Several Months Later
The summons came at dawn.
A messenger from the Knight Council arrived at Izak's cottage, bearing a scroll sealed with the highest authority. Izak read it in silence, his face unreadable behind his mask.
"What does it say?" Zilvie asked.
Izak lowered the scroll. "I've been chosen. The next attempt on the Demon Queen."
The words hung in the air like a death sentence.
"No," Zilvie whispered. "Teacher, you can't. Everyone who goes there..."
"Dies?" Izak smiled behind his mask. She could hear it in his voice. "Perhaps. But this is our purpose. Every knight who reaches the peak must answer this call. It's the greatest honor we can achieve."
Pinky stood frozen. His hands clenched at his sides.
Izak approached him, placed both hands on his shoulders. "I've taught you everything I can. You've already surpassed me in some ways. But remember this: strength alone isn't enough. Protect those who matter to you. That's what being a knight really means."
He turned to Zilvie.
"And you." He reached out, patted her head gently. "Take care of him. He needs you more than he knows. More than you know."
"Teacher..."
"I'm going to kill that Queen," Izak said. "So that neither of you ever have to face her. That's my promise to you both."
He walked away without looking back.
He never returned.