Chapter 11: The Summons of Fate
"Ugh… ah… ah… Wait—how long have I been unconscious?" Lloyd's trembling voice broke the silence,his forehead glistening with sweat.
"You've been asleep for seven hours," Yuki replied softly, seated beside him with a calm expression that carried a hint of relief.
Lloyd sank back into his pillow, yet his mind refused to rest. Images flickered through his head like fragments of a broken dream — the flames consuming his home, the echoes of his family's screams, and that single, burning red eye staring at him through the darkness. Then came the voice — that whisper before everything went black.
He clenched the blanket tightly, muttering under his breath: "...I won't run away."
Yuki tilted her head. "Did you say something, Lord Lloyd?"
He shook his head quickly, averting his gaze. "No… it's nothing. Tell me, what happened after I lost consciousness? Is everyone safe?"
A faint smile curved on Yuki's lips, as gentle as a breeze at dusk. "Everyone's fine. They've been waiting for you to wake up."
"...I see." Lloyd exhaled slowly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yuki stood up gracefully, brushing off her robe before turning toward the exit. "I'll let them know you're awake."
She left, and the tent grew quiet once more. Sunlight filtered through the thin seams of the fabric, painting fractured patterns across the floor. Lloyd sat up,one hand covering his left eye — that strange, searing warmth pulsing beneath his palm.
The memory struck him again: how his eye had turned crimson during the battle… how he could see every strike coming, as if the world itself had slowed for him.
[In truth, that eye was no mere anomaly. It allowed him to perceive the trajectory of attacks, enhance the flow of ki within his body, and react with inhuman precision. His strength had tripled in those moments—but such power came with a cost. Prolonged use without control could destroy him from within.]
Lloyd dropped his hand and let out a small, bitter laugh. "So…this is my new power, huh? Amazing… and dangerous." He clenched his fist,resolve burning in his eyes. "No matter how long it takes,I'll master it. I'll never give up!"
He rose abruptly—but a sharp pain stabbed through his head. Just as he steadied himself,noise erupted outside the tent. Voices. Shouting. The sound of horses.
When Lloyd stepped out, he found the villagers gathered before a group of royal knights astride white stallions gleaming in the sun. One of them, tall and broad-shouldered, shouted authoritatively:
"Where is the boy who defeated the bandit clan?!"
The village elder, Noboru Fuji, stepped forward with calm dignity despite his age. "What business do the King's knights have with him?That boy did nothing wrong. He saved us—risked his life for our village."
The soldier approached, his armor clinking with each step. "And you are?"
"I am Noboru Fuji, elder of this village," he answered firmly.
The knight bowed slightly. "An honor, sir. By the decree of His Majesty the King, we've come to meet the boy who wiped out the bandits' organization. If he's here, please allow us to see him."
Lloyd took a quiet step forward. Every gaze turned toward him.
"That would be me," he said with a calm, confident smile. "I'll gladly answer His Majesty's summons."
The knight blinked, stunned. "Y-you? You're the one who—? Incredible… very well. Come with us, then."
"Of course," Lloyd replied warmly, before turning to the villagers. His tone softened. "Thank you…for everything. I'll see you again someday."
A hush fell over the crowd. Then came murmurs of farewell, gratitude etched into every face. "Are you sure about this,son?" the elder asked quietly.
Lloyd nodded. "I'll be fine."
He climbed into the golden carriage prepared by the knights, and as the wheels began to roll, the villagers waved him goodbye—each face reflecting pride and sorrow.
"Seems they really care about you," one knight remarked with a grin.
"They're my friends now," Lloyd said simply, smiling.
Hours passed. The carriage rolled through the deep woods, the sky burning orange as dusk fell. By nightfall, they stopped in an open clearing. Four knights set up camp, their armor gleaming in the firelight.
A soldier broke the silence. "Hey, kid—what's your name?"
Lloyd stared into the flames, his tone quiet but firm. "I'd rather not say."
The knights exchanged looks, puzzled, until one chuckled. "I'm Kaiji. Nice to meet you."
Lloyd smiled faintly. "Likewise, Sir Kaiji."
Kaiji leaned forward, intrigued. "Still can't believe you led demi-humans and took down those bandits. Their leader eluded us for years."
Lloyd's lips curled upward slightly. "I learned strategy from my master."
"Your master?" Kaiji asked, eyebrows raised.
Lloyd nodded, his eyes softening. "Yes. Without him, I wouldn't be alive today. He saved me, trained me, and gave me purpose."
Silence followed. Then Lloyd rose. "If you'll excuse me, I'll rest. Tomorrow will be… important."
He disappeared into his tent, leaving the knights exchanging glances of awe and curiosity.
Dawn.
The golden rays of morning spilled across the plains as the capital's colossal walls came into view.
Lloyd lifted the carriage curtain, eyes wide in wonder. "Wow… the capital! It's incredible!"
They entered through the massive gates, the streets alive with merchants, guards, and nobles. Soon, they stopped before the royal palace — its golden towers piercing the sky.
Lloyd stepped down, his expression steady yet filled with quiet anticipation. The knights led him through marble corridors lined with crimson carpets.
"Your Majesty," one of them announced, bowing, "we have brought the boy."
"Enter," came a deep, commanding voice.
Lloyd walked into the grand hall — and every conversation ceased. Ministers, generals, and nobles turned to face him. Among them stood Olivia, and beside the throne… Kane.
"Kane…?" Lloyd's voice faltered. "What are you doing here?"
Kane's eyes widened. "L-Lloyd?! You—!"
"Do you know this boy?" the King's voice cut in, sharp and powerful.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Kane said, bowing low. "He is… my disciple."
Gasps rippled through the chamber.
"Your disciple?" the King repeated. "Why wasn't I informed of this?"
Kane sighed deeply. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I found him years ago, the sole survivor of the Alzras massacre. I raised him and trained him in secret."
The King's gaze lingered on Lloyd — not with suspicion, but with silent intrigue.
This was no ordinary boy. There was something else behind those eyes.
After a long pause, the King finally spoke. "At dawn tomorrow, in the Royal Training Grounds… show us your strength, Lloyd. If you truly are Kane's disciple, prove you're worthy to stand under the banner of this kingdom."
Lloyd met the King's stare without hesitation. "I will, Your Majesty."
A wave of murmurs swept the hall. Olivia remained silent, her eyes fixed on him with quiet unease.
A boy from Alzras… Kane's pupil… there's something hidden behind him, she thought. Something vast.
Lloyd bowed respectfully and turned to leave, his footsteps echoing through the silent chamber — leaving behind a trail of curiosity, admiration, and fear.
Meanwhile…
In a void without form or light, only shifting shadows swayed in the dim glow of nothingness.
A figure sat upon a floating black chair — the Masked Man. Before him lay a chessboard,its pieces moving on their own.
He chuckled darkly, voice echoing through the void. "Heh…my pieces move exactly as I desire."
Lifting the king piece between his gloved fingers, his eyes glimmered behind the mask. "Good…very good. Everything proceeds according to plan. Though some variables…" He paused,grinning maliciously. "...might make the game even more interesting."
His laughter echoed through the endless darkness— as the final chess piece fell,striking the board with a sharp clack, like the toll of an omen.
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A cinematic storm brews — the boy from Alzras takes his first step toward