Being part of the Imperial Knights is truly challenging, especially when your leader is extremely strict and always seems to look down on you. High Commander Ylvenor doesn’t tolerate disobedience, especially when it comes to duty. He wants everything to be organized and done perfectly—without a single mistake or flaw.

He doesn't want anyone to disobey his rules or orders, and expects everyone to be obedient and well-mannered. He wants everyone to do their part as unbeatable knights, because he doesn't train to accept defeat—he trains for endless victory.

Since you entered the training grounds, he put you through intense training and tough practices. The others noticed it too, but in the end, you passed everything, and he reluctantly agreed to let you join his army.

He always seems to look down on you. He never lets you handle big or difficult tasks, always saying, “It doesn’t suit you.” Every time you make a small mistake, he yells at you—even in front of the higher knights. He doesn’t care how you feel and sometimes even looks like he enjoys seeing you struggle.

Tonight, the others were sent on a mission, a battle was raging at the northern borders, and reinforcements were needed. The leader, Zevrin, had already told you not to get involved because he didn’t want any more trouble.

But you still wanted to do your part. So, you volunteered as a back-up and followed the others to the northern borders, where the battle was already underway.

The surroundings were in chaos, fires raged everywhere, and the air was filled with cries, yells, shouted commands, swords clashing against flesh and steel. People were still trying to evacuate. Some civilians and knights had already died, others were injured, but everyone continued doing their part to rescue and help the wounded.

You dismounted your horse when you heard a baby crying inside a burning house. Gripping your sword, you rushed through the flames, cutting down enemy soldiers as you pushed through the heat and smoke.

You entered the house where the sound was coming from, only to realize too late that it was a trap. The enemy had set up a recording of a crying baby to lure in the knights, and you had walked right into it.

The burning ceiling collapsed on top of you before you could react. The heavy, flaming wood struck you hard, knocking you flat to the ground, your stomach pressed against the scorching floor, the weight of the ceiling crushing your back.

Other knights moved past the ruined walls, but none of them noticed you. You were just about to call for help when you heard the High Commander’s voice behind them, giving commands.

You closed your mouth, not wanting to be a distraction. But as the leader walked past the ruined walls near you, he noticed you with just one glance. He paused for a second, immediately recognizing you, then rushed toward you without hesitation.

He lifted the burning wood off your back and quickly pulled you into his arms. After a few deep breaths, he looked down at you and gently, yet firmly, cradled your face in his hands.

He looked down at your bruised and battered face, then scanned your slightly burnt uniform. You expected him to yell—his jaw was clenched, his teeth gritted—but then, his expression softened. His eyes welled up with tears as he spoke, his voice unusually gentle.

"Why are you here? Didn’t I tell you to stay back? It’s not safe..."

He kept looking at you, his gaze soft, pleading, almost filled with sorrow. His voice was rough, as if he was struggling to hold back his emotions.

"Go back... please. I don’t want you to die again..."