I Will Protect You
In every romance novel, the damsel always has a knight in shining armor that protects her from the villains.
But this is not one of them.
The damsel IS the knight in shining armor. And the male lead?
He is the knight's childhood friend, first love, and future mortal enemy.
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"Kaviel?"
Kaviel's eyes snapped open, pupils wide as he jolted upright. His young heart raced, thudding against his ribcage like a trapped bird. Cold sweat clung to his skin, and he gasped for breath, the taste of fear sharp on his tongue.
"Mira!" he gasped as he saw her small frame beside him on his bed. Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight embrace. His hands trembled as he held her, his fingers gripping her slender shoulders as if he feared she might vanish.
Mira froze for a few seconds, taken aback by Kaviel's sudden embrace. "What happened? Did you have a nightmare?" she asked softly.
Kaviel pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her oceanic blue eyes. The room's soft glow illuminated her small porcelain face, highlighting her innocent appearance and the concern in her eyes.
"I thought... I thought you're dead," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mira shook her head, a reassuring smile played on her lips. "Don't be silly. I'm not even a knight yet. I can't die," she said, her tone light and teasing. She reached out and playfully ruffled Kaviel's jet-black hair, her fingers lingering for a moment before she abruptly stood up.
"Come on," she urged, her voice filled with anticipation. "Tata is going to announce our departure." She extended her hand toward him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kaviel looked up at her, reached out and clasped her hand, feeling the warmth and strength in her grip as she pulled him to his feet.
Both of them walked out of the room. As Kaviel followed Mira, he couldn't help but reflect on how they had come to know each other.
Mira had been his childhood friend since they were six years old. By the time they were ten, both had lost their parents to the wars and conflicts in the first calamity that their country had experienced.
Fortunately, Tata adopted them along with other orphans, bringing them to a shelter they now call home. They were already fifteen years old at that time.
Stepping outside, Kaviel sighed as he took in the sight of their small province, filled with ruined stone houses. The area was scarred with large and small craters, remnants of bomb explosions.
Seventy years ago, in 2024, almost 10% of the population mysteriously vanished without a trace, leaving the world in confusion.
Amid the global chaos, a massive red dragon with seven necks and heads appeared, wreaking havoc on various countries and towns within a week, causing countless deaths.
Despite their best efforts, the combined military forces of different countries were unable to defeat the dragon. However, one day, a god with wings descended and vanquished the seven-headed beast.
After the dragon's defeat, the god warned humanity to prepare for more attacks in the future.
As they continued to walk, the wind tousled Mira's white shoulder-length hair. She took in a deep breath, her chest swelling with anticipation.
"This is it! Finally, I'm about to be a knight!" her words echoed. With a jubilant flourish, she lifted her arms into the air, her fingers reaching towards the sky.
Turning around, she leaned on Kaviel, her head only reaching his shoulder due to her shorter stature. "You're excited too, aren't you?" she asked, a bright smile revealing her pearly white teeth. She nudged him with her shoulder, waiting for his response.
Kaviel nodded and forced a smile. Mira's smile widened as she dashed ahead, clearly eager for their departure, leaving Kaviel lost in his thoughts.
Mira often acted strong now, but Kaviel vividly remembered the day Mira witnessed her parents' deaths with her own eyes. He recalled the terror in her gaze, the way her body trembled. If he hadn't grabbed her at that crucial moment, she would have willingly followed her parents into death.
The days that followed were a nightmare. Mira couldn't eat or sleep for weeks; she was consumed by her grief. Her cries echoed through the nights.
During those dark times, Kaviel made a solemn vow. He would always keep her safe, no matter the cost.
While Mira dreamed of becoming a Knight to save people, Kaviel's only ambition was to protect her, which is why he also aimed to become a Knight.
"Aw!" With a grunt of pain, he tumbled to the ground as the other roughhousing teens carelessly bumped into him while they walked. The impact sent a sharp jolt through his body, making him wince.
The youths who collided with him halted their steps, their gazes turning towards him. One of them spoke up, a hint of mockery in their tone. "Hahaha! You're so weak, Kaviel. How dare you dream of being a knight?" they jeered, their laughter echoing in the air like sharp needles.
Fueled by anger, Kaviel rose to his feet and landed a punch on the bully, the impact making the bully's nose bleed. The bully stumbled back with a cry of pain. But before Kaviel could defend himself, the others joined in, overwhelming him with their numbers.
Despite his best efforts, Kaviel found himself pinned to the ground, unable to fight back.
Amidst the chaos, a voice sliced through the air, filled with anger and authority. Kaviel recognized it instantly—it was Mira.
Mira kicked one of them as she intervened, her hands shoving them away from Kaviel. "Stop it! What's your problem?" Mira's voice rang out, leaving no room for argument.
With mocking laughter, the bullies retreated, dragging their injured friend away. Their voices dripped with sarcasm as they taunted Mira and Kaviel. "Yieehh! Here comes Kaviel's guardian! Let's go, hahaha," they jeered, their words laced with disdain.
"Why did you help me? I can handle it myself!" Kaviel's words came out with a tinge of anger and embarrassment.
"Why are you mad at me? I'm just trying to help," Mira scoffed as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Besides, I won't stand around when you're getting hurt. I will always protect you," she said sincerely and smiled.
Without waiting for a response, Mira turned on her heel and dashed off towards Tata's announcement. "Hurry up, Kaviel!" she called back over her shoulder.
Kaviel hesitated for a moment before following after her.
As they approached the center, the sight of many children gathered there greeted them. The air buzzed with anticipation and they found themselves amidst the crowd, surrounded by the energy of their peers.
Amidst the murmur of voices, Tata's commanding voice rose above the rest, drawing everyone's attention.
"All of you will be sent to Avylon today to receive your Marks and Aptitudes," he announced, his tone firm and decisive.
The god left behind a sacred object where people's abilities known as Aptitudes can be released. This object can only be found in Avylon Kingdom.
There are seven types of Aptitudes: Elemental Aptitude, Divine Aptitude, Symbiotic Aptitude, Sound Aptitude, Enhancement Aptitude, Nature Aptitude, and Dark Aptitude.
Each person who received an Aptitude also acquired Marks that indicated the strength of their Aptitude. The weakest is number 5, "hamin"; number 4 is "arba"; number 3 is "salas"; number 2 is, "sina" and the strongest, considered legendary and capable of fully maximizing one's aptitude, is number 1, "isten."
The center erupted with cheers and jubilant shouts, the sound echoing off the surrounding buildings. Excited children leaped into the air, their faces lit up with joy as their dream of going to Avylon was about to become reality.
"Yes, finally, I'll have powers!" exclaimed one boy. A girl chimed in, "I'll get rich! I can finally eat delicious foods!"
"I'll be famous once I receive my Aptitude!" declared another boy.
As the youngsters voiced their hopes and dreams, they exchanged high-fives and excited hugs, their enthusiasm contagious
Kaviel, however, glanced at Mira. A wave of unease washed over him as he recalled his dream. 'Once I get my Aptitude, I'll be the strongest knight so I can protect you,' he muttered quietly to himself.