Chapter 4: BANISHED
The air was thick with the stench of blood, smoke, and death. Rome stood amidst the carnage, his body battered , but his grip on his sword was unyielding.
Around him lay the lifeless body of Gareth, and unconscious Leondhardt and Veyron—the so-called "heroes" who had disgraced the title they bore. The flames from their destruction licked the shattered remains of the estate, casting an eerie glow across the battlefield.
But the battle was far from over.
Ten royal guards.
They stood in a circle around him, swords drawn, their expressions grim. Their armor gleamed in the firelight, their capes billowing as the wind carried the scent of death.
These were not ordinary knights.
They were a 4 star Aura Users—warriors trained to wield the ancient power of Aura, a force that could only be awakened by those who possessed a deep understanding of their weapon. Aura was the essence of one's soul, honed through relentless training and mastery of combat.
But Rome was not intimidated. Rome was a 5 star aura user
He had been their teacher.
He had shaped them into the warriors they were today.
And now… they stood against him.
One of the knights stepped forward. His voice trembled, but his conviction was unwavering.
"Sir Rome…" His eyes were filled with sadness. "You killed a hero… and injured two. They were our only hope. You… know that."
Rome's gaze was cold. Steely.
HEROES ? YOU CALLED THESE MONSTERS HEROES THEY DESERVE TO DIE THOSE TWO ARE LUCKY YOU ALL ARRIVED THEY DESERVE IT.
Silence.
The knight lowered his head, his hands trembling as he gripped his sword tighter.
"You were my mentor," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But… you've left me no choice."
His blade rose.
"You deserve to be executed."
"Then come."
Rome's voice was a whisper… but it carried the weight of thunder.
The battle erupted.
The first knight lunged, his blade gleaming with Aura, aimed straight for Rome's heart.
CLANG!
Rome parried the blow effortlessly, his sword singing as it clashed against steel. The force of the impact sent sparks flying, but Rome pivoted, his movements fluid and precise.
"Swift."
His Aura flared, and in an instant, he was behind the knight.
SHING!
A clean, precise cut.
The knight's head flew off his shoulders, tumbling to the ground. Blood sprayed, painting the dirt crimson.
But Rome didn't stop.
Another knight charged, aiming low, trying to catch him off guard.
Rome's eyes narrowed.
CLANG! CLANG!
Steel met steel as he blocked and countered with inhuman speed.
"Swift."
He moved like a shadow, faster than the eye could follow.
SHING!
A downward slice.
The knight's leg severed from his body. He collapsed, screaming in agony as blood poured from the wound.
"Two down," Rome muttered, his voice barely above a growl.
But the others weren't idle.
"Formation!"
The remaining knights surrounded him, their Aura surging in unison.
But his will was unbreakable.
"Come."
Three knights charged at once.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Rome blocked one, sidestepped another, but the third—
SHUNK!
A sword pierced his back.
Rome let out a grunt of pain, but he didn't falter.
He twisted his body, ignoring the searing agony.
"Swift."
With a burst of speed, he spun around and sliced through the knight's throat. Blood sprayed like a fountain, and another enemy fell.
But another blade stabbed into his side.
STAB!
Then another.
STAB!
More swords pierced his flesh.
Rome stumbled, his vision blurring. Blood pooled around his feet, but he refused to fall.
"Not… yet…"
With a roar, he ripped the blade from his side and swung his sword with every ounce of strength he had left.
SHING!
One more knight fell.
But…
STAB!
Another sword plunged deep into his chest.
Rome's knees buckled.
His vision dimmed.
But even in death… his thoughts were of Noel.
"I'm sorry, son."
The words were barely a whisper, but they carried all the love and sorrow of a father who had given everything to protect his family.
And then—
Rome fell.
A warrior.
A father.
A hero.
The world grew silent.
The mighty Rome… was no more.
Dawn broke.
The sun's light felt hollow as Noel stood before the king. His heart was pounding in his chest, his mind still reeling from the events of the night before.
The throne room was suffocating, filled with nobles and soldiers who whispered among themselves, their eyes darting between Noel and the king.
The king sat upon his throne, his expression cold and detached.
"Noel," the king's voice echoed. "You are hereby banished from this kingdom."
Noel's heart stopped.
"W-What?" His voice was barely above a whisper.
The words echoed in his ears, but they made no sense.
"Your Majesty… why?"
His fists clenched at his sides, his entire body trembling.
"I… I didn't do anything! Why am I being banished?"
The king's gaze was devoid of empathy.
"Your father killed a hero and injured two. You may not have been involved… but his sins have tainted your bloodline."
Noel's body froze.
His father.
Killed a hero?
No.
No, that couldn't be right.
"My father…" Noel's voice cracked. "He wouldn't do that without a reason."
His eyes burned as he stepped forward. "Who were the heroes he attacked?!"
The king remained silent.
Noel's gaze flickered to his master—the man who had taught him everything. The man who stood beside the king now, his face filled with sorrow.
"Master…?" Noel's voice trembled.
His master looked away, unable to meet Noel's gaze.
"Please, Noel," his master murmured, his voice heavy with sadness. "This… is the only thing I can do. I don't want you to be executed too. Please… leave."
"Executed?"
Noel's blood ran cold.
"W-What do you mean executed?"
His master's silence was an answer in itself.
Noel felt the world crash down on him. His heart shattered, his breath caught in his throat.
"...No…" His voice was barely a whisper.
His body trembled.
"No… NO!"
Tears welled in his eyes, but rage burned hotter in his heart.
"LET ME SPEAK TO HIM!" Noel's voice echoed through the hall. "I NEED TO TALK TO HIM!"
Silence.
"Where's my mother?!" His voice cracked as he looked around frantically.
But the king's patience had worn thin.
"ENOUGH!"
The king's hand rose.
A spell was cast.
"Crux Lux."
Light Cross.
Golden crosses pierced through Noel's limbs, pinning him to the cold marble floor.
Pain surged through his body, but it was nothing compared to the agony in his heart.
"Master… please…" Noel's voice was a desperate whisper.
But his master only closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Noel."
A spell circle formed beneath Noel, glowing with ancient runes.
"No… please…"
Magic surged.
And in an instant—
Noel was gone.
Teleported.
Banished.
But fate had merely delayed the storm.
The kingdom believed it had rid itself of a trash a nobody
But what they had truly done… was plant the seed of vengeance.
A seed that would grow.
And when that seed returned—
Blood would drench the kingdom.
For when Noel returned… he would not come as a savior.
He would come as the harbinger of death.