When the great doors of the Royal Palace opened with a heavy bang, everyone inside was silent.
Zero hadn't even bandaged the blood flowing from his body.
His shirt was torn, his hands were dull, his eyes were sharp and full of anger.
The hall began to buzz with his arrival.
The princesses were gathered in a corner, avoiding their gazes.
The generals were whispering, the magic experts were avoiding their eyes.
Only Lyria took a step forward from where she stood.
There was no fear in her gaze… nor doubt.
Only faith.
But the king…
He was sitting on his throne, his head held high, but his face was cold.
"You went to war without permission," he said.
"It is against the rules of this kingdom."
Zero stepped forward.
His footprints were red—from his blood.
"I did not listen to your rules because…those rules never protected me."
The palace fell silent.
Zero's voice trembled, but not from weakness—from suppressed anger.
"I walked into the center of the shadows.
I fought.
I vomited blood.
That man—Shadow—could have destroyed you, this throne, your kingdom with a swipe of his finger."
His eyes locked on the king.
"But I stopped him.
I was alone.
No one was behind me.
And when I turned… all I got was your eyes turning away."
Aurora bowed her head.
Even Ignis felt ashamed.
But no one spoke.
Only Lyria silently stepped behind Zero.
She touched his shoulder with her hand.
"I am here. Always."
Zero took a deep breath.
Then he turned his gaze back to the king.
"If this kingdom is going to brand me as a traitor…then I will show no loyalty to this kingdom either."
The king stood up.
His eyes were determined.
"I do not want chaos in the kingdom."
Zero took another step.
His face was tense.
"Then prepare for chaos. Because I am…alone now."
________________________________________
Zero left the hall without turning around, and Lyria followed him.
The great doors of the palace closed behind them.
And in that moment, everyone realized something:
Zero was no longer just a warrior…
He was a threat walking on his own will.