Ironwood Kingdom — Valerion Cemetery
Gray clouds drift silently between rows of tombstones as the wind carries faint whispers through the graveyard. The rain has stopped, leaving behind the damp scent of wet earth lingering in the air.
A black-clad figure stands motionless before three freshly marked graves.
A man.
A woman.
A young girl.
His hands tremble slightly as he holds a single flower.
This is Blade Lunaria—
but not the Blade who had been in Silverwood.
This is Shujin, who transferred his consciousness into Blade's body in Ironwood so he could stand before the graves of Blade's family himself.
His crimson eyes glow faintly, deep emotions buried beneath ruthless control.
> "…I should have come sooner."
> "If only I hadn't been too late…"
Soft footsteps disturb the silence. A faint holy glow reflects off polished steel armor.
Ryuto appears behind him, accompanied by several temple heroes and Ironwood guards. A few civilians stand nearby, silently mourning.
Ryuto steps forward. His divine presence is calm—but heavy. He instantly senses the oppressive existence emanating from Blade.
> "…That power," Ryuto thinks, clenching his fist.
"He's no longer human… not anymore."
The air thickens with killing intent—unseen, yet suffocating. Some guards tremble and instinctively step back.
Ryuto raises his hand slightly.
"Everyone… step back. I'll handle this."
The guards and civilians retreat. Blade notices, but does not turn.
Ryuto closes the distance, stopping a few meters away.
"Blade Lunaria," Ryuto says quietly. "I heard about your family. I'm… sorry."
Blade does not look back.
"Apologies won't bring them back, Hero Ryuto."
Ryuto stiffens. There is no anger in Blade's voice—only cold emptiness.
"I understand your pain," Ryuto says. "But revenge isn't the answer. It will destroy you long before it destroys your enemies."
Blade slowly turns his head. His crimson eyes glow beneath his hood.
> "If those in power won't deliver justice… then I will."
The wind carries his words like a drawn blade.
Ryuto steps closer.
"If you stain your hands with blood, won't you become the same as those who killed them?"
Blade's voice is calm.
Too calm.
> "Justice doesn't exist in words, Ryuto. It exists in action. And if that action demands sin… I will bear it."
Pain flashes across Ryuto's eyes.
> "You're just like him…" Ryuto murmurs.
Blade raises an eyebrow. "Like who?"
Ryuto shakes his head slowly.
"Someone who believed justice could be built with blood… and became a monster before realizing it."
Inside Blade, Shujin smiles faintly.
> A monster?
He's talking about me.
Blade gently places the flower upon the graves.
"If the gods won't grant justice, I will. Tell the Church to stay out of my way, Ryuto."
Ryuto can only watch as Blade walks away, his figure dissolving into the mist. As he disappears, the air lightens.
A young mounted knight whispers shakily:
"Sir Ryuto… he was terrifying. It felt like my soul froze."
Ryuto gazes at the graves.
"He's stronger than power alone. He carries pain… and that pain will either save him—
or destroy everything."
---
Silverwood Kingdom — Outskirts of Lunargent
Inside a quiet inn near the capital, another Blade opens his eyes.
Shujin's consciousness returns to his Silverwood body.
He exhales slowly as faint golden markings on his neck fade away.
> "So this is what it feels like… bearing another soul's grief," he mutters.
"Even I can't fully suppress it. Blade's emotions… are too heavy."
A soft knock echoes.
"Sir Blade," the innkeeper says. "Your breakfast is ready."
Blade smiles gently.
"Thank you. I'll be down shortly."
He stands and looks out the window toward Silverwood's streets. People move peacefully—unaware of demons, spies, and traitorous heroes plotting beneath their calm world.
> "Next stop is Mistwood," Shujin whispers.
"But before that…"
He adjusts his sword and softly chants:
"Soul Veil: Suppress."
His presence vanishes completely.
---
The Federation — Darkensport Castle
In the throne hall, Aethelred Vi Regis reviews maps and documents with his advisors. The atmosphere is quiet, efficient—his federation's engine running flawlessly.
Economy.
Trade.
Diplomacy.
All growing faster than expected.
Even human merchants from Ironwood and neutral lands are joining the Federation.
Aethelred smiles faintly.
"Perfect. Let them come. Greed has always been the strongest bridge between races."
His aide, Lirian, enters.
"Your Majesty, two generals of the Great Demon King have fallen in recent battles. Only eight remain."
Aethelred rises, his crimson cloak flowing like liquid fire.
"Then despair will begin to take hold."
"Shall we prepare another offensive?" Lirian asks.
Aethelred's smile darkens.
> "Not yet. Let him feel the loss. When his trust in his generals erodes, his empire will collapse from within."
He turns toward the grand window overlooking Darkensport's harbor, watching Ironwood ships unload cargo.
> "Soon, the world will believe the Federation represents peace. And once they all depend on us…
the true revolution will begin."
---
Silverwood Kingdom — Esmoril City
Blade arrives at Esmoril, the "Silver Vein City," famed for its silver mines and close ties to Lunargent.
The streets bustle with miners, merchants, and adventurers. As Blade passes through the market, he notices eyes following him.
Three adventurers whisper nearby.
> "Isn't that him? Blade?"
"Yeah… the one who killed the Northern Demon Lord."
"He's way too calm for someone that dangerous."
Blade ignores them and walks toward the Adventurers' Guild.
Some glance at him in awe.
Others—with caution and envy.
At the counter stands a muscular adventurer with a scar across his cheek.
> "Hey. You're that Rank-A from Ironwood, right? Blade Lunaria?"
Blade stops. "Is there a problem?"
The man grins. "Just curious if you're really as strong as they say."
Blade gives a faint, harmless smile.
"Maybe someday. But not today."
The man chuckles nervously. Something in Blade's calm unsettles even seasoned warriors.
The receptionist clears her throat.
"Blade-san, are you registering or taking a quest?"
Blade shakes his head.
"No. Just passing through."
He turns and leaves. The whispers behind him fade into silence.
---
Elsewhere — The Great Demon Empire
Within a dark fortress lit by blue flames, the Great Demon King sits upon his ash-gray throne, gazing down at his remaining eight generals.
> "The Northern Demon Lord is dead," he says coldly.
"Our enemies grow bold. Aethelred's Federation expands. Nations whisper of peace—yet prepare for war."
A tall female general steps forward.
"Shall we strike first, my lord?"
The Demon King's eyes blaze red.
"No. Not yet. Let them believe they are safe…
When their confidence peaks—we will devour everything."
---
Night — Esmoril City
Blade sits atop a hill overlooking the glowing city below.
Shujin's voice echoes within:
> The world spins faster now. The Federation grows. The Empire trembles. The Church hunts shadows…
Yet I walk alone.
Blade gazes at the stars.
"Even alone… the path is clear."
He closes his eyes.
"The next step—
the dungeon."
The wind carries him into the night.
---
✨ End of Chapter 20 — "Flames Beneath the Grave" ✨