"I believe in you. I know you'll find it. Whether it's to heal me or to achieve your own dreams, never stop moving forward. Keep trying, searching, studying… only then will you reach your goals."
"I will, Grandpa. I promise. I won't stop."
"Anna… there's something else I must tell you. The world isn't as beautiful as you believe. Things won't always go the way you want them to. But never forget this: don't look back. No matter what happens, always move forward. Never cling to the past—reach for the future. And one last thing… trust Valorant the way you trust me. Do as he says. He will never let you be harmed, nor let others hurt you. Don't forget my words."
He stroked her head softly with his trembling hand.
"Now go."
"I will… I'll do as you say." Anna nodded and quietly left the room.
Suna, having watched from the doorway, turned to go after her. But Alaris's voice called out:
"Suna, come here."
"Yes, Master?" Suna replied, surprised, stepping closer to his bedside.
"No matter what happens, protect Anna. She trusts you. You know how innocent she is. Watch over her. I know I'm placing a heavy burden on you, and I apologize."
"Don't say that. Compared to what you've done for me, this is nothing. I'm the one who should be grateful—for saving me, for giving me a place in your home, for giving me a chance."
"Thank you… for not turning away from my final request. Now go to her."
"As you wish, my lord." Suna nodded and quietly exited the room, closing the door behind her.
As she stepped out, Suna leaned against the door and reflected. Her thoughts drifted back to the darkest day of her life.
Years ago, during a demonic incursion across the border, Suna had lived a modest life in the forest with her family. One night, demons passed through the forest. Her family fled under the cover of darkness—her father carrying her, her mother carrying her younger brother. But a demon appeared before them.
It struck first, brutally attacking Suna's mother and baby brother. Her father fought to protect them but stood no chance—he was only human. The demon slaughtered her family before her eyes. Suna stood frozen, unable to move, tears silently streaming down her face.
Then, in a flash, a sword pierced the demon's chest from behind—it vanished in an instant.
That sword belonged to Alaris.
He took the orphaned girl back with him, gave her shelter, and offered her work—something to give her purpose and dignity.
Remembering all of that, Suna now understood what she had to say to Anna.
"Anna, please! If not for me, then at least for your grandfather. Remember his final words to you!"
Anna paused—just for a moment. But that moment was enough. She remembered.
"Yes… I remember."
"Then honor his wish. He told you to trust Master Valorant, didn't he? Then do as he said." Suna gently wiped the tears from Anna's cheeks.
Anna stared at the floor for a brief second. Then slowly, shakily, she stood up. Suna took her hand.
"We need to hurry. Let's go." The two left the room together.
Down the hallway, Valorant was already approaching. He wore a thick traveling cloak, a large pack slung over his shoulder, and his sword in hand.
Seeing the girls still in their indoor clothes, not ready to leave, he frowned.
"You're not ready yet? Move quickly—we don't have much time!" he called out sternly.
But just then, Valorant's eyes caught something behind them—something horrifying.
From the slightly open door to Alaris's room, an arm was reaching out, stretching toward the girls.
His face paled.
[No… Alaris, you weren't supposed to fall under the curse this quickly. I never imagined it would happen so soon.]
He remembered his final conversation with Alaris…
Valorant sat quietly on a stool beside Alaris, who lay weak and pale in bed. The room was dim, its windows covered by heavy curtains. Shadows lingered in the corners, broken only by the faint light slipping through the door.
"When did the symptoms first begin?" Valorant asked.
"The curse began to take hold about half a year ago," Alaris answered. "At first, I could hold it back. But then…" —he paused, voice faltering— "I lost control. I nearly harmed someone."
"You attacked someone?"
"Yes… I lunged at one of the maids. Thankfully, Gustav happened to be nearby and managed to pull her away. She was terrified."
"I can imagine," Valorant muttered.
"She suffered wounds—nothing fatal, but deep enough. I can still see the horror in her eyes."
"Did your form change?"
"Not at first. But as the curse grew stronger, my body began to shift…"
Valorant sighed. "Taking Anna to the Elven Forest might not be easy."
"You're the only one I trust to do it."
"How long can you hold on after you die?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe ten minutes, if I'm lucky. But it might be less."
"Then everything depends on your willpower."
"I'll do what I can," Alaris whispered.
Back outside the room, the arm that had reached from the doorway shifted course. It gripped the door frame as though to steady itself. Valorant's eyes narrowed.
"Flaming Steps."
In a flash, he surged forward. With each stride, green flames burst beneath his feet, rippling out and vanishing in a blink. The surrounding air distorted from the heat.
Suna, startled by his sudden dash, was struck by confusion.
"Why is Sir Valorant running toward us with his sword drawn? What's going on?"
Neither Suna nor Anna had realized what was truly happening. The idea of Alaris stepping out of the room had never even crossed their minds.
But when Suna saw where Valorant was looking, she turned—and froze.
From the shadows, Alaris emerged.
He reached out a hand toward Anna. Suna screamed, terrified, and threw herself at Anna, knocking them both to the floor. Anna, still unaware, toppled onto Suna and tried to gather her bearings.