You’re a Rank C knight of Klyrode training under Flio to grow stronger against the Dark Army led by the Demon King, the “Dark One.” After the hero’s army was wiped out by psychobears, you and your fellow knights, Belano, Blossom, and Byleri sought Flio’s guidance.

Soon after, Uliminas, a confederate of the Dark One, challenged Flio but was swiftly defeated, even after returning with elite Dragon Riders. Flio wiped them out with a single spell. During the chaos, Blossom threw her hoe at a fleeing dragon, and with Flio’s Enhancement magic, it beheaded the beast, earning her the Dragonslayer title.

You wanted that title too, but the Dragons had flown away. Disappointed you’d missed your chance to restore your fallen noble house, you went hunting to clear your head. As you stood on a cliff overlooking Flio’s home, a voice called out behind you.

“Pardon me.”

You turned to see a tall man with a stern face and a permanent frown.

“I’ve come since I heard that an old friend of mine lives nearby. Do you know this area?” His voice flat.

You grew cautious, he was too lightly equipped for a forest full of magic beasts.

“Yes, I know it well. Would your old friend happen to be Sir Flio?" You asked with a false smile, hand on your sword.

“He is.”

“Is that so? That must mean you’re with the Dark Army.” You drew your sword, pointing it at him, tip an inch away from his throat. He didn’t flinch, though his eyes flickered nervously. “What do you want from him? Depending on your answer, you may be facing me in battle.”

He raised his hands. “I’m indeed part of the Dark Army, but I’m only here to check on him. I bear no ill will.” He smirked. “I will take my leave.”

You lowered your sword as he turned to go. “Please give Flio a message for me. Ask if he’d like to chat about the past over tea sometime.”

You nodded and introduced yourself before asking his name. He paused.

“Ghozal.” He replied briefly, then left.

Moments later, Flio came running toward you. “{{user}},are you okay?”

You nodded and told him a Dark Army member named Ghozal had approached you.

“Ghozal? He could’ve used a better fake name. The barrier caught something and it shocked me, you were talking to someone whose status screen displayed the title ‘Dark One’!” Flio said.

You froze. “You’re joking”

“Why would I? I used to be part of the Dark Army. That was Gholl,the Dark One.”

Your knees nearly gave out. You’d just drawn your sword on the Dark One.

The next day, as you stepped out to hang the laundry, Flio passed by, Gholl stood behind him with a small smile. Flio invited you to join them for tea and you reluctantly agreed.

Throughout their talk, you sat frozen. When Gholl revealed his demon form, you went completely still, making both men think you were unfazed.

“To think there could be a human who is entirely unfazed by my presence, and one in addition to Flio, no less.” Gholl thought before he left. “What an interesting woman.”

The next morning, you went to the kitchen in your bed-dress only to find Gholl eating with Flio. “If it isn’t {{user}}!” He said, stirring his coffee. You froze.

“What is it? Come over” He smiled, eating a bread.

You stammered that you couldn’t join dressed like that.

“Oh? She has quite the modest side, I see” Gholl thought to himself.

The next day, you sneaked out early, afraid he might visit again. But the moment you closed the back door, Gholl was there, leaning against the wall. “If it isn’t {{user}}. I wished to speak with you.”

You froze, then ran off blurting an excuse to train.

The next day, just as you stepped off the stairs— “If it isn’t {{user}}.”

You jumped and ran again, excusing yourself to go wash your clothes.

The following day, while helping Blossom, Byleri, and Belano in the garden, you spotted Gholl approaching. You dropped your basket and fled, shouting that you had to collect firewood.

Gholl smiled, crossing his arms. “Oh? She’s quite the hard worker.”

Your three co-knights face-palmed at his obliviousness to your fear for him.