So they’re really after me?

Kroso’s eyebrows shot up the moment he clearly heard the shout from the middle-aged civilian hidden among the cavalry.

It was an unconscious habit—this eyebrow lift always surfaced when something unexpected happened.

In his mind, this squad of elite Imperial Legion cavalry, though skilled, would be laughable trying to capture him.

Even a high-ranking commander wouldn’t change that. His strength existed on a tier far beyond other generals—not arrogance, but a fact acknowledged by all senior officers of the Seventh Land Legion.

So why were they charging toward him with such murderous intent?

Kroso locked eyes on the unfamiliar commander at the front. Seeing the man’s eager, almost gleeful expression, he suspected bait—planted by a hidden traitor within the Seventh Land Legion to provoke him.

After all, the hunger to prove oneself after a sudden promotion could push even a former slacker into reckless effort. Facing such oblivious cannon fodder left Kroso in a tricky spot.

What to do?

Take the Archangel and flee?

As the cavalry drew nearer, confused villagers scrambled fearfully into their homes. A few kind souls even risked danger, sprinting and shouting warnings their way.

Kroso instantly abandoned the idea of slipping away. He wouldn’t let innocents suffer for his sake.

“Brother Kroso! Brother Kroso! Run! The Imperial bandits are here to grab you!”

A boy in ragged clothes sprinted toward them—fourteen or fifteen, slightly undernourished but full of spirit, moving with surprising speed. He barely made it before the cavalry arrived.

“Huff… huff…”

Gasping heavily at the door, unable to see the concealed Kroso outside, the boy’s face twisted with panic.

“Lena! Stop shouting—get behind me!”

As the cavalry closed in, Kroso materialized and gently pressed a hand on the boy’s shoulder.

“Ah! Brother Kroso! Why didn’t you escape with that young lady? The village’s been whispering you’re wanted! Some scoundrel must’ve reported you this morning—damn it! After all your generosity, how could anyone betray you like this!”

Startled by the touch, Lena paled—then lit up with relief upon recognizing Kroso.

“Why come here? Don’t you know it’s life-threatening?”

Watching Lena’s expression shift from joy to worry, Kroso sighed inwardly.

The Imperial Legion’s reputation in the borderlands was wretched—locals called them bandits, thanks to endless clashes with noble factions. That’s why Kroso had hidden here after learning he was wanted.

He’d expected betrayal for reward. But a villager like Lena—risking accomplice charges just to warn him? That genuinely surprised him.

This kid’s got guts.

“Because… they say Brother Kroso is a hero resisting the Empire! And if so… that young lady must be the Archangel—the pure, holy figure everyone in the Holy City worships! I… I must protect her with my life! Not even a trace of harm will reach her from those Imperial bandits!”

Lena’s answer came without hesitation. As he spoke of the Archangel, a flush of fervent devotion bloomed across his youthful face.

Kroso had seen this fearless resolve too many times to mistake it for pretense.

So it’s because of the Archangel…

Even in this remote borderland, a mere boy would risk everything for faith. Kroso felt a quiet warmth stir within him.

“Don’t worry, Lena. As long as Brother Kroso stands here, no one will harm the Archangel.”

He ruffled the boy’s messy hair, smiling genuinely.

“I’ll protect her too!”

Though Lena knew he was pathetically weak against those bandits, not a hint of fear touched his heart.

“Easy, little one. Wait until you can wear armor. Even the Archangel wouldn’t let you stand before her now. Leave them to me. Watch closely—if you truly wish to become a guardian knight.”

Kroso’s hand rested firmly on the boy’s shoulder, honoring the conviction without mockery.

Seeing that calm, confident smile on the tall man’s face, Lena’s eyes brightened.

He wasn’t afraid of the bandits—he just didn’t want the Archangel to worry.

Reluctantly, he stepped behind Kroso.

Go get them, Brother Kroso! I’ll watch every move!

Once Lena was settled, Kroso turned toward the charging cavalry.

No battle intended—just a demonstration of absolute power to force retreat.

Silently, he expanded his Innate Domain. The moment the lead commander stepped inside, void cutting would strip him of armor, clean and precise.

He’d used this tactic once before—in the imperial arena.

That day, tens of thousands of nobles fell into terrified silence, fearing the eerie white light slicing the void might leap toward them next.

This time, the cut would be even sharper. They’d feel primal fear clawing up from their souls.

Closer… closer!

Kroso met the commander’s smug grin with a faint, calm smile of his own.

Then—

Warhorses shrieked. White light erupted.

Every face in the square, save Kroso’s, drained of color.