"This idiot actually didn't come for revenge."

"And said all those weird things."

After Witt collapsed, Kaelxi's figure slowly emerged from the shadows.

She'd used "Stealth," but at her current Blackiron Rank, she could only stay invisible while standing still. Moving might make her visible instantly.

She'd heard every murmur Witt made before he fell.

"Though I don't know what happened..."

"...this guy's words actually moved me a bit."

"It's kinda embarrassing."

"Wonder how you escaped. Must've been whipped raw with saltwater-dipped lashes, huh?"

Kaelxi approached Witt with glee and schadenfreude, carefully examining the motionless boy.

Dawn had broken, a faint glow on the horizon. But the Sunblast remained unseen.

Cesecity had no Sunblast.

In the dim light, Kaelxi saw Witt clearly.

He was almost a bloody mess. Bone fragments pierced his forehead. His left eyelid was sunken, the eyeball gone. His left arm had no hand, twisted unnaturally—he'd broken it blocking John's first sword strike with his arm shield. Yet he'd used that broken arm to parry blow after blow. Sword wounds and flame burns covered his body. A large shard of broken blade was lodged in his shoulder.

Still, the boy with closed eyes wore a blissful smile.

Kaelxi froze as if struck by lightning. She covered her mouth, stifling a cry.

"Witt..."

Disbelief and crushing guilt flooded her.

She never expected her revenge would kill him!!

What horrors had the mine inflicted on him? What price had he paid to escape?

And she hadn't even opened the door for him.

He must have suffered more than she had in her past life.

He was only sixteen. His life had just begun. He'd dreamed of reviving his family.

The kingdom held no legend of him. No one remembered his name but Kaelxi.

Kind, strong, pure, and brave—he was a fairy-tale knight.

He'd trusted her so completely, only to die nameless and forgotten.

Silent, Kaelxi closed the door. She fetched a knife from the kitchen and returned to Witt's body.

"Witt, why smile?"

"Were you thinking of me at the end?"

"I'm such a bad person."

"Someone like me deserves this fate."

She slashed her finger. Blood, rich with life force, gushed out—crimson streaked with dazzling gold.

"But you shouldn't die like this."

Crouching, she placed her slender finger in Witt's mouth. The sweet, metallic blood flowed down his throat.

Kaelxi's innate skill was "Noble Bloodline." She didn't know its effects. Cesecity's library held scant details—just one vague line: "Perhaps the skill user's blood has excellent healing properties."

She had no choice but to try this last resort.

To her relief, Witt slowly regained his breath.

Then he instinctively began sucking.

For Kaelxi, the cut and bleeding were painful enough. But the suction made her nearly faint.

She almost pulled her finger away—but held back.

"B-bastard... almost... sucked dry..."

Kaelxi couldn't stay crouched. She leaned against Witt's relatively intact right arm, curling up like a kitten in its crook. Her consciousness faded.

They lay on the floor until a knock sounded.

Voices called from outside: "Kaelxi? Kaelxi?"

Kaelxi jolted awake. Oh no—she hadn't baked bread today!

The neighbors must think she was in trouble!

If they saw her like this with Witt, it'd be impossible to explain!

"I'm home!" she called out. "But I'm not feeling well. Can't open the door!"

Only after confirming she was fine did the neighbors leave.

Witt's mouth finally stopped. Kaelxi pulled her finger out.

Witt sensed movement. He slowly opened his eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling.

He raised his left hand—his palm was intact. His vision was blurry but clear enough.

Only his right arm felt numb, as if weighted down for hours.

He turned his head and met Kaelxi's worried gaze.

"Witt, how are you feeling?" Kaelxi asked timidly. She feared revenge after he survived.

He'd spoken kindly before collapsing—people often do on death's door.

But what if he sought vengeance now?

Even so, she'd wanted him alive.

Hearing her gentle voice, Witt studied the Elven girl in his arms. His body felt whole.

This was too perfect. Like heaven.

He understood now.

He hadn't survived. He was in heaven.

Kaelxi hadn't escaped either—she'd died horribly under the assassins' torture.

Rage boiled in Witt. How could those scum torment such a pitiful girl?

They deserved to die!

Even as a ghost, he'd hunt them down!

Seeing his anger, Kaelxi shrank back, eyes wide with fear.

*This is what I deserve,* she thought.

But no fists came. Only Witt's gentle embrace.

Seeing her terror, he thought she'd suffered inhuman torture before death.

"I'm sorry, Kaelxi," he whispered. "I broke my promise. I failed to protect you."

"I'm worthless."

"I don't deserve to meet you again in heaven."

Kaelxi hugged him tightly, whispering in his ear: "No, Witt."

"You're a true knight. You kept your promise."

"If you wish, you'll meet me in heaven."

"Besides... you're not in heaven."

"Welcome back to the living world."

Buchert Kingdom Trivia:

"Noble Bloodline": A rare innate ability among the Elven Kind. Its link to the Elven royal bloodline remains unclear. The blood possesses potent healing properties—even reviving the recently deceased. Long-term consumption extends life. Bones serve as alchemical materials; other organs have unique uses. Each year, the kingdom dispatches troops disguised as slave traders to capture Elves, seeking "Noble Bloodline" carriers for the Buchert royal family. Such Elves are often called "the King's Elixir of Life."