The sands were buried beneath a thin sheet of snow stretching as far as the eye could see.
Cold winds drifted through the valley, humming softly before clattering against Klen's armor as he marched toward Lajira, taking the long route to avoid the circus tents.
Meanwhile, Rose walked straight toward the circus.
---
THE RED MIST CIRCUS — A WORLD OF STRANGERS
Inside the circus grounds, Rose saw crowds gathering for the shows.
Snow fell gently, and the cold wind swept through the night.
Rose (whispering in confusion):
"This is strange...
They're wearing odd clothes.
What are these symbols?
Leonithra?
I don't remember seeing emblems from kingdoms like these before..."
She continued walking until she heard laughter and cheering.
A crowd had gathered.
Rose pushed through — and froze.
A man, shackled and bruised, was being whipped by a circus handler and forced to leap through a ring of fire.
Rose covered her mouth, horrified and furious.
Rose:
"This is awful...
How can they laugh as if this is normal?
He's being tortured..."
She focused on the man — his body was deformed, as if cursed or diseased.
Rose (to herself):
"Should I intervene...?
I have to... I—"
But then she remembered Klen...
Aurik...
Prince Asser...
Everyone depending on her.
Rose:
"No...
I can't ruin everything.
Freeing him now could be dangerous."
She forced herself to move on.
---
A circus attendant stepped in front of her.
Attendant:
"Madam? Are you lost?
I noticed you haven't stopped at any show.
Did nothing interest you?
Would you like to play?
Gamble, perhaps?
Though you don't look like someone carrying coins or valuables."
Rose raised her hands nervously.
Rose:
"N-no... I'm just exploring.
It's my first time here."
Attendant:
"Where are you from?
If I know your homeland, I can guide you.
We cater to all tastes — from all worlds!"
Rose:
"That's amazing!
I'm from... Lora!
The distant lands of Lora!"
The man raised an eyebrow.
Attendant:
"Lora?
Hmm... never heard of it."
Rose:
"Yes!
We love traveling and exploring.
We live very far away!"
The man stroked his chin.
Attendant:
"How strange...
And you chose this ugly, dying planet?
Let me be honest, miss...
Choosing Silva is brave — and dangerous.
Everything here could collapse in a moment."
Rose:
"That's what I want!
I mean—
I love dangerous adventures! Haha!"
Attendant:
"I admire your spirit.
But this planet is under threat from the Black Order.
Wars and deadly spells could erupt at any moment.
Still... I must admit — it's full of ruins and buried treasures."
Rose:
"That's why I came!"
Attendant:
"Hmm.
Good luck then.
And welcome to the veteran Red Mist Camp.
Enjoy yourself."
He walked away.
Rose watched him go, then continued deeper into the circus until she reached the largest tent.
---
A guard stepped forward.
Guard:
"You!"
Rose:
"Me?"
Guard:
"Yes, you.
This area is restricted.
Not for the public.
Go back to the show grounds."
Rose:
"Oh— I'm sorry!"
She turned away, wandering into an area filled with food carts and game stalls.
Rose:
"So... these are the games that idiot Samhar used to play...
But I have to admit...
They're crowded.
All these people?"
Men, women, and youths from countless places gathered around the gambling tables.
Some laughed in triumph.
Others cried in despair.
Some were seized for lacking enough coins.
Rose watched as those arrested were dragged toward the large red tent she had been barred from entering.
She inhaled deeply.
Rose:
"I hate this...
I have to do what Samhar did.
If I fail — and they realize I have no coins —
they'll arrest me for trying to enter that suspicious tent..."
---
THE GAMBLER'S TABLE
Rose stepped forward and sat at a gambling table across from a circus dealer and another player.
Rose:
"Show me what you've got, you fools."
The dealer smirked.
Dealer:
"Oh?
A bold young lady wants to gamble?"
Rose:
"I came from far away to destroy you.
Today is my lucky day."
She whispered to herself:
Rose (internally):
"What an idiot I am...
I'm saying exactly what Samhar used to say...
And he always lost to Klen in the end..."
The dealer leaned forward eagerly.
Dealer:
"So, what do you have?"
Rose:
"Ten coins...
And a legendary staff made from dragon hide."
