He arrived at the very town he had been given the privilege of being a lord to at the first light of dawn. The town of Lavis, a place of peace and commerce, that he had called his home for a long time now, stood strong under the bright sunrise, as clear as he had left it.

The guards easily recognized him and his banner, opening the gates to him and ushering him in like an esteemed guest. It was not just the soldiers, but the townspeople too. They showered him with praise and smiles, all relieved to see him, shouting his name over and over.

Though people were only starting to get up at this time, many already filled the quiet streets as they heard about the arrival of their lord.

He waved at them, again realizing his responsibility of protecting the people. The very reason they shout his name and celebrate him is because he is someone that they can give their lives too. A reliable and forthright man who has the strength to protect them. He knew very little of this, yet without that knowledge he has given his all to protect them. And under the protection of Sir Theodore Hark did the town of Lavis flourish. Trade grew, and many migrated due to its safety and order.

After walking through the districts and streets that weren't that full and crowded this early in the morning, he came towards the lord's mansion, a place where he handles all the affairs concerning his territory.

But in front of the mansion were his guards and a mature, serious-looking girl who wore glasses and a slightly formal dress, who seems to have been waiting for his arrival.

"Welcome, Sir Hark, you've returned. I believe the campaign was a success, no?" she greeted him without a change in expression.

"Ah, Louise, up early as usual, are you? Well, you could say that. It was cancelled mid-part, but we achieved victory nonetheless," he dismounted, handing the reins to one of the guards, dismissing the unit he traveled with to rest in the barracks a few ways to the right of the mansion.

He entered along with her, and she told him of all that transpired within the time of his absence, filling him in of all the duties that he had missed as well.

"Oh, and you have a visitor as well," she spoke, breaking the silence. "I allowed him to rest in one of the guest rooms. I saw something about him that interested me, and possibly will interest you, so I allowed him to stay here until you arrived. I believe that this was the first time he came to a town, or that was what he said."

"Hmm, who was it? A child or something?"

"No. He seems to be at the age of sixteen to seventeen. A young man, to be precise. His name is Zachary. I have not asked for his last name, but I think you can handle it from here since he is your guest. And while you're at it, please handle all of the paperwork that you left behind on purpose for me to do. I had already finished my share, so I assure you that I had not touched yours at all so that you would remember your responsibilities and not forget to do them. It might risk you becoming complacent," she said with a monotone voice and a passive face.

Hark seemed to jerk from what she had said, laughing wryly. "You're as ruthless as ever, I see? Have I ever told you that you are too uptight? You're a young woman, so I don't think It'll be good for you to be this strict. Maybe find something that a woman your age does."

"I believe that you've told me that I am too uptight a hundred and seventy-two times now, no, make it a hundred and seventy-three times since I first started working here. And please do not worry too much about me. If I leave most of the work to you, then nothing will ever get done. Paperwork would pile up, and you'd forget your responsibilities. I assure you that I am not neglecting who I am, so rest easy."

"Alright, alright, I get it. Calm down now. Fine, I'll get to it after I've finished with this guest of ours. How uptight of you," he grumbled, leaving her as he went down another corridor, one leading to the guest rooms that Louise had told him to go to.

"Hmm, who's there?" I asked, hearing a strange knock early in the morning. It seemed that I was that much exhausted that I would sleep in. Usually I'd get up earlier than the regular person, but I guess stress did this to me, huh?

I stood up and opened the door, seeing a strange, tall, burly man with hair and beard standing in front of me, looking at me with a certain intimidation, as if he was assessing me right away with his narrow eyes. There's a strange aura from him, nothing that I can explain, but he exudes a powerful authority.

"So, who are you?" he asked with a low, smooth voice. His voice alone shook me awake, and I could now clearly see him, and as a result, I took a step back.

"Zachary! I-I come from beyond the forests in search for someone named Theodore Hark," his eyes seemed to narrow even more from what I said. It was like he stared right into my soul.

"So? I'm here, what do you want?"

