakly, his eyes flickering open.
"Hah…" Mist's voice was hoarse. "What… did I miss?"
Krad wiped his face, his jaw tightening. "Idiot, captain."
Mist smirked faintly. "Tch. You're welcome."
Queen Hania's smile was gentle, though the pain of centuries still lingered in her eyes. "The Moon Eater's curse may have wounded your spirit, but it did not break it."
Krad's hands curled into fists. "I almost lost him. And if you hadn't…" His voice faltered. "Thank you."
The queen nodded, her silver hair flowing in the soft breeze. "But this battle is not yet over. The gods still watch."
Krad swallowed hard. He could still feel the echoes of the Moon Eater within him. But for now, Mist was alive. And that was enough.
DING!
Congratulations, idiot! After defeating 2 Guardians, you have reached Level 56. HP increased to 1000 HP.
Krad blinked. "Wait. I leveled up?"
Affirmative! And for your brave yet incredibly reckless performance, you've also unlocked a new skill!
A shimmering skill window popped up in front of him.
Emergency Healing Unlocked!
Skill Effect: Restores HP of a Player or Ally during combat. Cannot heal damage inflicted by Beast Vessels.
Krad's eye twitched. "Emergency Healing? Now?"
You actually unlocked Emergency Healing at Level 20! That was… let's see… 36 levels ago. But hey, who's counting?
Krad's jaw clenched. "You mean I've had a healing skill this whole time? And I never used it?"
Bingo! And given your tendency to run into fights like a headless chicken, it's almost impressive you lasted this long without it.
Mist snorted, his hand clutching his side as he tried not to laugh. "Seriously, Krad? You had a heal skill and didn't know?"
Krad's face flushed. "I-I was busy! And the system never mentioned it!"
Incorrect!
Krad growled. "I'm gonna uninstall you."
Oh no! The terrifying threat of a player who can't even check his own player interface. I'm quaking.
Mist burst out laughing. "I think your system hates you."
Incorrect! The system has no emotions. I merely observe. And mock. Efficiently.
Krad rubbed his temples. "Okay, okay! Whatever. I'm Level 56 now. I'll figure out how to use it properly later."
Oh, absolutely. Now that the life-or-death moment has passed, Emergency Healing is the perfect skill for minor inconveniences. Got a paper cut? Sprained an ankle? Need to impress people with glowing hands? This skill's got you covered!
Krad groaned. "I swear, one day I'm going to find a way to mute you."
Acknowledged! Muting system… Just kidding! Nice try, idiot.
Mist leaned back against a crumbled stone, a grin lingering on his face. "Y'know, Krad, I think I'm starting to like your system."
"Shut up!"
"Where is Hanan and Bruwa?" Queen Hania cut them, her voice was soft, but her emerald eyes gleamed with longing. "My daughters… Are they safe?"
Krad stiffened. Even without the dark mist around her, the weight of her sorrow was unmistakable.
Mist managed a weak smile. "Hanan is in good hands," he assured her. "Kubo village has become a sanctuary for her. The villagers and the Squad keep watch. She's strong, Your Majesty. Just like you."
Relief washed over Queen Hania's face. Her hands clutched her chest, her silver hair swaying with the breeze.
Krad lowered his gaze. "She misses you."
Mist's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "And we should return soon. Hanan deserves to know the truth."
Krad nodded, though unease gnawed at him. The Dark System wouldn't stay quiet for long. But right now, none of that mattered. Hanan needed to see her mother.
Mist, however, had another thought lingering in his mind. His sharp gaze shifted to Krad.
"Level 56."
Just a while ago, Krad could barely stand against the corrupted form of Barbara. But now? After defeating the two Guardians and breaking the core's corruption, his strength had soared.
1000 HP.
It wasn't just the number.
Mist could feel it. The dormant power in Krad's veins. The Moon Eater's influence had stirred something terrifying, but it also made him stronger. Deadlier.
"Maybe... strong enough to fight Liyab."
Mist's fingers curled slightly. The Rage Tournament was looming, and Liyab was no ordinary opponent. His explosive flame techniques and ruthless combat style had left dozens trembling. But if Krad had truly unlocked the next phase of his strength...
"Krad," Mist muttered, his voice low. "You realize what this means, right?"
Krad blinked. "What?"
Mist's grin returned, though the weight of responsibility lingered behind it. "You're ready. The Rage Tournament. Liyab won't stand a chance if you keep this up."
"I'm not sure," Krad murmured. "The Moon Eater… it's still inside me. I don't know if I can control it."
Mist's gaze hardened. "Then learn to. You broke the Queen's curse. You stopped yourself from losing control. That's proof enough that you're not a monster."
Queen Hania stepped forward, her voice gentle. "The darkness may whisper, but it cannot command a will that resists. You are stronger than you know, Krad."
Krad clenched his fists, the tension in his chest easing slightly. Maybe they were right. Maybe... he could face Liyab without losing himself.
Mist adjusted his necktie and glanced toward the path leading away from the ruins. "Let's head back to Kubo. Hanan deserves this reunion."
Queen Hania's smile was bittersweet. "It's been so long. I only hope she can forgive me."
Krad nodded firmly. "She will. You're her mother. That's all that matters."
And with that, the three of them began their journey back to Kubo village, back to Hanan.