Chapter 9 – Whispers of Resolve
The oppressive darkness of the fracture receded slowly, leaving Jae-Hyun kneeling in the deafening quiet of his room. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, but his mind remained restless, caught on the faint echo of Kaelzar’s cryptic words. They lingered, heavy and inescapable, like a shadow that refused to dissolve. He leaned back against the cold wall, his body aching from the toll of battle, yet his thoughts roamed far from the pain.
A notification flickered across his vision, its golden glow more vivid than usual, as though it were mocking the burden of its message. Jae-Hyun exhaled sharply, his breath uneven as he prepared himself for whatever the system had to reveal.
System Notification:
Abyssal Bond – Mythical Skill
Description: Grants the ability to form a reciprocal growth bond with a selected person or creature. The bonded entity gains access to system mechanics, allowing them to level up and grow stronger. Requires mutual consent.
Warning: The death of a bonded individual will result in severe penalties, including stat reductions and potential instabilities.
Jae-Hyun read the description once, then again, each word sinking deeper into his mind like the sharp edge of a blade. This skill was no mere advantage; it was a profound responsibility wrapped in risk. The potential for strength was there, undeniable, but it came tethered to a weight that could crush him if mishandled. As always, the system presented its offerings with a cold, detached clarity, offering no comfort, no guidance—just the facts.
“Reciprocal growth,” he murmured. His thoughts flicked to Ahri, whose strength and loyalty had been proven time and again. Could he risk her life for this?”
And then there was Kaelzar—an entity whose immense power stemmed from an era long past. A being so ancient and enigmatic that the idea of forging a bond with him was as daunting as it was intriguing. What would a connection with Kaelzar even entail?
The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. No, this isn’t the time. I don’t have the luxury to experiment with something so dangerous, not yet.
With a sharp blink, Jae-Hyun dismissed the notification. He pulled himself to his feet, ignoring the dull ache in his muscles. Pain was grounding, a constant reminder that he was alive. There were more immediate concerns to deal with—things that couldn’t wait. The Abyssal Bond would have to remain an unanswered question for now.
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Steam swirled and danced in the small bathroom, clinging to every surface as Jae-Hyun turned off the shower. Droplets of water traced their way down his skin as he stepped out and faced the foggy mirror. He wiped the glass clean, revealing a reflection that made him pause.
The person staring back at him felt like a stranger. His frame, once lean and inconspicuous, now bore the unmistakable marks of transformation. Toned muscles defined his physique, his shoulders broader, his posture more naturally commanding. Even his height seemed to have gained an imposing edge.
But what struck him most were his eyes. They had shifted from a mundane shade to a piercing, otherworldly blue that seemed to hold a depth far beyond their appearance. The intensity in his gaze reflected not only his power but also the weight of his struggles. He raked a hand through his unruly hair, now longer and neglected, and for a moment, simply stared at the stranger in the mirror.
“I don’t even recognize myself,” he muttered, his voice low, tinged with an odd mix of wonder and apprehension.
Determined to make sense of his reflection and embrace the change, Jae-Hyun decided it was time for a fresh start. He stepped out into the city, weaving through its vibrant streets until he found a modest barbershop tucked away from the bustling main roads.
The barber, an older man with keen eyes, regarded Jae-Hyun curiously when he requested a modern yet practical style. The scissors moved with practiced precision, and as locks of hair fell, Jae-Hyun felt a subtle but profound sense of renewal—like shedding the remnants of his old self.
When the barber handed him a mirror, Jae-Hyun froze for a moment. The cut was clean, sharp, and perfectly framed his face, emphasizing the strength in his features. Combined with his defined physique, the transformation was startling. He looked not only different but commanding, as though the very air around him had shifted.
He left the shop and stepped into the late afternoon sun, his hood hanging loose for the first time in months. The warmth against his skin felt strange but liberating. As he walked, he caught his reflection in a shop window. The man staring back exuded confidence, strength, and a quiet authority. Yet, beneath it all, he felt a strange unease. This wasn’t just about appearance—this transformation felt like a barrier, a mask separating him from the person he once was.