The dealer examined the items.
Dealer:
"Ten Aurik coins... valuable.
But this staff?
Isn't it cheap?
Where's the dragon in this?"
Rose scoffed arrogantly.
Rose:
"You ignorant, lowly man!
And you call me young?
What were you doing at my age not knowing this staff?!"
She lifted it dramatically.
Everyone at the table stared.
Rose:
"It's from the dragon Loralos...!"
Dealer:
"Loralos?
What's that?
Isn't that a type of fish from planet Zorlan?"
Rose froze.
Rose:
"Fish?
What—
No!
It's the Dragon of Victory!
I earned it after helping him!"
Someone nearby muttered:
Bystander:
"Didn't all dragons go extinct long ago?"
Rose:
"You should apologize for your ignorance!
You lowly creature!"
The other gambler slammed his hand on the table.
Gambler:
"Silence, you cursed brat!"
Dealer:
"Alright, Stein, enough insults."
Rose:
"Stein?
What a strange name."
Stein:
"What did you say?!
I am Stein, merchant of gold and silver from planet Solar!"
Rose:
"Pleasure to meet you, you pompous relic."
Stein's face reddened with fury.
Stein:
"One thousand gold coins!
If I beat you in this wager —
you will give me that dragon staff!
Just so I can break it in front of you and humiliate you!"
Dealer:
"What happens between you two doesn't concern me.
Just place your bets!"
Stein placed five shimmering coins on the table —
crafted with exquisite detail, glowing like white-gold.
Rose stared.
Rose:
"What... are those?"
Stein sat proudly in his immaculate white attire, his skin gleaming, his silk hat pristine.
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THE RED KNIGHT & THE CIRCUS — TWO PATHS DIVIDE
Rose placed five coins on the table.
The circus dealer gave a rare, sly smile.
Dealer:
"Let's begin..."
---
On the other side of the valley, Klen slipped past the outer tourists of the camp.
Ahead of him, men of the Red Mist Circus dragged villagers from the Luminous Tree Tribe, bound in chains, forced to crawl across the ice.
Klen reached for his sword—
but froze.
He remembered Rose's words.
Klen (to himself):
"Lady Rose...
I will keep my promise to you.
I won't ruin what we agreed on."
He sheathed his sword and walked past them.
A desperate voice cried out:
Villager:
"You! Please! Knight! Help us! We need help—please!"
Circus Guard:
"Silence! Obey!"
Klen stepped toward them.
Klen:
"What is happening here?"
The circus men noticed his armor—
the emblem of Aurik gleaming on his chest.
Circus Guard:
"Don't worry, knight.
You may continue on your way.
They're just runaways.
We caught them at the last moment."
Klen looked closer—
a family, chained, bruised, scarred.
Klen:
"This is strange...
Why treat them like this?
This is neither noble nor honorable!"
The men exchanged confused glances.
Circus Guard:
"Relax... haha...
We'll take good care of them."
Klen's eyes fell on a child—
tears streaming down his face, mouth gagged.
Klen continued walking, voice raised:
Klen:
"I'm coming for you.
Don't worry."
The child's tears fell harder.
One circus man gripped his weapon.
Circus Guard:
"What do you mean by that?!"
Klen didn't turn back.
Klen:
"I look forward to seeing your performances..."
The men lowered their weapons uncertainly.
Klen disappeared into the fog and cold.
Circus Guard:
"We should report him... to Ruby.
He's heading to Lajira.
He could be a threat."
Another Guard:
"It won't make things worse...
We've surrounded that cursed village for weeks.
Their food and water never run out!"
---
·
KLEN ARRIVES AT LAJIRA
Klen reached the fortified village of Lajira, guarded heavily.
A guard shouted, weapon raised:
Guard:
"You! Stop!
One more step and we'll fire!"
Klen lifted his hands.
Klen:
"I come in peace, people of Lajira!"
Sawan stepped forward.
Sawan:
"Peace?
Who are you?
Do you think we'll fall for such words?"
Klen raised his voice proudly.
Klen:
"I am the Red Knight!
Envoy of the Kingdom of Aurik!
I come seeking aid—
and offering it!"
Sawan's eyes widened.
Sawan:
"Aurik?