"Well, I was told to find you by my father. You see, they passed away. I don't know why, but he just told me to show this to you and you'd know what it means," I took the necklace my father gave me and showed it to him, keeping in mind what Dad told in the letter about keeping my said identity as a Thalisean a secret.

Before I could realize it, he snatched the necklace from my hand, staring at it intensely saying, "U-Unbelievable! No, it can't be, that's just not possible. Hey, you! Where did you steal this from?!" he took my arm and took an aggressive step forward, questioning me with pressure.

"No, you don't understand! It was given to me, argh!" I tried overpowering him so that he would let go of my arm, but it was simply impossible. The strength that he had on his grip was inescapable.

"What is your father's name?" he calmed down, letting go of my arm, leaving a red mark on it. I kept my calm despite the situation, breathing in and continuing.

"Frederick, Frederick Erinn! We lived beyond the forests, on a wide clearing where a wooden house is perched on top of a small slope. Or I guess, we used to live there," I said, remembering what had happened to them, and their faces during that time.

He stood there, silent and distraught for a time, clutching the necklace tightly in his hand as he seemed to have shed a tear.

The man moved forward and embraced me tightly, speaking with a trembling voice, "Then that must mean that you're little Zach. Look at you, all grown up. After all these years, I get to see you know. I know you don't remember me, but I used to visit you when you were still a baby. You could even call me your uncle. But now that my duty has been requested here and there, I had no time to see you grow," he parted, looking at me once more, but with tears in his eyes.

"I know this is insensitive, but please, tell me, how did they die?" he looked and asked me sternly.

"We were attacked by a revenant. I barely got out with my life. But Mom and Dad weren't that lucky. Though he didn't have that much in him, Dad fought the thing. I-I couldn't save them!" I fell to my knees, finally letting my pent-up feelings go. I thought that I had lamented enough before leaving our home, but it turns out that I just hadn't accepted them being gone yet.

"Don't worry, Zach. You're here now, and you're safe. I'll make sure of that. I am your father's closest friend, and someone that you can rely on. You can trust me. But first, let's get something to eat. I know that it's all too hard for you to bear, but in time, you will find the resolve to continue," he left first, leading the way.

After eating, he led me to what seemed to be his office, a place filled with books and papers stacked on papers. The room itself was cluttered and had gathered weeks’ worth of dust from what I see.

"Take a seat somewhere. It seems that Louise wasn't lying about leaving me with some paperwork to do. But before all that, I want to tell you something important. I know why your father told you to be here. I will tell you since it is a matter of grave importance."

"Your father had told me everything when you were still a baby. Only him, your mother, and I knew of the truth that is your lineage. The necklace being brought here was a sign that we agreed on. But it was under better circumstances than this. Nevertheless, I shall tell you since I feel that this is the right time for it. I remember it one night when I came to visit your father and mother. A peaceful night that was disturbed by the arrival of a fully cloaked figure that introduced himself as your real father. He gave a 'gift' as he said. A baby wrapped in a cloth on a basket, sleeping soundly. The only thing that he told us was that you were the last boon of the Creator. The last of the Thalise."

"So you knew of my true parents?"

"Yes. Though we never got to ask them anything else. Their disappearance is the biggest mystery of all. Now the burden falls to you."

"With the way you place it, I don't think I have much of an apetite anymore. I still can't seem to absorb it, the fact that I am what I truly am. To have lived my life not knowing of this predicament, and to have it suddenly spring on me. Haa, it's the worst feeling, and I can't even begin to explain it." I exhaled with a bated breath, looking at the ceiling with deep thoughts.

"But, your fate will be determined by what path you choose. You can choose not to become the savior of the human race and instead live your life as you please. That is what your father and mother wanted for you in the first place, to live a peaceful life, away from demons. But that night was the last we saw of the cloaked man. He was a Thalisean, no doubt, but he said that they were dying. The last of the race finally vanished then. But then you remained. The final hope for everyone."

"So everything's true then? What should I do now? What am I supposed to be?"

"That is up to you. Like your parents, I will not force you to become just that. I know that it's your race's obligation to defeat the demons when they are at their strongest, but I cannot force a child to do something like that. I will let you choose, rather, choose how things turn out yourself. I will keep this a secret, and you should as well."

