Kumodesu

I tried to run as fast as I could back to the fifth floor. My head throbbed with pain and chaos—I could no longer stay calm.

Even when I had risked my life to save the Commander, I had never felt emotions this intense.

I was truly... such a fool.

Eventually, I made it back to the fifth floor. I thought things might settle down for a moment, but what awaited me there only plunged me deeper into despair.

The moment I stepped into the forest, the stench of blood hit me—thick and suffocating. And it was clearly human blood, not from any other creature.

Seryl...?

I glanced around, trying to see if anyone was still alive, but the silence was overwhelming.

No footsteps. No wind.

Just the stench of blood—and a creeping dread tightening around my throat.

I continued deeper into the woods.

And then, I found someone still alive.

It was a wounded soldier, slumped against the trunk of a tree.

I approached and shook him a few times, but he didn't respond.

I checked his stats—everything seemed normal. He was still breathing, which meant he wasn't dead.

Yet no matter what I tried, he wouldn't wake up.

Left with no other choice, I had to move on in search of others.

When I reached the center of the floor, I stumbled upon something… something I still couldn't understand even now.

Houses...?

In front of me stood a cluster of wooden and stone houses. They were arranged in neat rows, surrounded by a low stone wall, with a large gate in the center.

At a glance, it looked just like… a village.

Where did all this come from!?

We hadn't been gone long.

How could the scenery change so drastically in such a short time!?

I hesitated for a moment but eventually decided to step inside and investigate.

Just after entering, I came across a man tending to a garden.

He wore simple clothes—he looked exactly like a farmer.

I immediately approached to ask what was going on.

The man looked at me, and his face contorted with surprise and confusion.

"What in the world happened here?" I asked, voice tight with urgency, eyes bloodshot.

But the man seemed completely bewildered. He stared blankly at me for a long while before finally muttering: "You're… Loyral?"

I froze for a second, staring at him in confusion… then nodded.

"That's not right… They said you were dead…"

"Who said that?"

"The Spirits."

My body tensed the moment I heard that answer.

"What did they do!?" I demanded, voice rising in panic.

The man flinched and backed away at the sight of my aggression.

Something was very wrong.

The worst-case scenario flashed through my mind—these people… might have been completely brainwashed by the Spirits.

Without getting another word from him, I turned and ran from the village. If they were truly under the Spirits' control, staying any longer would only put me in danger.

What mattered now… was finding them… Seryl, the Vice Director, Vorsel, and Alger.

I kept running. After some distance, I came across a small house—isolated, far from the village.

What is this place now...?

Cautious, I approached to investigate.

And there—I saw a familiar figure.

"Miss Seryl..."

At the sound of my voice, she turned around, startled. Not even a second later, she rushed toward me and threw her arms around me.

I didn't know what to say—I simply held her tightly, reassuring her with my embrace.

"I've kept my promise, Miss Seryl. I'm back."

"Welcome home..."

She whispered between sobs, tears streaming down her face.

I was just as relieved to see her again. But I couldn't relax yet. The important thing now was to find out—what in the world had happened here?

"Miss Seryl… what happened?"

Seryl pulled away slightly, glanced around, and motioned for me to step inside. The moment I crossed the threshold, I felt like I had passed through another space entirely. There was some kind of barrier surrounding the house—I couldn't identify it, but it was definitely there.

Before I could even sit down, Seryl led me upstairs to a closed room. Inside, a man lay motionless—his face aged and frail. But I recognized him instantly.

"The Vice Director... He…? What happened!?" My voice came out hoarse.

Seryl sat down beside the bed, her face heavy with sorrow.

Then, she began to recount everything that had happened after we left.

"After everyone left, we stayed put, waiting for news. But then… some people started acting strangely. They said they heard the Spirits' voices—warning of an approaching disaster and urging them to build fortifications immediately."

So that's why the village existed...

"It didn't stop there," she continued.

"Those who heard the Spirits' 'whispers' claimed that to empower the Spirits and ensure protection… we had to sacrifice our souls."

Her voice began to tremble.

