Explosions of magic rang out at intervals, the clash of steel echoed like thunder, the scream of someone pierced the air—and the stench of blood permeated everything.
Kairos had arrived at the border.
The human frontier was crumbling fast. Hordes of demons poured in endlessly. He had come here with one purpose: to eliminate the demon noble who poisoned Fiona's brother—and he had less than a month to do it.
His eyes had changed. Cold, sharp, devoid of emotion. Even seasoned soldiers shivered under his gaze. It was as if all that remained in his mind was the act of killing demons.
Without hesitation, Kairos leapt into battle. A crimson lightning aura enveloped his body, his movements as swift as a bolt from the sky. Within moments, demons fell by the hundreds, then thousands.
This was his true potential— The heir of House Arkelis, a noble lineage of dukes. Every generation had produced warriors of national fame. His ancestor had slain the Black Dragon. His father, the Crimson Thunder Dragon.
And among all the heirs, Kairos was the most gifted. At barely twenty, his skill rivaled—perhaps surpassed—that of Level 8 fighters. In pure combat ability, he had already exceeded his father.
Now, he fought to prove his existence to the world.
In just one day, Kairos slaughtered tens of thousands of demons. The morale of human forces surged. Soldiers who witnessed his overwhelming might regained hope.
Ten days passed.
"Still no sign of that demon noble… Fine. If he won't come out, I'll find him myself."
The next day, Kairos resumed his hunt. His crimson lightning blazed across the battlefield. Lesser demons posed no threat; every step he took left a trail of death.
He plunged deeper into demon territory, dispatching several demon nobles along the way. Eventually, he arrived at a structure resembling a castle.
He had received intel from a previous fight—and now he faced the real target.
"I've heard of you, human," a voice called out mockingly. "So, you're aiming for me. I suppose my poison caused some real trouble, didn't it? Heh heh…"
Kairos ignored the taunt. Silent. Focused.
The demon noble struck first, releasing a violet mist of poison. Kairos flipped through the air, narrowly avoiding direct exposure.
A barrage of fire magic followed like arrows from the sky. Kairos spun his spear in a circular motion, deflecting the flames before dashing in for a counterattack.
"Dragon-Slaying Secret Art: First Stance—Crimson Comet!"
His spear slashed toward the target, but the demon noble dodged with ease. It retaliated with a flurry of punches—dozens in a blink. Each one hit like an explosion.
Kairos was sent flying, crashing into the ground. He groaned, but forced himself back to his feet.
Another burst of violet magic streaked toward him. He dodged again but could smell the toxin creeping closer.
He gathered his power.
"Second Stance—Hundred Spear Strikes!"
A hundred spear images shot forward simultaneously, overwhelming the demon noble. It was caught off guard, impaled, and thrown backward.
Kairos didn't let up. He closed the distance in a heartbeat and severed the demon's head with a clean stroke.
"…Finally. It's over."
He carefully collected the demon's blood in a crystal vial.
One day later, back at the human border—
Kairos returned, battered and bruised. His armor stained with demon blood, his eyes exhausted but resolute.
He handed the vial to a court mage at House Elvareth's estate.
"The demon noble's blood. Give it to the healers."
Afterward, he staggered out of the hall and leaned against the outer wall.
Moments later, Fiona appeared.
"Kairos! Are you okay? Do you need a doctor?"
"I'm fine… They're treating your brother now. Let them focus on that first."
She stepped closer, eyes full of concern, reaching to check his wounds—but Kairos stepped back.
"Please don't come close. I stink right now… I'm filthy."
She froze. Her heart sank. He thought she would be disgusted by him?
Clenching her fists, she looked at his bloodied, exhausted form.
"…Thank you."
Kairos offered a faint smile.
"It's nothing. If you ask me for something… I'll do anything."
Afterward, he returned to his manor to recover.
Months passed. Despite his wounds, Kairos kept returning to the battlefield. His growing achievements earned him the title of hero—but each time he returned, he still approached Fiona gently.
Sometimes, she found him asleep in a corner, peaceful despite the weariness on his face.
One day, she quietly walked up to him.
(He's… not scary like before.)
She leaned in closer without thinking. Just a little more, and—
Kairos stirred.
"Ah… Fiona? Sorry. Did I scare you?"
"No… I should be the one apologizing. I didn't mean to wake you."
She hurried out, face flushed red.
(Why did I do that? I told myself I wouldn't open my heart to him…)
After that, she tried to return to her usual routine.
Then one day, a royal message arrived.
Kairos had been summoned to war once more.
On the day of departure, Fiona came to see him off.
"Please… come back safe."
"…Just hearing that makes me happy."
He smiled softly before turning away.
Fiona watched his back as he disappeared into the distance.
She had no idea…
This might be their final farewell.