TKWTSSST CHAPTER 1

Prologue

The first time she pursued the creature, Yuliana felt disgust.
The traces of countless humans corrupted and devoured were enough to make anyone sick to their stomach.

But as time passed, Yuliana grew weary.
The constant chase, always just out of reach, turned disgust into rage.
And today, the day had finally come to put an end to that tiresome pursuit.

Her sword’s tip was sharply aimed at the Demon King’s first servant—the Herald of Corruption.

“Let’s finish this.”

On the beautifully extended blade, holy light burned.

The Sacred Sword, Ekion.

It was said to be a sword that chose its own master.
People assumed it would, of course, choose someone with deep faith in God.
Yet Yuliana was chosen.

If one were to ask why—the answer was simple: because she was strong.
Absurdly, the sacred sword had not chosen someone brimming with faith or divine power.
It had chosen someone capable of wielding it properly.

That was Yuliana.
Captain of the Holy Empire’s knight order, chosen as the Knight of Valor.
Yuliana von Gracias.

“How arrogant. Do you really think wielding a mere sacred sword makes you capable of defeating me, a servant of the Great Lord of Darkness?”

“Yeah.”

Yuliana flicked her sword’s tip carelessly.

At that, black flames flared from the Herald of Corruption’s hollow eye sockets.

“I’ll chew your flesh, offer your soul to Him, and turn you into an eternal slave!”

The Herald’s bony fingers formed a sigil, and ominous magic surged forth.

Yuliana didn’t wait for the spell to complete.
Her legs struck the ground, and the sacred sword Ekion naturally supported her with divine magic.
Her body reached the Herald’s front, even shedding its shadow.

“Want me to tell you why you’re going to die today?”

Yuliana’s aura poured into Ekion.
As divine power fused with aura, a dazzling radiance erupted.
The sacred sword sliced through the Herald’s powerful barrier like paper, carving a path.

Shock filled the Herald’s blackened eyes.

“W-What is this…?!”

The Sacred Sword Ekion pierced deep into his chest.

“It’s not just a sacred sword you’re facing. It’s the fact that it’s in my hand. That’s the difference you didn’t understand.”

“Impossible…”

The Herald’s dark energy flickered unsteadily.

“Stop struggling and die. I’m already way too annoyed.”

“Ghh…!”

Ekion released overwhelming divine power, tearing the Herald’s body apart.

“N-No… I can’t end like this…”

He grabbed the sword with both hands.
His skeletal fingers burned white, yet his gaze radiated malevolent will.

“Kuhuhu… I won’t go alone!”

An explosive wave of demonic energy burst from his body.
It was the Demon King’s authority, born from consuming his corrupted soul.

The dark energy condensed into a crimson sphere, merging with the Herald himself.

“He awaits. Come with me.”

The sphere bound Yuliana, expanding to engulf the world.
If she perished within it, her soul would be dragged into the Demon Realm.

Yuliana grit her teeth.

“You filthy pest, still clinging on?”

Her body blazed with dazzling radiance.

“Remember this clearly.”

The light became countless blades, piercing the crimson sphere from every angle.

“You died because you failed to recognize who I am.”

Paaaaaah—!

The swords of light surged like a radiant wave, overwhelming everything.
The crimson sphere was obliterated, and the light ascended, piercing the heavens.

“No!”

A man, watching from afar, screamed as he rushed toward her.

“Yuliana!”

His once-shining blond hair and robe, once pure white, were now stained with monster blood and dirt summoned by the Herald.
Yet his light-green eyes still retained their brilliance—though now filled with sorrow and regret.

He caught Yuliana in his arms.

“No, Yuliana… I can’t… I can’t let you go like this.”

“Astel… sorry…”

Her gentle hand brushed his tear-stained cheek.

“I… lost my temper and used too much power.”

Even now, she wore a mischievous smile.
But Astel could not smile.

She could not die here. He couldn’t let her go.

“No… I still have so much I owe you!”

Holding her tightly, he tore the pendant from his neck and pressed it against her chest.

Just once—
An ancient artifact capable of granting a new body to a dead soul.
The price was the wielder’s lifespan drastically shortened.
But he didn’t care.
As long as it could save her.

Flaaash!

The pendant shattered, light enveloping Yuliana’s body.

Moments later, a radiant golden sphere rose from her.

Astel’s eyes burned with determination as he gazed at it.

“I’ll find you. Wherever you are, whatever form you take, I’ll find you. So live. Until we meet again.”

As if hearing his words, the golden sphere circled in the air before flying away into the distance.

Clutching Yuliana’s lifeless body, Astel watched the receding sphere.

“I believe in you, Yuliana. No matter the form, you’ll rise again with unshakable strength.”

He brushed back his hair.
And between his fingers, golden strands turned stark white.