"At first, many people resisted. But the roars… the explosions echoing from the fourth floor… it terrified them. In the end, they obeyed."

"Gradually, resistance faded. People began seeing soul offerings as a great honor. They even fought for the chance to 'contribute'. And those who refused…"

Her voice lowered.

"They were eliminated without mercy."

A chill crept down my spine. A silent fear clutched at my chest.

"Fortunately, among them, Lord Alger kept his senses. He quickly realized they had fallen under the Spirits' control and fought back fiercely. But then..."

Her voice caught.

"Muos returned."

I held my breath.

"He fully supported the soul offerings... and he attacked Lord Alger. No one knows where Muos got that power from—but he defeated Lord Alger after only a brief battle."

"Both of us were cornered. Just in time, the Vice Director returned and saved us… but he was also struck by some kind of Spirit energy that's been draining his life force ever since."

"With help from Lord Alger and Lord Vorsel, the four of us managed to escape the village. But we soon discovered... we couldn't leave this area. Both exits had been sealed."

"So we built this house, and the Vice Director used what little power he had left to create a barrier strong enough to keep the outside forces at bay. That's how we've survived until now."

Everything… was far worse than I imagined.

"Where are Alger and Vorsel now?"

Seryl went quiet, her silence deepening my unease.

"Even after we built this house, attacks didn't stop. During one of them… Lord Vorsel died."

"Lord Alger couldn't hold out alone. So… a deal was made."

"He agreed to go with them—in exchange, they wouldn't attack this place again."

My hands began to tremble.

Vorsel… is gone too?

Why?

One after another, the people I knew… were leaving me behind. Even the Vice Director… was barely clinging to life.

"Take me to where Vorsel rests."

Seryl nodded, leading me behind the house.

There, a small grave stood—with Vorsel's name etched into the stone. Though we were never that close, he and I had fought through death together. Now, standing before his grave… I couldn't stop the grief from rising.

I bowed my head, eyes stinging.

"I know you're hurting…" Seryl finally spoke. "But I want to ask… where is Commander Charlot?"

I clenched my fists.

"I couldn't protect her…"

Seryl paused, then gave a faint nod.

"I see… Did she confess to you?"

I blinked in surprise.

"You… knew?"

She sighed, her eyes soft with sadness.

"When you were unconscious, I had a chance to speak with her. Back then… she admitted her feelings."

Charlot...

"I'm sorry. She didn't want you to know. But she hoped… neither of you would live with regrets."

I gave Seryl a small smile.

"No need to apologize. Charlot left without regret."

I looked up at the gray sky.

"I've mourned not being able to protect her… but I still have something worth protecting now. So I won't stay lost in grief."

Seryl looked at me—and suddenly began to cry.

I stepped forward and gently held her in my arms. What I've lost… I can never get back. But what remains—I will protect, no matter what.

From that day on, I lived in that little house with Seryl. There was nothing much—caring for the Vice Director, and searching for a way to solve the chaos engulfing us.

Inside—Spirits and brainwashed humans.

Outside—Cerberus, patiently waiting.

I still don't know why it hasn't returned. But it must be related to the Spirits' power.

That skill Muos used—granted by the Spirits—was effective against Cerberus. It was called [Soul Magic], I think.

Seryl once said the Spirits demanded soul offerings to protect the people.

It might not be true—but from that, I deduced something: The Spirits' strength comes from absorbing souls of other beings. They were also maintaining some kind of barrier preventing Cerberus from re-entering the fifth floor.

If that's the case, then the first step… is to cut off their soul supply—which means dealing with the brainwashed villagers.

But how…?

I also need to find a way to save the Vice Director. Rescue Alger—if he hasn't been fully corrupted. And most importantly… get Seryl out of here.

But there's another problem: If the barrier disappears, Cerberus will break in.

This whole situation… feels like a trap on all sides.

My mind was spiraling in thought when Seryl called out gently: "What are you thinking about, looking all serious?"

I looked up at her and said: "A way to get you out of here."

She chuckled softly, though her eyes still shimmered with unshed tears.

