"What’s going to happen to me? What are they planning while I’m trapped here?"

  "Am I going to die?"

  The wind howled in his ears—constant, relentless. Shadows twisted and coiled around each other, moving in patterns that made no sense. The whispers in his head grew worse by the second, their voices overlapping, suffocating.

  "This isn’t how it ends." His breath came in ragged gasps, his fists clenching against the cold, pulsing ground beneath him. "I will grow stronger. I will break this curse."

  By. Any. Means. Necessary.

  Chapter 1: Comfort in Life

  Honfaza, Two Days Before the Festival

  The rich scent of roasting meat filled their small home, making young Arata’s stomach rumble. He sat eagerly at the table, watching his mother, Sayaka, cook.

  "Mom, how did you get so good at hunting?" he asked, mouth half-full.

  Sayaka chuckled. "A kind chef took me in when I ran away from home. He taught me how to hunt, work for myself, and everything a father should teach his son."

  Arata blinked. "But you’re a girl?"

  Sayaka smirked. "It’s woman, sweetie. And his wife taught me how to be one."

  She glanced at Arata—his cheeks smeared with sauce, his shirt stained.

  "I need to teach you table manners too," she teased, wiping his face.

  Later that night, as she tucked him into bed, she whispered, "Tomorrow’s the festival."

  Arata grinned. "I can’t wait!"

  "Wait," she smirked. "You promised something first."

  His face dropped before nodding. "I’ll be on my best behavior!"

  "Good boy," she whispered, kissing his forehead. But as she walked away, her smile faded.

  She thought about the words spoken the night Arata was born.

  "This isn’t to weaken him… but to protect him."

  Clenching her fists, she swallowed hard.

  "I don’t have much time. Please, look after him, my love."

  ---

  (The Next Morning – Sayaka’s Home)

  The sun bathed their small home in golden light as Sayaka opened the window, letting in the fresh morning breeze.

  She peeked into Arata’s room—still asleep.

  "I need to bathe and get his breakfast ready before he wakes up."

  Minutes later, just as she finished cooking, she turned to find Arata already up, getting dressed.

  "You're up early. Know what today is?"

  "OF COURSE! THE FESTIVAL!" he shouted.

  Sayaka chuckled. "Calm down. First, breakfast. Then chores. Then the festival."

  "Aww man, chores?"

  "Yes, now eat before your food gets cold."

  They sat down, the smell of grilled meat and warm rice filling the air. Halfway through their meal, Sayaka's tone softened.

  "Arata… you know I won’t always be here, right?"

  He paused mid-bite. "Why?"

  "For one, I’m not immortal," she said lightly. But then her voice grew firm. "But there’s another reason. One you won’t understand yet."

  "I can understand!"

  Sayaka studied him for a moment. "If I died today, how would you survive?"

  Arata fumbled for words. "Well… umm—"

  "Exactly," she said. "That’s why you need to listen. If anything happens to me, go to Mizukaza. Find a man named Zetsubo. He’s my brother, and he’ll take care of you."

  "But—"

  "No buts," she cut in. "Wear this bracelet. He’ll recognize it."

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Arata looked down at the simple band on his wrist. His fingers ran over its engravings.

  "Why are you telling me this?"

  Sayaka reached across the table, resting a warm hand on his head. "Because my only goal is to keep you safe. No matter what."

  Arata swallowed hard. "I love you, Mom."

  Sayaka smiled. "I love you too."

  For a moment, everything was quiet. Then she clapped her hands.

  "Alright! Enough of this serious talk. Let’s finish up, do our chores, and enjoy the festival!"

  Arata grinned, his excitement returning.

  But deep inside, Sayaka knew—this would be the last festival she’d ever see.

  ---

  (Later That Night – Outside the Home)

  Five knights approached the house. Their leader lifted a hand.

  "Activate the suppression spell. Make it strong—she’s no lightweight."

  Two mage-knights muttered an incantation. A wave of energy rippled outward, forming an invisible field. Inside, all magic would be severely weakened.

  ---

  (Inside the House – The Raid Begins)

  Sayaka hummed softly as she finished preparing snacks for the festival. But then—

  A chill ran down her spine.

  Her magic was fading.

  "They’re here."

  "Mom, who are you talking—"

  She spun to Arata, her voice urgent.

  "Under the floorboards. Now!"

  "B-but—"

  "NO BUTS! Do you understand?"

  Arata hesitated but nodded.

  Sayaka crouched beside him, brushing his hair one last time. "Stay hidden. No matter what. I love you."

  BOOM!

  The front door exploded inward.

  ---

  (The Fight Begins – Sayaka vs. The Knights)

  Sayaka lunged forward the moment the first knight stepped in.

  Her hammer swung in a brutal arc—

  ?? CRACK! ??

  The first knight’s chest caved inward, his body rocketing into the wall.

  The second knight barely lifted his sword before—

  ?? SMASH! ??

  Sayaka’s hammer shattered his blade like glass, sending him sprawling across the floor.

  Two down.

  The remaining three hesitated.

  Sayaka rolled her shoulders, gripping her hammer tighter.

  "You wanted a fight?" she growled. "Step forward and die."

  The leader snarled. "Suppress her! Now!"

  The suppression field intensified, and Sayaka staggered slightly. Her body felt heavier.

  But she still stood.

  The third knight lunged, sword flashing.

  Sayaka ducked—too fast—and swung low.

  ?? SNAP! ??

  The knight’s knee shattered. He collapsed, screaming.

  Three down.

  Sayaka exhaled sharply. The suppression magic weighed on her like chains.

  The last two knights rushed her together.

  Her grip tightened.

  She charged.

  ---

  (The Battle Turns – Sayaka’s Last Moments)

  Sayaka’s hammer swung down at the fourth knight—

  But this time, she was too slow.

  ?? SHHNK! ??

  Pain.

  Blinding, searing pain.

  Her body staggered, warmth spilling down her stomach.

  The last knight’s sword was buried deep in her abdomen.

  For the first time—she faltered.

  "You… should’ve just accepted your fate," the knight sneered, twisting the blade.

  Sayaka clenched her teeth. Her knees buckled.

  But instead of collapsing—

  ?? She swung. ??

  ?? CRACK! ??

  The knight flew backward, coughing blood.

  But Sayaka fell to her knees.

  Her vision blurred.

  Her grip weakened.

  She looked toward the floorboards—where she knew Arata was hiding.

  "Arata… my baby boy…"

  She couldn’t see him.

  But she knew he was there.

  "I love you… so much."

  Her breath hitched.

  Her body grew cold.

  "Grow up strong."

  With a final whisper, Sayaka collapsed.

  She didn’t get back up.

  ---

  (Under the Floorboards – Arata’s Perspective)

  Arata didn’t move.

  Didn’t breathe.

  Didn’t scream.

  But his mother’s blood dripped through the cracks, onto his hands.

  It was warm.

  Now fading.

  Now gone.

  The knights' boots thudded against the wooden floor, getting closer.

  "Search the house," the leader ordered.

  Arata clenched his fists.

  He had to stay hidden.

  He had to survive.

  Just like his mother told him.

  Just like she died for.

  What will Arata do now?