The weight of his unresolved emotions pressed on him, and a singular thought rose to the surface: Mi-Rae. He needed to reconnect with her—not just for her sake but for his own. Could she still recognize the brother she once adored? Could he still claim to be the same man after all he had endured?
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The sun cast long golden shadows across the streets as Jae-Hyun moved through the bustling crowds. Merchants called out their wares, the smell of grilled meats and spiced teas blending with the hum of life that surrounded him. For a moment, the atmosphere tugged at a memory—something fleeting and almost nostalgic.
Ahri sat at an outdoor café, her posture exuding casual confidence. A steaming cup of tea rested in her hands, her sword leaning nonchalantly against the table. When Jae-Hyun approached, her sharp gaze lifted—and froze.
Her eyes widened as she took in his appearance. The sharp haircut framed his features, highlighting his defined jawline and piercing blue eyes. His tailored coat enhanced his already formidable presence, and for a moment, Ahri’s composure slipped. A faint blush crept into her cheeks as she struggled to reconcile the Jae-Hyun she knew with the man standing before her.
“Wow,” she said, setting her cup down with an audible clink. Her voice carried genuine surprise, softened by a hint of something else she couldn’t quite place. “You look… different. Really different.”
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Jae-Hyun hesitated, momentarily caught off guard. “It’s just a haircut,” he replied, his tone unintentionally curt as he fought the awkwardness building within him.
Ahri tilted her head, her lips curving into an amused smile. “A haircut? Sure, let’s go with that.” Her teasing tone carried enough warmth to ease some of the tension in the air.
He took a seat across from her, trying to shake the uncharacteristic awkwardness that had settled over him. The way she studied him, a mix of curiosity and amusement, only heightened his discomfort.
“You look like you haven’t slept,” she remarked, her gaze softening slightly as she sipped her tea.
Jae-Hyun gave a faint, humorless chuckle, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve had worse nights,” Jae-Hyun replied, his voice carrying a tired edge. Straightening his posture, he shifted the conversation. “We need to talk about what’s next.”
Ahri leaned forward slightly, setting her cup aside. “Go on.”
“I need to find my sister,” Jae-Hyun said, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of urgency. “She’s with the Silver Talon Guild, but I don’t know her current situation. I need information—and fast.”
Ahri nodded, her expression growing serious. “And the Tower?”
“It’s our best chance at gaining resources and power,” Jae-Hyun explained. “Towers appeared everywhere after the Cataclysm. They’re filled with monsters, traps, and treasures. You climb floors to earn rewards, and once you clear a floor, you can teleport back to it directly.”
He paused, his voice lowering. “Floor 49 was cleared recently, but no one has made it past floor 50. It’s dangerous, but it’s an opportunity to test ourselves.”
Ahri frowned. “I’ve heard of the Tower, but I’ve never seen it. Sounds like a death trap.”
“It is,” Jae-Hyun admitted, his tone firm. “I’ll need to try it eventually. The Tower’s rewards aren’t just material.” He paused briefly, his thoughts shifting. It’s also an opportunity to see if I can level up further and test Kaelzar.
Ahri crossed her arms, her expression resolute. “Then I’m in. Whether it’s gathering information or backing you up, I’ll help.”
A flicker of gratitude softened Jae-Hyun’s gaze. “Good. Start digging into the Tower. I’ll handle my own preparations.”
Ahri finished her tea, determination gleaming in her eyes. “Consider it done. And you?”
“I’ve got my own tasks,” Jae-Hyun said as he stood, his shadow stretching unnaturally under the sun.
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The Silver Talon Guild’s headquarters loomed like a fortress, its high walls lined with shimmering runes that pulsed faintly. Jae-Hyun observed from the shadows of a nearby alley, his presence masked by his innate abilities. The area buzzed with activity—guild members sparring in open courtyards, couriers rushing between buildings, and guards stationed at key entry points.
Then, he saw her.
Mi-Rae stepped into view, her posture rigid and commanding. Her dark hair was tied back neatly, her uniform pristine. She moved with an air of authority, her sharp gaze assessing everyone around her.