"Why not us? Why not both of us leave together?"

"Of course I thought about that... but you take priority." I scratched my head and gave her a lopsided smile.

"I won't let you put your life below mine," Seryl said, her voice firm—but still tender.

"Alright, alright."

I smiled and played along—for now.

Of course, if possible, I wanted us both to leave together.

But I still had to prepare for the worst the possibility that only she could escape.

And if that moment ever came… I wouldn't hesitate.

Life for Seryl and me at this house was quite peaceful and joyful. Ever since we visited the grave, we had spent time talking about our feelings and confirming them.

Except for one thing—the Vice Director's condition hadn't improved at all. Even though I had used all my healing skills, nothing seemed to work. At this rate, it was only a matter of time before he died of old age.

I visited him every day, but his frail state kept him asleep most of the time. Even when he woke, he couldn't do much besides look at me.

I also told him about everything that happened after Charlot and I stayed behind to hold off the Cerberus. He didn't respond, but the tear that rolled down his cheek showed me he was still aware of everything.

I knew his injury was caused by the Spirits, which likely meant it involved his soul. But unfortunately, I didn't have any skills related to the soul, so all I could do was sit and watch him slowly wither away.

Once again, I couldn't protect someone close to me.

...

Today, while Seryl and I were having a meal, something strange happened.

She suddenly clutched her head in pain and said she could hear a voice in her mind.

"You heard a voice?"

I sat beside her, looking at her worriedly.

"I really did, but… it wasn't normal."

"What do you mean?" I asked anxiously.

"Rather than a voice coming from outside, it felt like it was coming from inside my body. It's faint, but I can feel… something different inside me."

Alright, things were starting to get even more confusing now.

"Something different…?"

I had absolutely no clue what could be causing this.

"You don't need to worry. Even though it's strange, I don't feel like I'm being controlled. My thoughts are still my own, completely independent."

For now, I could only trust her and wait to see what happened next.

The issue with Seryl had just passed when, a few days later, another problem occurred. We had just woken up when we heard noises outside. We hurried out to check and were met with a group of people.

Wasn't this the same group as before?

The moment I saw them, I wanted to act immediately, but Seryl stopped me.

"Didn't we agree you weren't allowed to come here anymore?" Seryl said.

One of them stepped forward, gave me a sneer, and replied,

"That agreement only applied to you. But him…"

At that point, his eyes turned incredibly vicious.

I understood what this was about. They saw that I was still alive and now wanted to drag me away—to offer my soul.

"No way!" Seryl responded firmly.

It was rare to see her be this assertive.

"The Spirits need energy to protect us. He's been chosen to offer his strength—he should feel honored."

"Then why don't you go and offer yourself?"

The man scowled and snapped,

"You think I don't want to? But the Spirits chose him. It's his honor. What are you people even objecting to?!"

Such a sudden shift in tone.

These people really were insane. And I didn't want to waste time talking to the insane, so...

"Seryl, please cover your eyes."

She looked at me worriedly but seemed to understand that reason no longer worked with them. She sighed and turned to walk back inside.

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?! We're not done talking! You think just because that old man is protecting you, you'll be fine?! Once he's dead, you'll be next, you little—"

He didn't get to finish his sentence. A blade shot through the air and pierced his head, dropping him to the ground in an instant. Silence fell.

"Anyone else have something to say?"

I glanced coldly at the remaining people, my gaze sharp.

They trembled, speechless.

"No? Then get lost."

They bolted, not even bothering to retrieve the body of their fallen comrade. Cowards—still wretched and disgraceful even under control.

I quickly disposed of the body and returned inside.

After that, no one came to bother us anymore.

To ensure our safety, I decided to build a secret underground shelter in case this place ever came under attack. Thankfully, Alger had left us a stockpile of Ranturium and Uranium before he left, which made construction much easier.

I also acquired a new skill: [Blind Eye]—the same one the Vice Director had used to create the protective barrier around this house. It appeared at the exact moment I needed it most.

