Chapter 9 – Wings of Departure

Leo woke up early, a strange chill in his chest. For the first time in years, the scent of his master’s morning fire was missing.

He searched the entire cabin — the cot was untouched, the library dark, the forest silent.

Finally, in the kitchen, he found it.

A letter, placed on the table. A medallion beside it — the same one his master had always worn.

He opened the letter, hands shaking.

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> Dear Disciple,

The time I spent with you was a blessing.

You gave light to an old man who had lost all purpose — who was simply waiting to die.

You never knew who I truly was, yet you trusted me. Followed me.

In time, you will understand why.

But now, you have wings.

And if I remain by your side, I will only weigh you down.

I have a duty left undone — and I must see it through.

If fate allows, we will meet again.

Now, go. Do what must be done.

Here is your path:

1. Stay hidden. Gather power in the shadows.

2. Find those whose hands are clean — not yet stained by innocent blood.

3. And when the time is right… strike.

Infiltrate the rot. Find the heart of corruption.

Kill the king.

Start your journey in the western region of the kingdom.

Stay safe.

And may the demoness of victory smile upon you.

—Your Master

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Leo stared at the letter, then at the medallion. His chest tightened. His eyes stung — but no tears fell.

He wasn’t a boy anymore.

The man who raised him, trained him, taught him how to defy fate… had passed the torch.

Now, it was time to carry it forward.

He clenched the medallion in his fist.

> “I will walk this path,” he whispered.

“I will become the demon that sets them free.”

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Where will his journey take him?

Who waits in the shadows of the western lands?

And what was his master’s true identity?

Stay tuned. The flame has been lit.

The revolution begins now.