Nocturne’s first memories were of someone’s back. That someone had long, unkempt hair and was deep in thought. In a few moments, Nocturne would call this person his master.

“Hmm? Are you awake?” Sensing Nocturne’s presence, the Martial King roused himself and looked at Nocturne.

“Where am I…?”

“An area outside the Tower. It’s the village of the One-horned tribe.”

“Thank y—ugh…!” Nocturne suddenly frowned as a piercing pain shot through his skull. He had a pounding headache and tinnitus rang in his ears. His vision grew so distorted, as though it were breaking up like static. After grabbing his head and pressing his temples hard, Nocturne realized something. He possessed no memories. ‘Who am I? Where the hell am I from? My name… What is my name?’

For a moment, thoughts flashed through Nocturne’s mind like afterimages. He felt like his mind was a tangled mess. His head grew hot as if a fever were coming on.

“Don’t overdo it. This… ah! What should I say?” After calming Nocturne down, the Martial King scratched the back of his head as if something were troubling him. He asked, “Some things happened, so I brought you here. Do you remember?”

Nocturne shook his head, dumbfounded. The Martial King was talking about him as though he were a stray kitten he’d brought home. Nocturne was initially a little puzzled by the Martial King’s reaction. Later, when Nocturne understood the...