The construction went fairly smoothly. I did most of the work myself. Seryl helped with cleaning up afterward, but since she was pregnant, I didn't want her doing anything too strenuous.

Yes.

That had been going on for a month now.

I was surprised when she told me. I felt both happy and worried—our circumstances were still incredibly dangerous. But the baby was coming, and there was no turning back.

The child gave me a renewed sense of purpose—a reason to keep pushing forward and find a way out of here.

Once the shelter was complete, I resumed my research on "Magitech." Using the materials we had and the knowledge I'd gained from our recent journey, I experimented non-stop until I finally created my first magitech tool.

It took the shape of a sword—but not an ordinary sword. By channeling my SP into it, I could activate a random elemental attribute: fire, water, lightning, wind...

It wasn't perfect yet, but it was definitely a step forward.

There was still much to do.

And I had to do something about the Vice Director's condition, too. He was one of the few people I truly owed in this life.

Hmph...

If my existing skills didn't help, then I'd just have to create a new one.

Sounds crazy—but I was out of options.

…

Time flew by, and soon enough, the day came when Seryl went into labor. Since there was no one else to help, I had no choice but to deliver the baby myself.

Fortunately, back when I was an assassin, we were made to study basic midwifery. I never understood why we had to learn that… but now, I was grateful I'd paid attention.

After hours of intense effort, Seryl finally gave birth to a healthy baby girl—with fair skin and brilliant emerald-green eyes.

We decided to name her Veronica.

She was strong from the moment she was born—feeding, sleeping, and reacting well to everything. Just that alone was enough to fill me with joy.

From then on, we focused completely on raising Veronica. She was still small, so there wasn't too much to worry about yet. But if things kept going the way they were, I knew it wouldn't be good for her long-term development.

Overall, things were fine—except for one issue.

Lately, Seryl had been hearing voices in her head again, and she'd started experiencing sudden heart pains.

More than once, it had scared me half to death.

Her health after childbirth had remained strong, so I didn't think it was caused by the delivery. Something else was affecting her… something hidden and dangerous.

I was still searching for a way to break free of the Spirits' control, but none of my current skills gave me any clues.

Then, this morning, something unexpected happened—regarding the Vice Director.

When I visited him, something strange occurred. The Vice Director, who had spent all this time motionless in bed, suddenly sat up.

"Vice Director, your condition…?"

He smiled faintly and shook his head.

"I won't last much longer. This is just one final act of resistance."

"What do you mean—?"

"Loyral."

He interrupted me, then continued.

"I don't have much time left, so listen closely. I've been under constant soul attacks from the Spirits. But today, I gained a skill called [Soul Attack Resistance]. That's the only reason I managed to awaken one last time."

I felt a flicker of hope—but then he shook his head again.

"Don't get your hopes up. Even though I now know how to resist them, my body is too far gone. I'll fade away soon. But before that, I have something I want to give you."

I stayed silent and nodded. There was nothing else I could do to save him, but if he had a final wish, I would carry it out.

"Take this."

He handed me a necklace. Inside was a photo.

"This is…?"

"The girl in the picture is my daughter. My biggest regret is not seeing her one last time. If you ever make it out of here... please return this necklace to her."

So… he had his own regrets too.

I held the necklace tightly in my hand, met his gaze with firm resolve, and nodded.

"Bring me a pen and paper."

I quickly obeyed.

Then the Vice Director began writing—pages and pages, without pause.

"This is the sum of everything I've learned in my life. I hope it will be of use to you."

My hands trembled as I received the stack of notes.

"Thank you, sir. I'll do everything I can to fulfill your request."

He smiled, but his eyes were already fading. And then, the Vice Director passed away—quietly, peacefully.

I stood beside his bed and bowed deeply to honor him.

Later, Seryl and I held a simple funeral for him. To avoid attention, I buried him in the shelter I had built.

Another person gone...

I stood in front of his grave, my heart heavy with grief.

Now, it was just me, Seryl, and Veronica.

They were everything to me.

No matter the cost—I would protect them to the very end!

That was the vow I made to myself, before walking away.