Chapter 3: A Meal Before Trouble

The knights led Raine through the village, their golden armor gleaming under the midday sun. The villagers cautiously peeked from behind doors and windows, whispering among themselves. Some recognized Raine as the quiet drifter who had appeared in their town months ago, spending his days either sleeping under the grand tree or lounging at the bakery. Others were wary, knowing that the arrival of knights usually meant trouble.

Raine, however, seemed completely unbothered. He walked at a slow, relaxed pace, his hands in his pockets, his posture lazy. The blonde knight, who introduced herself as Seraphina of the Holy Order, shot him an impatient glare.

"Could you walk any slower?" she snapped.

Raine yawned. "I could, actually. Want me to try?"

Seraphina groaned. The knights behind her stiffened, some struggling to suppress their irritation. It was clear they were used to discipline, to urgency, to warriors who understood the gravity of their situation.

Raine, however, had lived a million lives. He had fought in wars that shook the heavens, stood against demon lords, and faced calamities that wiped out civilizations. He had done everything—and he was done with it.

Right now, all he wanted was food.

They finally arrived at the village tavern, a small yet cozy place with the scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafting through the air. Raine’s eyes lit up slightly. If there was one thing he still enjoyed, it was a good meal.

Seraphina sighed and turned to the other knights. "Secure the perimeter. I don’t want any surprises."

The knights saluted and scattered, standing guard outside as Seraphina followed Raine inside.

The Meal Begins

The tavern owner, a burly man with a thick beard, glanced up as they entered. He hesitated upon seeing Seraphina’s armor but quickly plastered a smile on his face. "Welcome! What can I get for you?"

Raine dropped into a seat at the nearest table, stretching his legs. "I’ll have a full-course meal. Start with some soup, then bring me roasted lamb, a loaf of your best bread, and—oh! Do you have honey-glazed apples?"

The tavern owner blinked. "Uh, we do, but—"

"Great! Bring a whole plate of those. And some ale. Actually, no, just bring water. I’m not in the mood for ale today."

Seraphina folded her arms. "You do realize you’re delaying something important, right?"

Raine shrugged. "You said you’d buy me lunch. I intend to enjoy it."

Seraphina exhaled sharply but waved at the tavern owner. "Fine. Just bring him what he wants."

The owner nodded and hurried to the back.

Seraphina sat across from Raine, studying him intently. He was young—or at least, he looked young. Silver-white hair, deep golden eyes that seemed to hold centuries of wisdom. He didn’t look like a warrior, nor a hero. His posture was too lazy, his expression too detached.

But she knew the truth.

He was the Reincarnator—a man who had lived one million lives. A man who had once stood above gods and demons alike. A man who, for some reason, was hiding in a tiny village, napping under a tree.

"What happened to you?" she asked suddenly.

Raine glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"You were a legend," she said. "A warrior who shaped history. And now… you’re here, running from everything."

Raine smirked. "I wouldn’t call it running."

"Then what would you call it?"

"Retirement."

Seraphina clenched her fists. "You can’t just retire from destiny!"

Raine’s smirk widened. "Oh, but I can. And I have."

Before Seraphina could argue, the tavern owner returned with the food.

The rich aroma of roasted lamb filled the air as the plate was set before him. A bowl of steaming soup followed, along with a basket of warm bread and a plate of golden honey-glazed apples. Raine’s stomach growled in approval.

"Finally," he muttered, grabbing a piece of bread. He tore into it, taking his time savoring the soft texture and rich flavor.

Seraphina watched, her patience wearing thin. "Are you really going to make me wait through your entire meal?"

Raine grinned. "Absolutely."

Trouble Arrives

Just as Raine was about to take another bite, the tavern doors burst open.

A knight from Seraphina’s squad stumbled in, blood dripping from his forehead. His breath was ragged, his face pale with fear.

"Commander!" he gasped, barely managing to stay on his feet. "We have a problem!"

Seraphina immediately stood. "Report!"

The knight swallowed hard. "We’re… we’re under attack."

Raine sighed, placing his bread down. Of course they were.

Seraphina grabbed her sword. "Who is it? Bandits? A rival kingdom?"

The knight shook his head. "No… it’s them."

Seraphina froze.

A cold, heavy silence filled the air.

Raine raised an eyebrow. "Them?"

Seraphina’s grip on her sword tightened. She turned toward him, her voice low.

"The Abyss Cult has found us."

Raine let out a long breath. Well, there goes my peaceful lunch.

The Abyss Cult Strikes

Outside, the village had descended into chaos.

Figures in dark robes moved swiftly through the streets, their faces hidden beneath hoods. Strange symbols glowed on their arms, pulsating with ominous energy.

The villagers screamed as black tendrils of shadow slithered across the ground, corrupting everything they touched.

The knights fought bravely, swords clashing against the cultists' cursed magic. But for every cultist they cut down, two more took their place.

And then—they arrived.

Towering figures with glowing crimson eyes stepped into the village, their monstrous forms wrapped in darkness.

Abyssal Beasts.

Creatures that should not exist.

Seraphina cursed. "We have to move. Now."

Raine, however, remained seated, taking another bite of his food.

Seraphina’s eye twitched. "Are you serious?! We don’t have time for this!"

Raine chewed thoughtfully. "Mmm. You know, I’ve fought a lot of crazy cults in my past lives. But these guys…" He swallowed, tapping his chin. "These guys are new."

Seraphina drew her sword. "Then you’d better get serious. Because if we don’t stop them here, this entire village is going to be wiped out!"

Raine sighed, finally standing. "I really hate getting involved in these things."

The moment he stepped outside, he felt it.

The weight of dark magic. The hunger of something… unnatural.

The Abyss Cult wasn’t just here for destruction.

They were searching for something.

Raine rolled his shoulders. "Guess I don’t have a choice."

Seraphina turned to him. "Are you finally taking this seriously?"

Raine smirked. "Nah. I just realized something important."

Seraphina frowned. "What?"

Raine clenched his fist. Power pulsed through his veins—power he had locked away for so long.

"I didn’t finish my meal," he said.

And with that, he vanished, moving faster than anyone could see.

The first Abyss Cultist didn’t even have time to react before Raine’s fist connected with his face, sending him flying into a nearby wall.

The other cultists turned in shock—only for Raine to appear behind them.

With a casual flick of his wrist, a burst of energy erupted from his fingertips, disintegrating the nearest three enemies instantly.

Seraphina’s eyes widened.

Raine cracked his knuckles. "Alright, let’s get this over with. I have dessert waiting for me."

To Be Continued…

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