Resources were running low. They had water, but they needed food, tools—anything to survive long-term.
Zyroth: "Alright, let's split tasks. Nell, Kenny—you two are on gathering duty."
Nell: "We're on our own now. Let's find valuable stuff, not just fruits. Maybe something for defense too."
Kenny: "Okay… whatever you say, Nell."
The two wandered deep into the forest. It wasn't long before they stumbled across something… strange.
Knights.
Not just any knights—these were from the Kingdom of Alitic. Among them was a man asleep under a tree, giving off an intense aura even in his slumber.
Nell (whispering): "Kenny. Go. Now. Tell the others."
Kenny nodded and took off through the trees.
But the sleeping knight stirred—his senses sharp. He opened his eyes and spotted Nell hiding in the shadows.
Back at the cave – 15 minutes later
Kenny (panting): "Everyone! We need to get out—there are knights nearby! Strong ones!"
Zyroth: "Where's Nell? Don't tell me he stayed behind again… that idiot. We're not going anywhere without him!"
Suddenly, a thud.
A limp body was tossed to the ground—it was Nell, bruised and bloodied.
Knight: "Is this your friend? The little spy?"
Six knights stood at attention. One stepped forward—a towering figure with silver armor and a calm expression.
Knight: "Grandmaster Hun. What should we do?"
The legendary knight—Hun—opened one eye lazily.
Hun: "They're just kids… but there's something off. The villagers said one had a red eye. A chaos vessel. Looks like that one."
He pointed straight at Zyroth.
One (stepping forward): "Hey, Knight—I challenge you!"
Knight (laughs): "You think you can take on a legend?"
Hun (grinning): "A brave one… I like him. Hahaha! Well, it's time to exercise this chaos monster."
Zyroth (confused): "What… chaos…?"
One rushed in, swinging his wooden stick. Hun casually caught it with one hand, then slammed One into the dirt like it was nothing.
One (gritting teeth): "D-Don't underestimate me… bastard!"
Knight: "This kid… he's insane."
Zyroth stepped forward, eyes burning.
Zyroth: "Back off… all of you!"
He charged, swinging hard—but Hun broke the wooden stick with just a finger.
Then… Hun unleashed his aura.
The sheer pressure knocked everyone back. All except Zyroth. Even One struggled to breathe.
Hun (coldly): "Time to erase the chaos within you."
Zyroth trembled.
Zyroth (thinking): "This pressure… I can't move… damn it…!"
Then—it happened.
The chaos awoke.
Inside the Nightmare Realm
Nightmare (laughing): "Need help, kid? Let me take over. We can kill him. Together!"
Zyroth: "No… no… NO!"
In the forest, Zyroth transformed.
His hair burned red. His skin turned pitch black. Eyes glowing with madness. The roar he let out echoed like a beast from hell.
Hun: "So… this is the chaos inside you. Fully awakened."
Zyroth vanished in a blink—appearing behind Hun.
Hun smirked and blocked with his sheathed sword.
Hun: "Fast. But not fast enough."
Zyroth punched, knocking Hun back just a step.
Hena (shocked): "Is… is that really Zyroth?!"
Hun swung, sending Zyroth flying into the air.
Hun (leaping up): "Let's finish this."
With a clean slam from his sheathed sword, Hun struck Zyroth from above—crashing him into the earth below. The transformation shattered. Zyroth lay unconscious.
Knight: "Shall we kill the cursed child?"
Hun (raising a hand): "No. I'll take him with us. I've taken a liking to these kids."
Nell (growling): "Why…? What's your game, old man?"
Hun (grinning): "Just curious… what monsters you'll all grow into."
In the Nightmare Realm… again
Nightmare (furious): "Why won't you accept me!? We could've won!"
Zyroth: "Stay the hell out of my body, you garbage."
He smirked, showing sharp teeth.
Nightmare: "You brat… I'll devour you whole someday!"
Zyroth's eyes fluttered open.
He was in a soft bed, sunlight pouring in. His body ached. Around him, the others watched in silence.
He'd been asleep… for five days