1 Passing

In a desolate room, a figure was lying on a bed being tended to by a man.

The man had a domineering aura that suffocated all living beings. Black covered his entire body; the deepness of it being so ingrained one would have to look closely to see where his skin and clothes separated. Because of this, his piercing red eyes were extremely eminent. A sharpness protruded danger into the souls of all who enter his sights. The surrounding area around the room was evacuated, for not many could retain their sanity in his proximity.

The man's appearance, however, was wholly betrayed by his actions.

He was delicately wiping down the figure's body with the utmost care and detail. Had anyone else witnessed this scene, they would not dare to believe it even with it unfolding before their very eyes.

"Dominick, that's enough. Thank you..." The figure softly said, breaking the total silence that was encompassing the room.

"Yes." The man replied. His voice sounded so coarse that it prickled one's skin.

A small smile appeared on the figure's face. "Lose that stern look on your face already. You'd be liked more." He chuckled and broke into a light cough.

Dominick did not reply, his brow twitching ever so slightly.

Upon closer look, the figure on the bed was an elder with white hair, withered skin and a body that seemed frail and delicate as a twig. Contrasting to Dominick, he held a warm and gentle expression that was contagious to all who met him. Wearing a bright white overall, he radiated a shine that illuminated the entire room. However, Just a few seconds of speech had taken his breath, sounding so weak they instead seemed like his dying words.

Despite the condition of his body, there was a profoundness and luster in his eyes that far surpassed Dominick's.

Dominick was recognized as the greatest ruler throughout the annals of history even with his time being far from over. Worshiped by his citizens and feared by his enemies, Dominick had conquered many great kingdoms and lead the strongest army known to ever exist. In battle, he was titled, 'The Harbinger of Death,' destroying cities and reaping countless lives with unstoppable force. It was only a matter of time before the whole world became united under his rule.

Simply put, Dominick was unparalleled in battle, spirit, and leadership.

However, only a select few knew of another behind Dominick's back, who had been there since Dominick was but a weak child with no power nor glory to his name. The mysterious man had taught Dominick all he knew and trained him to the existence he is today, but never once revealed himself to the world for reasons unknown.

In an era strife with battle, slaughter, and war, only the most privileged lived long lives. All were plagued with injury - be it from the weakest of soldiers to the strongest of rulers. These war-torn times have never changed since anyone could remember.

Until recently.

Referred to as 'The First Great Era,' prodigal warriors seen only once every millennium, for an inexplicable reason, rose by the numbers. Even more unbelievably, they banded together under one kingdom and made all who oppose them submit, humans and monsters alike.

For heralding their world's first era, they are known as, 'The First Greats.'

The Rashkan Barbarians, known for their un-tamable will. The prestigious Astral Kingdom that has never once been toppled. Even the strongest creatures alive - the dragons. All fought against but were conquered by Dominick and his team of Greats. For the first time in history, peace and prosperity were brought to the people, announcing the start of what would lead to many Great Eras into the long, long, future.

But for now, unbeknownst to the world, the figure that subdued the Rashkans, outsmarted the supremely intelligent Astrals, and killed the most powerful dragons, was quietly passing away.

The elder was smiling vibrantly with a face full of content. Many had asked him why he never came out in public and choose to seclude himself. They could not understand how a man with such insurmountable deeds could be satisfied with staying in the shadows.

But he himself had never once regretted.

Following his heart, he was perfectly happy staying in the background, watching on as the kids he found and nurtured grew to what they have become, replacing the happiness his deceased friends and family provided long ago.

Dominick stood by the bedside, gazing intently at the elder in an attempt to imprint the final moments of his life. Despite having a turmoil of thoughts he wanted to convey, Dominick remained expressionless, simply meeting with the elder's warming eyes.

The elder revealed a large smile, instantly brightening the room and penetrating through Dominick's heart, melting all coldness that had settled. "My time has come, Dominick."

"Yes," Dominick replied. his voice quivering slightly. Moisture appeared beneath his eyes and threatened to escape.

"It's time for you to settle. Find yourself a family. Your fight... it's over now." The gentle voice sounded out once again.

Dominick said nothing this time, maintaining his gaze. He was cherishing the last moment they would ever share.

The elder formed a neutral expression, took a deep breath, and relaxed his posture. The radiance in the room reached its peak. An imposing might descended upon Dominick, immediately making his body tense.

"Don't falter Dominick. The world must maintain its peace." The elder ordered in a voice that seemed to encompass the entire room, originating from no particular direction.

"Understood." This time, Dominick's voice was clear and powerful, evidently a response that has become instinct to his body.

Like always, the elder received the same, swift reply that reassured success.

"Good," he weakly breathed out, returning to a smile as calmness restored.

The brightness in the room began dissipating, and the elder's eyes slowly closed. Knowing they would never open again, Dominick watched in disbelief. A flashback to the distant past played in his head, where a kind-looking man appeared before him. Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.

"I'm proud of you." The elder inaudibly muttered, just before life left his body. The room lost its light, becoming empty and dark.

For the last time it would ever happen again - a single teardrop fell down Dominick's cheek.