After the battle ended, the people of Lunaris gathered.
The ground still carried traces of magic, glowing faintly in the air. Fear had vanished from their faces, replaced by relief. They were alive–and the one standing before them was the reason.
Himitsu.
One by one, people stepped forward to bless him. Some bowed deeply, others placed their hands over their hearts, and a few whispered prayers shaped by magic itself.
"May your strength protect this world."
"May your path remain unbroken."
This was the world of magic–a world where every person possessed a different kind of power. Fire, water, wind, light, shadows—magic took countless forms. Though their abilities were different, their feelings were the same.
Gratitude.
Himitsu stood silently, receiving their blessings. He was tall, with a sharp and calm face that revealed nothing. His black hair framed his features neatly, and his crimson- red eyes remained steadily and unreadable. At twenty-two years old, he was already known throughout Lunaris for his strength.
Handsome, yet cold.
To others, he seemed emotionless. His face showed no joy, no pride. But inside, he felt something quiet and warm.
Everyone is safe.
That was enough.
Soon after, a meeting was called.
All the magic fighters and the highest- ranking officers gathered inside a vast chamber. Glowing runes lined the walls as heavy voices filled the hall. The discussion quickly turned serious.
"The villain has been defeated," one officer said "but he was only following orders."
Another voice continued, grim. "The one behind everything is Lord Akitora."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
"He is extremely dangerous."
"Cruel and merciless."
"No one knows his true strength."
Himitsu listened in silence. His expression didn't change as the name echoed through the hall. He already knew–the enemy he had fought before was nothing more than a pawn.
When the discussion grew louder, Himitsu finally stepped forward.
"I will go," he said calmly.
The hall felt silent.
"I will go to Lord Akitora's castle," Himitsu continued.
"Alone."
Shock spread across the room.
"What?"
"Alone?"
"That's impossible!"
Voices rose in disbelief. Fighters stared at him, officers stood frozen, unable to understand his decision.
"I will defeat him," he said simply.
Yet even as he spoke, uncertainty lingered in the air.
No one knew what kind of man Lord Akitora truly was.
No one knew how this journey would end.
Not even Himitsu.
Thus began the journey that would change everything.