"Haaahh… Haahh… Haah…"
Kael covered his face with his hands, his breathing was ragged and uneven.
The screams, the blood, the chaos… everything was still vivid in his mind.
Despite seeing this vision the second time, it affected him as much as it did before. No, this time, it affected him more.
The Giant Red Dragon lying lifelessly in the middle of chaos, his body bloodied and broken…
When Kael saw this vision for the first time, a question appeared in his mind.
Sharing a vision was one thing, but how could he feel someone else's emotions so clearly?
Now, however, the answer was clear.
He felt those emotions as if they were his own because they were.
He whispered, his words barely audible.
The man in the vision, the one forced to watch the annihilation of everything he loved, was him.
The monstrous hands pinning him down. The grotesque monsters tearing through humanity. The cruel, mocking laughter of that woman as she drove her sword into his chest.
It wasn't just a vision.
The Hero who was supposed to protect this world failed.
His dragons… his Igni… all of them died…
Everything he loved… was destroyed…
Nerissa's cold, mocking words rang in his head. The cruel scene replayed itself countless times, breaking Kael into pieces.
He panicked, scared of what the future held for him, his breathing growing even more uneven. He clutched his chest as if trying to hold himself together, but it all felt useless.
"Why... why did this happen? How could I let this happen? It is my fault. I failed because I was incompetent. I was never supposed to be a Hero in the first place. I am just a student who just studies and watches anime. I was never fit for this. I wa-"
Kael couldn't stop, his voice desperate, tears rolling out of his eyes. The more times the vision played out in his head, the deeper the loop of despair and depression he fell into.
He opened his eyes, and his eyes fell on his little partner, who he was holding tightly, as if afraid of losing him.
Igni stared at Kael as he tilted his little head, his big eyes gleaming with worry.
The sight of the little dragon, alive and well, momentarily broke through Kael's storm of emotions.
His heart calmed down as he felt Igni's warmth.
"I won't let anything happen to you…"
He spoke in a hoarse voice, his eyes moist but filled with conviction even he didn't know he was capable of showing.
Igni didn't know what happened to Kael, but to the little Dragon, it didn't matter. He just snuggled into Kael's embrace and closed his eyes, entering the dream world again, completely abandoning the soft bed provided to him and using Kael's body as his bed.
Kael didn't complain. Quite the opposite, having Igni in his arms gave him a sense of reassurance. Igni's presence alone strengthened his resolve.
He looked out of the window. The moon was still up; the night was still long, but he couldn't sleep.
He was scared that he would see that vision again.
He picked up the book provided by the King again and started reading from the beginning. This time, instead of skimming through its contents, he read slowly and carefully, not wanting to miss even the smallest detail. And just like that,
The night went by, and the first light of dawn entered Kael's room. The entire night, he hadn't slept. He was busy reading the book, and even now, it seemed like he wouldn't stop, but…
A knock at the door attracted his attention.
Kael called, his voice hoarse.
The door opened, and a beautiful woman walked in. She wore a deep crimson gown, her dark hair was neatly tied, and her posture was upright, like a soldier standing at attention. Her brown eyes, calm and observant, fell on Kael, who was still on his bed.
"Good morning, Lord Kael," she greeted him with a soft voice.
"I hope you had a peaceful rest."
Kael nodded, then, he tilted his head in confusion.
"I am Althea Darnielle,"
The woman answered, bowing her head respectfully.
"I've been appointed as your Almoner of Services, responsible for ensuring your comfort and meeting any needs you may have during your stay here."
"Almoner of Services?"
Kael raised his eyebrow. This was the first time he had heard of such a title despite having read thousands of medieval fantasy novels.
'I guess every world does their own thing.'
He shrugged inwardly.
"Any form of service you require, I will handle it,"
Althea answered smoothly.
Kael muttered, a little lost.
"I come bearing information about the King's plans for your training." Althea mentioned.
Kael straightened his back, his expression changing in an instant.
After all, the thing he wanted the most right now was to get stronger.
"The King has devised a regimen tailored specifically for you,"
"It's a comprehensive program to ensure that you are ready to face the challenges ahead."
Kael muttered in his head. The vision he saw last night played itself in his mind again, making his fist tremble.
"I would suggest Lord Kael take some time to freshen up. I will be waiting outside your chambers, and once you are ready, signal me, and I will take you to the training hall."
"Then please excuse me." Althea bowed and then walked out.
Kael stood up, stretched his body, and walked into the bathroom to freshen up.
Althea walked in and bowed her head again.
"Please follow me, Lord Kael."
Kael nodded, his eyes full of determination and resolve.