3 more chapters will be released after 3h.
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Bal would also never forget that it was during that time when the enigmatic Hero Ashen, who passed by, came to rescue their village. Among the warm and attentive greetings from many of his former “friends,” the hooded figure chose only him, the most hideous and unpopular one.
“What’s your name?” Ashen, the hooded figure, was always silent, so it was a Nun who approached after using warm holy light to heal his wounds.
“M-M-My name is Bal. They all say I’m ugly, like a monster. Why did you…”
Before he could finish his self-deprecating and confused words, the nun shook her head and interrupted, “Monsters wouldn’t willingly sacrifice themselves to protect their companions. If Bal is a monster, then you are definitely a handsome one!”
From that moment on, he felt like he had found a true home. He worked hard, eager to contribute in any way he could. Every time on the battlefield, he eagerly volunteered to serve Ashen, the one who didn’t loathe or reject him but instead took him in and nurtured him. Bal gave his all in return.
Bal clearly remembered how his efforts were soon rewarded. His strength soared rapidly, and despite his unattractive appearance, his combat talent was exceptional. He even reached the level where he could stand shoulder to shoulder with the other strongest vanguards beside Ashen, a red-haired dragoness.
Losing their contract, losing themselves in the passage of time, and finally being reborn by the “Mother,” they had also lost the ability to perceive Their Lord Ashen.
However, Bal immediately recognized ‘her’, the Dragoness who was “disguised” next to Renji, even as she appeared in the guise of a girl. There could only be one person in the world who could make this “supreme” being stand by his side like a guardian.
‘So, this is the true form of “Lord Ashen”…’
Indeed, Bal burst into a somewhat self-deprecating laughter when he saw Renji in his human form. When he saw the four women surrounding Renji, he was even more certain of Renji’s identity as Emperor Ashen.
‘After all, in the eyes of ‘His Majesty’, the only ones who could accompany him to the end were women.’
The memories that Bal had long forgotten, buried in the corner of his mind, suddenly resurfaced.
…..
“Can I play with you too?” A young wolf demi-human with a tan complexion, short stature, and somewhat mismatched facial features approached a group of children of his age who were playing together not far away.
Unfortunately, what he received were words of rejection and disdain.
Every time he stood next to Nova, he felt inferior. It wasn’t a matter of strength but appearance. In his eyes, this dragoness was so beautiful and charming that she exuded infinite allure in every move she made. In contrast, he felt crude and barbaric.
Bal had always comforted himself with Suthia’s words from back then, believing that His Lord Ashen, the Great Emperor, would surely see his efforts and…
Unfortunately, fantasies were just fantasies. When his power was taken away, causing him to plummet overnight, and Nova achieved the level he had longed for, becoming an unshakable and powerful guard by Ashen’s side, he was sent back to the so-called rear.
In that moment, Bal felt as if his childhood game had never ended. The friends he thought he had, the disregard for beauty or ugliness, in the end, they would…
“Bal.” He remembered the nun who seemed to want to comfort him back then.
And what was his response?
Oh, right, he remembered.
“So, Sister Suthia, beauty is very important, right? Otherwise, why am I the one who have been abandoned? Why can someone as useless as you stay by Lord Ashen’s side? You deceived me; everything was a lie because you’re a woman, a pretty woman. You, her, and them!”
…
The painful memories cut through Bal’s heart like a knife, and he took a deep breath to return to the present.
‘It’s in the past now, everything is in the past.’
‘Now, after my “rebirth as a woman” I am different. I am quite beautiful now’
There were so many demi-humans in the audience who were infatuated with her, and she took great care to apply exquisite makeup every day.
Although the purpose of the Old Alliance they had formed was revenge.
Revenge for the past abandonment.
‘But if…’ Bal was just thinking, what if. She wanted to know how she was viewed by Ashen now, and if she were to return to Ashen’s side with this appearance, ‘could I regain the favor I once had?’
Bal’s disdainful gaze swept over the three women beside Renji and finally settled on the Dragon Lady, who had become much simpler in appearance since returning to her “low-star illustration.” He wanted to know who Ashen would choose between ‘him’ and her this time. He also wanted to see the Dragon Lady experience the same feelings of rejection and failure that she had once felt due to her appearance.
With these thoughts in mind, the High Priestess walked down from the stage and approached Renji step by step.
When she finally stopped, Bal’s heart couldn’t help but tense up. Although he longed for revenge and had been waiting for this moment for a long time, he couldn’t suppress the nervousness and unease when standing in front of her former master Ashen. She believed that every forgotten one who had truly experienced the “old days” would feel the same way. After all, this was Their Beloved Maser Ashen.
“Do you remember me,Lord Ashen?” Bal finally mustered the courage to say these words. He waited for Ashen’s response, hoping to hear what Ashen would say about her new appearance. She had drawn a picture on a pocket watch as a means to ensure that Renji could recognize her. Although her appearance had changed significantly with his gender, she believed that Ashen, who was so familiar with ‘him’, would surely…
‘Surely recognize me, right?’
Bal held onto hope in her heart, but in the end, it was shattered.
Renji: “…”
“Who are you?”
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