"Why? I thought that the knowledge of an existing Thalisean would give hope to the people?"

"Without a doubt that is true. But in this age, even humans are somewhat similar to demons. Some are corrupt, and would even use their powers and status to use you. There are dangerous people out there, more than you could think of. And with the way you are now, there's nothing you will be able to do if they sought you out. And maybe even I will stand powerless against them. Though everyone is praying for a free world without demons, there are those that prey on war and strife. This world is not without them. Then that brings me to the demons. You see, once they find out that there is a Thalisean still living in this world, they will not stop until you are dead. They have the means to do so easily, even at night when you're most vulnerable. So, keep your silence until you are prepared to face them all. For now, you need to become stronger."

I began thinking hard. I have just been given two choices, those of which I can choose freely. The first time I met a demon was in the forest, and sure enough I could have died if I had not heard my father's voice during that time. I was completely terrified, unable to do anything. I would shudder even at the thought of meeting one again...

But what they did to them was unforgivable. They took their lives. That's more than enough motivation to fight them. People have been suffering because of their disappearance, but now I'm here, and I can do something to change all that. The same thing with Fiona and her husband. The sorrow that they felt from losing someone dear to them, it can all be changed by me.

I faced him with a bit of determination on my part, forcing myself to say my choice.

"I... I want to defeat the demons. I want to protect and save those people so that they won't lose someone dear to them, or even worse, themselves. I don't want to repeat what happened to my parents. I know the pain, and I've felt it, even going as far as lamenting it until now. I don't want anyone else to feel that pain anymore... It hurts so bad that I can't explain it to myself. So please, help me! I want to help people, but I don't know how. I don't even know how to believe my existence as a Thalisean."

"Is that what you've decided for yourself? Do you need more time to think, Zachary? It's your life to live. Thalisean or not, you have a choice to make for yourself. Allowing yourself to be swept by others will make your existence meaningless. So, I shall ask once more. Is that your final decision?" He raised his voice a bit, making me tremble at the power behind it.

"Yes! I'm sure of it. Though I'll doubt myself down the road, I've made my mind up. There's no debate about it, even. Thalisean or not, I'll do it. I'll be sure to keep my word. So, will you help me?"

"Of course. How can I deny you that when you've got a strong conviction? I will train you. Your journey towards the top will be perilous and filled with thorns. So, I hope that you'll be ready for I shall be especially strict with you, now that you've taken the task up. Taking your word back will only be a disgrace for me. I have pride in you, so show me how far you'll get! You have to call me Sir Hark, as per regulations."

"I understand. I'll do my best then. But, what exactly do I do first?"

"Hmm, I have just the thing. Follow me," he stood up, making a face that I am unable to read.

"What has your father taught you? I assume that he taught the basics of self-defense, correct?"

"I guess you could say he taught me a more fundamental type of self-defense. He taught me how to fight using a wooden sword at first. Then we moved on to using the real deal, and that's when he handed me his sword, the one I left in the guest room back at the mansion."

"I see. We shall test that out as well, so there is no need for worry. I have a mission that is due in a few days, so we will use that time to train you. I will have you join me that day, so your first trial will be there. Train hard, you'll need it."

He led me to a barracks near the mansion where dozens of well-armed soldiers stood with their mounts. Some were training and some were resting. Each one of them looked experienced and skilled when they held their own weapons and used them against each other.

They all turned to him once he entered their sights, giving him an orderly salute, stopping at whatever they were doing at the time.

"Ease up and continue your training!" he said in a loud, commanding voice, one which the soldiers followed without question.

"Have you ever ridden a horse before?" he asked me.

"No. I've only ever heard of horses. I've only seen one yesterday, and that one was pulling a carriage."

"I see. Well then, that's where we'll start. Like I have said, I have something planned in three days, so within those three days I want you to learn the basics of nearly everything a knight, or a soldier has to know in that span. Day one is riding a horse. Think about nothing else other than that, otherwise it'll get in the way of your training. And don't worry about progress and all that. Just take in as much information as you can and learn from it. There will be no resting within these three days except for sleeping and meals," he came to a stop and called to a man who was scrubbing a horse with a brush.

