His senses were leaden.
It was as if he were no longer himself, watching a world that shifted and turned regardless of his will. Before he knew it, Ren was staring at his own back. He followed behind his other self at a fixed distance, like a shadow tethered to its master.
──── The village was burning.
Unlike the Ren he knew, this version of himself walked blankly along a dirt path between the fields, carrying only two Little Boars over his shoulders. The knights walking beside him were silent, choked by the sight before them.
"Mother...?"
Suddenly, that Ren cast the boars aside and sprinted. The knights dashed forward in unison, the group racing toward the Ashton manor. When they arrived, they found the house engulfed in a roaring inferno.
"No... it can't be..."
Ren’s knees buckled. Trembling, he tried to crawl toward the house, but he was stopped. A knight caught him in a desperate embrace, pinning his arms to his sides.
"You must not, Master Ren!"
"Let me go! Mother is────!"
"No! If you leap into those flames, you'll die as well!"
Ren continued to struggle, but his movements were feeble. The boy in the vision was so weak that Ren could hardly believe it was really him.
"I promised Father! At the very end, I promised I would protect her... so...!"
At the edge of his vision, Ren spotted something resembling a simple stone grave marker. It was something he had never seen before, and the sight of it sent a chilling shiver down his spine. Then, a sound cut through the air.
"Get back! Quickly!"
Amidst the rhythmic thunder of approaching hooves, a young girl’s voice rang out. As both Rens turned toward the sound, a brilliant, blinding light swallowed the world.
──── Immediately, the scene shifted.
Once again, he was watching himself from behind. The sky was painted in the hues of twilight. Standing on the plains at the edge of the village, the other Ren stood motionless before a long row of hemp sacks.
"Master Ren. Regarding Granny Rigu..."
"I know," Ren answered without turning, his shoulders shaking. "I’ve already prepared myself."
The knight bowed and walked away. In his place, Weiss appeared, his silver armor stained with soot and ash.
"────Boy."
Weiss pulled the dazed Ren into a fierce, firm embrace. Soon, the old knight’s cheeks were wet with tears. He held him for a long time, whispering apologies over and over.
"Forgive us. If only we had arrived sooner."
"It’s all right. It’s only because I was weak."
"But...!"
"No... it was the same with Father. The night he died, I should have found the courage to gather the Rondo Grass. If I had, he wouldn’t have died, and maybe I could have done something about the bandits today."
"That is not true! The fault lies with us!"
"Many of the knights fought until they lost limbs," Ren countered. "We only managed to slay the Thief Wolfen that Father drove off because of your help."
He insisted it wasn't their responsibility.
"Besides, you saved Mother. And you wiped out the bandits, Lord Weiss."
"No... I let one escape. I am so sorry. If only I had been faster."
"Please, stop. If you keep apologizing, Father will be angry with me when I see him."
Ren paused, then continued softly.
"The person from before... was the young lady, wasn't she? That was the first time I've seen her."
"Yes... The young lady was deeply pained by what happened during the winter. She came here as the Baron's representative because she was worried..."
"The Saintess is incredible, isn't she? To be able to drive back the flames like that."
"............Yes."
"She saved my mother. Knowing that, I couldn't possibly resent you, Lord Weiss."
Ren sat down, his strength spent. He hugged his knees, burying his face in his arms before the row of body bags. Silence fell over the plains. Ren had stopped thinking.
What was he supposed to do now? He couldn't live here anymore. Most of the houses were ash, and there was almost no food left. A cold, creeping anxiety about the future began to take root in his heart.
"May I sit with you?"
It was the girl’s voice—Lithia’s voice. Ren looked up. Her fingertips were wrapped in bandages, and her cheeks were marred by small scratches.
"I treated your mother's injuries as best I could. The other villagers, too... as many as I was able."
Disregarding her noble status, Lithia had thrown herself into the rescue effort, sustaining her own injuries in the process.
"Thank you. ────Um,"
"She won't wake up without further treatment. I’m going to escort all the survivors back to my town or to another village."
