Battle War; Magic, Sword and Dragon

Truths

"From now on we'll stay here. Maybe we won't live like we used to, but I guarantee it's comfortable here."

That was the memory of the first time he moved to the city of Areshia.

As a former general, a job as a blacksmith is very much different from his previous job.

At first there were no customers for days. This is something that is not strange considering that the city is located on the outskirts. But slowly things changed when many began to recognize the quality of weapons made by his father.

Slowly but surely he and his father began to build a new life in the city of Areshia. The luxurious life he had been feeling had changed, but for some reason he was not at all disappointed or sad.

Often he saw photos on the wall. The photo belonged to her mother who had now left her for good.

He doesn't really remember what happened that took everything from him. Lying if he is not sad, but somehow the sad feeling disappears as if it never existed.

What happened to her?

Somehow he felt something important had been missing from him but he did not know what it was.

One day he saw a puppy that became a toy of naughty children in an alley. Normally people will be pityed or angry to see their behavior. Or at least tell them to stop doing all those unpleasant acts, but she just looks on without feeling anything.

Sadness, anger, disappointment, annoyance. All that he didn't feel.

Finally time passed. The children left the puppy lying on the street.

He approached. Then when he saw the condition of the puppy, he just fell silent.

The puppy was badly injured and did not move again. In other words, dead.

That's when he realized what he was missing. Something that makes itself called human.

💠💠💠

From that moment on he felt the peaceful life he felt was hollow.

The days pass without any pleasure and happiness. She still feels an affection her father's day but nothing more.

Another different thing was that he could not use magic well. Even magic is as simple as manipulating elements.

Then he realized that he had even forgotten the name of his magic.

Every time he tried to remember it, he would always have a tremendous headache. It was as if her magic was rejecting itself.

At first he was confused and sad. But he knows that all of this has a good side.

At least he didn't need to be afraid of harming others around him.

On that day of life he had begun an actual new chapter. Even though it's a life built from escape.

💠💠💠

Time passed too. He was getting used to the life now.

Always smiling even though it was full of falsehoods. He always hid behind a mask.

But one day he came upon a man he never expected. A pretty handsome young man.

The young man looked ordinary . Nothing special or flashy.

Even so he felt something different from the young man. I don't know what it is, but it makes it comfortable.

Then for the first time she smiled sincerely even with ridiculous reasons. Not only that he was also angry for a cause that no one had ever thought of.

How could that possibly happen?

After spending a few hours with the young man, he felt that something missing from him had returned even a little.

What a strange young man. How could he possibly do all this to her? He was just someone he had just known.

Then meet him with a girl. Not only was she beautiful but she knew that she was special.

Why can't I be like that girl?

What distinguishes the two of us?

The question was answered when they managed to defeat the invading enemy.

The girl is a brave and fearless person who uses the power she has to do what she believes is right.

Not only the girl, but the young man was the same. Even the way is more dangerous and makes people think that he is crazy and not dear to his own life.

For Fila who was always hiding behind a mask and fear, what they both did was dazzling.

That's when the one that disappeared slowly is back. That's what we call envy.

💠💠💠

Time pass. He heard the news that the girl and the young man were now lovers. Not only that they also fought in other countries with extraordinary results.

When compared to him who did nothing, those two people were very special.

Why are they like that?

Why are they so different from themselves?

Why can they always go further?

He realized that if it was like this, he was the one left behind.

No. gabe. He's been left behind.

Even the girl who had just appeared in their world had already gone further than him.

Why can't he be like them?

💠💠💠💠

One day the young man came to ask for a weapon.

The request felt a little strange considering that the weapon the young man had was not an ordinary weapon that would be easily damaged. Even when he told his father about it, his father even had time to say that the weapon was not something made by humans.

At first he did not understand, but he finally knew what his father meant.

Until the moment he knew it was not something that should exist in this world.

Knowing that, making a weapon that could match or approach the young man's weapon was impossible. Even for his father who is famous for his ability as a weapons maker.

He wanted to refuse, but his mouth could not say. He felt that if he refused, he would further miss them.

He doesn't want that.

Then because he had already received the request, then he should at least make one weapon for the young man.

But how?

All this time he had been helping his father, but he had never touched a hammer or made a single weapon other than the one he had made for Laila. He had gone mad from accepting the young man's request.

And although he already knew the whole theory of making weapons from his father, but he had never practiced because he could not use magic well.

No doubt this is a dead end.

Does he have to give up?

No. gabe. He can't do it.

If he failed here, he would be left out of everything.

It was during this time of despair that his father approached and began to provide assistance.

He tells the key to making a weapon is not just forging iron and giving it shape, but making it wholeheartedly and thinking about how it will be used.

With that hint, he began to rethink what he should do.

For the young man, the sword was not only a weapon that would slash his opponent, but also a tool to protect the one that was precious to him.

There is nothing happier and prouder than knowing the weapons he creates will keep others protected.

Wasn't that what he thought when making weapons for Laila for the first time?

