Chapter 76

Chapter 76: Cohabitation (1)

… There was once a small settlement situated in a rustic mountain valley in the northwestern part of the empire. It housed about 100 households, and Gerek was born and raised in that village.

As a young rural man, he led an ordinary greedless life. He preferred one night’s bread over gold and silver treasures and a glass of wheat beer with his friends after farm work over careers and titles.

… Gerek was once again reminded of the magical tsunami that took it all away. No, the tragedy that buried his village was still fresh in his mind.

He could never forget the deathly screams that echoed ceaselessly amid that painful night, the cold moans amid the waves, the lightning that fell upon their lands, the thunderous pounding of his heart…

The skins of the drowned turning blue.

Raging tidal waves and torrents engulfed his entire village, submerging his family, neighbors, cousins, friends, and lovers.

The Yukline family caused that tragedy in the name of ‘demon hunting.’

Their entire settlement was reduced into a lake during that hellish night, leaving him the only survivor.

But Gerek didn’t feel lonely.

As he peered into the deep bottom of the lake, he felt a sense of fullness within his body.

The personalities of his eleven family members had appeared in his mind.

The Yukline might have destroyed his home, but the souls of those he held dear continued to live in his body.

However…

“So, was the pain of drowning tolerable?”

Deculein’s voice brought back the agony of the past, obliterating Gerek’s reasoning.

Dark cries echoed from his soul.

He once more relived their watery screams as they sank to their deaths.

*****

“… Crazy bastard.”

Arlos hid in the dark as she watched the scene. Imprisoned in the barrier, Deculein pointed his gun at his own temple and smiled as he glared at Gerek. His expression alone despised and humiliated his opponent.

“Second.”

Click—!

He pulled the trigger. No bullet was fired, but threatening mana erupted from Gerek’s body.

“Open your eyes, Gerek.”

Deculein constantly provoked him. A hostage trying to take his own life was certainly an outrageous act, but it worked against him nonetheless.

Gerek wanted him to die by his hands and his hands alone. Hence, he would never allow anyone to kill him except himself.

Not even Deculein himself.

“… Deculein.”

Gerek called his name. His gaze and tone were filled with evil and poison, but Deculein simply kept his lips twisted upward while facing him like an innocent puppy.

“Right. The Head of the family that submerged your village is right in front of you.”