Lithia looked him in the eye. She suspected the bandits were agents of either the Hero Faction or the Imperial Faction, though there had been no warning of such an attack. Even so, both she and Weiss insisted on taking the blame. Lithia, in particular, swore she would do anything to make amends.
"I honestly don't know what to do," Ren whispered. "I don't have enough room in my heart to hate you. I'm too busy worrying about my mother and the others."
Lithia nodded, her expression heavy with grief.
"But Father used to say it... that because we are knights of House Clausel, we protect this village with our lives. That’s why... I can't think of anything else..."
Tears finally spilled from Ren’s eyes. He had held them back until that moment, but his resolve shattered all at once. Gently, Lithia pulled him toward her.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Was that... a dream?
Ren opened his eyes, his mind still hazy with sleep.
(Were those the 'game' versions of myself and the young lady?)
He felt as though he had glimpsed a timeline he didn't recognize. He couldn't understand why he would see such a thing now, but one thing was certain.
(Ren Ashton from Legend of the Seven Heroes didn't seem to be on bad terms with the Saintess at all.)
He had always assumed there was a reason the game-version of Ren took her life, but after seeing that vision, he suspected it wasn't out of malice. It felt more like an action driven by some tragic, specific necessity. Still, with no further information, there was no point in dwelling on it. He didn't even know if the dream was real.
He turned his attention back to his current reality.
(This smell...)
First, he noticed a musty odor mixed with the scent of pine. Then came an unpleasant swaying, accompanied by the groan of wood and the rhythmic clatter of hooves. Squinting in the dim light, he realized he was lying in a cramped space that looked like the back of an old wagon. His hands and feet were bound.
Where was he? Sunlight filtered through the cracks in the wooden walls, so it was daytime, but that was all he knew. Then, he heard ragged, pained breathing from beside him.
"Young lady...!"
He had no memory after being put to sleep by the Beastmaster. They were clearly being transported.
"Haa... haa..."
"Young lady, it's me! Ren Ashton!"
"Ugh... ah..."
Lithia didn't answer. She could do nothing but let out agonizing sighs, sweat dripping down her pale cheeks.
"Hoh, I'm surprised you're awake already."
A voice called out from the other side of the wall. It was the Beastmaster.
"You've had a long rest. Four days should be more than enough."
(Four days...?)
If he had been out that long, they were far from the village.
"Ren Ashton. If you stay quiet, you'll stay safe. Don't try anything clever and just endure this for a few more days."
"Answer me. Is the young lady going to be all right?"
"Of course. But would you even believe me if I said yes?"
"That's..."
"Rest easy. I don't make a habit of lying," the Beastmaster said with a chuckle. "I didn't plan for her to be this sick, though. If I find a village with medicine on the way, I'll see to it she gets some."
Lithia's condition wasn't naturally fatal, but with the threat of complications, it could easily turn deadly. As Weiss had feared, she was getting worse. In this damp, dark wagon, it was a miracle she was still breathing at all.
"I've been looking after both of you with Potions these last few days. You should be thanking me."
"You... you have some nerve...!"
"Haa... ugh..."
Beside him, Lithia’s breathing grew even more labored. He couldn't just sit here.
(I can't trust a word he says about medicine.)
He wasn't about to trust the man who had burned his home and killed the knights. He had to escape. If he didn't get Lithia out of here and find her real medicine, she was going to die. But Ren had never even left his village before. He had no idea where they were after four days of travel. He might escape only to die in the wilderness, but...
(I'm not leaving her behind.)
His own safety might be guaranteed if he stayed quiet, but he couldn't accept those terms. Even if saving her meant the game's plot was ruined, he knew he would regret it forever if he abandoned her now.
(The magic sword... it's gone.)
He had summoned it before losing consciousness, so the Beastmaster must have hidden it. Not that it mattered. He could just summon a new one. Since the previous one hadn't been destroyed, the mana cost to re-summon would be minimal.
He had a chance, but he had to wait. He would move tonight, once the Beastmaster was asleep.
(Escaping into the night in a place I don't know... I really am a fool.)
