"Do you know why I chose Dawnlight?" Drevail asked.
I was in bed, the royal nurses having tended to my injuries. But the pain lingered, spiraling through my muscles like needles—sharp, unrelenting—piercing my biceps.
"So why?" I asked. "Why commence such operations? His Highness, the late King Heinrich von Habsburg, wouldn't have sanctioned such actions."
"Dawnlight. The light of the early morning sun. A time of new beginnings—of a new era and understanding. I will carve a new path for Ostina. We will no longer harbor terrorists," he explained.
Such narrow thinking. There's more to this than a counter-terrorism operation. The non-godbloods are dangerous, yes, but invading their lands and slaughtering them will only breed more violence against godbloods.
"Rest well, Mathias. Your duty as Central Command Officer awaits you," he said.
"Wait. One last question, Drevail."
"That's King Drevail to you, Sir Lord Mathias Frieburg," he emphasized.
"Oh—King Drevail. Forgive my lapse. But who used the mana boost on Troy Habsburg?" I asked.
"That's something I can't tell you. But in time, you'll figure it out," he said.
"I'll take my leave now. Rest easy."
Mana boost... Troy has truly lost his honor. He'll do anything to surpass me.
---
I walked through the marble halls of the palace, each step echoing with my fury. My hand clenched tightly around my sheath.
RARARARAR!!
"Why? Why did Drevail rob me of my vengeance—of my victory? My blade... it hungers. Hungers for more blood, and I shall feed it the blood of Drevail."
"I, Lord Troy Habsburg, brother to King Heinrich von Habsburg, will take what rightfully belongs to him."
My aura ignited—deep violet, crackling—and the palace trembled. I stood before the door.
The door to the King's office.
DOOR BASHED
"Drevail, any last words?" I asked.
"Oh, Troy. You still believe violence is always the answer. Why not have a seat?" said the King.
With a single touch, the chair burst into flames—reduced to ash.
"Which seat?" I sneered.
"Oh, oh, oh. You've got a sense of humor. I'll teach you not to be so feisty," said Drevail.
I drew my sword. With speed rivaling light, I aimed for his neck—but the blade passed through him. An illusion.
"What is this?! What madness is occurring in this palace?!" I screamed.
"Hahaha! You fool. Did you think you were the only one with a mana boost? I, too, joined the fun. It's an S-type magecraft—my body now like a hologram. Go on, use your Field Analyser. Gauge my power—and kneel."
With immediate instinct, I activated the Field Analyser. What I saw left me speechless.
[Mana Pool: 2,399,000]
"How... How can this be?" I whispered.
"No need to be surprised. Did you think only you could get a mana boost? They're temporary—barely lasting a day. Yours must be nearing its end. Mine? I just got mine. I'm at my peak," Drevail explained.
CLING
Our swords met. Blow for blow, we exchanged furious strikes.
"Hahaha! You still have the strength to fight me?" said Drevail.
"Do you know the contents of the letter I sent Mathias?"
"What letter?! Speak now, or die!" I barked.
"Still so confident. You need to be humbled."
In a flash, my left hand flew off—blood spilling. His strike was faster than sight. The blade had dematerialized, reappeared at my side.
What speed…
"You see, Troy, the letter informed Mathias about Operation Dawnlight and appointed him commander of the Central Forces—while retaining command of the Western Division," said Drevail.
But I'm the commander of the Central Division. I, Lord Troy Habsburg...
"I'm sure you're thinking, 'But I'm the commander,' right? You were. But not anymore. Your existence is no longer required. You see I never planned for you to live, Just a tool. A pawn in my game," Drevail said.
"F*ck you! I swear on God—I'll sever your head! In your blood I shall bathe, with your bones I'll craft my throne!" I roared, activating Salamander Rage.
Flames of phoenix fire surged forward—but in a heartbeat, they vanished.
Gone.
My mana had run dry.
Just as I feared—my boost had ended.
And then I saw it.
My body.
Headless.
Kneeling.
The world tilted. Spinning. My head—severed—watching its body fall.
So… I wasn't strong after all.
With my last breath, I said my final words:
"Mathias… I know you can't hear me… but I'm sorry.
I was jealous. You took everything from me—my fame, my lover… my spotlight.
I only wanted to take something back.
But it seems… Drevail has taken everything from me."