Ten years… that is no short span of time.
By now, perhaps my bones and flesh have already turned to dust beneath the soil.
Humans… just how far can they go for the sake of power?
---
Graves stretched endlessly in every direction.
A gentle breeze flowed across the riverside cemetery, carrying with it a chilling stillness.
Today, Enric had come to visit two graves—his own, and his father's.
Yet something felt wrong.
A strange uneasiness gnawed at his heart, as if an unseen disturbance had already taken place. And perhaps, there was reason for such doubt. No matter what, he could never fully trust Riana—the fragmented soul.
It was only natural.
There were times when even he couldn't trust himself…
Moments when his own mind and consciousness slipped beyond his control, severing the bond between thought and self.
---
Enric bent down and splashed water from the river onto his face.
Ah… what a face.
It was as though he had been sculpted by the hands of a divine creator.
Snow-white hair.
Crimson eyes.
A tall, imposing figure.
A perfectly toned body, with muscles carved like a warrior in his prime.
Out of curiosity, he lifted his clothes slightly and examined his body, almost captivated by its perfection.
Then suddenly—
No… this isn't my body.
Sooner or later, he would have to return it to Valerina.
After all, he was nothing more than a guest inside this vessel.
---
But one question continued to linger in his mind—
The one who played the strongest role in destroying his family was Charlee Anthony Octavius.
As far as he remembered, it was Charlee who had dueled his father.
And yet… that same man had once been his father's childhood friend.
What could have driven them to such a point?
---
From what Enric knew, if the two of them fought in a duel, they were equals.
In fact, in past duels, his father had always fought alone—
Against not one, but two powerful princes from the House of Octavius and the House of Aurelius.
One against two.
Calling those outcomes "victories" would be inaccurate. Most ended in stalemates.
Even if his father was stronger, fighting two opponents alone was no simple matter.
---
Lost in thought, Enric tried to piece together fragments of his past memories—
But suddenly—
Rivian appeared.
He looked exhausted… and deeply troubled.
---
"Rivian? Here? What happened?"
"There's a problem," Rivian said urgently. "We need to go to Riana immediately. Her source of power has suddenly been cut off. And… I think they've gotten themselves into serious trouble."
He paused, his expression darkening.
"My investigation suggests… they've discovered that I'm still alive. And they've likely started searching for me."
Enric's eyes narrowed.
"If I go near Riana now, it'll only make things worse. Their location… it's near the House of Octavius."
---
"What? The House of Octavius?
Who are they dealing with? What's going on?"
"We need to find them first," Enric said sharply.
Rivian clenched his fists.
"I think… they've been captured."
"Of all people, it would be the House of Octavius. They've been the most relentless in hunting us down."
"Damn that idiot Riana!" Enric burst out in anger.
"I never trusted her. Why did I ever let her enter Valerina's body?"
His fury burned like wildfire—
But there was no time to waste.
"We need to move immediately," Rivian said. "But listen… I won't be able to help you directly there. If I show myself, they'll recognize me instantly. That would only complicate things further."
Enric nodded.
"Rivian… do me one favor."
"I don't know what's happening there, but this might be our only backup plan. Go to the House of Valerian. Inform Valerina's mother."
His voice hardened.
"Tell her—if she wants to save her daughter, she must come."
"I'll do everything I can," Rivian replied.
Then, after a brief pause—
"And Enric… remember this. If things turn hopeless… call me. I can't lose you a second time."
"I may not be the best friend… but for this family, I'm ready to sacrifice my life."
Enric let out a quiet breath.
"You don't need to worry about that. I'm enough on my own."
Though he added internally—
Even if I'm not as strong as before… I doubt I'm in any condition to fight right now.
Without hesitation, Enric summoned his Falcon—
A high-speed aerial mount, the fastest of its kind, capable of slicing through the skies.
House of Octavius
"I think… today you stand before your god of death, Julius."
Startled, Valerina turned around—
But she couldn't see who had spoken.
Still, one thing was clear—
After what had just happened, it was only natural for a Royal Knight to appear.
"I don't understand… who are you? And why are you saying this?"
A laugh echoed.
"So you're ignorant too, I see."
"Does it not cross your mind that you just slaughtered hundreds of knights… yet now pretend as if you know nothing?"
Valerina had already changed out of her blood-soaked clothes.
Her wounds had been healed.
But she failed to notice—
Someone had been following her all along.
Julius had been nearby when Riana killed her mother.
Seizing the moment, he had tracked Valerina ever since.
Valerina froze.
She wasn't skilled with a sword…
And her mythical creature—
She had never even used it before.
Had her life reached its end here?
"Listen," Julius said calmly.
"I can give you a chance."
"If you want to live… accept my offer."
"What offer?"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"How about a duel?"
"There's a stadium nearby. These things happen all the time."
"I haven't had a worthy opponent in a long time… and I'd like to test my strength."
"So… what do you say?"
Valerina steadied herself.
Inside her mind, she called out—
Riana… what should we do?
But—
No answer came.
She understood.
Riana was angry.
Valerina took a deep breath.
"…I accept."
Then she added quietly—
"But I have one condition…"