?In the heart of the Heavenly Star Kingdom, the streets were pulsing with extraordinary life. Massive crowds filled every corner, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of magical lanterns during the Grand Festival—a celebration held only once every four years. The aroma of grilled meats and spiced street food filled the air, while magical lights bathed the plazas in a festive glow, masking the growing shadows at the borders of the world.

  ?In a famous restaurant known for its apple pies, the crowd was dense. Laughter and music echoed through the wooden halls, but at a single outside table sat a mysterious figure in a black cloak that concealed his features. This man was Nico Sigmund.

  ?Nico stared at a slice of pie in front of him. He had always found a strange interest in human food and the experience of new flavors; usually, a quiet satisfaction would show in his demeanor during such moments. But today, his face was pale, and his eyes were hollow with a deep, lingering sadness. He could not erase the horrific image of the Crimson Elves' massacre—the innocents he had vowed to protect, who had only just begun to taste life and freedom before it was stolen by Jakar.

  ?Nico tried to take a second bite, but a weight in his chest stopped him. He quietly placed the pie back on the plate. At that moment, the noisy celebration around him seemed to fade as a familiar voice broke the silence of his thoughts:

  ?"It seems your appetite has vanished... hasn't it?"

  ?Nico replied slowly, without turning around, his tone heavy with despair. "It doesn't matter. It might return later. That is life; if you don't eat today, you will eat tomorrow. What do you want from me, General Akaria?"

  ?Akaria Valerius stood behind him, wearing a white cloak to hide her military armor and identity from the public. She spoke with a faint, enigmatic smile. "Your observation skills never fail, Nico. I see that your spirit is not at peace."

  ?"And how could it be, after everything I've seen?" Nico replied bitterly.

  ?Regret touched Akaria's face as she sat in the chair opposite him. "I understand. It seems those Elves who perished were under your personal protection, and you feel the weight of not arriving in time."

  ?Nico looked at her with suppressed surprise. "I don't know how you know all these details, but you are right. I couldn't reach them in time. In short, why are you here, General? You didn't come all this way just to ask about my feelings."

  ?Akaria smiled thinly and took a serious tone. "You truly have sharp insight. First, I apologize for what happened to the Elves. My unit arrived late because of the distance from the kingdom's center; the news simply reached us too late to intervene. But I promise you, whoever did this will pay the price."

  ?She paused for a moment before continuing, "As for my request, I have come to officially invite you to join the Black Spear unit. Join us, Nico, and I will give you what you desire."

  ?Nico looked at her without moving his head, asking coldly, "And what exactly can General Akaria offer me?"

  ?Akaria replied confidently, "Everything you seek. Once you join, we will use our intelligence network to help you track the one responsible. We will find the one who did this. What do you think?"

  ?A cynical smile touched Nico's lips. "Do you think revenge is the ultimate solution? Other criminals and slashers will only rise to commit worse acts. Those lunatics have broken minds... but that doesn't matter now. I will join you, but on certain conditions. If you agree, I will be on your team. If you refuse, then find someone else. I know you are preparing to face the unknown entity in the 'Demon Rift Empire.' What do you choose?"

  ?Akaria's eyes gleamed with interest. "I'm listening, Nico. What are your conditions?"

  ?Nico stated his terms, his voice cold and firm:

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  "First: Do not interfere in my private affairs, and do not burden me with too many questions. Second: Any important information that reaches you must be shared with me immediately. Third: I will continue to support my alliance, the 'Red Scythe', and I will never abandon them. What is your decision?"

  ?Akaria closed her eyes for a few seconds to weigh the offer, then sighed. "Your conditions are difficult, even a bit unfair... but I agree. In the end, we need your strength."

  ?Nico smiled with cold satisfaction. "Well done, General. And to put your mind at ease—I know you are digging into my past. The truth is, I found myself in a vast desert months ago, and I remember nothing of what came before. I am learning about this world step by step. As for whether I am evil or not, that depends on how others treat me. In the end, I am a man who prefers peace."

  ?Akaria's features relaxed slightly. "Thank you for your honesty, Nico. It makes me trust you more. Now, we must head to headquarters."

