Albert never gave up on his greatest passion—boxing.
His boxing talent was unparalleled, making him famous at a young age.
It was like the end of a long, harsh winter, finally giving way to spring…
The rest of Albert's life could be described as smooth sailing.
He was admitted to his dream university, together with Alessia.
He was the youngest boxing champion, as well as a legendary genius at school.
Naturally, many girls showed interest in him, but he would always remind them to be wary of men who seem good on the surface but are actually like his father, and he would solemnly assert that his one true love would always be Alessia.
Promises made at eighteen are often fragile.
Many people at seventeen or eighteen believe that they will only love one person for the rest of their lives.
But often, as the years go by, deep affection becomes a pejorative term, and they quickly realize how difficult it is to love one person for a long time.
But in Albert's eyes, loving Alessia was the right thing to do.
It was one of the few things that was right and entirely not difficult.
As the days went by, Albert's achievements grew higher and higher; he became wealthy, became knowledgeable, and he no longer had even a trace of a beggar's demeanor.
He seemed like a true nobleman born into a prominent family.
His wealth also led many to believe he had been born rich.
His wife, Alessia, perhaps also came from some prestigious family.
There was even a very famous butler serving the upper class who wished to become the steward of Albert's household.
Albert readily agreed; he didn't care how the outside world speculated about him, nor did he fear his origins being uncovered.
He was too successful, so even if he told people he lived like a beggar as a child, no one would find it inappropriate.
For Albert, the things he enjoyed changed with his social status, but he didn't care about them.
These were just extras.
The greatest gift this world had given him was Alessia.
He only needed to keep one identity, that of Alessia's husband.
From then on, Albert never faced any misfortune, or if he did, he overcame it all.
He lived by the creed of doing the right things, not the easy things.
He was like a man with the sharpness of a blade, cutting through all obstacles.
He could overcome all the hardships of this world, but…
Never did he imagine that the world would one day face its end.
...
When the journey's end was where the eerie phenomenon began widely occurring, the city of Isaru was no exception.
Having seen the world, both Albert and Alessia chose to settle near the church in Isaru.
Because Mother Martina was still there. She refused to leave the church, and besides, Isaru was a beautiful city, just one they had lacked the capability to appreciate in their youth.
But it was all too late.
When Albert and the others decided to spend the rest of their lives here…
The apocalypse descended.
The church was shrouded in blood red. Who knew what foolish decisions the leaders of Isaru made to face the apocalypse…
That day in Isaru, monsters were everywhere.
It was as if humans were the invaders in this city, and monsters were the rightful masters.
Albert only remembered that very early that day, Alessia wanted to go to the church to pray.
He saw endless blood red outside, as if the sky was draped with a red curtain.
Gigantic three-headed birds circled in the sky, the wailing of countless humans filled the air.
Albert was panicked, frantically rushing towards the church.
During this process, he saw numerous twisted beings, resembling monsters from those evil tomes.
They fought, they plundered, they devoured.
Such tragedy played out everywhere in Isaru.
In one night, the city had become a hatchery for monsters.
Albert ran faster than most people, but he did not flee the streets; instead, he ran deeper into the church.
Under that giant painting, he saw the spot where the girl used to pray, Mother Martina was trapped in a large cocoon of flesh, while Alessia was using a dagger, continuously trying to cut open the cocoon.
Mother Martina's eyes had already begun to mutate, and she shouted in a hoarse voice:
"Leave…quickly leave…Alessia, child, go now!"
Albert rushed forward, grabbing the dagger from Alessia's hand:
"Let me do it!"
He was terrified; he had never seen such a scene and had never thought that parting with Mother would be like this.
He continually tried to slash open the cocoon with the dagger, and he could see countless fine blood vessels beginning to integrate into Mother's body as if they had life.
Albert screamed helplessly, wanting to save Mother Martina.
But he couldn't do it; his strength was insignificant.
Alessia held his hand, her face full of tears:
"Let's go! Albert, let's leave!"
She already knew this parting was inevitable; they could not save Mother.
Mother also, in her dying consciousness, said:
"Albert, is that you… Good child, quickly take Alessia and leave here…"
"Hide…don't let them invade."
"Protect Alessia, go…do the right thing."
The black blood vessels began to expand wildly, and Mother Martina's appearance became increasingly like a monster.