A dense, suffocating wave of dark mana poured out from Jun Lion's body, spiraling into the air like a living storm. The air around him twisted violently, and even the light in the room seemed to flicker under the pressure.
"How did I forget…?" Jun's voice cracked, trembling with grief and rage. His hands clenched into fists, and his teeth ground together. "How…! How could I forget?!"
The pressure intensified. Darkness seeped into every corner of the hall, creeping along the floor and walls like ink in water. The servants and guards nearby collapsed to their knees, gasping for air.
"I-I can't move!" one of them choked out.
"What is this dark thing covering Young Master Jun's body?!" another gasped, struggling to remain conscious.
"It's like... we're paralyzed!"
Fear gripped every heart present—except for one. Shan Lion stepped into the room, calm, though his eyes held a glint of sorrow.
("So… he still can't forget her. Even after all this time, my son's heart remembers.")
Without a word, Shan walked toward Jun, the darkness parting slightly in his wake, reacting to the overwhelming strength of the family patriarch. He reached out and placed a firm, steady hand on Jun's trembling head.
("Such power... This aura is incredible. Even I'm having a hard time enduring it. This is no ordinary dark mana… this is grief made manifest.")
"Roy," Shan said over his shoulder, "and the rest of you—leave us. Now."
No one argued. In silence, everyone filed out, leaving only father and son in the storm of sorrow.
Jun's screams didn't stop. His eyes were unfocused, lost in the whirlwind of emotion. His whole body trembled, gripped by guilt.
"You don't need to feel bad," Shan said softly. "You remembered her, didn't you? That's what matters."
Jun looked up slowly, his teary eyes meeting his father's steady gaze.
"You can take your revenge, Jun," Shan continued. "Your father will help you."
Jun's lips quivered. His breath came out in ragged gasps. And then, finally, the dam broke.
"But... Father… I… I forgot about Mother," he sobbed. "I forgot her for an entire day…"
"No, Jun," Shan replied, his voice warm and calm. "You didn't forget her. You were just happy. For a brief moment, you allowed yourself to feel peace. That's not the same as forgetting."
"But how could I be happy when she's gone?!" Jun shouted, his voice raw. "She died… and I did nothing! I don't even know who killed her… Even now, I have nothing—no leads, no names. Just… emptiness."
Shan's expression grew heavier. "I know the pain of losing someone you love. But Jun, your mother wouldn't want to see you suffer endlessly. She'd want to see you live… to smile… to grow stronger and survive."
"But I can't be happy!" Jun cried. "Not until I avenge her!"
Shan paused, then nodded. "Then don't force yourself to be. If your heart tells you to live in rage, then so be it. Live how you must. Just remember—whatever path you choose, I'll walk beside you."
Jun stood slowly, his breath still uneven, but the dark mana began to dissipate. His eyes sharpened into a cold, focused glare.
"Whoever killed my mother… I'll make them suffer. I'll destroy their life piece by piece. I won't let them die easily. They'll wish they had never been born."
("I need to get stronger. Much stronger. I'm sorry, Mom. I swear… I'll never forget you again. Not even for a second.")
He turned to Shan. "Father... I want to go to the gates."
"I see…" Shan nodded, understanding immediately. "I'll book an F-rank gate for you. And I'll send someone to assist—"
"No." Jun's voice was like steel. "I'll go alone. And not an F-rank. Book a C-rank gate."
Shan blinked. "A C-rank? Solo?"
("Is he serious? A C-rank gate, solo? He was already terrifying yesterday—but if he thinks he can handle this alone now… Has he grown even stronger overnight? Just what kind of monster am I raising?")
"...Very well," Shan said at last. "I'll make arrangements. You can go tomorrow."
"Today."
("Argh… You brat. Can't you give me even a few hours?")
"Fine," Shan relented with a long sigh. "You can go after breakfast. I'll book a C-rank gate for now."
But Jun didn't come to the dining hall. He ate in silence, alone in his room. Everyone who crossed paths with him that morning felt a chill run down their spine—his presence had changed. Colder. Sharper. More dangerous. But Jun didn't care what they thought.
Shortly after, Shan called him to the main hall.
"Jun, I've booked a C-rank gate. The location has been cleared—no one else will enter. You can handle it alone."
"Thank you, Father. That's all I need."
"Ahem... It's nothing. You know… vermin will escort you to the gate."
Jun nodded.
---
At the C-Rank Gate – Outer Entrance
A crowd had gathered near the entrance to the dungeon. Angry voices filled the air.
"What the hell?! Why is the gate closed to the public?"
"Who the hell booked a whole C-rank gate alone? Do they think they own the place?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down. I heard it was booked by a noble."
Just then, a black carriage rolled up. Everyone turned.
A young boy stepped out.
"Who is that?"
"I don't know… wait—look! That's Vermin, the Lion family butler!"
"Then that boy is—?!"
Their jaws dropped.
To be continued…