Soft Groaning*

K woke slowly, his eyes taking their time to adjust to the light filling the room. "S-someone come and close the curtains or something, Augh*" he mumbled, squinting against the brightness.

"You'll survive. What's a little light going to do to the mighty Leviathan?" Davis teased, sitting across from K’s bed with arms crossed, a grin spreading across his face as he let out a long sigh. "How are you feeling?"

K chuckled, then groaned as he sat up, his body fighting to stay down. "I-I’ll be f-f-fine. Just a bit of a headache," he replied, stifling a yawn. "Déjà vu, huh? I seem to recall looking at you from over there, with you in my shoes." He coughed, chuckling again. "Now, how the turntables have!"

Davis shook his head, raising his hand. "You mean how the tables have turned?"

K tilted his head. "No, pretty sure the table's still in the same spot," he muttered, shaking his head lightly, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Hehehe."

Davis chuckled under his breath. "If you're making a smart-ass joke like that, I’d say you're just fine." He rose from his chair and walked over to the table. "I heard you were found unconscious in some civilian’s house. Well, what left of it anyway" As he poured tea into a cup, his tone grew more curious.

Carrying the cup back to K, Davis started to ask, "But what were you—" He didn’t get to finish as K interrupted him with a sudden burst of laughter.

"A midnight stroll down chaos lane, hahaha. Shame too—I overestimated this incomplete body of mine. I tried using a bit of magic, and, well, it knocked me out," K replied, still laughing.

Davis raised an eyebrow at K’s response. Handing him the tea, he probed further. "I remember you telling me before we set off that you couldn’t use mana—said you had to do something with your body first. So, what was so important that you'd risk it?"

K took a sip of tea, then leaned back, his expression softening. "Just... searching for an answer, confirming a rumor... and matters," he said slowly, listing the reasons one by one.

K continued, "I can still use a bit of magic—just not Chaos Magic or any high-level spells. My power has been reduced... astronomically."

Davis wasn't done as he continued to probe. "If it's a family matter, are we talking about the angelic side or the demonic side?" His curiosity was clearly piqued.

K kept smiling, staring blankly at the ceiling. "K!" Davis snapped, pulling K from his thoughts.

"I'm thinking..." K replied, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. After a pause, he opened them again, flashing a grin. "Davis, ever heard of an angel named Raphael?"

Davis responded eagerly, his voice quick and animated. "Yeah, I’ve heard of an angel by that name—or Rafael, something like that. They say he’s kind and caring, curing even the toughest illnesses."

K chuckled loudly. "You’re spot on! Rafael and Raphael are the same. A real poet, too. I remember his tale about guiding that boy, Tobit."

He laughed again, adding, "Raphael and Asmodeus? They’re like oil and water, Asmodeus abhorred Raphael for Tobit's action." He slapped his knee. "Get this, a prince of lust was scared away by the smell of Fish’s liver and heart! I used to call him ‘Fish Face!’"

Davis couldn’t help but join in, laughing softly. "He must’ve been quite the character!"

K responded with a hearty, "He certainly was, HAHA!"

After a minute of shared laughter, the room fell silent. As the mood settled, K casually added, "Well, he’s dead."

Davis’s head snapped toward K, eyes wide in disbelief. "I’m sorry, what did you just say? Dead? In what way?"

K grinned, nodding as if discussing something mundane. "Yes, dead. As in, no longer breathing."

K stood up from the bed, his clothes still dusty and smeared with ash from the chaos of the previous day. "Lovely weather we’re having, though. Care for a walk?"

Davis frowned, his mind racing with confusion. "Wha—Wait—No, how is that even possible for an angel to..." He gestured awkwardly, running a finger across his neck.

K giggled at his reaction. "I take that as a no?" He sighed, then explained, "It’s quite simple, really. An angel is dead when they stop breathing, moving, speaking... or thinking."

