The banquet hall had turned chaotic.
Half of the guests had already left.
The remaining nobles were whispering nervously about what had just happened.
Ketlos stood there with a dark expression.
His fists were clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.
Jealousy and rage burned inside him.
Why him…?
Why is everything about Kairo…?
Nearby, Kairo's mother was in tears.
My son… my Kairo…
That evil cultivator took him away too!
She cried uncontrollably.
He already harmed one of my sons… now he's targeting my other son too!
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
The emotional pressure became too much.
Her vision blurred.
And suddenly—
She fainted.
Mother!
Sofia quickly supported her.
Then she looked toward one of her sisters.
Take mom to her room.
Let her rest.
Her voice turned cold.
We are going to hunt that evil cultivator.
Meanwhile, Kairo's brothers were also furious.
Their killing intent rose sharply.
That bastard dares to touch someone from our family again…
We won't let him escape.
Without wasting another second, they rushed out to join the search.
Meanwhile…
Far away from the royal city.
A dark figure landed on a rocky cliff.
Rain clouds covered the sky.
The man was holding Kairo by the neck.
Then—
He suddenly released him.
Kairo dropped to the ground, stumbling slightly.
He looked up immediately.
Why did you bring me here?
The man's expression turned cold.
Watch your tone.
When you talk to your father.
Kairo frowned.
Answer the question first—
Before he could finish—
SLAP!
A powerful slap hit his face.
Kairo fell to the ground.
His head spun for a moment.
The man looked down at him.
Learn some manners.
After a few seconds, Kairo slowly stood up.
Yes… father.
The man sighed slightly.
I ran away for the same reason.
The royal family once offered me a very high position.
I almost accepted it.
But then…
I discovered their dark reality.
Kairo listened silently.
They would have taken me under their control.
Then forced me to do their dirty work.
And when the time came…
They would blame those crimes on me.
And kill me to clean their hands.
Kairo's eyes widened slightly.
So that's why you ran away…
But didn't they chase you?
His father nodded.
They chased me relentlessly.
But eventually…
I joined a secret organization.
Kairo asked curiously,
What position do you have there?
The man replied calmly.
A high one.
They already knew about me.
They knew what the royal family was trying to do.
So they saved me.
And made me a permanent high-ranking member.
Kairo thought for a moment.
Then the royal family stopped chasing you?
His father shook his head.
No.
They never stopped.
But my organization gave me a new identity.
He looked directly at Kairo.
Have you ever heard of the name…
V4K?
Kairo's eyes widened.
That legendary figure…?
The man nodded slightly.
I am the one behind that name.
Most people only know the name.
Very few have ever seen my face.
Kairo stayed silent for a moment.
Then he asked,
Father… where are we going?
His father looked toward the distant mountains.
A place far away from here.
A land where everything exists.
It rains almost all the time.
The land is always cold.
Thunder constantly strikes the sky.
And volcanoes erupt without warning.
He paused.
But before we leave…
You can meet anyone you want.
Kairo nodded.
Okay, father.
But don't take too long.
His father disappeared into the darkness.
A few moments later…
Kairo arrived at a hidden place outside the city.
There—
His Four Pillars were waiting.
Axion.
Stelix.
Khyber.
Vorthic.
They immediately noticed him.
Boss!
Kairo smiled slightly.
I brought something for you.
He handed each of them a small locket.
I made these for all of you.
And please…
Take care of my daughter, Mayra.
The four pillars froze.
Their expressions changed.
Boss…
Are you leaving?
Kairo nodded quietly.
Yes.
For a while.
The atmosphere turned heavy.
All four of them looked extremely sad.
Vorthic even looked like he might cry.
Axion clenched the locket in his hand.
Boss… how long?
Kairo smiled faintly.
I don't know.
But we will meet again.
At that moment—
A small voice suddenly spoke.
Father… where are you going?
Little Mayra looked up at him with teary eyes.
Her tiny dragon wings trembled slightly.
She had clearly understood something was wrong.
And she didn't want him to leave.
To Be Continued…