At the thought of that, he subconsciously smiled to himself.

He felt the weight he had been feeling less. Besides, he knows one thing.

All this time he had never been able to use his power for using that power for himself.

Now, if he...

"really. If I want to change, then the first thing I have to change is me."

His whole view of the world changed. The color that had disappeared has now returned full of more beautiful colors.

And along with all that he remembered back with the name of magic that became the embodiment of his soul.

Pandoras.

💠💠💠

With that power back, he immediately started making weapons. But that doesn't mean it's as easy as making a sword shape out of iron sand.

The sword that the young man ordered was no ordinary sword. It was even harder swords were made from swords for magicians.

Then he also had to think about the materials. Ordinary metal would not be enough, or it would even be instantly destroyed if the young man used it.

In this case, his father agreed.

For the first time his father and himself agreed on one thing in common. And for the first time they made a really special and different weapon.

They choose to use materials that have never been used before. Then for the formation process, he and his father worked very hard not to lose concentration even a little because it will immediately make them repeat the process from the beginning.

This may be the most exhausting job of both lives.

Then almost a month passed, they finally finished the final process.

But it was at that moment that they had an unexpected guest. The guest informed him that the capital was in a state of emergency.

As a former general, this was something that was not his father's business anymore, but looking at the possibility of who would be the opponent, there was no choice but for his father to move forward.

After his father left, he focused on doing the final work to finish the sword for the young man. Inwardly he was worried, but he believed they would all be fine.

And that's true. A few days later, he heard that the capital was safe again. The damage from the fight was considerable, but since the casualties could be minimized, then this was one of the big wins.

I have to do what I can even if it's small.

If he was old, he would not be satisfied. But her current self could accept that easily.

That's not only evidence that his mind is starting to open, but also a sign of maturity.

Unfortunately, he once again had to face the harsh reality.

When he managed to take one step, the person he wanted to reach stepped 10 steps away from him. Let alone chasing, he was getting left behind.

Then with the showing of such harmonious family relationships, it made his heart even more envious of them.

The one thing he was grateful for was that his sword was beyond what he had anticipated.

But he can't lie to himself.

He wants to be like them.

💠💠💠

Not long after, he got the chance.

Unfortunately, the opportunity also became unpleasant news for him. He knew the harsh reality about the person he wanted to reach.

Faced with a difficult choice, she finally decided to try stepping in together.

He had a hunch, if he didn't do it, he would regret it.

For the first time he was truly happy. The darkness he felt slowly began to change with a new light. Although the achievement he wanted to achieve still felt far away, but this was the first step.

It would be nice if this continued forever.

He was again reminded of who he really was.

A monster that is a girl.

💠💠💠

After entering the black cube of darkness, Kuro felt himself being attacked by such dark negative feelings. A normal person would definitely lose his sanity within a few seconds, but to Kuro this was like breathing in fresh air.

The reason why he was able to cope so easily was not just because he had the Authority, Darkness. But also because for him darkness and light are not something to be afraid of.

The two are different, but at the same time they are one.

"..."

At the same time, he could see and understand what made Fila become like this.

At first glance this cage was made to protect Fila, but in reality this was a cage that Fila had created for himself.

A cage that not only makes others unable to enter, but also makes itself unable to get out. He wants to be alone forever.

(Really, she's a troublesome girl)

Inwardly Kuro complained, but that was why he could not leave Fila alone.

Just like Charmilia, Fila was a special person to Kuro. Although she could not say it was a feeling of love like she felt for Laila and Charmilia.

Then no matter how much time passed, he finally arrived at his destination. She found a girl sitting hugging her knees with an expression full of sadness.

"I'm coming to get you, Fila."

With a smile, Kuro extended his hand.

Unfortunately, he did not get a meaningful response.

Kuro sighs. If he wanted to he could take Fila out by force, but that would never get Fila out of actual confinement.

The confinement that came from his heart.

"Everything is waiting. You know this isn't the time to have fun alone."

Pleasure may be a less appropriate word, but the phrase is suitable for the state of Fila who chose to be alone to leave her friend.

"... Why?"

Kuro smiled.

"Why did I come? Or why do I need to do this? Or why can't I just leave you alone?"

Fila was silent.

"That's a stupid question." Kuro added.

"!?"

"Nobody in this world can live alone. Let alone humans, they wouldn't be able to live alone without others."

"..."

Surprisingly, despite being speechless, Fila gave a small smile.

I don't know why that was a much different answer than he expected.

But that's how Kuro is.

"But that's not why I can't leave you alone. How could I be happy alone when my precious friend is in such distress."

"So out of pity huh...?"

"Yes. I feel sorry for you who have never experienced what happiness is. Is that wrong?"

"Happy or not, how do you know? Don't be so pretentious about me. You're just a guy who just happened to come into my life, don't say you know everything about me!!!"

Fila got up and hit Kuro's body. That's a pretty strong punch for a girl's size. Fila did not hold back.

With the entire place being the power of Fila, Fila's current strength was stronger than that of an ordinary girl.