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The light eventually vanished from the cracks in the wood. Night had fallen. Ren felt the carriage come to a halt.
"Just curious—what would you have done if I’d screamed for help?"
"It would have been a waste of breath. Only I can hear what happens inside that hold. I’ve installed a specific Magic Tool for that purpose."
"How convenient," Ren sighed.
"Ugh... ah..."
Lithia’s condition was visibly worse than it had been during the day.
"Hurry up and get us to a village," Ren demanded.
"It's night. Go to sleep. I'll look for one tomorrow."
The Beastmaster stood up, causing the wagon to rock. He climbed down from the driver's seat, unlocked the back door, and tossed something inside: dried meat, stale bread, and a leather waterskin.
"Feed your precious lady, too."
He slammed the door shut. Ren crawled across the floor and opened the waterskin. Holding it between his teeth, he tilted it over Lithia’s mouth, letting the water trickle in. She swallowed weakly.
After a few sips, he soaked the hard bread until it was soft. "I'm sorry," he whispered, then gently placed the morsels against her lips. She managed to chew and swallow a little, even in her delirium.
(She won't last another few days like this.)
Even Ren was starting to feel his strength fade.
(It has to be tonight. I can't wait any longer.)
Once the decision was made, a strange calm settled over him. Eventually, the faint sound of snoring drifted in from the driver's seat.
(It's now or never.)
His goal wasn't to kill the Beastmaster; it was purely to get away. With D-rank Mana Eaters nearby, an all-out fight was suicide.
(Go, Ren────!)
Ren dispelled the Iron Magic Sword that was somewhere outside and re-summoned it inside the wagon. With a soft thud, it appeared in his lap. He pressed the chains binding his wrists against the blade. The Iron Magic Sword sliced through the metal links as if they were thread. He quickly freed his feet and then cut the chains binding Lithia.
He hoisted her onto his back and gripped the sword. His body felt heavy, but the fact that he could move at all was a miracle. He suspected the Potions and his "Physical Ability Up (Small)" skill were the only things keeping him standing after four days of sedation.
(I owe the Beastmaster for the Potions, at least.)
Ren swung the Iron Magic Sword in a silent, powerful arc, shearing through the door's lock. He eased the door open, Lithia's weight heavy on his shoulders.
(Good. He's still out.)
He peered out and saw the Beastmaster slumped in the driver's seat, arms crossed, fast asleep. They were in a forest shrouded in absolute darkness.
"Gii...?"
A sound came from above. Ren looked up and saw two Mana Eaters perched on a thick branch, using it as a bed.
"────How did you get out?"
The Beastmaster was awake. He hopped down from the wagon, eyes narrowed. The Mana Eaters stirred, unfurling their wings.
"I kept that sword right next to me. How did you get it back?"
"It's my sword. Why should I tell you?"
"Hmph. It certainly isn't mine. Look, boy, just stop. If you behave, you might actually see your parents again."
"And what happens to the young lady?"
"Good grief. Such shining loyalty. It’s blinding." The Beastmaster let out a mocking laugh. "This is your final warning. If you don't get back in that wagon, the rest of this trip is going to be very painful."
The Mana Eaters hovered behind Ren. If he didn't surrender, they would tear him apart. Suddenly, a weak voice brushed against Ren's ear.
"...Just... run... alone..."
Lithia was awake. Ren smiled at her stubborn pride.
"No. If we're going, we're going together."
That was the signal. The Beastmaster snapped his fingers. The Mana Eaters lunged. They were faster than Ren's enhanced body, their necks snaking out to strike at Lithia on his back.
"Tell me when you change your mind! I might leave you with only a shallow wound!"
"Don't hold your breath! My mind's made up!"
Ren spun behind the wagon, narrowly dodging the monsters. He swung his Iron Magic Sword with everything he had, not at the monsters, but at the wagon itself. The wood shattered under the blow, the cargo bed splintering into pieces. The sudden explosion of debris forced the Mana Eaters to recoil for a split second.
Ren locked eyes with the Beastmaster. The man looked stunned by Ren’s raw strength, but he maintained a confident smirk. Ren didn't hesitate; he hurled the Iron Magic Sword directly at the man’s face.