  ?Nico replied stoically, "Not now. I have a few things to finish first. I will join you late at night."

  ?Akaria agreed as she stood up. "As you wish. I will wait for you at the end of the walls."

  ?The Fallen Scythe

  ?At the main office of the Red Scythe Alliance headquarters, the deputy leader, Athena Seraph, was buried under a pile of digital reports and official forms. Fatigue was etched onto her face; managing the alliance in the absence of its leader was a crushing burden.

  ?A soft knock at the door broke the silence. A courier entered and handed her an official document stamped by the Adventurers' Guild. As soon as Athena opened it, she felt a heavy weight in her chest—the alliance's rank had dropped to 5th place. She placed the document on the desk, hiding her face in her hands as she struggled to hold back tears of despair.

  ?Suddenly, there was another knock. Athena quickly wiped her eyes and regained her composure. "Come in."

  ?Sevia entered, her voice uncharacteristically low. "Excuse me, Lady Athena... there is someone outside asking to see you personally."

  ?Athena sighed wearily. "Who is it? If they want to hire us for a mission, tell them to come back tomorrow. We have no time."

  ?Sevia replied, "He isn't asking for a mission. He wants to see you personally."

  ?Athena muttered with suppressed frustration, "Curse it... fine, Sevia, let him in."

  ?A figure in a long black cloak entered and bowed respectfully. "Hello, Lady Athena."

  ?Athena looked at him sternly. "Who are you? I have no time for riddles. Identify yourself or leave at once."

  ?The person asked calmly, "May I sit first?"

  ?Athena signaled her approval, and as he sat down, he pulled back the hood of his cloak to reveal his face. Athena stared at him as a confident smile spread across his features.

  ?"You are quite a serious person, Athena... is this how you welcome your master and leader?"

  ?Athena froze, her eyes widening in shock. She covered her mouth as tears of joy flowed uncontrollably. "Lord Nico?! Is it truly you? Have you returned to us?"

  ?Nico smiled. "Yes, Athena, I have returned."

  ?Athena leaped from her seat and threw her arms around him, sobbing. "We have missed you so much, Lord Nico!"

  ?Hearing the crying, Sevia rushed into the room, only to find Athena hugging the stranger. When Nico revealed his identity, Sevia couldn't believe her eyes; she, too, rushed toward him, tears streaming down her face in an emotional reunion.

  ?After an absence of 8 months, many had lost hope in the return of Nico Sigmund—the man who had founded the alliance and led them to the top. They all sat down, their faces glowing with relief.

  ?Athena asked in awe, "But Lord Nico... your appearance has changed completely! You look human and charismatic now. Where did that black form and those red lines go?"

  ?Sevia interrupted with playful jealousy, "What are you doing, Athena? Are you trying to flirt with my master? Back off!"

  ?Nico laughed shortly at their bickering. Athena then explained with regret how the alliance's status had declined in his absence and their failure to hold the top spot.

  ?Nico replied calmly, "I know you did your best, and that pleases me. Don't worry, I will return to support you once again."

  ?Athena asked anxiously, "Does this mean you are leaving us again?"

  ?Nico explained, "I am about to join the Black Spear unit. You both know things have changed; what happened to the 'Demon Rift Empire' is a warning. We must prepare. In these times, true value lies in individual strength. I will support you from the shadows until you reach the top spot again."

  ?Athena said seriously, "I understand, Lord Nico... we will prepare with everything we have."

  ?Nico stood up to leave. "Then we are done here. But Sevia, where is your brother, Noran? I haven't seen him."

  ?Sevia replied, "He is on an external mission, doing his best to live up to your expectations."

  ?Nico smiled. "Give him my regards and my thanks for all he does for the alliance. And I thank you both as well for maintaining the Red Scythe in my absence."

  ?Athena and Sevia bowed respectfully. "We wish you the best of luck with the Black Spear unit."

  ?Nico warned them before leaving, "One more thing... do not tell anyone about my joining the Black Spears."

  ?"Of course, Lord Nico, count on us."

  ?"Well done... I will see you later."

  ?

  [End of Chapter 27]