What just happened…? Amon thought, staring at the liquor in his glass with a conflicted expression. How is this even possible? What did Mr. Jacob do to get me out of that situation…?
He glanced at the middle-aged man beside him with a messy brown hair and calm blue eyes, casually sipping wine as if nothing had happened. The man's relaxed demeanor only made Amon feel more lost.
It really was Mr. Jacob who had interrupted his conversation with Saint Cor. After that, Amon had been dismissed, and the two of them had spoken privately. Now, somehow, they were sitting together here.
"Mr. Jacob… I'm grateful for what you did for me. But… why? Why would you challenge the government and the clans for my sake? It's not worth it." His voice was low and uncertain.
He couldn't read Jacob's expression at all. The man looked calm, almost indifferent, as if he hadn't just defied powers that could crush entire cities. Amon couldn't understand how a mere therapist, a supposedly ordinary Awakened could stand against the colossal forces of the government and the great clans.
"There's no need to worry about the future," Jacob said thoughtfully, taking a slow sip from his glass. "I've already taken care of your problem… though it's not completely resolved. As long as you remain independent, I can't fully protect you."
Amon sighed, lowering his gaze. "I understand… But what choice do I have? I can either go rogue, hide in the Dream Realm until I'm strong enough, or join them on acceptable terms. I don't see any other way out of this."
Jacob chuckled softly. "Perhaps. But I am capable of protecting you, and preserving your status as an independent Awakened."
Amon frowned. "May I ask how?" He wasn't really hopeful. What could Jacob possibly accomplish?
Jacob smiled faintly, setting his glass down and leaning closer. "Just trust me," he said, patting Amon's shoulder. "All you have to do… is join my clan."
Amon blinked in bewilderment, his mouth opening and then closing, as if he wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.
"Your clan? Does that mean…" he asked, uncertainty flickering in his eyes as he leaned closer to the bar.
Jacob nodded, running a hand through his hair and pushing it back with a lazy yawn.
"Indeed. But don't get me wrong or misunderstand my intentions." He poured himself another glass, his tone calm but earnest. "I don't want to follow the same path as the government or those old fiends. What I want is to create a safe place for my students, somewhere they can move freely, explore the world, find their own path, and keep moving forward. It might sound naïve, but so what? If I have enough power to make it happen, that's all that matters, isn't it?"
Enough power… that's right. In the end, power is what matters most. Amon sighed, the thought sitting heavy in his chest. It was cruel, but true. Yet he also knew what power without purpose became: hollow, empty, and no different from the mindless nightmare creatures they fought.
"I think I understand," he murmured. "But how would this even work? What's the clan's name? How will it operate? Where will the main base be? And… what about its members?"
Jacob blinked, frozen for a moment, then let out an awkward laugh while scratching the back of his head.
"Well… we'll figure that out later. Haha… ha…"
Amon groaned softly, laying his head on the table in exasperation. So you don't even have a name yet…
"But," Jacob added, smiling slyly, "I'll let you choose the name for our clan."
That made Amon lift his head again. A name, huh? That meant his status in this new "clan" would be quite high. So… what should he choose?
He thought for a while, recalling many poetic and grand titles. Yet, for some reason, his mind kept circling back to one name. simple but meaningful.
At last, he smiled faintly. "I think I know what it will be."
Jacob tilted his head, intrigued. "Oh? Let's hear it."
Amon adjusted his monocle, his smile deepening. "How about… The Rose Redemption?"
Jacob repeated it under his breath, frowning thoughtfully. "The Rose Redemption…"
After a moment, a warm smile broke across his face as he nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad. I actually like it."
At that very moment, a new legacy clan was born. In the future, no one could ever imagine that the most powerful, mysterious, and dominant clan in history would be created in a small bar near the academy, by two not-so-mentally-stable individuals.
Jacob and Amon continued discussing their new project. Amon knew Jacob well. While he didn't trust him completely like he trusted his friends, he still admired and respected him deeply. After all, Jacob was his teacher, the man who helped him when he needed it most.
Apparently, their new clan would be located in the Forgotten Shore. Amon hadn't wanted to reveal that the Crimson Spire had survived, but he hadn't had much of a choice. Mr. Jacob was his only chance to escape the influence of the Great Clans.
