Roman looked at the setting sun, his voice calm but resolute. "The ruins will open in another hour."
"Then you can show me," Leon replied, stepping closer.
Roman nodded. Leon’s tone turned more serious as he added, "Alright then, after this, be my partner."
Roman studied Leon carefully, his gaze unwavering. "I will be your knight not just a partner, after swearing the Oath of a Knight."
Leon froze for a moment, understanding the gravity of what Roman was saying. The Oath of a Knight was not just a pledge; it was a sacred and binding contract. Once sworn, the knight became their master’s sword and shield—a tool for both protection and destruction. The knight’s autonomy would be forfeit, and they would live only to serve the one to whom they pledged allegiance. No matter what kind of master they are, whether a saint or monster they will serve them blindly going as far as mass murdering innocents if what their master desires.
"You don’t have to go that far," Leon said, his brows furrowed as he looked at Roman.
Roman’s gaze darkened, his voice filled with sorrow and determination. "You don’t know how it feels," he said softly. "To see a pure soul, someone you love, tortured for millions of years. To be powerless to do anything except kill her fast enough to end her suffering."
Leon stood silently, sensing the weight of Roman’s pain.
"You’ve given me hope after so many years," Roman continued. "This is the least I can do to repay you."
Leon sighed, nodding in understanding but firm in his stance. "Fine, but let’s be clear. I don’t want perfect and absolute obedience. I said I need a partner, not a slave."
Roman raised an eyebrow. "Why does it matter, Knight or Partner? You are getting my allegiance"
"Yes, of course it matters" Leon said firmly. "A partner is someone who helps guide the path forward, not a servant. Listen to my instructions when it’s critical, but you will retain your will. I need someone who can think and act on their own, not just follow blindly."
Roman’s gaze softened slightly, his respect for Leon growing. "Alright," he said after a moment of reflection. "I will pledge myself as a partner, not a puppet. "
"Good," Leon nodded.
Since there was still an hour before the ruins reconstructed into a dungeon, the group decided to wait. While they rested, they began talking, getting to know each other better.
"So, you were a commoner your lady found on the streets? Thanks to you, at the time, beating up a bunch of adults?" Roselia asked, her curiosity evident.
Roman nodded, a faint smile on his face. "I was a good fighter from a young age," he shrugged. "Maybe she saw potential in me. She took me in and brought me to her noble estate, where she helped me join the knights in training."
Roselia leaned in slightly, intrigued. "And how was that for you?"
"I was happy," Roman said, his tone softening as he reminisced. "It wasn’t just a way out for me but for other street kids too. I dedicated myself more and more to her."
He paused, staring off into the distance as if reliving those days. "Day and night, when other knights rested, I swung my sword, training nonstop. That dedication led me to reach the entry level of a knight by the age of 10."
Roselia’s eyes widened. "That young?!"
Roman chuckled lightly. "The lord, my lady’s father, recognized my talent. My lady claimed me as her knight—her personal knight. That was the first time I heard of the Oath of a Knight. I swore it to her then."
Leon, listening intently, asked, "And how was life after that?"
Roman’s expression darkened slightly, but there was pride in his voice. "It was going well. I continued my training as a knight while serving her during the day. Minimal breaks, enough to maintain my strength but not waste time."
He added, "It was relentless, but I never minded. Every moment spent improving myself was worth it if it meant I could protect her better."
Roselia smiled softly. "You’re more than just a knight, Roman. You’re loyal to the core."
Roman nodded, his determination evident. "For her, I’d do anything. Even now."
Leon glanced at Roman, his thoughts clouded with uncertainty. He wondered how Roman would react if he knew the truth—the real truth. Experience new stories on freewebnovel
’He would break,’ Leon thought grimly. Deciding against revealing anything, he clenched his fists silently.
’Sometimes, a secret should remain a secret.’
The hour passed quickly as the ruins began to shift. The broken remnants of the ancient structure moved, piece by piece, until they reconstructed into a magnificent castle atop the mountain. The sunlight reflected off its pristine stone, creating a breathtaking sight.
It was as if beauty had taken form in this once-desolate place.
" it was the Palace of my lady, she had it build here, watching the sunset and Dawn everyday, standing at that Balcony" Rowan said reminiscing the past as they nodded.
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[The Dungeon of the Banshee Queen has been rebuilt.]
[Challengers may now enter and face the Banshee Queen for the reward.]
[Difficulty Level: SSS.]
Leon nodded thoughtfully. Due to Roman’s actions in the past, the Banshee Queen’s dungeon was always destroyed before it could be discovered. Roman had always killed the Banshee Queen, allowing it to remain untouched until now.
Many adventurers had mistaken the SSS difficulty tied to Roman though they were not exactly wrong, but the true SSS-level challenge had always been this dungeon.
"Just go and free her," Leon said calmly, his voice carrying a supportive undertone.
Roman nodded, his determination unwavering.
The trio entered the dungeon, stepping into a magnificent yet eerie hall. The air inside was thick with a haunting presence, and the architecture was both mesmerizing and unsettling. Gothic designs covered the walls, with massive chandeliers made of glowing crystals illuminating the area in a dim, otherworldly light.
Leon glanced at Roman, who was leading the way. Roselia walked beside Leon, her eyes scanning every corner cautiously.
"This place," Roman began, his voice low and grim, "It’s just like I remember... except worse."