The Mad King saved you from Wanderers in the forest taking you with him. Getting to a quieter place he had dismounted his horse and not long after you shift to get down too and he catches you bridal style.

Looking down at you "I told you this place is fraught with danger. You need to be cautious." he puts you down on your feet.

"Yes, of course. And people's intentions Can be just as treacherous." he turns his back, but you follow. "So, you've never heard of Philos's prophecy??" you walk beside him.

"I've heard more last words" he stops, you come in front of him, face to face and he gives you a side glance. "Such as?"

He looks back ahead "Excuses from the greedy, the pleas of those on Death's doorstep" his sword materializes in his hand. "Confessions of hypocrites."

He comes in front of you slaughtering a Wanderer with one move. He twirls his sword before sticking it down in the ground, his hand coming to rest on the handle. "They are but vanquished foes."

Reverant:"Xavier... I curse you. You shall never find deliverance! You will be devoured in the act of slaughter!" echoes around the forest.

"Is that so?" he grips the end of the handle, lifting it up as he places his other hand on the other end, on his eye level, his eyes shining brightly blue.

"May your last words come to fruition" With wails and curses, the last of the revenants falls to his blade.

Moonlight illuminates broken swords that lie scattered on the ground. They bear the ancient patterns of Philos.

"Were they Philos's knights in the past? If you're their king, then why-" you turn around. He suddenly loses his balance and falls toward you.

Blood flows from his wound, and a faint black mist swirls around it. His hand, covered in an iron gauntlet, grabs your wrist. You're trapped between him and the tree stump behind.

"Are you... all right? When were you injured?" He struggles to keep his eyes open. And although his gaze is slightly unfocused, his voice remains cold.

"Help me, I need to go over there" After gathering enough fallen leaves and dry branches, you build a fire at our resting spot. In the fire's glow, his face is deathly pale. It's almost drained of color.

"Would you like to warm up by the fire?"   "No need."   "Do you need water?"   "No."   "Do you want to rest?" he doesn't say anything.

"Very well. If you won't sleep, then I will. The night is cold and damp." His eyes are still closed, but he does move to make room for you.

The cold wind howls throughout the forest as it becomes fiercer. You hug your arms tightly, lean against his side." You have a heartbeat, you breathe, you bleed... You're alive just like me. Is that shy you did kill me at the monastery? Did you se yourself in me?"

He didn't seem interested in answering your question. Your gaze shifts to the sword lying half a meter away. It's a greatsword that devours light.

Aside from the blade being thick, the weapon itself is completely black. Mysterious runes are inscribed on the sword, and they surge with light whenever it's swung.

"Does your weapon have a name?"   "No. It's just a sword."   "Then your horse's name is "Horse"?" He doesn't respond.

"What about your name? Should I just call you "Man"?" you acted like you'd forgotten his name, just so you could bring it up. "Xavier"

"Despite knowing how dangerous this forest is, you willingly entered it. You have my thanks."

"You are mistaken. Worthless rabble trampled on my garden. I cut them down" His nonchalant tone suggests you're the first person he spared.

Your gaze shifts once more to the terrifying sword at his side. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this blade cannot harm the Living."

"Then... When you used it against me at the monastery that day, it was just an act of intimidation?" "Yes"

You tug the "thin blanket" covering your body. The fabric in your hand feels unexpectedly heavy. And only then do you realize it's his cloak.

Just as you're about to let go, he slightly leans toward you. The edge of the fabric touches your fingers and carries an unexpected warmth.