He wasn't entirely sure, but he suspected Jacob was already a Transcendent.
That wasn't something that ever happened in the novel. But the more Amon thought about it, the more it made sense. This must be the butterfly effect, he mused.
His arrival had already twisted the story beyond recognition, so why wouldn't new powerhouses rise as well? Jacob might have been just an ordinary instructor once, but perhaps at some point, he had challenged the Third Nightmare and emerged as a Saint.
Amon wasn't sure if it had happened before he came to this world or after their meeting, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that he now had a powerful ally.
Jacob could help him suppress his flaw which drove him mad and stabilize his mind. He could protect Amon and his cohort from the government, the Great Clans, and even the claws of the nightmare creatures that lurked in the dark.
He could also aid in rebuilding the Forgotten Shore. Amon had destroyed the Dark City… but with Jacob's help, perhaps it could rise again. Who knew? It would be quite the spectacle if it did.
For now, they agreed that Jacob would act as regent. Since the territory originally belonged to Amon, he would inherit it once he became strong enough.
Of course, there was no guarantee that Jacob wouldn't betray him, that all of this wasn't some elaborate act. But for once in his life, Amon wanted to trust someone outside of Luna and Medici.
And that person… was Jacob.
After a long night, the two were still at the bar, hunched over documents and communicators. The owner's sharp glare made the atmosphere even heavier, it felt like he was seconds away from kicking them out.
At last, they finished laying the foundations of their new organization and sighed in relief.
"Phew… that was exhausting," Jacob muttered, his expression annoyed. Then he glanced at Amon, who was calmly sipping coffee with his legs crossed, eyes skimming over the documents. He looked like some kind of nobleman which, frankly, Jacob found hilarious.
"Hey," Jacob said, leaning forward. "What should we call the city? We can't exactly call it the Dark City again, right?"
Amon leaned back, thoughtful. Then, a small, meaningful smile curved his lips. "How about… Moirai?"
Jacob blinked, surprised. "Moirai? Hmm… that's from ancient Greek, right? It means destiny. Interesting name." He squinted at Amon suspiciously. "But how would an outskirts rat know something like that? Hell, even some historians in the waking world might not know it."
Amon froze, his blood running cold as Jacob pointed out his mistake. Damn it, I let my guard down… How do I explain this? No matter what I say, he'll know I'm making excuses…
"Meh, that's a great name," Jacob said nonchalantly, cutting through Amon's panic. He smirked. "Don't worry, I won't ask how you know that. Everyone's got their secrets."
Amon nodded, still awkward but relieved. Luckily, Mr. Jacob simply didn't give a damn about such things. The man only wanted an easy life, relaxed and rich without lifting a finger.
"Moirai… the City of Mysteries," Amon murmured, gazing up at the moon with a faint smile. "That's a fancy name."
"It indeed is," an unfamiliar voice interrupted Amon and Jacob's rest.
Both men straightened. Amon nearly summoned his weapon in alarm as he glanced to his left. Jacob, on the other hand, remained calm, though faint wisps of bright essence flickered around him, betraying his vigilance as he stared coldly at the approaching silhouette.
"I'm surprised to see you in such an ordinary place… Lady Eunbin," Jacob muttered, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips.
Amon nodded, trying to stay composed despite the tension creeping up his spine. He gave a polite bow toward the fair lady approaching their table.
"On that much, we agree," he said lightly. "I wouldn't expect to see such a gorgeous lady in a simple bar. But I must admit, your presence brightens the place."
Eunbin blinked in mild surprise at the compliment. Her aloof beauty was almost otherworldly, her expression serene, her scarlet lips curving into a faint smile as she returned the nod. For just a moment, however, her expression tightened in something like panic as her gaze darted behind Amon, to where Jacob sat, still wearing that lazy, unbothered look.
Amon missed the exchange entirely, still bowed in courtesy.
Recovering quickly, Eunbin extended her hand. Amon took it and brushed his lips against her fingers with gentlemanly grace, earning a soft, musical giggle.
"You're quite interesting," she said. "I can see why my sister likes you so much."
Amon's eyes narrowed slightly, his polite smile not reaching his gaze. Luna?
