The low, rhythmic sound of the forge echoed across the golden plains. A man sat in his chair, eyes distant, lost in thought.
"He really did it..."
His voice barely carried over the crackling flames. His gaze lingered on the unconscious boy before him—Rael. After defeating the Black Knight, the boy collapsed from exhaustion.
'I truly thought it would be impossible for him to complete this floor…'
But against all odds, Rael had survived. And perhaps—just maybe—he had a chance.
'When was the last time someone completed this floor? Ah, I remember now... it was that child.'
Memories of a child who dreamed of being king flashed through his mind. Perhaps now a new hope had arisen.
He glanced at Rael, sharpening his blade absentmindedly. This boy… reminded him of his past self; A younger version of himself—once desperate for power.
His greed eventually led to curses falling on his shoulders, civilizations destroyed, and the deaths of people who had nothing to do with his problems.
He had once believed that strength alone made a man. But now—after lifetimes of regret—he knew better.
"What does it mean to be strong?"
He had asked himself that question countless times. And yet, even now, he had no answer.
'And now I'm here, training a boy who still believes that strength means revenge.'
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a worn piece of parchment. It was old, its edges frayed and crumbling.
At one time, it had been a letter.
Now, the ink was nearly faded, the words unreadable. But he didn't need to read them—he had memorized them long ago.
He turned it over, and a single name was still visible:
Siegfried
"I abandoned this name… a long time ago."
His immortality had become a burden, his legend a joke told by bards who would never understand the weight of his story.
'I hope you don't follow the same path I did, boy.'
-
-
[Pov Rael]
When I opened my eyes, I was no longer in the castle. After a few seconds, my vision became clearer.
[Welcome back, Rael]
"Axis…? What happened?"
[After you defeated the Black Knight, your sensei brought you back]
"Ah, so that's it." I let out a slow breath.
I turned my head toward the forge. Sensei was sitting there, lost in thought.
'I wonder what he's thinking.
"Good. You're awake."
Sensei's voice broke the silence. He glanced at me, then stood, crossing his arms.
"You've been asleep for a few days."
"A few days?! Doesn't that mean my time is even shorter?!" I tried to get up as quickly as I could, but suddenly I felt my body aching.
"Argh!"
"You're not fully recovered, so don't push yourself." He told me as he approached.
Then he put his hand on my shoulder. A warm, greenish light spread through my body, soothing the pain instantly.
"This will help for now, but you'll still have to take a day off."
"But sensei, I need to continue training. Besides, I managed to use eternium! Look at that."
I closed my eyes, concentrating.
I tried to recall that moment—the feeling of raw energy flowing through me. I envisioned a blade of energy forming in my hands, willing it into reality.
I could almost feel it.
"Like this-" When I opened my eyes, excited to show sensei, I saw nothing...
"Eh?! Why isn't it working now?!" I did it the same way, but it didn't work for some reason.
"Did you think it would be that simple? Last time you had help from your dear friend you called Axis, didn't you? You still need to adapt properly. But don't worry, it'll be much easier now than before." Sensei commented as he watched my failed attempt.
I exhaled sharply. So… he already knew about Axis.
"I see," I confirmed after hearing his explanation.
Sensei let out a sigh and sat down next to me. His expression was hard to read, but he looked serious.
"Rael, once you've gotten what you want, what do you intend to do next?"
"Huh? Why are you asking me that?"
"Just answer it."
"Well, I've never stopped to think about it..." I replied as I thought about the question. I honestly didn't know the answer.
What should I do? Give it all up and lead a normal life? Keep climbing the tower?
"I don't know..." I replied with a sigh.
I lowered my head, thinking about his words. I was left wondering what to do once it was all finished. I don't even know if I'll make it out alive after all this. In the end, was it worth it?
"Rael... people who are gone never return."
His voice was calm, but the words stabbed into my chest.
"Unless you become someone truly powerful… you'll never see them again. But that doesn't mean they stop existing."
He placed a hand on my chest. Over my heart.
"Take That."
Something suddenly flew toward me. I instinctively caught it. A piece of roasted meat.
"Huh?" I was confused as I looked at the piece of meat in my hands.
'Is this some kind of test?'
"Sensei, I don't need to eat inside this floor," I replied as I looked at the meat.
"Since you've been here a while, I thought you might enjoy a taste of home."
"Sensei..." My hands trembled a little, but it wasn't from fear or nervousness. A faint smile blossomed on my face.
"I see." I bit into the piece of meat. I have to admit, it was really good. It reminded me a bit of my mother's cooking.
-
-
"Your training today will be suspended. Let's rest, I'll take you to see more of this floor."
"But Sensei, I'm completely fine- Ahh!" I attempted a fighting stance, but the pain returned.
"Your body and mind also need rest, Overworking yourself has consequences."
*sigh*
"Alright."
While Sensei prepared his bags, I found myself lost in thought.
I had been here for over a month, training under him—yet, I knew almost nothing about him. I hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Sensei... can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead." He replied, his eyes looking a little curious.
"I realized… I don't know anything about you."
I met his gaze.
"So, I'd like to ask a few questions. Do you have any hobbies?"
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then, he murmured, his expression unreadable—
"Hobbies, huh…"
He paused as if considering his answer.
"I enjoy forging weapons." His fingers ran along the edge of a nearby blade.
Then, after another pause—
"And hunting."
"Hunting?" I wondered about the forging, but I didn't remember seeing the sensei hunting.
"When I was a mortal, my father used to take me hunting wild animals." His voice was steady, but something about it felt distant.
Feeling his reluctance to elaborate, I shifted the conversation.
"Where are we going?"
"I'm taking you to meet some beasts. It's a quiet place, I imagine you'll have a good time."
"As long as they don't eat me..." I commented while imagining what kind of beast could live in this place.