Tirnanog

Youth had finally recovered, his body healing from the battles they had fought. Despite the lingering scars, there was a new sense of purpose in him, something that he had to share with Schneizal and Sequana. The three of them set out toward a village, deep in the surface lands, that had been part of Youth's past. It was a place that had shaped him into who he was today.

As they reached the village, Schneizal and Sequana took in their surroundings—quiet, humble homes, a people that seemed to live simply but with a shared resilience. The air was thick with the sense of survival, of resistance. These were the remnants of a long and ongoing struggle against the oppressive Ketergian forces.

When they entered the village, Vriede, the Warbeast woman, was waiting for them. She smiled at Youth, nodding in greeting, then turned her attention to Schneizel and Sequana.

"Welcome," she said. "This is the village where Youth grew up. It's where he learned what it means to fight for freedom."

Schneizal and Sequana exchanged glances, noticing the humble weapons and limited resources the villagers had. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make do. Yet the people here were clearly struggling, fighting not just for survival but for something more—freedom from Ketergia's crushing hold.

Vriede led them to a small hut, where the villagers were preparing what little food they had. "We owe a lot to Youth's father," she said quietly. "But it's not just because of what he did for us. It's because of who he was."

Schneizal raised an eyebrow, confused. "What do you mean? Who was Youth's father?"

Vriede sighed, a weight in her voice as she began to explain. "Youth's father wasn't a rebel. He was once one of Ketergia's most trusted knights—a man known as the Knight of Truth. His name was Gordon."

The revelation hit Schneizal and Sequana like a blow. Gordon—the Knight of Truth. A title that had once commanded respect, a knight so loyal to Ketergia that his honor was never questioned. The man who had been seen as a paragon of Ketergian virtue. And yet now, Youth's father was a fugitive, a martyr in the eyes of the villagers.

Sequana blinked in shock. "Wait, Gordon? The Knight of Truth... he's your father?"

Youth remained silent, his expression unreadable. Vriede nodded solemnly, her gaze never leaving Youth.

"Yes," she continued. "Gordon was one of the highest-ranking knights of Ketergia. But he couldn't stand by when he saw the way the surface people were being treated. He saw the oppression, the exploitation of the common folk, and it broke him. So, he made a decision—he would secretly help the rebels, providing them with supplies, training them, and doing everything he could to sabotage Ketergia's rule from within."

Schneizal and Sequana's eyes widened in disbelief. "But—how did he do that? How could he hide his true intentions for so long?"

Vriede shook her head. "It wasn't easy. Gordon had to keep his true loyalties a secret. He'd give information to the rebels, provide supplies when he could, and train others in secret. But eventually, the truth came out. Bastion, the ruler of Ketergia, found out what Gordon had been doing. And when he did, he didn't hesitate."

Sequana gasped. "They executed him, didn't they?"

Vriede nodded, her voice heavy with sorrow. "Yes. They executed Gordon for his treason. They made an example of him to show that even the noblest of knights could not defy the will of the ruler."

The silence in the room was thick with the weight of the revelation. Schneizal and Sequana looked at Youth, their understanding deepening. Youth wasn't just some random rebel—he was the son of a fallen hero, a man who had risked everything to fight for the people.

But Youth spoke up, his voice low but firm. "That's why I fight. My father fought to protect the people, and he paid with his life. I won't let that be in vain."

Vriede added, "After Gordon's death, Youth continued his work. He inherited his father's will and took up the mantle of fighting for the people, leading the rebels and protecting those Ketergia would rather leave to starve and suffer."

Sequana, still processing it all, spoke softly. "So... Youth, you've been fighting all this time because of your father. Because of what they did to him."

Youth nodded, his eyes hardening with resolve. "I'll keep fighting until Ketergia falls. I won't let my father's sacrifice be forgotten."

Schneizal, now fully understanding the weight on Youth's shoulders, nodded solemnly. "I see. I didn't know... I had no idea what you were carrying."

Vriede finished, "Youth's father gave everything to the cause, and Youth continues that fight. He bears the weight of his legacy every day."

As the night settled over the village, Schneizal, Sequana, and Youth stood together, the past and present blending together. Youth was not just a rebel, not just a warrior—he was the son of a fallen knight, carrying on his father's legacy.

They had all come to this place for different reasons, but now, their paths were intertwined by a shared goal. To take down Ketergia and bring freedom to the surface people, no matter the cost.