The dungeon was quiet now.
Its echoes had faded, its magic cores dimmed. Kael stood at the central chamber, bathed in the soft glow of fading runes. Beside him, Asta leaned against his sword, and Noelle took a deep breath, her mana low but stable.
They had won—but Kael's thoughts were elsewhere.
> [System Alert: New Threat Detected – Eyes Watching from Afar]
[Emotional Resonance Detected – Unlocked Memory Fragment: "The Promise"]
Kael blinked as a rush of emotion struck him. Crimson eyes unfocused, he staggered slightly. Lyra, still fused with his spirit core, whispered softly:
"Do not lose yourself… but remember."
And Kael did.
---
Memory Fragment – Ten Years Ago
A warm day. The orphanage garden. A girl's laughter. Her face blurry, her voice familiar.
"Promise me," she said, pressing a ribbon into Kael's tiny hands. "Promise me you'll protect the people who smile at you. Even if the world turns cold."
He looked down at the ribbon—silver, with a deep red thread woven through.
"Even if I forget you?" he asked, already knowing he would.
She nodded. "Even then."
They held hands, their fingers tiny, fragile—and full of meaning.
---
Back to the Present
Kael's eyes opened again. The system pinged quietly in the corner of his mind.
> [Promise Protocol – Activated. Stat Boost During Defense of Loved Ones: +15%]
He let out a breath and tightened his grip on the phantom ribbon now bound around his wrist—manifested by the system to represent the memory fragment.
"Kael? You okay?" Asta asked, walking over and patting his shoulder.
Kael nodded slowly. "Yeah… just remembered something important."
---
A Flicker of Flame
Back at the entrance of the dungeon, Mimosa rushed to Kael's side as the squads began regrouping.
"I'm so glad you're safe," she said, eyes scanning his body for wounds. "I saw the magic distortion. Did… did your anti-magic glitch again?"
Kael nodded. "It's evolving. Harder to control when emotions spike."
Mimosa gently took his hand. "Then don't carry the burden alone."
He looked at her—soft green eyes, full of honesty and care. His throat tightened slightly.
"I'll try," he whispered.
Behind them, Yuno glanced back once, his eyes unreadable.
---
Meeting in the Shadows
Later that night, after they returned to the capital and submitted their reports, Kael was summoned—quietly and without formality.
The one who summoned him?
Julius Novachrono, the Wizard King.
They stood atop the highest tower of the palace, the moon casting silver light over the city.
"I've been keeping an eye on you, Kael," Julius said, smiling—but his eyes were sharp. "You're quite the anomaly."
Kael bowed. "Sir."
"Two forms of anti-magic. Multiple elements. Space distortion. And now, this… 'glitch.' You're more than you seem."
Kael didn't respond.
Julius stepped closer, examining him. "You don't have to tell me where you came from. I already know you're not from here."
Kael stiffened—but Julius only smiled gently.
"I won't pry. But I will ask for something else."
Kael looked up.
"Promise me," Julius said, "that if the time comes, and this kingdom trembles… you'll be one of its pillars."
Kael thought of the ribbon. The girl. The promise.
He bowed low.
"I swear it."
---
A Quiet Moment
That same night, back at the Black Bulls' hideout, Vanessa sat by the fireplace, sipping wine and twirling a thread of fate between her fingers.
Kael passed by on his way to his room. She caught his sleeve.
"Hey, Crimson-Eyes," she said, voice low and smooth, "You're carrying something big, aren't you?"
Kael looked into her eyes. She didn't need the system to see through masks.
He didn't answer.
Vanessa smiled. "Then at least let me remind you—you've got people here now. So if you break, break here. With us."
She leaned in slightly, brushing her lips against his cheek before leaning back.
"And I don't make promises lightly either."
Kael stood there, stunned, as Vanessa winked and disappeared back into the shadows.
---
System Log Update
> [Emotional Bond Gained – Vanessa Enoteca: +Affinity Triggered]
[Side Quest Unlocked – Fate's Thread: Assist Vanessa in Finding the Thread of Origins]
> [Memory Thread Status: Ribbon of the Forgotten Girl – Active]
[Protective Protocols Enhanced When Defending Allies with Affinity Above 50%]
---
The Final Glimpse
Elsewhere, far in the mountains, a mirror shimmered. A pale hand hovered over its surface.
The figure behind the mirror chuckled softly, voice like wind and silk.
"So… he has remembered. The ribbon… still binds him."
Another voice—deeper, crueler—spoke.
"Let him grow. Let him shine. When he stands at his peak… then we'll break him."
The mirror rippled, and Kael's reflection stared back with crimson eyes that did not blink.