"Are you really from this world?"
"...?"
"Well, you see, we did a background check on you and found nothing—no records, no trace of your parents. The only reason you were able to enroll in the Knights Academy was because of your connection to Sara and Rayan, two of our brightest students. That gave you a free pass, so no one questioned it. But after an incident like that, doubts have started to rise about your identity. So, I'll ask you again—are you really from this world?"
"....?"
Silence filled the air. Should I tell him the truth?
"Don't worry," the man continued, his tone softer. "If you're not ready to talk, you can tell us when the time comes." He paused for a moment before adding, "Oh, and one more thing. Starting today, you're part of the First Squad."
"Huh...? What?! But my academic training isn't even complete yet!"
"I know," he admitted. "But it's an order from the higher-ups, and we all have to follow it. Understood?"
"...Yes."
"Good. Anyway, it's getting late. I should get going, and don't worry—you'll be released in a few hours."
As Velthorn's steps echoed softly in the dimly lit corridor, he turned a corner and spotted Zeth leaning against the wall. Arms crossed, eyes closed, an amused smile tugged at his lips.
"Zeth," Velthorn sighed, "eavesdropping isn't exactly polite."
Zeth chuckled. "So, aren't you going to execute him?"
Velthorn exhaled, shaking his head. "He's just a kid—one who barely understands how the world works. I don't see him as a threat." He cast a glance at Zeth. "And aren't you the one who wanted to save him from execution?"
"So, what excuse are you planning to give the higher-ups?" Zeth asked, his smirk unwavering.
Velthorn smiled wryly. "The last time I disobeyed an order for a kid, he became the strongest person in this kingdom—Yonor, the First Squad Captain. They suspended me for months back then, but this time..." He let out a short laugh. "They'll probably dismiss me from my position as Chief."
Zeth shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me whether you stay or not. Wherever you go, I'll follow you as chief."
"Thanks, but Zeth, that was just a guess about my dismissal."
"What? But I thought for sure you were getting dismissed this time."
Velthorn muttered to himself, "You don't have much time left to follow others."
With steady, purposeful steps, Velthorn and Zeth made their way out. An hour later, Ito was finally released.
"Finally, fresh air!" He stretched before noticing four figures waiting outside.
"HUH?! What are you all doing here?"
"You're so slow, Ito. We've been waiting forever for you to wake up," Rayan said, crossing his arms.
"Well, in the end, we're just glad to see you again," Zayden added with a grin.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" A girl with silver hair and bright emerald eyes stepped forward. "I'm Shion Vaelcrest, and I'm a huge fan of yours!"
"Wha—?!"
"I mean, that night during the incident, you threw yourself at those beasts, even though you knew you'd probably die. It was reckless, but damn, it was cool!" She beamed.
"Huh? Uh… thanks?"
A sudden wave of bloodlust cut through the air. Shion stiffened as she felt a familiar presence behind her.
Sara stood there, arms crossed, watching her with an unreadable expression.
"Oh! Sorry, Sara!" Shion quickly waved her hands. "I kinda got carried away! But don't worry—he's not my type!"
Ito lowered his head, guilt in his voice. "Ahmm… Sara… I broke our promise."
Sara's expression softened. With a voice filled with warmth, she whispered, "Welcome back."
Ito looked up, relief washing over him. A smile broke across his face.
"I'm home."
—
Weeks passed, and Ito had officially joined the Supreme Knights—Squad One
"Why are you lounging around, newbie? Your ten km run isn't done yet!"
Ito let out a tired sigh and muttered, "Yeah... I got it, Vice-Captain Sylas Veyne."
"This training is exhausting, but if I want to become strong, then I can't afford to give up."
Although he was the youngest among them, Ito pushed through his training like any other member without hesitation. Sylas Veyne couldn't help but be impressed by Ito's dedication.
After finishing training, he took a deep breath and muttered, "I guess I'm still not used to this."
"Yo, Ito! How's your day going? Uh... man, you look completely wrecked."
Ito, with a hint of surprise in his voice, said, "Captain?"
"How's your training going, Ito?"
"Just as you can see, Captain. I don't think I can keep this up."
"Oh... don't worry, you'll get the hang of it soon. So, have you met the Third Squad Captain?"
"Well, I've been there for a body check-up many times, but I haven't met them yet."
"Alright, let's go meet her first. After that, we'll head out on your first mission. Got it?"
Ito's eyes lit up, determination sparking in them as a grin spread across his face. He clenched his fists and nodded. "Yes!"
After arriving at the place where Ito had his daily check-up, they found it empty. "I think she isn't here," he said.
"No, she's here. You just have to call her by name. Hey, Naeris Vexora! Where are you? Come out, we're here to meet you!"
"Huh... She? So the Third Squad Captain is a wom—" Before he could finish, a door suddenly materialized in front of them, seemingly out of nowhere.
"You're too noisy, Zeth. Keep it down."
A stunning woman stepped out, her long brown hair cascading down her back, framing her mesmerizing, doe-like eyes. Her soft, plump lips curled into a playful smirk, and her lab coat, barely buttoned, struggled to contain her ample curves, teasing a generous glimpse of the figure beneath.
"Yo, Naeris! You know, he's the one who helped your squad that night," Zeth said, nudging Ito to introduce himself.
"Yes. My name is Ito, and it's my pleasure to meet you."
"You don't need to be so nervous and formal, boy. Like those two kids, you also helped my squad. I wasn't there when it all happened, but thanks to all your efforts, the job got done. Anyway, I appreciate your help."
"Ah... no, not at all. I didn't do anything big enough to deserve your thanks."
Naeris leaned in closer, her sultry gaze locking onto Ito's. A playful smirk curled on her lips as she traced a finger along his jawline.
"Heh... You're adorable, you know that?" she purred, her voice dripping with amusement. "If you're curious, I could teach you a few... grown-up things."
Zeth stepped in, resting a firm hand on Ito's shoulder. "Enough, Naeris—he's my student, not your toy."
"Alright, alright, I was just kidding." Naeris smirked, crossing her arms."So, why'd you call me out? You're not just here to show off this boy, are you?"
"You know, I wanted to confirm something, which is why I'm here to ask you—Which Dark Zone is closest to us?"
"Let me check. In the meantime, come inside and have a seat."
Ito's eyes widened at the surreal sight—glowing symbols, intricate machinery, and an endless space stretching beyond. He swallowed hard.
"Zeth... Captain, what is this place?"
"It's her Zone Technique—it allows her to create a four-dimensional space where she can monitor all Dark Zones without disturbance."
Ito's gaze swept over the surreal surroundings, his mind racing. So this is Captain Naeris's Zone Technique... huh.
"Judging by that look on your face, you have no clue what it is, do you?"
"Ah... no, Vice Captain Sylas has been teaching me, but it's just that this power is really... amazing."
"It's good that you like it, but don't forget—power always comes with responsibility."
"Yes."
"So, Naeris, are you done with what I asked for?"
"Yeah, the closest one is twenty kilometers east."
"Ahm... can I ask about these Dark Zones? Like, where did they come from?"
Naeris let out a sigh, crossing her arms. "We don't know much about them.
One day, they just started appearing out of nowhere.
And within a month, an entire kingdom—one of the twenty-five—was wiped off the map, swallowed whole. The strongest knights, the bravest warriors... they all fell trying to stop it. But the worst part?"
She locked eyes with Ito, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"They're still spreading."