"I'm flattered," he replied smoothly. "But may I ask what brings someone of your status to us?"
Eunbin's playful demeanor faded. Her expression sharpened, voice turning serious. "I think you should come with me... to Ravenheart."
Amon blinked, his lips twitching as he stared down at his cup. Hmm… If I listen to my delusions, that's a confession. But if I listen to the rational, self-aware part of me, the one I hate listening to, I'm being kidnapped.
"I'm afraid I don't quite understand the meaning of your words, my lady," Amon said with a weary smile, forcing politeness even as his eyes drifted back to his coffee.
"You will, once we arrive," she said with a sultry smile. "For now, just come with me."
"Then I should follow him," Jacob interrupted, voice laced with irritation.
Eunbin blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Pardon? I'm sorry, Mr…?"
"Jacob."
"Yes, Mr. Jacob," she continued, slightly flustered. "But I don't think it would be appropriate..."
"I don't care about that, child," Jacob cut her off, his tone sharp. "I'm more than deserving to be in Ravenheart. If you don't believe me, ask your mother when we arrive. Now, let's go."
Both Eunbin and Amon froze as Jacob grabbed his coat with a lazy yawn.
Neither of them knew what to make of it.
Their entire project, the foundation of their new clan, seemed to vanish in that instant. Well, not entirely; Amon had quietly gathered all the documents and hidden them away for safekeeping.
For reasons Amon couldn't fathom, Eunbin accepted Jacob's words without protest. Maybe she believed him… or maybe she simply didn't care. After all, even if Jacob was lying, what could he possibly do in the Song Domain, under the sovereign's watch? Probably nothing.
So why was he agreeing to go?!
Amon's mind raced. We're screwed. That's it, we're dead. He tried to cling to some hope, that Luna might intervene, or that Jacob really did know Ki Song and had a trump card ready. But hope was thin, and the night suddenly felt much darker.
While Amon was silently having a panic attack, Eunbin touched her chest like a delicate maiden, her expression pained.
"Ahh… I don't really mind, Mr. Jacob," she said with exaggerated courtesy, though it was painfully obvious she didn't like the idea of him tagging along. "But I can only transport a single person into the Dream Realm. I can't take both of you."
Jacob raised an eyebrow, completely unbothered. "Hmm? Your soul seems strong enough to take two people at once. Stop wasting time and let's go."
He has absolutely no chill… Amon thought, staring at Jacob in disbelief.
Eunbin flinched slightly, caught off guard by how casually Jacob had exposed her lie. Amon's lips curled up in amusement, watching the proud lady falter for once.
But she quickly composed herself and nodded. Without another word, she placed her hands on both of their shoulders, and the world around them dissolved in an instant.
***
Luna's eyes snapped open. Her entire body was drenched in sweat as she struggled to breathe but after a moment, her breathing steadied, her tense muscles finally relaxing.
It still hurts… haa… but it doesn't matter. It's okay. I managed to protect you, she thought with a warm, exhausted smile, placing a trembling hand over her belly.
Then she froze.
Someone was gently running their fingers through her hair.
The sensation was so familiar, so comforting, even, that for a brief second she thought she was dreaming. But dreaming inside the Dream Realm was impossible.
"Amon!?"
She sat up instantly, eyes wide, her face lighting up with disbelief and joy.
He's... Real?
There he was, the familiar silhouette of the man she had longed for all this time. Tears welled in her eyes as she took in his features: those deep, dark eyes, the curly black hair she always found so annoyingly endearing. His crystal monocle gleamed under the soft lantern light, and the elegant lines of his clothes gave him an air of effortless nobility.
"You're really… you really came back… You're real," she whispered, voice trembling.
A radiant smile bloomed on her face as she threw her arms around him, pulling him onto the bed and hugging him tightly.
Amon blinked, caught off guard. For a moment, he looked ready to complain about propriety, or reputation but then his expression softened. A quiet, almost helpless smile tugged at his lips. He sighed, letting himself relax in her arms.
But even then, peace didn't come. Beneath that calm exterior, Amon's heart was pounding in quiet panic.
Who would've thought, huh? I should be happy right now… but all I feel is fear.
