"What happened after that?" Leo asked, his eyes wide with curiosity and admiration.

"After that, he becme more active and threw himself into his work, taking on every mission he could, risking his life and limb for the cause. But whenever he had a break, he would rush back to his home and spend every precious moment with Mark. He tried to be the best brother he could, to make up for the time he had lost." Gorgon said, his voice softening.

"But the more dungeons he cleared, the more he adapted to dungeons. He became harder, uncaring and more ruthless. If it wasn't for Mark, I suppose he would have become either a heartless killer or a soulless machine." Gorgon said, shaking his head.

"Boss is really amazing." Leo said, his tone full of awe and respect. He never had imagined Ethan to have such backstory.

"Yes, he is." Gorgon agreed, a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"Now it's getting late. I think we should all head back to our rooms." Hans said, glancing at the dying bonfire.

"Yeah. Tomorrow is a big day after all." Gorgon said, standing up and stretching.

"Okay, sir." They all nodded and followed him, leaving the fire to burn out in the dark.

--------

Norman decided to visit his son's ward before going to his room. He moved towards the door and entered.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"You two didn't slept yet?" Norman said as he looked at Wanda and Mark.

"We were about to sleep but thought about seeing Ethan."

"What about you, Mark?"

"I also wanted to see big brother." Mark said.

"Okay."

They all stood beside Ethan's bed, looking at him as he slept. His face looked peaceful, devoid of the usual stern expression. The machines beside him beeped rhythmically, monitoring his vital signs.

"He looks so calm when he's asleep." Wanda whispered, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and concern.

"Yes, he does." Norman replied, a touch of sadness in his voice. "I wish he could find peace not just in his sleep but in his waking moments as well."

"I hope our decision to bring him here was the right one." Wanda said, her gaze fixed on Ethan.

Norman put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We did what we thought was best for him. Now, we must have faith that he'll find his way back."

Mark, standing between them, reached out and held Ethan's hand. His small fingers curled around Ethan's larger ones.

"I hope big brother get well soon. " Mark said, his voice soft.

Wanda nodded, her eyes misty. "We all do, Mark. We all do."

Norman, Wanda, and Mark stayed by Ethan's side, silently hoping for a better tomorrow. The soft hum of the machines in the quiet hospital room became a gentle lullaby, as they stood there, a family bound by love and the trials life had thrown at them.

-----

On the other side, Ethan's team was gathered in one hall before entering their respective rooms.

"So how is your training going with Team leader Lance?" Leo asked Dagger.

"It is going good. I think I can improve my techniques." Dagger said.

"That's awesome bro." Mia said.

"It is good that you are improving." Emily also praised him.

"Anyways, what do we have to do tomorrow vice leader?" Leo asked.

"Commander Gorgon has instructed us to just stay with Ethan and his family and protect them." Emily said.

"Okay then we will protect them at all cost." Leo said with determination.

-----

In another corner of the base, Gorgon and Hans exchanged words.

"They will attack before morning right?" Hans asked.

"Yes." Gorgon nodded.

"Then why did you tell them that demon guild will attack tomorrow?" Hans asked.

"Because they all already have enough problems. And you already know the rest." Gorgon said.

"You made the correct decision. " Hans nodded, knowing the pain Ethan's family and his team was going through.

As the commanders exchanged final words, Gorgon's attention shifted to a communication device. Lucien's voice echoed through the room, providing updates on the demon guild's movements.

"The demon guild is mobilizing. Looks like they're launching the attack." Lucien reported.

Gorgon tightened his grip on the communication device. "Alright, be prepared. Stay focused, and show them who they're messing with."