THE GHOST HUNTER .

---

Kael could do nothing but watch.

The world around him was a memory, a time from centuries ago.

A warm, golden light bathed the wooden interior of a lively bar. The air was thick with the scent of ale and roasted meat, filled with the chatter of knights, merchants, and villagers.

And in the center of it all—

A woman sang.

Her voice was enchanting, drawing the attention of every soul in the room. Her green eyes shimmered under the dim lanterns, her long blonde hair cascading in waves down her shoulders.

Even in this past world, Kael could feel it—she was special.

As she finished her song, a drunken knight stumbled toward her, slurring his words.

"Give me some love, chuuu~"

He reached for her—but before he could lay a hand on her—

CRACK.

A fist crashed into the man's face, sending him flying backward.

The bar fell into a stunned silence.

A deep, commanding voice growled—

"How does that kiss feel, fool?!"

A man stood tall, his presence alone shaking the room.

His black hair was neatly cut, his gray eyes sharp, his features handsome and chiseled. His voice carried weight, the kind that made people listen.

The drunken knight scrambled away, fear flashing in his eyes.

"S-Sorry, Leader!"

He fled the bar, disappearing into the night.

The man turned to the singer.

"Sorry you had to deal with that. Next time, I'll teach him a real lesson."

She smiled softly, holding his gaze a little longer than necessary.

A silent understanding passed between them.

---

The Next Day…

The afternoon breeze rustled the leaves as he walked through the fields.

A familiar voice floated through the air—soft, melodic, mesmerizing.

There, beneath a lone tree, she sat, singing to herself.

He stopped, entranced.

After a moment, he smirked. "Is your voice always this hypnotic?"

She turned to him with a knowing smile. "Oh, it's you, Sir Knight."

He frowned playfully. "Don't call me 'Knight.' My name is Lancelot."

She chuckled. "Lancelot, then."

His smirk widened. "I have talents too, you know."

He grabbed a few small stones and attempted to juggle them—

They all dropped instantly.

She burst into laughter, wiping away a tear from her eye.

Lancelot grinned. That was the point.

She laughed.

That was all he wanted.

---

The Night That Changed Everything

The next evening, Lancelot returned from his knightly duties, expecting to hear her song in the bar once more.

Instead—

A crowd had gathered.

Shouting. Throwing stones.

At her.

Rage burned through his veins.

He pushed through the mob, shielding her with his body.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" he barked.

The villagers sneered. "She's a witch!"

Lancelot's blood boiled.

"You're attacking her for that?"

The people only became more enraged.

They wouldn't listen.

One reached for her—

Roselyn gently took Lancelot's hand.

Their eyes met.

A silent plea.

Not here. Not like this.

Without another word, Lancelot vanished with her into the night.

---

The Beginning of a New Life

Under the moonlit sky, they caught their breath.

She looked at him, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Lancelot."

"You don't need to thank me," he replied softly.

For the first time, she told him her name—

"Roselyn."

He smiled. "Roselyn. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman."

She blushed slightly.

But deep down, he knew—

Her life in the kingdom was over.

And he couldn't let her be alone.

---

A New Home

That night, they found an abandoned house deep in the woods.

With Roselyn's magic, she blessed the land, shielding it from the darkness beyond.

For the first time, she felt safe.

And Lancelot—he stayed.

As they lay side by side, she whispered—

"The moon is beautiful tonight."

He smiled, his heart pounding. "Yes, my love."

And that night, they became more than just knight and sorceress.

They became family.

---

Five Years Later…

Their daughter laughed as Lancelot lifted her into the air.

"Papa! You're back!"

He held her close. "Of course I am, my little star."

Inside, Roselyn rested in bed—her health weakening.

Lancelot kissed her gently. "The kingdom has changed, Rosi. They don't fear magic anymore. We can go home."

She smiled, relief washing over her.

They packed their belongings.

But there was one problem—

A massive mirror, passed down from Roselyn's mother.

It was too large to move easily.

"Leave it," Lancelot said. "I'll return for it later."

Roselyn hesitated. "It's important."

"Then wait for me. I'll be back soon."

She nodded. "Be safe, my love."

---

The Hydra's Arrival

When Lancelot returned—

Everything changed.

Roselyn was too weak to move.

And the shield that once protected their home… was failing.

The front of the house had become exposed.

And through that gap—

A three-headed hydra slithered in.

Its three pairs of glowing eyes locked onto them.

Roselyn clutched their daughter close, coughing blood onto the child's white dress.

Lancelot stood before them, his jaw clenched.

"Leave now, Hydra. I don't want to kill you."

The beast chuckled. "Kill me? Foolish knight. I have come to consume them. Their magic will make me whole."

Lancelot's heart pounded.

His family.

This monster wanted his family.

His eyes burned with fury.

"In the name of the Kingdom of Astravane… I will slay you here and now."

The ground shook as his power erupted—

A massive purple aura surrounded him.

And as the Hydra lunged—

Lancelot charged.