Roman's eyes remained fixed on the ruined streets and broken remnants of Presia Dukedom, the silence outside heavier than any battle cry. The sight of charred homes and blood-soaked roads pressed against his chest like an iron weight. His hand trembled slightly on the window frame, though his face stayed blank.
Behind him, a quiet shuffle broke the silence. Selena had woken up. She blinked at the sight of Roman standing there, alive, awake, and staring into the aftermath. Her chest tightened—relief mingled with frustration.
She slowly walked toward him, her fists clenched.
The Shadow System flickered alive in his mind:
> [Warning: Incoming Strike Detected]
Roman blinked, confused. "What—"
WHACK!
Her palm landed firmly on the back of his head. Roman jerked forward, stunned. He turned around, only to freeze at the sight of Selena's face flushed red, her eyes glistening.
"You… reckless fool!" she shouted, her voice breaking as her body trembled. "How dare you throw us away into that safe room? Do you think we're weak? Do you think I—THE youngest swordmaster in the entire kingdom—am someone you can just lock away like a child?"
Her hand raised again, but instead of striking him, she lunged forward and pulled him into a crushing hug. Her body shook, tears flowing freely.
"You promised! You promised me, Roman! I swore to Mother that I would protect you, but instead… you're the one who keeps tearing yourself apart for everyone else!"
Roman's bones creaked under her grip. "B-big sister—it hurts!" he croaked, wincing. "Let go, I'm not made of steel!"
Selena didn't let go. "Promise me… promise me you will never do that again. I lost her. I will not lose you too."
Roman froze, his golden eyes widening. Slowly, his trembling hands wrapped around her back. His voice, soft but firm, cut through her sobs.
"…I promise. I'll never do that again."
The tension broke. Behind them, the children stirred awake. Sara, Martha, and the others rubbed their eyes before realizing what they were seeing. Their expressions lit up with tears and joy.
"Big brother! You're awake!" they cried, running toward him and wrapping themselves around his legs and arms.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Roman's lips curved into a small, warm smile.
Unbeknownst to them, this emotional reunion was silently observed by Duke Jacob Crowell and Knight Captain Allen, standing at the doorway. Jacob's usually stern expression cracked, and his hand trembled at his side. He muttered, voice heavy with suppressed tears:
"…I'm glad you're alive, my son. Truly glad."
But he quickly straightened, wiping his face with the back of his hand. "Roman, rest for now. We have much to discuss later. The burden on our shoulders has only grown."
Roman turned, his expression firm. "Wait, Father. Give me a moment. I'll change, and then I'll join you. I need to see the outside with my own eyes."
Before Jacob could respond, Selena snapped her hand to Roman's ear, twisting it with a dangerous glare.
"Oh no, you don't! You're not going anywhere. That's an order from your older sister!"
"O-ow ow ow! Big sister, wait, not the ear!" Roman flailed.
Selena's eyes burned with protective fury. "Allen! Lock his room. Watch him. If he tries to leave, restrain him. I won't let this fool kill himself again!"
Allen bowed with a faint smile. "As you command, Lady Selena."
But Roman had other plans.
As the room quieted, he sat cross-legged on the bed. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, his focus diving into his Yin-Yang Core. It was still unstable, cracked from overexertion and the reckless surge of the Fallen God's power. Yet, he could feel the subtle adjustments made during his eight days of unconsciousness—the Shadow System had tirelessly worked to heal and stabilize it, knitting balance back into his body.
> [System Notice: Core Stabilization: 75% Complete. Fallen God Energy sealed at 12%. Balance achieved.]
Roman exhaled, a calm smile tugging his lips. "Good. That's all I need."
With a whisper, he invoked a new spell.
> "Veil Step."
His form blurred, merging with the air. He grabbed his training clothes, opened the window, and leapt into the night. His aura carried him upward, and with a flash of golden light, he soared toward the training grounds.
Moments later, Selena stormed into the room, only to find it empty. Her eyes widened.
"You idiot…!" she shouted through the open window, catching sight of Roman's figure flying away. "When I catch you, I'll kill you myself!"
Roman, grinning faintly, waved at her from afar.
Duke Jacob placed a hand on Selena's shoulder. "Let him be. He has endured more than we can imagine. If you must, follow him. But don't stop him."
Selena's expression softened slightly, though determination still burned in her gaze. "Fine. Then I'll watch over him, whether he likes it or not."
The children nodded eagerly. "We'll go too!"
Meanwhile, far away in the Holy Empire of Arcania, inside the towering marble halls of the Basilica, a different conversation stirred.
Archbishop Desmond Herman stood with his hands folded behind his back, speaking gravely to Pope Lucius Seraphael.
"Your Excellency… do you not fear that the Clover Kingdom will use this 'Warherald' for their own political gain? If such a weapon is controlled by kings, the balance of the world will collapse."
Pope Lucius's golden eyes closed. His voice was calm but firm.
"No, Desmond. The Warherald is not a pawn to be used by mortal politics. His burden lies above crowns and kingdoms. His path is one ordained by the Goddess herself. He exists not to meddle in trivial conflicts, but to stand as humanity's final shield."
Desmond bowed his head. "Yes, Your Excellency. Only we three know the truth of his identity. It must remain that way. For if word spreads, chaos will ensue."
Lucius nodded gravely. "Correct. Roman Crowell must remain hidden until the time comes. For now, assign our knights to aid the kingdoms. But hold the Paladins back. I will send them only when the Warherald himself stands ready to meet them."
His gaze hardened, his voice echoing through the grand chamber.
"This world is about to change, Desmond. From the top to the bottom, nothing will remain as it was."