Davis nodded along until he halted his movement. “Wait, isn’t that how every living thing dies?” He turned to K, his brow turning into a frown

K stretched, a smirk on his face. "Precisely! Now that your curious little mind has been enlightened by my vast knowledge and wisdom about the obvious, I’m heading out for a bit… wouldn’t want to miss such lovely weather, right?"

As he moved to open the door, Skye barreled through it, crashing into him with a bark. "UNCLE K!" she shouted, licking his face enthusiastically.

K burst out laughing, trying to shield his face with his hands. "Thanks for worrying, Skye. I think you just broke my pelvis, but I don’t mind." He scratched her head fondly.

When Skye finally pulled back, running excited circles around him, K sat up and patted his side. "Guess my pelvis survived." He turned to the overly excited Skye, grinning. "Where have you been this whole time, my dear?"

"Skye guard outside for Uncle! Helped everyone last night too!" she replied, bouncing in place, her tail wagging furiously.

K patted her and pinched her cheek with pride. "Of course you did! You’re my lovable bundle of joy!" He got to his feet, brushing off the dust from his clothes.

Davis approached, giving Skye a scratch behind the ears. "By the way, before I forget—K, you and I have been summoned to the Adventurer’s Guild. The Guild Master and Instructor Ryan want to see us."

K crossed his arms. "Oh? And what for?"

Davis smirked, turning to fetch the invitation letter. "We’re getting our official adventurer badges. And since we’re known as master and student, we’ll—" He turned back, only to find K was already gone, the door wide open with Skye sitting happily beside it.

Davis exclaimed, "God damn it!" He momentarily stared at the open mail, then turned to Skye. "How did he sneak out while I was standing right here?"

Skye spun around, barking in response. "Uncle walked out when Dad turned around! He whispered to Skye to tell Dad this: ‘Do whatever just don’t cause a scene’, so Skye didn’t say anything!" She tilted her head, giving him a wide-eyed, puppy-dog stare. "Did Skye do a great job?"

Davis sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Yes... yes, you did." He couldn’t help but smile at her eager expression.

With the invitation in hand, he and Skye headed out, making their way to the Adventurer’s Guild.

K walked along the street, watching as citizens worked to rebuild their homes, scavenging what they could from the wreckage. Some gathered in small groups, conversing and gossiping. He pressed onward, but soon his steady stride wavered, and his balance faltered as his vision began to blur.

Stumbling, K leaned against the nearest wall, catching his breath. "Can’t believe something as simple as ‘Spirit Gaze’ could cause this much trouble," he muttered, assessing his condition. "Blurry vision... vertigo... shortness of breath... and a splitting headache." His breathing was labored.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

He took a moment to compose himself, his lip forming a smile. "Well, well... if it isn’t the town's new hero," K chuckled softly. "What might this humble gentleman do to serve our esteemed savior?"

Vincent approached, placing a hand on his chest and bowing respectfully. "Master, don’t jest. Your servant wouldn’t dare hold his head higher than his owner."

K shook his head with a light laugh. "Vincent, Vincent... 'Servant' is a bit too far fetch, don’t you think? I’d prefer 'assistant' or maybe even 'acquaintance.' After all, it’s the thought that counts, right? Hehehe."

"Yes, Master," Vincent agreed calmly.

K raised his hand, and a stick flew into his grasp. "Now that we’re on the same page, shall we move on to today’s agenda? Wouldn’t want to keep our ‘victim’ waiting for too long... though I suppose they prefer to be called ‘associates.’ more" He chuckled, using the stick as a makeshift walking cane and gesturing for Vincent to lead the way.

Vincent, perplexed by K’s actions but unaware of his condition, asked cautiously, "Master, I may be overthinking this, but… are you… injured?"

K quickly thought up an excuse, giggling before confidently replying, "How sweet of you to worry about little old me, but fear not! This stick is merely a prop… a little tool to help build rapport with our… Ahem* victims. Hihihi!"

He added, "I bet they'll be more easily swayed if I show up looking half-dead rather than my usual, jolly self."