The blade grazed the Beastmaster’s neck, severing the chain of the necklace he wore. The red gem flew into the air.
"Throwing your weapon? How stupi────What!?"
The Iron Magic Sword vanished into thin air the moment it passed him. In its place, Ren summoned his Wooden Magic Sword and activated Nature Magic. The ground heaved, and thick roots erupted from the earth, pinning the Beastmaster’s feet to the spot.
This was his chance. Ren spotted the dagger Weiss had given him lying in the wreckage of the wagon. He snatched it up and leaped onto the back of the horse that had been pulling the carriage. He pulled Lithia around to his front, holding her securely.
"I'll be taking this, too!"
Thinking it might serve as evidence later, Ren used a vine of Nature Magic to snatch the falling necklace out of the air. The chain was broken, and the red pendant was cracked. If it was a Magic Tool, it was likely ruined.
"Impressive! But that's enough!"
The Beastmaster grabbed a white wooden staff. A sphere of iridescent light began to swirl at its tip.
"Tsk... please work!"
Ren didn't wait to see what the staff did. He dispelled the Wooden Magic Sword and summoned the Thief's Magic Sword, lashing out with a desperate grab.
"W-What? My staff!?"
The staff vanished from the Beastmaster’s hand and appeared in Ren’s. It was a stroke of incredible luck. But the danger wasn't over. One of the Mana Eaters shrieked and dove at them. Ren swung the stolen staff like a club, slamming it into the monster’s head.
"Giiiii!?"
The staff shattered upon impact, but the blow sent the Mana Eater spiraling. Ren kicked the horse into a gallop, tearing away from the camp.
"Without the staff, I can't... Ugh! After them!"
The Mana Eaters beat their wings furiously, gaining speed. Ren, who had zero experience riding a horse, struggled to stay in the saddle, but he had one thing on his side.
"Beastmaster! I know your weakness!"
"Weakness!?"
"Yeah! You're panicking because you know it, too!"
"Tsk!" The Beastmaster snarled. "Monsters of the forest! Hear my command!"
Deep in the woods, the sounds of shifting brush and low growls multiplied. Beasts that looked like Little Boars and giant insects scurried past Ren as he rode.
"Gigigigi!"
"Giiiiii!"
The shrieks of the Mana Eaters were right on his heels. But as the seconds ticked into minutes, their pursuit began to flag. Soon, the distance between them widened until they were gone.
(So, distance is still his weakness.)
Ren had been gambling on his knowledge of the game. A Beastmaster could command monsters weaker than himself, but the further they got from the source of the command, the weaker the influence became. Unless they were drugged into a frenzy, they eventually regained their senses.
He was relieved his memories had served him well, but the real challenge was just beginning: surviving a forest he didn't know and finding civilization. As the adrenaline began to fade, a crushing weight of exhaustion settled over him.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The stallion Weiss rode was a dapple gray of exceptional breeding, with a trace of monster blood that gave it supernatural stamina and speed. He had pushed the horse to its limits, scouring the area around Ren's village, but he found nothing. He sent the other knights to continue the search while he raced back to report to Baron Clausel.
He arrived at the manor on the fifth morning since Ren’s escape—nine days since the kidnapping.
"────I am prepared to accept any punishment in place of the fallen guards. However, I beg for a reprieve until the young lady is safe."
In the Baron's private study, Weiss gave a full report of the attack on the Ashton manor and the disappearance of the two children.
"Why? Why did you leave her side?"
"It was... a failure of judgment."
"Then explain that failure to me! You are the Knight Commander! How could you leave her unguarded!"
The Baron lunged forward, grabbing Weiss by the collar. But then he stopped, his eyes wide with realization.
"...Are you hiding something from me?"
Weiss looked away.
"It was Lithia, wasn't it? She felt guilty for being bedridden. She wanted to repay the Ashtons by having you cull the monsters nearby. She ordered you to go."
Weiss’s silence was all the answer he needed.
"Forgive me," the Baron whispered.