But Kuro did not stand by and accept all of that. He caught Fila's hand and looked at Fila's eyes directly up close.

"If I don't feel pity, what should I feel when I see you like this, Fila!!!!" Kuro shouted out loudly.

"!?"

This was the first time Kuro had shouted like that. Not only anger, but sadness was also felt from his voice.

Aware of what he had done, Fila finally did not fight back. He's capitulating.

"Do you realize what you're like now? You are so pathetic. You're the one who needs pity, why am I so sorry for you?"

"...i'm not a person who deserves pity from all of you."

Fila looked down full of sadness. Although he was happy with what he received, but it could not change who he really was.

A monster.

Yep. He is a monster that needs no pity.

"It's not because I look pathetic. I am a monster who can only hurt others around me. Even with my own hands, I..."

"..."

"...Airs has absolutely no wrong revenge on me. I killed his family members anyway."

Although what Airs showed was an illusion, it made Fila remember what happened that day. The day he lost everything and the day he ran away from reality.

On that day he stained his hands with the blood of a man loyal to his family.

There's nothing wrong with the treatment he's received from the Airs. He deserves all of that.

"No. You don't deserve all this!!"

But Kuro unhesitatingly denied all that.

"On the contrary, the person you killed needs to get a worse reply than you gave!! Kill him!!!"

Plaque. Fila stopped Kuro with a loud slap.

"Don't continue!! You don't deserve to say that about Honda!!"

But Kuro did not stop.

"Why? A traitor must be punished. If it wasn't for her, you wouldn't have lost your mother."

"!?"

Kuro reveals the truth on a day that becomes a tragedy for the Fila family.

💠💠💠

As a father, Fila was the daughter he was most proud of. Although in the eyes of others he was a monster, it did not change what he saw and what he felt for Fila.

He loved his daughter more than anything in the world. Even if the world was hostile towards him, he would remain on his side.

Fila was just a girl who had too much talent.

So much so, that talent has now turned into a curse.

Is there something wrong with that?

If it was a curse, then Fila just needed to turn it into power. That's what he believes and someday Fila will make that happen.

Unfortunately, maybe his affection has blinded him from the reality.

In front of her and Flair, Fila looked happy, but behind all that, she harbored an invisible sadness.

The sadness slowly piled up into a dark darkness in Fila's heart without anyone noticing.

The darkness was finally released when Flair was killed. What Irho saw that day he never forgot.

Even for a moment he thought Fila was indeed a monster.

He forgot the reason why he could think that way to his own daughter.

But all that doesn't matter. There was something he had to do rather than think about it.

The sadness of losing Flair made Irho unable to think calmly. He intends to destroy the culprit behind all this down to the root of mercilessly anyone. Even their families.

Not only him, people who have a relationship with his family also want to do the same. Even the emperor who had absolute authority was unable to stop the intent that had become a burning fire.

Although this was inappropriate, it was necessary to set an example for people who wanted to have bad intentions for the empire.

Everyone knows that a war is going to happen soon. And no one can stop him.

But, uh,

"Dad, where's mom? Why isn't she with me?"

Those two questions were like sharp incisions for Irho. He realized the revenge he was going to do was not the right path.

He thought back to why this tragedy had befallen his family.

Enemies know the risk they will experience if they make an attack, but they still do it. In other words, they are determined to do so by accepting all the risks that their families will be wiped out.

While investigating anyone involved, he knew that most of the attackers had no family or relatives. They were simply a group gathered with the same purpose and with the same reason.

Why can they go that far?

Irho already knew the answer. All of this was nothing but karma that he had received.

As a general, he had already killed countless numbers during the battle period to protect the empire. When viewed from the side of work and obligation, all that is so proud, but when viewed from the side of humanity, what Irho did is nothing more than murder.

All of that slowly became the seed of hatred. Either it was on the enemy, or on the people around him who were envious of him.

Revenge on the person who did all this may not be the wrong choice, but it is also not the right path. Is there anything that can guarantee that seed of hatred will disappear after he takes it all out?

No. gabe. It won't. It will be a new seed of hatred.

Should he forget revenge? If that was done, to whom would he vent all the anger and hatred he felt right now?

For the first time Irho was worried about what he should choose.

In his confusion, he remembered the one thing that was left in his life.

Fila's. His beloved daughter and the only one.

Why should he think what he should do? Doesn't he already have the answer?

At that moment, Irho decided to choose to protect the only thing he had. He stopped being a general and started a new life in the city of Areshia.

Maybe this is a runaway, but it's not the wrong choice. Only one choice among many.

Unfortunately, the people who understood Irho's hatred did not stop. They're still killing the man behind Flair's death.

Hearing that Irho was not so surprised considering who they were. But he understood that it would not end the seed of hatred.

I don't know when the seed will grow. All Irho could do was prepare.

All this time he thought 'if killing, it means being ready to be killed'. But he forgets, when he kills or gets killed, it doesn't mean it's going to get everything done.

That was the beginning.