Haru turned his back on them, his expression unreadable beneath the falling snow.
"Alright," he said flatly, voice carrying an unnatural calm. "Meet me at the foot of the mountain by sunrise. I'll prepare my things."
Seraphina blinked, her eyes wide in disbelief. "A–Are you serious about that?"
But Haru didn't answer. He simply began walking away, the sound of his boots crunching through the snow echoing faintly. Each step seemed to carry weight—like the mountain itself was breathing with him. His presence lingered even after he disappeared into the mist.
As the group made their way down the slope, a tense silence filled the air. The wind howled between the pines, but none dared to speak until Wizz finally broke it.
"...My niece," he said quietly, his usual confidence gone. "Are you certain about this? Are you truly bringing that man to the Empire?"
Seraphina's expression softened, though her voice wavered. "We don't have a choice, Uncle. We need him."
Wizz frowned deeply, his gaze still locked on the path Haru had taken. "I've seen warriors in every corner of the Empire," he muttered, almost to himself. "I've crossed blades with monsters, assassins, and even demons. But that man—" he clenched his staff, the memory of Haru's bloodlust flashing in his mind—"that wasn't the presence of a warrior. It was something far beyond it."
Levis spoke next, his tone grave. "When he released that killing intent… my knees almost gave out. If I hadn't cast reinforcement on my body, I would've collapsed right there."
Xena shuddered. "It felt like I couldn't breathe… like death itself was staring right through me."
Wizz nodded grimly. "Exactly. His bloodlust wasn't born from anger or hatred. It was… refined. Controlled. Like he's lived his whole life in battle and found peace inside the slaughter."
Lex exhaled a shaky laugh. "Then what the hell is he, Uncle? A monster wearing human skin?"
Wizz's gaze drifted toward the snow-covered summit, his voice low and solemn. "No. Something worse. He's the kind of man who's already seen the edge of death—and came back stronger. That kind of person doesn't fight to survive... he fights because he's forgotten how to stop."
Seraphina stayed silent, her gloved hands tightening around her cloak. Deep down, she knew Wizz was right. Every instinct in her screamed that Haru was dangerous—unpredictable.
And yet, beneath that fear… was something else.
Hope.
"If he truly is that powerful," she whispered, almost to herself, "then maybe… he's the only one who can turn the tide in Valtherion."
The others exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared to argue.
High above, unseen from below, Haru stood on the edge of the cliff, gazing down at their distant figures. The wind pulled at his cloak as he murmured softly—more to the mountain than to himself.
The early light broke across the white ridges of the mountain, scattering gold across the snow. Haru fastened the last strap of his worn satchel and glanced around the small wooden cabin one final time. The air was silent, save for the faint crackle of dying embers in the hearth.
"Maybe it's time," he murmured to himself, fastening his cloak. "I've been here too long. This isn't my world… and I'm starting to forget the one I came from."
He looked out the frosted window—the forest, the peaks, the quiet life he'd built. For years, this mountain had been his refuge… and his cage.
When he stepped outside, the cold wind bit against his face. The old man from the village was already waiting by the path, leaning on his cane, a soft smile hidden beneath his gray beard.
"Leaving already, Haru?" the old man asked gently.
Haru nodded. "Yes. Thank you—for everything. For the food, the roof, and the silence."
The old man chuckled, his voice rough with age. "Don't worry about that, lad. You've done more for us than anyone could have asked. The mountain will miss you… and so will we. I hope you find whatever it is you're searching for."
Haru gave a faint smile, something rare, then turned and began his descent. The snow crunched softly beneath his boots as the wind whispered farewell through the pines.
---
At the foot of the mountain, a noble carriage waited—its banners marked with the sigil of House Valcrest. The guards stood at attention, and Seraphina herself waited outside, her white cloak swaying in the cold morning breeze. When Haru appeared from the mist, their eyes met.
Seraphina lowered her head slightly—a gesture few nobles would ever give. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" she asked, her tone polite but warm.
Haru simply nodded. "I did."
Xena whispered under her breath, nudging Lex. "Even the lady of pearls is bowing her head to him…"
Lex grunted, whispering back. "You saw what he did yesterday. Would you dare not to?"
When Haru stepped into the carriage, the small crowd of villagers and adventurers gathered nearby began to murmur. Some waved farewell with genuine gratitude. Others stood stiff, faces uncertain—fear and respect intertwining in their eyes.
One drunk adventurer slammed his mug on the table outside the tavern, shouting hoarsely, "Oi! You damned monster! Don't come back here again! You've taken all the beasts—and all our coin with 'em!"
Another man beside him sighed, watching the carriage roll forward. "Idiot… He saved your daughter, didn't he? Show some respect."
"Tch… yeah, but still."
A young boy ran from the crowd, waving his small hands. "Mister Haru! Thank you for saving our village!"
The boy's voice echoed faintly through the valley. Haru, from inside the carriage, lifted his hand slightly in reply—just enough for the child to see.
As the wheels began to roll, the snow lifted with each turn, and the mountain slowly disappeared behind them.
In the carriage, silence reigned for a while until Seraphina finally spoke. "They seem to admire you… and fear you at the same time."
Haru looked out the window, eyes distant. "They should," he said simply. "Fear keeps people alive."
Seraphina turned her gaze toward him, unsure whether to feel comforted—or terrified.
Outside, the mountains faded into the horizon, and for the first time in years, Haru left behind the only home he'd known in this world—heading toward a new one, where fate waited with sharp teeth and open hands.