"No, the error was mine. As the strongest among us, I should have stayed. I should have sent the others."
"It was not an error. It was an act of loyalty. How can I punish you for honoring my daughter’s wish?"
The Baron’s voice was thick with grief. He let go of Weiss and walked to the window. Outside, a torrential downpour matched their somber mood.
"I cannot sit by any longer," the Baron said firmly. "I will contact the Capital. Our allies, and the Emperor himself, must know the truth of what has happened!"
He was vibrating with fury. He knew Viscount Given was behind this, but he lacked the proof to make an accusation stick.
"I must be careful. If this is framed as a false report, it will only make things worse. Hopefully, we can at least get reinforcements for the search. Weiss, what of the Ashtons?"
"I’ve assigned knights to protect them. They are being moved to a safe village with the rest of the survivors."
"Good. Then we must move fast."
Just as the Baron reached for a pen to begin his letters, the door burst open. The butler, usually the picture of composure, was breathless.
"Master! Visitors from the Imperial Capital...! They are in the Great Hall!"
The Baron froze. Who would come all the way here now? He hurried to the hall, his heart sinking when he saw the gray robes of the visitors.
"Baron Clausel, I assume?"
"Yes... you are..."
"We are civil servants of the Imperial Court of Law, acting on the authority of the Minister of Justice."
One of them stepped forward and unrolled a piece of parchment.
"By the mandate of Imperial Law, Baron Clausel, you are hereby summoned to stand for Judgment."
"What? On what grounds!"
"You are under suspicion of gross mismanagement of your territory. As a noble entrusted with land by the Emperor, you have failed in your sacred duties."
"I have done no such thing! I have protected my people and my lands with everything I have!"
"The record states that several villages in the Clausel Barony suffered monster attacks, and that your failure to respond effectively allowed the threat to spread into the neighboring Given Viscounty. This constitutes a failure of governance."
The Baron opened his mouth to protest, but the official cut him off.
"Save your defense for the Judgment. Viscount Given will arrive the day after tomorrow. Arguments will begin immediately. A verdict will be reached the following day."
"And if I find the verdict unjust? I suppose I appeal to the Capital? And then to the Grand Temple for a Divine Trial?"
"Precisely."
"This is remarkably fast. Summons usually take months."
"In cases involving suspected territorial aggression, the process is expedited to prevent the lord from fleeing."
Everything was happening too fast. The attack, the summons, Given’s arrival—it was a perfectly orchestrated trap.
"We shall be staying at an inn in town. Good day, Baron."
The officials bowed and left.
"If the Judgment goes against me, I will lose my title," the Baron said hollowly.
"But Master! Monster attacks are common! You can't be held responsible for the natural migration of beasts!" Weiss argued.
"Normally, no. But Given is claiming I allowed them to spread into his lands on purpose."
It was a lie, but a powerful one. The Hero Faction was finally making its move to crush the Neutral Faction.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
At that same hour, Ren was emerging from a small village. He and Lithia were both disguised in ragged, dirty robes—a necessary precaution. He had traded monster parts for them at a village they’d found two days ago. They had discarded their old clothes; they were too filthy to keep, and their high quality would have given them away.
"Young lady, I'm going to stop the horse up ahead," Ren said. Lithia was slumped in front of him on the saddle.
"Thank... you..."
He found a secluded spot in the shade of the trees near the edge of a forest. Ren hopped down. He was still small for his age, so it wasn't exactly a graceful landing.
(I really need to get taller.)
He couldn't reach Lithia to help her down without a ledge. He'd been using rocks or logs, but there were none here.
(Well, it's not like I haven't already shown her.)
"Pardon me, young lady."
Ren summoned his Wooden Magic Sword and used a root to create a temporary platform. He lifted Lithia down, holding her gently. As he leaned her against the base of a tree, she gave him a weak, tired smile.
"That... really is a strange power..."
"I think so, too. Here, have some water."
He handed her the waterskin, then pulled out a small wooden bowl. Inside was a thick, pale green liquid.