Jae-Hyun’s chest tightened at the sight. The sister he remembered had always been warm and full of life, with a ready smile that could brighten even the darkest days. He recalled the way she used to run to greet him after training, her laughter ringing through the courtyard as she teased him about his exhaustion.
But now, that warmth was gone. Her laughter had been replaced by curt commands, her easygoing nature overshadowed by a cold detachment. She spoke to a group of guild members with an air of unshakable confidence, her tone firm and unyielding, as though she had been molded into a leader by force rather than choice.
What have they done to you? Jae-Hyun thought, his fists clenching at his sides as a pang of guilt and anger surged within him.
The sister he remembered—the warm, playful Mi-Rae—was gone. In her place stood someone molded by the guild’s relentless demands, her firm tone and cold demeanor a stark contrast to the lively girl he once knew. She spoke to a group of guild members, her tone firm and unyielding, as though she had been molded into a leader.
He strained to hear snippets of their conversation. Mentions of her high ranking and recent promotion reached his ears, but the specifics were lost. At one point, a guild member glanced in his direction, and Jae-Hyun froze, his breath caught in his throat. The moment passed as the guild member turned back, but the near discovery sent a jolt of adrenaline through him, urging him to retreat sooner rather than later. The system offered no insight into her rank, and the gap in his knowledge stung.
Realizing the risk of staying too long, Jae-Hyun retreated into the shadows. He wasn’t ready to face the guild head-on, not yet. But he wouldn’t leave without making his presence known.
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Jae-Hyun sat cross-legged on the floor of his room, his eyes locked on the faint shimmer of the silver necklace resting in his palm. It was simple, delicate, and unassuming—exactly the kind of gift his sister would appreciate. He had purchased it long before everything fell apart, intending it as a birthday present. He remembered the day he bought it—a sunny afternoon when Mi-Rae had excitedly pointed out a similar design in a shop window, her eyes lighting up with joy. He’d thought of surprising her, a small gesture to show how much he cared. But the Cataclysm and the betrayal had stolen that chance, leaving the necklace untouched until now. Now, it carried a message far greater than words could convey.
He raised his head slightly. With a gesture, the air in the room grew heavier, and the shadows near the corner twisted and writhed until the massive form of the Shadow General emerged. Kaelzar loomed silently, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as they met Jae-Hyun’s.
Jae-Hyun held up the necklace, the delicate chain glinting faintly in the dim light. “Take this,” he said, his voice steady but carrying a weight of unspoken emotion. “Deliver it to her quarters. Leave it on her desk.”
The shadows that made up Kaelzar’s form rippled in silent acknowledgment. The General extended his massive hands, cradling the necklace with unexpected care. Jae-Hyun added a folded piece of paper to the bundle, the words written in his precise, deliberate script: Happy birthday. I’m still here.
Kaelzar lingered for a moment, his presence imposing yet calm, before the shadows enveloped him. The General moved through the dark streets with a fluidity that defied logic, his massive form blending seamlessly into the surrounding shadows. He traversed walls and alleys effortlessly, avoiding detection with an almost preternatural grace. Jae-Hyun watched silently as the massive form dissolved, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. There was a strange weight in seeing Kaelzar depart, as though the simple act of sending the necklace carried the entirety of his unspoken hopes and fears. He clenched his fists slightly, grounding himself against the surge of emotion, and exhaled deeply as the faint chill of the shadows lingered in the room.
Jae-Hyun exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. It’s not much, but it’s a start, he thought, his gaze fixed on the empty corner where Kaelzar had stood. His mind swirled with conflicting emotions—relief at finally reaching out, fear that it might not be enough, and a lingering guilt for not doing more sooner. He wondered how Mi-Rae would react to the gift, whether she would even believe it was from him. A part of him feared that she had changed so much that this small gesture might not matter. Still, he clung to the hope that it would remind her of the bond they once shared, a bond he was determined to rebuild. The weight in his chest didn’t lift entirely, but the act of reaching out, however small, felt like a step forward. As he stood, his mind lingered on a single thought: no matter how far Mi-Rae had been pushed away, he was determined to bring her back—to remind her of who she truly was. He stood, resolved to continue moving forward, no matter how daunting the path.