Impossible...
Finally?"
A guard whispered:
Guard:
"I don't trust it, commander...
He crossed the Red Mist.
The circus never lets anyone through."
Sawan raised his sword again.
Sawan:
"He's right..."
Klen stepped forward slowly.
Sawan:
"Stop!
Prove you're from Aurik!"
Klen:
"I need prove nothing, noble people of Lajira!
I am the Red Knight—
and I ask for your aid!"
The guards murmured.
Guard:
"Is this clown mocking us?"
Sawan:
"Aid?
What do you mean?"
Klen:
"I saw children dragged toward that dishonorable camp!
I want to free them all!"
Sawan stared at him, exasperated.
Sawan:
"Is this real?
Would the King of Aurik send someone this... unusual?
And expect us to trust him?"
He sighed.
Sawan:
"Lower your weapons."
The guards hesitated, then lowered their blades.
Sawan approached.
Klen reached into his bag.
The guards instantly raised their weapons again.
Sawan drew his sword.
Klen pulled out a rolled parchment sealed with a royal crimson seal.
Sawan froze.
Sawan:
"What—?
Why didn't you show me this earlier?!
Why did we go through all that?!"
Klen placed a hand on his hip.
Klen:
"Ha!
I don't need a paper to introduce myself!
I am the Red Knight!
Noble!
Honorable!
Magnificent!"
Sawan stared, stunned.
The guards exchanged looks of disbelief.
Guard:
"Commander... be careful.
It could be a trap."
Sawan opened the scroll carefully.
Inside was a message signed and sealed by the King of Aurik.
Sawan's eyes widened.
Sawan:
"It's... him."
The guards leaned in.
Guards:
"Who?
Is it the Red Mist?
A threat from the Black Order?!"
Sawan shook his head.
Sawan:
"No...
It's the King of Aurik.
He asks for our help...
to save Commander Mowj...
in the Kingdom of Leona."
The guards were stunned.
Whispers spread through Lajira like birdsong.
The King of Aurik...
The Ember King, Asser...
asks for the aid of the Luminous Tree Tribe.
THE RED KNIGHT IN LAJIRA — THE AWAKENING OF OLD HISTORY
Sawan's hand trembled as he gripped the parchment, nearly crushing it.
Sawan (shaken):
"I... I can't believe this..."
His closest guard stared at Klen — at the shining armor, the towering posture, the unmistakable emblem of Aurik.
Guard:
"Is there more?
We already know something terrible happened to Commander Mowj...
We can see it... in the sky..."
Sawan's voice dropped to a whisper.
Sawan:
"No... that's not all.
He says he is marching with his army...
toward the Kingdom of Leona."
Gasps erupted.
Some guards staggered back.
Others clutched their weapons in disbelief.
"The King of Aurik... is moving again..."
Elders trembled, some covering their mouths.
Elder:
"So... time repeats itself...
At last..."
A child tugged at his grandmother's sleeve.
Child:
"Grandma? What's happening?
Is that man... someone important?"
The grandmother smiled softly, patting his hair.
Grandmother:
"No, dear...
He is not just someone.
He is good.
He is the son of your grandmother Shandriz's friend."
The child's eyes widened.
Child:
"He's the son of Grandma's friend?!"
Grandmother:
"Yes...
He moves just like his father once did.
I thought I would die before seeing this day...
But look...
It's happening."
Sawan raised his hand, signaling the guards to let Klen enter the village.
Sawan:
"Come with me, you..."
Klen:
"The Red Knight."
Sawan:
"...Very well.
The Red Knight."
They walked together toward the village center — the place where Mowj, Jamih, Ledra, Qaws, and Lainas once parted ways.
Sawan (quietly):
"Who would have thought...
The fall of our commander...
would stir the King of Aurik.
These are... very good news.
Grandmother...
What you wished for...
Aurik has moved again... after all these long years."
Klen:
"I want to destroy the Red Mist."
Sawan froze.
Sawan:
"Destroy?
What are you saying?"
Klen:
"I was separated from my companion.
She went inside... to investigate the circus."
Sawan's eyes widened.
Sawan:
"She went inside?
Are you insane?"