"What can I do for you today, Sir Hark?" the man came over running, not sparing any second.

"Ah, Neville. Punctual as always, very good. I want you to give me two horses. It doesn't matter which one since I'm training him. This is Zachary, Zachary, meet Neville. He's the stable master for my barracks here."

"Nice to meet you," he held his hand out to me, and I shook it. He was a rather short young man with dark hair and a tanned complexion, wearing casual white and brown clothes. He then left for the stables without delay, emerging from there with two horses, both identical in height and size, but one is brown, and the other white.

"Here they are, Noel and Ezra, twins from the same horse. They're bred pretty well, so they can get very energetic and restless if not occupied, so be careful with them," he left, giving us the reigns, handing me the brown horse named Noel.

"Well then, let's start training. Don't overthink and say that learning a mountain worth of tasks are difficult and almost impossible. The first step is always the most important one. Second is the willingness and conviction. Now, let's see how you can do these," Sir Hark said, easily mounting his horse, running circles around me as the horse followed obediently.

Meanwhile mine sneezed on me and would gallop a few paces away from me whenever I would try to mount it...

Even when half a day passed I had a great difficulty in controlling my mount. It took hours until I was able to take the reins properly, but steering him somewhere was another thing entirely.

There would be an occasional laughter coming from the soldiers watching us from the side, but I paid it no mind, trying my best to stay focused and continue the task. though it was taxing, even an inch of concentration lost would derail me completely.

"Don't strain your body too much. Keep it loose and relaxed, then flow with the horse. Hold the reins tightly, but don't tug on it too much since it'll bring him to a complete stop," he gave off many commands, those of which I struggled to keep up with. Though he told me to take in as much information as I could, getting used to something like this was another world entirely.

Then came the second day, a melee practice with weapons.

"I will gauge your skill for today, then I will determine how things go from here. Ready?" he asked, raring to go. He wore a casual top and a brown, loose legging, wielding a wooden longsword, the same with mine. His stature was intimidating as he was a bit taller than I was, but his build was burly enough that it made me think he would just shrug off my attacks without batting an eyelash.

"Well, then I shall go first!" he said, not waiting for my reply. He came in directly for an overhead slash, bringing it down quickly at a speed that I hadn't anticipated.

I tried to block with my sword on impulse, bringing it above my head without much strength. His hit was almost enough to knock my weapon from my hand, but I gripped it tightly just in time, backing away as I came to.

"It looked like you didn't anticipate my attack. That's very reckless. A demon would tear you to shred in seconds if you space out like that. Again!" he announced, taking another stance then rushing at the same speed.

We repeated this time after time, and with each time I was unable to match his speed, nor was I able to exchange blow with him. His skill was topnotch, not something that I would be able to obtain with such few days of training. Even at my best I could not best him, and the best I could do was lock blades for seconds, but that was because he was resting.

As half of the day passed, my hand was blistered, and my stamina was completely depleted. My entire body was sore, nothing I've ever felt while I trained with Dad. My heart raced fast, and every inch of my body throbbed in exhaustion.

"Rest for a few minutes, then be prepared to start again. I've selected a few soldiers that you may be able to land a few hits on, but don't be convinced that they're easy. I've trained these men myself, so underestimating them would get you a harsh beating. Unlike me, they don't know when to hold back. Some of them are still young," he walked in front of a few soldiers who wielded wooden longswords, looking as old as I was, only a hand few looking more adult-like.

Those few minutes passed like seconds, then came the time of reckoning once more. I had forced my trembling legs to stand, and my blistered and throbbing hand to hold my weapon.

"The name's Ruziel. I don't know who you are, but let's do our best, alright?" my opponent, a short, blonde-haired young man smiled, full of enthusiasm, something that I lacked as of now.

"Zachary. The same to you as well," I said.

We began at the behest of Sir Hark. Ruziel made a stance, holding his weapon a bit overhead with two hands, waiting for me with his sharp looking eyes.