Vincent nodded, impressed as always. "Master, your brilliance is unmatched—always two steps ahead. Please follow me. The bandit leader and her few surviving members are holed up in an abandoned house just a bit off the main road."

With Vincent leading the way, K followed a sly smile playing on his lips. After a short walk, they arrived at the abandoned house. It was old, run-down, and crumbling at the edges. Standing guard outside, alone, was Higard.

K faked an innocent smile as he approached. "Higard, my friend. It’s so nice to see you again," he greeted warmly, his voice gentle and friendly.

Higard’s face lit up upon seeing K. "K—" he started, but quickly lowered his voice, glancing back toward the house. He leaned in, pulling K into a quick, friendly hug. "It’s a blessing to see you safe and sound!"

As Higard embraced him, K’s smile momentarily shifted into a mischievous grin, but he quickly reverted to his usual expression when they parted. "Likewise," K said, glancing around. "If memory serves, you were supposed to have a few more people with you."

Higard’s expression darkened, his frustration evident as he scoffed. "Those spineless cowards ran off, leaving only me to protect her."

Vincent nodded to K before quietly walking away, heading toward the Adventurer's Guild to attend to his invitation.

Higard watched Vincent leave but refrained from asking questions, his focus shifting to K. He gave K a quick once-over, noting his condition, and sighed before offering support. "This way... Miss Lyra is waiting for you," he said, helping K inside before quietly excusing himself.

K waved him off with a smile, then turned his attention to the room. Lyra sat propped against the bedframe, her body wrapped in layers of black and blood-stained bandages. On the table nearby, an unwrapped bandage lay discarded.

"Why, hello there, darling," K greeted with a playful grin. "Aren't you looking radiant today?" His gaze shifted around the room and noticed that there was a dried pool of blood in different locations in the room.

Lyra scoffed, her voice barely a whisper. "Is that so?" She turned to face K, revealing the left side of her face, burned and scarred, her eye barely able to open.

"Oh!" K exclaimed with his familiar smile. "Darling, my eyesight isn’t that bad and I don’t remember that burn on your face when I saved you yesterday." He glanced at the discarded bandage again. "Just a tip—bandages are for wrapping wounds, not to be used as makeshift toilet paper later!" He giggled, pulling up a chair beside her.

Lyra turned weakly toward him, her voice heavy with hopelessness. "Why are you... here? If you’re expecting a thank you for saving me, all I have left to give you are those bandages." She laughed bitterly, her gaze sinking to the bedsheets.

K’s smile softened as he placed a gentle hand over hers. "My dear, have you given up already?" He shook his head. "Let’s take this one step at a time, starting with your bold new choice of makeup." He gestured lightly toward her burned face.

"When I woke up here," Lyra began, her voice hollow, "I overheard my people arguing. They wanted to hand me over to the rival bandit group we’ve been fighting since we arrived. But Higard disagreed. A fight broke out, and in the chaos... someone’s torch landed on my face, leaving me like this." Her tone carried the weight of defeat, every word falling heavier than the last.

K nodded thoughtfully, glancing around the room. "And here I thought someone spilled a barrel of sauce on the floor." His grin widened. "Darling, I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. But my offer still stands," he said gently.

Lyra barely reacted to his words, her voice flat. "I don’t want anything. Just leave me be."

K raised an eyebrow. "You know when I was on that mountain… remember when you kidnapped me?" He chuckled. "Anyway, I overheard a bit about your father. He seemed like quite the figure—smart, brave, bold."

He paused, watching Lyra’s fingers twitch at the mention of her father, and then continued, his tone sharper. "But he was also a complete moron. Charging into danger just to die a meaningless d—"

"SHUT UP!" Lyra exploded, her eyes blazing with fury. "Don’t you dare sully my father’s name, or I’ll kill you!" She grits her teeth, her gaze locked onto him with unyielding hatred.

K’s smile never wavered. Instead, he gently patted her head, momentarily confusing her. "There she is. The little lion finally roars," he said with a teasing grin. "Look, I may not have known your father personally, but from everything I’ve heard... he was a good man."

