The graveyard fell silent once again.
Cold wind passed between the broken tombstones.
Kairo's heart was still racing.
The mysterious man stood calmly a few meters away, watching him.
For a moment—
Neither of them moved.
Then suddenly—
Kairo turned around and ran.
WHOOSH
His body shot forward like lightning.
His speed was terrifying.
But only a second later—
A shadow appeared in front of him.
SMACK
A loud slap echoed in the graveyard.
Kairo was sent flying across the ground again.
He rolled several times before stopping.
His face burned from the impact.
You—!
Before he could finish speaking, he stood up and ran again without even looking back.
But this time—
The mysterious man simply stretched his hand.
In the next moment, Kairo felt a powerful grip around his collar.
BOOM
He was slammed onto the ground.
The air escaped his lungs.
The man pinned him down effortlessly.
Kairo struggled angrily.
Who the hell are you?!
What did I ever do to you?!
The mysterious man looked down at him calmly.
Then he spoke in a cold voice.
The speed you think is so impressive…
…I'm the one who gave it to you.
Kairo's eyes widened.
What?!
That's impossible!
This speed wasn't given to me by anyone.
I obtained it myself!
The man didn't look convinced at all.
Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter.
If I say I gave it to you…
Then you will accept it.
His eyes suddenly turned extremely cold.
And if you refuse…
I will kill you.
Kairo felt a chill run down his spine.
This man was not joking.
His strength was terrifying.
Kairo quickly raised his hands.
Wait!
Why are you even targeting me?
What did I do to you?
The mysterious man remained silent for a moment.
Then he said something unexpected.
…Give me my sword.
Kairo froze.
What?
The man pointed at the sword hanging on Kairo's waist.
That sword.
Give it to me.
Kairo immediately tightened his grip on the weapon.
No.
This is my father's sword.
I won't give it to you.
The man's expression didn't change.
That sword…
…is mine.
You have no right to call it yours.
Before Kairo could react—
The man casually took the sword from him.
The moment the sword left Kairo's hand—
Something strange happened.
The blade suddenly trembled.
A faint glow spread across it.
The sword's appearance began to change.
The dull surface turned sharper and darker.
It looked completely different now.
The man glanced at it briefly.
…Just as I thought.
Then he casually tossed it back to Kairo.
But when Kairo grabbed the sword again—
His expression changed.
The sword no longer responded to him.
It felt completely unfamiliar.
…It doesn't recognize me anymore.
The mysterious man finally released Kairo.
Kairo quickly stepped back, his mind racing.
At that moment—
A thought appeared in his head.
If I distract him…
Then attack from behind…
He slowly tightened his grip on the sword.
But before he could act—
The mysterious man suddenly spoke.
I will come back to see you again.
Then he took out a small object and tossed it toward Kairo.
It was a small black token.
If you ever find yourself in real danger…
Break that token.
I'll come help you.
Kairo caught the token, confused.
Before the man could leave, Kairo quickly asked,
Wait!
At least tell me who you are!
The man slowly turned his back.
That was the moment Kairo had been waiting for.
NOW.
Kairo suddenly rushed forward at full speed.
His sword slashed toward the man's neck.
But—
The attack never landed.
The man grabbed Kairo's throat with one hand and lifted him into the air.
Kairo's eyes widened in shock.
The mysterious man looked completely unfazed.
That useless trick…
…won't work on me.
Kairo quickly raised both hands.
O-Okay!
I won't try again!
The man stared at him for a moment.
Then he released him.
Kairo dropped to the ground, coughing.
After a few seconds, he asked again,
…Who are you?
The mysterious man finally answered.
…A special member of the Kelric family.
He paused briefly.
And according to my family…
…I've been dead for many years.
Kairo's mind froze.
A dead member…
Of the Kelric family?
His thoughts started racing.
Kelric family…
Dead…
Wait…
His eyes widened.
That means…
Father?!
But before he could say anything—
The mysterious man's body slowly faded into the darkness.
And in the next moment—
He completely disappeared.
Leaving Kairo standing alone in the silent graveyard.
His heart was beating wildly.
Because the truth he had just realized…
Was far more shocking than anything he expected.
To Be Continued…