I took a breath in, then exhaled, moving along with it, mustering up as much energy as I could to rush him, knowing that he has something in store for me.

But before I could close in on him further, he rushed as well, taking less time to close the distance between us, cutting my momentum in half as I prepared to slash downwards at him.

He blocked my attack, leaving me open as he used the chance to spin and strike my chest with his elbow, knowing the air out of me as a strong force was placed behind it. And with that I was knocked to the ground, his weapon pointed at my throat.

"Sorry about that. I can't really hold back since it wasn't taught to us. For as long as we’ve been here as soldiers, all we've ever fought were demons," he said, reaching out to me with the same bright smile.

I reached out and took it, dusting myself off. "It's alright. It was a mistake on my part," I said begrudgingly cursing myself for my failure.

"Don't waste time! Next!" Sir Hark announced, resuming the training without a need for rest, already placing another soldier before me.

This continued on until the moon was up above the cloudless sky. I was already past my limits, and it was a surprise in itself that I still stood. Completely out of breath and on the brink, I had managed to get through the day without giving in.

"Good work, everyone! You can all rest now. Remember, the day after tomorrow is when we begin, so don't slack off now!" Sir Hark yelled out at them, dispersing the soldiers with haste. I remained there, unable to move my legs. My mind was hazy, and breathing was the only thing I could do now.

"You've done your best. Though the results were not that much, I hope that you were able to keep, or at least try. Now rest, I'll carry you back to your room. Tomorrow will be even more strenuous, so don't think you're out of the woods yet," he said as I my legs gave up, and I collapsed on the cold ground, falling asleep immediately.

... Hello once again. It is I... Oh, I don't I remember my name. Do you? Hmm, sorry, my friend here is always so silent and stalwart. Remember me from that one other dream? Yes, that's me. Listen closely. Now that you know who you are, this'll be a bit easier to explain. I'm no delusion that you have. More like I'm someone from somewhere far away that talks to you in your sleep. Creepy, isn't it?

... Oh, can't get sidetracked now. So, where was I. Now you know your task, and you've chosen what you are to become. I'm proud of you for making that step. No, the next thing you'll have to worry about is being a little wussy and backing away from it. You'll forget all about me when you wake up, sadly, so I guess saying a few things won't hurt.

... You're the last of our race, and we're just disembodied voices of those that are already dead. Kind of like souls still wandering here and there, nothing too special. Our grip here in this world to you is getting weaker and weaker. Soon I won't even be able to keep tabs on you anymore, sad, right? I know. But for now, while you're still growing, we'll be here, continuing to look over you. Shame that you won't remember this. But, till next time.

And so, the final day of training came. Though I collapsed after that night of training, I've motivated myself enough for the cause of all this. I felt ready, both mind and body. It's wishful thinking, but I can make this work, somehow. I'll just have to put a bit more into it.

"For now it's just you and me. I want to test something. You know now what you are, and so do I, so I want you to try and use your mark against me. It is said that a Thalisean's mark manifests itself by the will of its user, and in many different ways, depending on where it is, and what the mark looks like. If you're going to go against demons, then you will need to have your primary arsenal with you. Why not making it manifest?"

I looked at the back of my right hand, remembering that one time when I used it without me knowing. Yes, I could remember what it looked like clearly. That bright light was etched into my mind. A crown where two swords crossed behind it. But how exactly do I manifest it?

It was a calm sunrise, and birds chirped as they flew by. It was silent. The entirety of the barracks was closed off, and the soldiers that was here yesterday have been given orders to the scout around the area with their full manpower to ensure that everything goes well for tomorrow. That left Sir Hark and I here to train by ourselves.

I clenched my hand, thinking hard of the mark and what it looked like. The feeling that came over me when it surfaced, the sensation of its aura the way my body felt light as a feather... "Haa, Haa," I caught up my on breathing. "I can't. I don't think I can do it," I said, panting, having used my concentration for nothing.

