"Are you really from this world?"
"…?"
Velthorn's calm words echoed, a weight behind them Ito hadn't felt before.
"We did a background check on you—nothing came up. No records, no trace of your parents.
The only reason you got into the Knights Academy was through your ties to Sara and Rayan. They're top students, so no one questioned it… until now. But after what happened recently… people are starting to doubt."
He leaned closer, tone tightening.
"So, I'll ask again—are you really from this world?"
"…"
The question hung in the air.
Should I tell him?
My dreams, the memories that don't feel mine… what would he say if I told him I'm not sure myself?
Velthorn studied his silence.
"Don't worry," he said at last, voice softening. "You can tell us when you're ready." A small pause. "Oh, and one more thing. Starting today, you're part of the First Squad."
"Huh…? What?! But I haven't even completed my training!"
"I know. But this comes from the higher-ups. We follow orders. Understood?"
"…Yes."
"Good. It's getting late. You'll be released in a few hours."
Velthorn turned, his footsteps echoing as he disappeared down the corridor. Around the next corner, he found Zeth leaning casually against the wall—arms crossed, eyes closed, a knowing smirk on his lips.
"Eavesdropping isn't polite," Velthorn sighed.
Zeth cracked an eye open. "So, you're not going to execute him?"
"He's just a kid. One who barely understands this world. I don't see him as a threat." Velthorn paused. "And weren't you the one who wanted to save him?"
Zeth shrugged. "So, what excuse are you giving the higher-ups this time?"
Velthorn gave a wry smile. "Last time I disobeyed for a kid, he became the strongest knight in Yonor—Captain of Squad One. I got suspended back then. This time… they might just strip me of my title."
"Doesn't matter," Zeth said. "Wherever you go, I'll follow."
"…Thanks. But Zeth…" Velthorn's voice turned low. "You don't have much time left to follow others."
And with that, the two walked off, their shadows merging with the dim corridor light.
—
One hour later
"Finally… fresh air!" Ito stretched, stepping out of confinement—and immediately froze.
Four people stood waiting.
"HUH?! What are you all doing here?!"
"You're so slow, Ito," Rayan said, arms behind his head casually. "We've been waiting forever."
"We're just glad to see you again," Zayden added, flashing a grin.
A girl stepped forward—long silver hair, emerald eyes sparkling with admiration.
"I'm Shion Vaelcrest—and I'm a huge fan!"
"Wha—?!"
"That night, you threw yourself at those beasts! Even knowing you might die. It was reckless but honestly… super cool!"
"Uh… thanks?"
A sudden wave of pressure rippled through the air.
Shion froze.
Sara stood silently behind her, arms folded, eyes unreadable.
"O-Oh! Sorry, Sara! I got a little excited! Don't worry, he's not my type!"
Ito looked down, guilt rising.
"Sara… I broke our promise."
Her expression softened.
"Welcome back."
A warm smile broke across his face.
"…I'm home."
—
Weeks later
Ito Tatsuki. Official member of the Supreme Knights—Squad One.
"Why are you lounging around, newbie?! Your 10 km run isn't over!"
"Yeah yeah… I got it, Vice-Captain Sylas Veyne…"
Ito panted hard, sweat dripping.
This training… it's brutal. But if I want to be strong—I can't give up.
Despite being the youngest, Ito trained as hard as the veterans. Even Sylas, strict and sharp-eyed, couldn't hide a glimmer of respect.
Later, Ito collapsed against a wall, exhaling.
"Still not used to this…"
"Yo, Ito! You look like death."
"Huh… Captain?"
Zeth stood nearby, relaxed as ever.
"How's training?"
"You can see for yourself… I don't think I can keep this up."
"You will. Give it time." He grinned. "Say, met the Third Squad Captain yet?"
"I've been to the medical station… but I haven't met them."
"Then let's change that. Afterward, you're joining me for your first mission."
Ito perked up. "Seriously?!"
They headed toward the medical wing.
"Doesn't seem like she's here," Ito said, peering inside.
"She is. Just call her name." Zeth cupped his hands. "Hey! Naeris Vexora! Come out, we're here!"
"Huh… She? So the Third Squad Captain is a woma—"
A door materialized out of thin air.
"You're too noisy, Zeth. Keep it down."
A stunning woman emerged—long brown hair, lab coat barely buttoned, eyes that seemed to see through everything.
"Yo, Naeris! He's the one who helped your squad that night."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Ito."
"No need to be stiff." She smiled. "You helped my squad. I wasn't there, but thanks to your efforts, the job got done. So—thank you."
"I didn't do anything that great…"
Naeris stepped closer, her smirk playful. She traced a finger lightly along his jaw.
"You're adorable, you know that? Want me to teach you some grown-up things?"
Zeth quickly stepped in, hand on Ito's shoulder.
"Enough, Naeris. He's my student."
"Alright, alright." She chuckled. "Just teasing. So? What'd you drag me out here for?"
"Wanted to confirm something. Which Dark Zone is closest?"
"Give me a sec. Come in and sit."
Ito followed her inside—and froze.
The interior twisted reality. Glowing magic circles floated in mid-air. Machines clicked with unknown mechanisms. It felt… infinite.
"Captain… what is this place?"
"Her Zone Technique," Zeth explained. "A four-dimensional space where she can monitor Dark Zones without interference."
"Incredible…"
"Judging by your face, you didn't understand a word."
"I'm still learning. Vice-Captain Sylas is helping me."
"Good. Just remember—power comes with responsibility."
"Yes, sir."
Naeris turned from her screens. "Closest one's twenty kilometers east."
Ito hesitated. "Captain… can I ask something? What are these Dark Zones? Where do they come from?"
Her face turned serious.
"No one knows. One day, they just appeared. Within a month, one of the twenty-five kingdoms… gone. Swallowed whole."
Her voice dropped.
"The best knights, the bravest warriors—they all fell."
She looked straight at him.
"And the worst part? They're still spreading."