Vaelthorne Castle loomed like a monument to rot.
Its once-proud towers were swallowed by storm clouds that churned unnaturally above, lightning flashing within the dark mass as if the sky itself sensed what was about to unfold. The massive gates—etched with symbols of dominion and faith long corrupted—stood closed, silent, waiting.
Reider walked toward them alone.
His steps were unhurried. Measured. Each footfall echoed against the stone courtyard, cape flowing behind him as if the wind itself bent around his presence. There was no hesitation in his stride. No tension in his shoulders. He did not look like a man walking toward his final battle.
He looked like a verdict approaching execution.
It's time.
The thought settled in his mind with absolute clarity.
The gates groaned open.
Metal screamed against stone as they parted, revealing the figures waiting beyond.
King Aldric Vaelthorne stood at the center, arms crossed, arrogance carved into every rigid line of his posture. Beside him was Lucian, calm and composed, dark eyes gleaming with something sharper than confidence. Around them stood the last of their loyal monsters—Kaine Bloodthorn, Malrik, and Liora Graveshade—each radiating malice, hunger, and overconfidence.
Lucian sneered first.
"So… the little monster finally arrives."
Aldric smirked. "You think you can walk in here and take what's ours, boy?"
Kaine dragged his blade across his tongue, blood mixing with saliva as his eyes burned red. "I'm going to enjoy peeling that skin off your bones."
Liora leaned lazily on her staff, voice smooth and venomous. "Such pretty eyes, Reider. I wonder how they'll look when filled with despair."
Malrik cracked his knuckles, corrupted magic pulsing beneath his skin. "Come on then. Let's see what the coreless freak can do."
Reider stopped.
Hands still in his coat pockets, he stood there—utterly unmoved.
The insults washed over him like rain against stone.
"Are you all done talking?"
The words were calm. Almost bored.
Lucian's smirk faltered. "What did you say?"
Reider lifted his gaze, cold and unblinking.
"You talk about killing, torturing, and conquering… yet you stand there like cowards behind words."
Aldric's expression hardened. "Watch your tongue, boy."
Reider stepped forward.
The ground cracked beneath his foot.
Pressure filled the air, subtle but undeniable, as a faint aura stirred around him—black edged with whispers of gold.
"Or what?" he asked flatly. "You'll send more of your dogs like Kaelith and Selene?"
Kaine snarled, pointing his sword. "You think you're untouchable?!"
Reider tilted his head slightly. "No. I know I'm not. But neither are you."
Malrik laughed darkly. "We'll rip you apart!"
"Try."
Liora laughed. "You're brave. Or stupid."
Reider's eyes locked onto hers.
"Neither. I just don't fear trash."
Aldric's composure cracked. "You dare mock me in my own kingdom?"
"Kingdom?" Reider continued walking, each step heavy with quiet menace. "You've already lost it. You just don't know yet."
Lucian's hand tightened on his sword. "You think you can win? Alone?"
A faint smirk touched Reider's lips.
"I'm never alone."
For a brief moment, the image of Mei, Vael, and Eryndra—bloodied but victorious—flashed through his mind.
Then the smirk vanished.
"But I don't need help for you."
Kaine lunged forward slightly. "Say that again when I have your head on a spike!"
"You can try."
Aldric descended the steps, meeting Reider face-to-face. "You speak like a man ready to die."
"No," Reider replied. "I speak like a man who knows he'll win."
Lucian raised his sword, dark aura swirling. "Then let's see if that arrogance holds when you're bleeding out."
Reider drew his blade.
Black fire erupted along its edge, threaded with faint gold sparks that hummed with restrained annihilation.
"You'll bleed first."
The air screamed.
Storm clouds rumbled overhead as tension thickened, the world holding its breath.
Then—
Reider vanished.
Not a blur.
Not a dash.
He simply wasn't there.
Kaine barely had time to widen his eyes before his head separated cleanly from his body, blood spraying across the stone steps.
Liora gasped, raising her staff—
A thin line of red appeared across her throat.
She collapsed without a sound.
Malrik tried to shout, arm lifting to cast—
Reider passed through him like death itself.
His chest split open in a silent flash.
Blood painted the castle walls.
Reider stood behind them all, blade dripping, eyes empty.
Seconds.
That's all it took.
Aldric froze.
What… what is he?
Lucian stared, stunned—then smiled.
"Hah… impressive."
Aldric turned in panic. "Do something! KILL HIM, LUCIAN!!"
Lucian glanced at him coldly. "You're giving me orders now?"
Aldric stepped back. "W-what are you saying? We need to work together!"
Lucian unsheathed his sword.
Ignored Reider.
"I've been waiting for this, Aldric. You think I served you? I used you."
"L-Lucian, we had a deal—!"
"Deal's over."
The blade pierced Aldric's chest.
The king gasped, blood pouring from his mouth. "You… you bastard…"
"You were always a weak king."
Aldric collapsed.
Dead.
Reider watched without reaction.
Lucian wiped his blade clean and turned.
"Looks like it's just us now, Reider."
"Was this your plan all along?"
Lucian circled him slowly. "Maybe. Maybe not. Does it matter?"
"You've lost everything."
"Not yet."
"You're alone now."
Lucian laughed, black aura erupting around him. "Then I'll show you what one man alone can do."
"Good."
They faced each other amid blood and ruin.
"Show me."
Lucian roared. "I'LL KILL YOU!!"
Reider lowered his stance.
Outside, the sky darkened.
Far away, Vael, Mei, and Eryndra felt it.
"It's starting."
Reider's eyes hardened.
Time to end this.