He paused, turning to meet her eyes. "And a great father."

At K’s words, Lyra’s hardened expression softened, her anger dissolving into something more vulnerable. Sensing the shift, K quickly pressed forward, his tone soft yet insidious. "He died so you could live. So why are you so eager to throw that gift away?" he asked, his voice soothing, but calculated.

Lyra’s body trembled, her voice shaky. "I… I just don’t understand why it matters… why would you care?" Her vision blurred with unshed tears as she fought to hold them back.

K gently placed his hand over hers, his smile tender and deceptively caring. "You’re a coward, afraid to take control," he said, his words sharp and piercing. "You’ve got nothing left to give, and you carry the weight of failure." His voice struck her where it hurt the most. "Yet here I am, still by your side—because I care. And because you matter."

"But why?" Lyra stammered, her voice laced with confusion. "Like you said, I’m a burden. I’m afraid. I have nothing to offer except those useless scribbles I used to draw..." Her emotions churned violently within her.

K leaned closer, cupping her cheek with both hands, his smile deepening with a predatory tenderness. "Your weakness," he began, his fingers tracing the edges of her burn, "is like this scar. You’re hurt, lost, and uncertain." A cool sensation spread across her cheek as his touch lingered. "But I can help you. I’ll make you whole again. I’ll make you beautiful." His voice was a whispered promise. "All I ask... is for you to take my hand, darling."

As his hand glided over her burned skin, the scar vanished, replaced by smooth flesh. He reached for a nearby mirror and held it up to her. Lyra gasped, her reflection showing a face free from the disfiguring burn.

K's gaze locked onto hers, his voice a silky invitation. "So, darling… will you trust me? Will you let me guide you?" He held her hand gently, offering more than just healing—offering power, control, and a future with him.

Lyra, still flabbergasted by her reflection, spoke with a trembling voice. "I—I wish to change. Please help me."

K smiled unwaveringly. "Of course, I’ll help—" But his words were abruptly cut off as he unexpectedly coughed up a mouthful of blood that soaked his neck and shirt.

"K? K? What’s going on? Are you hurt? I don’t see a wound!" Lyra panicked, pulling him into a tight hug, her eyes brimming with tears. "No, no, no, please answer me. How can I help?"

K returned her embrace, chuckling, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Don’t worry, my—Argh! My dear. The injury from before I came here flared up when I used my magic to heal your wound." Though his bleeding was minor, he used it to keep up the act.

He pulled back slightly, blood still smeared on his mouth. "What matters is that you are safe, sound, and beautiful again," he joked, laughing at her. "Look at you, startled by a little blood."

"Sh-shut up! Stop laughing… STOP!" Lyra protested, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at his teasing.

Just then, the door kicked open, and Higard rushed inside. "What’s going on?" he shouted, concern etched on his face. "Leader, you… your face!" Higard pointed out in shock.

"I know, isn’t she beautiful?" K said, making Lyra blush at the unexpected compliment. He rose from his chair, glancing at Higard. "I must be going now, but I hope to see you both again soon. Until then, please look after this little lion for me, will you?" He smirked, patting Lyra’s head as he addressed Higard.

Lyra quickly swatted his hand away. "Stop calling me that!"

K smiled mischievously. "Would 'big lion' be more to your liking?" he teased, leaning in with an eyebrow raised.

Higard froze, unsure of what to say or expect. "Umm, okay!"

Just as K prepared to leave, Lyra grabbed his hand, halting him. "When will we meet again?" she asked, her eyes pleading for an answer.

K paused, his friendly smile unwavering. "Eventually!" He pinched her cheek playfully and added, "But until then, make yourself useful and get better, got it?"

Lyra nodded, and K responded with a cheerful, "Good girl!"

He walked past Higard and out of the room, his friendly smile transforming into a happy grin. "Well… that was easy!" he said casually, striding away. The mouthful of blood he had coughed up earlier was nothing but a clever act.