The Beginning of Knife King's

5 years passed without me realizing it.

Thud...

The grand door creaked open, revealing a square room with an intricate magic circle glowing faintly on the floor.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

"A teleportation circle, huh? I guess this is the end."

My body was drenched in the blood of monsters I had slain. I looked worn out after the battle with the boss guarding this room.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

I stepped into the glowing magic circle. A bright light enveloped me, and in an instant, I found myself in a place I deeply recognized.

A vast field stretched before me, filled with vibrant flowers emanating a nostalgic fragrance. In the distance, a small village stood quietly, far from the capital. Tears streamed down my face without me even noticing.

"How long has it been since I last returned here?"

I made my way to the village. The atmosphere was just as I remembered it. My heart raced as I walked toward my home—the place I cherished most. Standing at the door, memories flooded my mind like a tidal wave.

Creak… Thud.

The wooden house, which I thought would have fallen into disrepair with time, was surprisingly clean. My eyes widened in disbelief. Just then, someone opened the door.

Creak.

A towering, muscular bald man stood in the doorway. His cautious eyes locked onto me.

"Who's there?!" the man shouted, his tone wary.

"Don't you remember me, Master?" I replied, turning to face him with a smile full of longing.

"Ren? Is that really you, Ren?!" Gonzo's expression shifted from suspicion to shock.

"Yes, Master. It's me."

Without hesitation, Gonzo rushed forward and wrapped me in a tight embrace. His voice trembled as he spoke, guilt evident in his tone.

"You're alive! You've no idea how guilty I've felt these past five years... I'm sorry I couldn't do anything back then, against that Shadow Wolf."

"Wait... Five years? Has it really been that long?! What about Lena? How is she?" I asked, startled by the revelation.

"Hmm? You didn't know it's been five years? Sit down, boy. I'll explain everything."

Tap. Tap. Tap. Thump.

We sat on the wooden chairs in my living room. Gonzo began recounting everything that had happened during the years I was trapped in the dungeon.

He explained that just one day after I fell into the water, a group of skilled knights rescued him and Lena. Upon returning to the village, Lena ordered the knights to search for me, but no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't find any trace of me. Eventually, Lena gave up, believing I had perished. Before she left for the capital, she handed Gonzo the family crest and returned home, though she occasionally wrote letters to him.

"So, are you heading to the capital tomorrow morning?" Gonzo asked, as if he had something in mind.

"Yes, I plan to leave at dawn," I replied.

Gonzo rummaged through his pockets and handed me something.

"Here... the family crest of the Livia household. If you have the time, you should visit her. She's been worried about you."

"Are you sure it's okay?" I asked hesitantly.

"Of course," Gonzo said, pressing the crest into my hands. "Now then, I'll leave you to rest."

With that, Gonzo left my house. I stood up and walked to my bedroom. As I laid down on my familiar bed, I couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"This feels so nice... I missed my bed. I've been sleeping on the dungeon floor for years," I mumbled before drifting off into a deep sleep.

---

The next morning, I woke up early and started my routine: 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, and a 10-lap run around the village. After finishing my exercises, I prepared for my journey. But before I left, I walked to the backyard and stood before a grave.

"It's been so long, Mom... I'm heading to the capital now."

After saying my goodbyes, I left the house and headed toward the village's carriage station. As I sat on the carriage, I saw Gonzo running toward me, shouting something.

"Wait! Hold on!" Gonzo yelled.

He hurriedly approached the carriage driver and handed him some money.

"This is for the boy's fare. Ren, good luck on your journey," Gonzo said with a smile.

"Thank you, Master," I replied. Those words had been stuck in my heart for the five long years I spent in the dungeon.

Creak...

The carriage started moving. I was finally on my way to the capital, preparing for the entrance exam to the academy for the gifted, which would take place in two days.

"I wonder how Lenaand Alice are doing now," I thought to myself, worry clouding my mind.

End of Chapter 10