"That's odd. I remember reading in a book that it manifests depending on the user's will, and sometimes due to other unexplained circumstances. Well, I will try and make it resurface through danger. Listen closely, Zachary. Take this seriously from now on. I will do the same as well," he stood tall, speaking defiantly, his demeanor shifting to something that unnerved me.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"If you want to progress, then I shall have to take drastic means to accomplish a task. Therefore, I shall try to kill you, but not with everything I have. I will hold back to a degree, but if you don't take it seriously, you might just die even if I hold back," he said without batting an eyelash, as if it was the most common announcement he had ever made.

I only shuddered at it. His face said that he was not joking around. He had the intent to kill around him, and that made it harder to swallow the fact that my life was in danger now. But instead of being terrified, there's no way I'm turning back now, especially since I've gotten this far. If I let my resolve waver, then everything I said is meaningless!

"I understand. I'll accept," and with those few words I have sealed my fate. The only way out of this now is through my own determination and skill. Two days of training is indeed short, but only making reasons won't help.

I took a stance, unsheathing and holding my father's sword tightly with two hands. Sir Hark had told me earlier that we would be using blades, so this is my best bet for that.

I chose to wear a few leather arms to at least feel a bit safer, while Sir Hark on the other hand chose not to wear anything other than his casual clothes, only wielding a basic longsword which gleamed bright, sharpened nicely.

"Then let's begin, shall we? The luxury of time doesn't exist anymore!" he said, rushing with a powerful burst of speed, and within seconds already slashing down at me.

I was barely able to counter, jumping back as far as I could to separate us from each other.

But his relentless attacks and slashes made that near impossible.

I felt a powerful ringing noise in my ears and a painful vibration on my hands every time our blades clashed, but I could clearly see it. If I let up for even a once and allow him to break my defense, I'm dead. Each one of his attacks were lethal and the durability of my father's sword was the only saving grace I had in the battle.

He didn't speak at all, and it seemed like killing me was the only thing in his mind. He may have even disregarded me as someone that he knows.

Fine! If it's going to be like this, then it wouldn't hurt if I didn't worry about him getting hurt. Don't think I didn't learn anything these past two days!

His eyes turned serious and his stance was better than earlier, more a bit more refined.

He backed away and stared at his opponent who was ready again for another assault, only taken aback as he saw the awakened resolve of the one he had been teaching.

"Finally getting serious, are we?" he murmured to himself, smiling as he attacked once more.

Zach met him in the middle, clashing with him more times than he could count. Sparks flashed and chunks of metal flew everywhere. Though he had less experience than the distinguished knight that he was fighting against, he moved using his fear as a weapon. His body moved with the fear of getting hit, and it benefitted him so.

He was able to block most of the hits that were being brought to him, but as it went on, the exhaustion was apparent. He was not used to fighting like this, so he was starting to get worn out.

Hark started pressing the attack even more, delivering almost lethal hits as Zach was able to dodge or parry his attack with his sword. The knight moved and weaved around him to try and find an opening, exploiting the novice's inexperience, often finding himself in a bind because of this.

Zach fell to the ground, unable to withstand the brunt force of one of Hark's slashes, and with that he tried to end it, going in for a thrust of his sword pointed directly between his eyes.

But before it could pierce Zach, Hark stopped his blade, inches away from him. "I guess that's that," he said, sheathing his sword and extending his hand out to Zach, who willingly took it, fazed by his stunning defeat.

"Well, you still have a lot to learn, but it wasn't that bad. It's not good either, but that's just how things go around here. If you lack the strength, then go find it. The demons won't say 'we'll wait for you' just like that. They won't even consider it. This isn't an easy path. It's more than any of us normal humans can ever dream of walking. That's why my hopes are pinned on you."

"I know. And I haven't given up yet. I don't need any more convincing about what I should do. It's frustrating that I can't help people when I need to, but now I have the means to do it. So, I won't give up. Not until I avenge my parent's deaths. not just them, but everyone else too."

"That's the spirit. Now if you're that riled up, that means you can go for another round?"

"Bring it!"

"Good. And I thought you'd be complaining by the third day. Glad to see that your father didn't raise you spoiled."