Klen looked around — at the green village, the glowing trees, the oasis of life in the middle of a frozen desert.
A jewel of greenery untouched by the siege.
Klen:
"This is beautiful...
A beautiful village."
Sawan:
"Yes...
It's Mowj... and his men.
Everything here...
We owe it to them.
And to the mage, Senil."
Klen stopped, turning sharply.
Klen:
"What did you say?
Senil — the noble, honorable man?"
Sawan raised an eyebrow.
Sawan:
"You know him?
He attacked us at first — tried to wipe us out...
But he changed in the final moments."
Klen nodded slowly.
Klen:
"Yes...
I know him.
I've never met him...
But I see what he left behind."
Sawan:
"What do you mean?"
Klen:
"I want to visit his grave."
Sawan blinked.
Sawan:
"Now?
Isn't this the worst time?"
Klen:
"There is time."
Sawan studied Klen's armor, then sighed.
Sawan:
"Follow me.
Don't do anything foolish.
I'm keeping this village calm despite everything happening outside."
Klen:
"Understood."
They walked through the village.
Children stared at the massive knight with awe.
An old man approached.
Old Man:
"He's from Aurik..."
Sawan frowned.
Sawan:
"Are you sure?
He could be disguised."
The old man shook his head, leaning on his cane.
Old Man:
"No...
These armors...
I remember them as if they stood before me yesterday."
Sawan looked at Klen again.
Klen bowed deeply.
Klen:
"I honor your nobility and greatness, elder.
I promise — no one will harm you.
Not anymore."
The old man laughed.
Old Man:
"Raise your head, knight.
We are proud of you."
---
THE GRAVE OF SENIL
Sawan and Klen reached the cemetery.
Klen paused, clenching his fist as he saw the countless graves.
Sawan spoke softly.
Sawan:
"These are those who died in the old battles...
This cemetery is centuries old."
They walked until they reached a grave unlike the others.
Sawan gestured.
Sawan:
"Here...
This is the grave of the mage Senil...
The one who helped Commander Mowj in his final moments."
Klen knelt, his hand trembling, placing his sword on the ground.
The guards watched.
Children gathered.
Sawan stared in confusion.
Klen:
"Forgive me..."
Sawan:
"Huh?
What are you—"
Klen struck his sword into the ground — flames erupted along the blade.
Guards rushed forward, tense.
Sawan drew his weapon.
Klen spoke quietly.
Klen:
"What a shame...
So this is Rose's father...
And these graves...
All of this happened...
Because I didn't move sooner.
What a disgrace...
Red Knight..."
Sawan:
"What?"
Klen slammed his sword again — extinguishing the flames.
Klen:
"I swear, by the nobility and honor of the Red Knight...
I will protect every soul...
With all my devotion and integrity."
He bowed to Senil's grave, then stood.
Klen:
"Commander...
I want to attack the circus across the valley.
My companion is waiting for me."
Sawan stiffened.
Sawan:
"An attack?
Recklessly?
That will cost lives—"
Klen:
"No.
I will attack alone."
He pointed at Sawan.
Klen:
"But you —
you will go to Aurik.
Prince Asser wants you there."
Sawan:
"Aurik?
I saw that in the scroll, but...
We were supposed to—"
Klen:
"Everything is clear in the plan, commander."
Sawan thought to himself:
Sawan (internal):
"What is with this knight?
He suddenly changed...
He's serious now..."
THE STORM OF EMOTIONS — AMWAJ
·
A young woman with green hair, pale skin, and red eyes stepped forward, glaring at Klen.
She raised her hand.
Amwaj:
"Commander..."
The soldiers exchanged uneasy looks —
they knew trouble was coming.
Sawan turned.
Sawan:
"Amwaj...?
Go ahead.
What is it?"
Amwaj's voice trembled with anger as she pointed at Klen.
Amwaj:
"I don't care who the King of Aurik is...
or who this knight claims to be!
We were abandoned when we needed help!
Why should we help them now?!
They'll be fine without us!
They knew — they were there —
and they never helped us...
Not when..."
Her voice cracked.
Her posture faltered.
Amwaj:
"...not when the Luminous Tree was destroyed...
and the Black Order stole the sky and stars of Silva..."
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Painful.
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