"This is grated Meal Grass. I had them do it right in front of me, so it's pure."
Meal Grass was a common remedy for fevers and headaches in the game. It wasn't as rare or expensive as Rondo Grass, which was why he’d been able to trade for it so easily.
(I'm glad I read those item descriptions.)
"It's going to be very bitter, but try to swallow it."
"I'll... try..."
Her hands were shaking too much to hold the bowl. Ren scooped a bit of the paste onto his finger and brought it to her lips. She accepted it without complaint.
"Ugh... so bitter..."
"Wash it down with water. Don't throw it up."
It took several minutes, but she finished the bowl.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
By evening, Lithia looked significantly better. Her breathing had evened out, and her fever was finally breaking.
"Ren."
"Yes?"
"...Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
Her voice sounded more like her usual self. Ren felt a wave of relief. He still had more Meal Grass left and planned to give her another dose tonight.
"We were on the edge of the Given Viscounty, weren't we?" she asked suddenly.
"How did you know? I—I mean..."
"You can use 'I'—the casual way. It's easier for you, isn't it?"
Ren took her up on the offer. "I was too busy just trying to find a road. How did you know where we were?"
In truth, Ren had known too, but only because he’d asked a villager.
"Look over there."
Lithia pointed toward a massive mountain range in the distance, its peaks still capped with silver snow. The slopes were jagged and sharp.
"The Baldur Mountains. You can tell where you are just by looking at those."
Ren nodded. "So that's what they look like from the ground."
"You've heard of them?"
"Just the name."
He knew more than just the name. That was where the final boss of the first Legend of the Seven Heroes game was fought.
(In the game, I always flew over them in a Magic Ship. I never realized they were this huge.)
"I think I can guide us from here," Lithia said.
"That's a relief. I was tired of guessing."
"We need to get back to my father's territory."
"Right." Ren noticed a shadow in her voice. "Is something wrong?"
"From here... your village is very far away."
"The Beastmaster must have taken a long route. How far is the city of Clausel?"
"About four days, I think."
"Then let's get you there as fast as we can."
"What? No! I'm the one who caused all this trouble. You should find your family first!"
"They'll be fine," Ren said firmly. "Besides, Clausel is safer. My village is likely gone, and my father would have moved everyone to a secure location by now. We’re better off heading to your father’s estate."
Lithia felt a pang of guilt. She was touched by his kindness but hated how much she was relying on him. Tears pricked her eyes.
"Think of it this way: I get to see the city for the first time. I can greet your father properly. It’s actually a good opportunity."
His attempt to lighten the mood worked. Lithia’s lips curved into a small smile.
"...Thank you." She leaned her head back against his shoulder.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Ren began setting up camp as the sun went down. Lithia offered to help, but he insisted she rest. She watched him work with a curious expression.
"You're very good at this."
"I've had a lot of practice lately. Lord Weiss taught me the basics."
"Weiss? During the winter?"
"Yeah. He taught me how to butcher game, start fires, and find the best spots to sleep. I'm really glad he did."
Ren began preparing their dinner: a White Hawk he’d caught earlier. It was an F-rank monster, slightly tougher than a Little Boar but easy enough for him to handle.
"How did you catch a bird?"
"I saw it roosting. I used a vine to snag it, then finished it off."
"With that sword again."
"Exactly. But keep that a secret, okay?"
"Stingy..."
Ren chuckled. He’d already shown her so much, but he still liked to keep a bit of mystery. While her back was turned, he used his bracelet to absorb the Magic Stone from the hawk. He noticed the crystal glowing a bit brighter. He hadn't been able to hunt much during the winter, but his Mastery was finally starting to climb again.
"What's this?"
Lithia had found the necklace from the Beastmaster among their things.
"I took it from that man."
It was a silver chain with a large red gem. Lithia inspected it closely. "It's a Magic Tool," she whispered.
"He said he had something that blocked sound from leaving the wagon. Maybe that's it? It's broken now, so I don't think it can be used to track us."
"You're probably right. Let's keep it, though. It might be useful as evidence later."
"My thoughts exactly," Ren agreed.