He stared at her hand resting against his chest.
Sometimes I hate how much of a coward I am. It's not even danger I'm afraid of… There's nothing dangerous about an innocent child.
I'm just afraid of taking responsibility for my actions... Damn it.
"Luna... I heard about what happened," Amon said softly. His voice trembled just slightly, and his eyes avoided hers, as if weighed down by guilt he couldn't quite name.
Luna's expression softened. A small, knowing smile curved her lips as she leaned forward and kissed him gently.
"I know… and it's okay. We'll figure something out," she said with a laugh, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Well, usually it's you who does the thinking, but you get what I mean."
Her playful tone eased the heaviness in the air, if only a little.
Amon nodded, his gaze drifting down to her belly. Quietly, he activated Decryption, and froze.
It's… really a boy.
"Do you… have a name in mind?" he asked after a moment, his voice low and uncertain.
Luna's smile deepened as she placed a tender hand on her stomach, her eyes glimmering with warmth. Yet, deep down, Amon felt unsettled. Her eyes, once deep and crystal clear like the ocean, were now crimson, like freshly spilled blood. He wanted to ask what had caused such a change but decided against it. He didn't want to ruin the moment.
"No matter how much I thought about it," she whispered, "there was only one name that felt right."
Amon raised a brow, curious, silently urging her to continue.
Luna looked down again, her entire expression softening into pure love.
"It's… Evangelo," she said. "It means 'Good News.'"
Amon froze. His mind went blank, breath caught in his throat.
That name…
He was shocked. After all, that name had been forgotten, erased from everyone's memory, as if it had never existed. If Amon's past self hadn't forced him to remember it, even he would have remained oblivious to its meaning.
Evangelo. His true name, the one he had lost when he transmigrated into this world.
For a long moment, he just stared at her, unable to speak. How could she have known?
But maybe… she hadn't. Maybe somewhere, in the depths of her soul, that name still lingered like stubborn amber, refusing to turn to ash. Maybe, in some twisted way, Luna had never forgotten Amon's name. Against all odds, she still remembered.
Amon's vision blurred. A quiet, bittersweet smile found its way onto his lips.
He felt sad. Confused. Awed.
But above all else, he felt happy.
Somehow, in spite of everything, Luna had still remembered him.
Even if that memory had been buried in the abyss of oblivion, she'd carried a piece of him all along.
Noticing the change in his expression, Luna smiled softly. She reached up, brushing her fingers against his cheek, gently guiding his gaze back to hers.
"Amon," she whispered, her voice calm and full of quiet strength. "Let's not let the sadness of our past or the fear of our future steal the happiness of our present. You don't have to face your storms alone. If it rains… I'll sit with you in the thunder."
Amon didn't move. He simply stared at her, caught between melancholy and something far deeper. Then Luna wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down beside her.
She smiled. It was a joyful, content smile. For the first time in two months, she had finally found the peace she'd been longing for.
"You were the most unexpected, yet most beautiful thing that ever happened to me," she murmured against his ear, her voice fading as her eyes closed.
Oh, Luna… Amon thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he relaxed in her embrace. And you were… everything.
"I love you..."
***
[A/N: I think I've improved when it comes to writing romance. I was really thinking about how to write their reunion. Heck, I even deleted two drafts because I wasn't satisfied. Even this one still feels a bit lacking but eh, it's the best I could do, so I guess it's fine.
Anyway, who's Mr. Jacob really? We don't know a thing about him. Why was Eunbin so afraid of him? What makes him so confident? Is Amon's theory about Jacob correct or not? Well, we won't figure that out anytime soon, lol. Amon was also almost caught by Jacob. Anyone knowledgeable about history would find Amon's knowledge suspicious, after all. But since our dear mentor trusts our little scammer, Amon's safe for now.
We also have a new Dark City, which will be called Moirai, meaning destiny. It's actually a reference to Beacon of Destiny. And we have a new clan too. Rebuilding the Forgotten Shore will be cool, I guess. We'll also explore the Crimson Spire, there's not much known about it yet either.
Not gonna lie, I kinda messed up the plot, so it's hard to guess what'll happen next, heh.
That's all for now, enjoy the meal, guys!]
***