The morning after the battle left the castle town in stark remnants of destruction. Charred walls, scattered rubble, and the lingering scent of burnt timber mingled with the crisp air. Amid the chaos, the backs of two figures could be seen in the distance. Their stride was calm and measured, yet there was an almost divine aura to the way they moved, as though they were destined to carve a path through the world itself.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Christopher surged forward. His boots pounded against the stone streets, dodging debris as he sprinted toward the two figures. His heart pounded fiercely, pressed by the memory of yesterday’s battlefield. Those two—Hero Zieg and the Demon Queen—their presence had seared into his mind, and now he burned with the desire to follow them, to witness their journey from the very start.
“Zieg! Demon Queen! Wait, please!”
His voice trembled slightly but carried across the morning air. The two figures stopped and slowly turned to face him. In that instant, a tense anticipation surged through Christopher’s chest.
“Christopher! What is it? Did something happen again?”
Zieg’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, his usually composed battlefield eyes showing a flicker of confusion.
“No… nothing happened. I just… I wish to accompany you on your journey. The king has already granted permission,” Christopher said, his voice steady despite the tremor of emotion.
Zieg’s eyes widened, astonishment clear on his face.
“Eh…!? So, you’ve stepped away from your role as commander of the knights?”
“I haven’t resigned,” Christopher replied. “It’s only a temporary leave… for training and to learn.” His words carried a mix of resolve, nervousness, and quiet pride.
The Demon Queen, tilting her head, spoke softly.
“Do you really think we can travel together? Consider—I’m a Demon Queen, he’s a Hero. We’re supposed to be enemies. Under ordinary circumstances, moving toward the same goal would be impossible.”
Her words were true. Yesterday’s battle had only forced a temporary truce, born of necessity and gratitude. Yet Christopher’s gaze remained fixed on them, unwavering and resolute.
Zieg’s lips curved in a faint, almost amused smile, and he shrugged lightly.
“Yeah, it’s odd—a Hero and a Demon Queen traveling together… But this is different. Our goals align, and with those Dragon God Clan minions still lurking, traveling together may actually be safer.”
The Demon Queen let out a soft, quiet laugh. It wasn’t mocking—nor hostile—but carried a subtle warmth, almost human.
“Are you afraid?” she asked.
“A little,” Zieg admitted, looking down. “Did you notice during yesterday’s battle? For some reason, our magic was halved. We couldn’t fight at full strength. Plus, our preferred weapons were lost when we were transported here. We borrowed swords from the knights, but even those can’t withstand our weakened power.”
Christopher swallowed hard. They hadn’t even been at full strength? What kind of power did they truly possess?
Zieg inhaled deeply, continuing, “…And those Dragon God Clan brutes— their strength is unnerving. Even ordinary soldiers yesterday had magical enhancements. And the fact they can do it remotely suggests immense power—or spells unknown to our world.”
He paused, then said, “…For now, returning to our world is our priority. Defeating you isn’t the goal yet. Until then, a temporary truce will hold.”
The Demon Queen extended her right hand, her palm radiating a force that was neither light nor dark, but resolute and absolute.
For a moment, Zieg hesitated—then grasped her hand firmly. Their combined grip sealed their shared resolve.
Thus, Hero Zieg and the Demon Queen—enemies, yet united by a common purpose—quietly embarked on their grand adventure.
Morning light poured over them, painting the lingering smoke in gold. They stepped over the rubble of the castle town, their shadows reflecting both the scars of yesterday and the promise of the unknown journey ahead.
And behind them, one figure followed—Christopher. The knight’s shadow stretched long, full of unwavering determination, stepping forward with strength and resolve to chase the backs of heroes.
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