Chapter 4

❄ The Dark Past of Mr. Kruger ❄

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Rime and the group crowded around the table as Kyosuke Enzo started to speak. He leaned in, his eyes piercing, "Rime, do you have any idea where your father, Mr. Kruger, has been all these years?"

Mia looked bewildered. "What? You know our father?"

"Indeed, I know him well," he added absentmindedly reaching for his missing left arm.

Rime and Mia both recoiled as they watched the old man. Rime spoke up, "My dad was always a good father. He worked hard as a garbage man to provide for us, even though I never quite understood why he liked that job. I still supported him."

Mia said with frustration, "I don't get why you're fidgeting with your missing arm. My dad wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone chop someone's arm off."

Kyosuke let out a laugh, but Arthur and Dr. Freya looked concerned. The old man apologized, "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to-"

Arthur interrupted, "Your dad was the original leader of 'The Sinners.'"

Rime and Mia erupted in disbelief, shouting, "UHH?! How do you know that?"

Kyosuke took a deep breath and spoke, "I understand your confusion, Rime. But your father was not just any garbage man, he was the leader of 'The Sinners.' The group caused immense destruction and suffering for many years, and I had to stop them. Your dad Mr. Kruger was known as "Cronus The Devourer"

Kyosuke's expression became grave as he stared into Rime's eyes. "Now, Rime, answer me where did your father go all these years?"

Rime answered, "I don't know. He left us at an orphanage when I was 8 and Mia was 7. It happened around the same time my mother passed away from an illness, according to my father. He promised to return, but he never did. I'm 16 years old now."

Kyosuke pressed, "Did you see the body? It's crucial, please think."

Rime struggled to recall, "No...but I remember my dad had a terrified look on his face when he told us."

Mia added, "Yes, I had never seen him like that before."

Kyosuke carefully filled his cup with steaming tea. With a flick of his wrist, he offered the same to Rime and Mia. "Would either of you like some?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the tea pot in his hand. "I brewed it myself."

Rime glared at the old man, anger in his eyes. "No, what I want to know is where I can find him."

Kyosuke took a sip of his tea, calmly answering, " Your father had a dark past when he was the ruler of the sinners but when he fell in love he decided to leave his old life. To pursue having a family like a regular person."

Arthur interjects "We fought the Sinners on many occasions to keep them in check. But your father was on a whole different level compared to the other Sinners."

Kyosuke places his cup of tea back on the table, his eyes filled with empathy. He nods his head slightly, acknowledging Rime's anger. "I understand why you're feeling this way, Rime. Your father had to leave you and your sister behind after the Sinners took away your mother. Mr. Kruger wanted to protect both of you from harm."

"I don't care about all this nonsense. So what, if my dad was the leader of a group of fake gods? All I want is his location."

Mia grabbed Rime "Sit down we will figure this out. let him speak Rime.

Rime took a deep breath, "sorry...continue."

"I know it's frustrating, but now it's a race against time because the Sinners are also looking for you." Arthur added

Arthur walks to Rime and Mia. "We've been searching for your father for years. And now, that you semi-awakened and caused an icy wasteland, the Sinners are after you too. It's only a matter of time before they come for you and your sister."

"So, how would they know I'm connected to my father?" Rime asked with a look of confusion on his face.

Kyosuke explains, "Dealing with the Sinners is quite a hassle as they have a tracker on their side who can be incredibly bothersome."

"So, what's the plan?" Rime asked, looking for answers. Kyosuke smiled, "We catch the Sinners. And the only person who can do that is you." while pointing at Rime.

Mia's eyes widened, "Rime? But how can he capture them? He's not strong enough."

"I don't want to dismiss your fears, Mia,"

Kyosuke responded. "However, I have faith in the potential of Rime's gift. According to what Arthur has shared with me, Rime has capabilities beyond just manipulating ice. We're entrusting you with a crucial mission. Your objective is to journey to the mountain of Athens and eliminate the Gates of the underworld to prevent Hades' minions from running rampant. This will serve as your initial trial, and there is no margin for error."