With a blank expression, Nym sat upon the trunk of a fallen tree and asked his father softly:
"Dad… why is the sky so dark? And why is it so cold? I don't like it."
Gareth let out a weary sigh as he looked at the boy.
"Nym, my son… this is our world. Our fate. It's not something we can run from. But it can be changed—if you have the will and the determination to do so. And more important than both… is strength."
"You need strength more than resolve or stubbornness to change anything in this world—or to protect those you love."
As he spoke, a faint smile played on his face. At the same moment, Nym's own expression shifted—his face paling, hair turning to silver, his body growing taller. All that remained the same was that fragile, slender frame.
Gareth didn't even flinch.
"But," he continued, "everything comes at a price. Power most of all. You might lose your sense of self to it—feel superior, as though you stand above all other humans. And when that happens… you'll become someone else. You'll forget your purpose. That's why you must remember who you are, and why you began. Don't drown in the momentary thrill of power."
He gave Nym a knowing look.
"But don't worry. You've been gifted since you were little. Maybe… you've already figured that out, even before gaining strength."
"…Dad."
At that moment, Gareth heard his son's voice—but it wasn't the same. It was deeper now. Tired. Drenched in sorrow, fear, and helplessness.
Startled, Gareth rose and stepped back.
"Nym?! Is that really you?"
"…Yes, Dad. It's me."
"What happened to you? Why do you look like this?"
"Don't be afraid… they said it's just a transformation… one that happens before someone becomes Bound."
"…Dad, you're dead now. And I… I'm alone in this world. I don't know what to do anymore."
"I thought I'd follow in your footsteps… go on missions with you… explore the Frozen Forest north of the city, patrol its outskirts, kill a few weak beasts… become a Lord somehow… then try to reach the Merged stage…"
His voice faltered.
"But all of that… disappeared before I even got close."
Gareth, still trying to grasp the moment, asked him, "How old are you?"
"…Sixteen," Nym whispered.
Gareth looked at him with softened eyes.
"Then do you know why you're here? Why I can speak to you now?"
"…Probably because of your Core. I… I think I absorbed it."
"…Ah. So what you see now is just the echo of my feelings and will before death. It's a bitter thing—to leave my son alone in a world so cold and dark."
"But death calls, and no one escapes it. Even the Merged… they might live for a hundred years or more, untouched by illness or time… but even they die in the end."
Before he could finish, a voice whispered softly in Nym's ear:
"Awaken,angel"
And the world crumbled into light.