Kael quietly looked at the floor.
"So the hero who saved the world… was my uncle."
His voice was low, almost a whisper.
Two Years Later
Kael was now six years old.
Early in the morning, his mother entered his room and gently tried to wake him up. But Kael was still half-asleep and didn't want to get out of bed.
Today was a special day—his birthday.
But he had completely forgotten about it.
He slowly opened his eyes and looked at his mother.
"Mom… good morning… but I'm still sleepy."
His mother sighed softly.
"Oh, Kael. Today is your exam. It's your last one, and after this, you'll be promoted to first class."
She continued cleaning his messy room, then glanced back at him with a slight smile.
"That is… if you actually go and give the exam."
Kael nodded slowly.
"Okay, Mom."
He got up and walked toward the washroom. Picking up his toothbrush, he began brushing his teeth.
Suddenly, he remembered something.
"Cursed… are you with me?"
A voice responded instantly—one only Kael could hear.
"Yes… but I'm feeling sleepy too."
Kael blinked in surprise.
"So souls can sleep too? I didn't know that."
A soft chuckle echoed in his mind.
"Really? I didn't think you were that clueless," Dark Smiler said. "Of course we can sleep."
Kael rinsed his mouth and wiped his face.
"Okay. By the way, I'm going to take a bath… so can you come out in your physical form?"
Dark Smiler immediately teased him.
"No. I want to watch you while bathing."
Kael paused… then calmly replied,
"Then let's go."
He started walking toward the bathroom.
For a moment, there was silence—
Then suddenly, Dark Smiler burst into laughter.
"Okay! Okay! I lost. You win. I'll wait here."
A shadow slowly formed near the sliding glass door.
Dark Smiler appeared, leaning casually against it.
He wore a dark hood that hid most of his face. His hair was pitch black, and his eyes were even darker—like an endless void.
Despite that, his body looked completely human.
It was the first time he had taken a physical form outside Kael's body.
And in this form… anyone could see him.
A few minutes later, Kael came out of the bathroom, drying his hair.
The moment he saw him—he froze.
"I… is that you… The Cursed?"
Dark Smiler turned his head slightly.
"Yes. That's me."
Kael stared at him in shock.
"I wasn't ready to see you like this… but you look cool."
Dark Smiler placed his hand on Kael's head.
"So this form can be seen by normal people too…"
Kael gasped.
"Oh… do you want to stay like this?"
Dark Smiler didn't reply immediately. He simply looked at Kael.
Then—
Knock knock.
Someone was at the door.
In an instant, Dark Smiler vanished like dust in the air.
Kael quickly opened the door.
His mother looked worried.
"Kael! You're getting late!"
"Okay, Mom!"
He rushed back inside.
As he moved, Dark Smiler tried to say something—
"Kae—"
But Kael stopped him.
"I'm sorry… we'll talk later."
He quickly got dressed and left for school with his mother.
At school, Kael sat in his classroom and stretched.
"Ah… today's really busy."
Around him, students chatted with their friends.
"Hey Kael!"
He walked toward them.
"I'm fully prepared for the exam."
One of his friends smirked.
"I know you're smart… but don't break my heart by scoring higher than me."
Kael became nervous.
"Oh… okay."
Another boy laughed.
"Relax, he says that to everyone."
Kael sighed in relief.
"Ohhh…"
Just then, the invigilator entered.
"Students, take your seats and keep your bags outside. Only essential items allowed."
Soon, the exam began.
Kael looked at the paper.
"…These are easy."
Time passed quickly.
After finishing, he walked out feeling relaxed.
Outside, his mother was waiting.
"Mom! I finished my exam!"
Nearby parents whispered,
"Does that boy wear contact lenses?"
Kael didn't hear them.
"Mom, I'm hungry. I skipped breakfast."
His mother smiled.
"I know. I'll get you something at home."
All this time…
Dark Smiler was observing silently.
Why didn't anyone wish him…?
He paused.
Ah… a surprise party.
At home, Kael sat on his bed.
"I'm sorry… it felt like you wanted to say something."
"Dark Smiler?"
This time, the voice sounded serious.
Dark Smiler appeared again.
"Kael… it's time you learn the truth of this world."
He paused.
"There are four more souls like me… maybe even stronger."
Kael blinked.
"Stronger than you?"
Then he smirked.
"But I don't even know your power yet."
Dark Smiler sighed.
"This isn't the time for that. Listen carefully."
Kael became serious.
"The first soul is me—Dark Smiler, the Cursed.
The second is the first Demon Lord of the universe.
The third is the Devil King—stronger than the Demon Lord.
The fourth is the Divine Soul.
And the fifth…"
He paused.
"The most dangerous one… The Void."
Kael froze.
"Wait… what?!"
Dark Smiler smirked.
"By the way… happy birthday, Kael."
Kael smiled.
"Thanks… Cursed."
"I'll show you something tonight… an image of all five souls."
"Really?!"
Knock knock.
Dark Smiler vanished again.
His mother entered.
"Kael! Come here."
She blindfolded him and led him outside.
"Just wait."
When the blindfold was removed—
The room was decorated.
"Mom… you planned this?"
She nodded.
Kael smiled.
"I totally forgot my birthday…"
She patted his head.
"What a coincidence."
She handed him clothes.
"Go get ready. Your friends are coming."
Soon, Kael joined them.
"Tatsuka!"
A boy waved.
Tatsuka pointed toward a girl.
Kael walked up to her.
"Good evening, Shiya."
She looked at him shyly.
"Is there… somewhere I can sit?"
"Yeah, plenty of seats—"
She grabbed his hand.
"I want to sit with you."
Kael blushed.
In his mind, Dark Smiler laughed.
"She likes you."
"Shut up!"
Kael sat beside her.
She held his hand tightly.
"Shiya… what are you doing?"
"I want to sit like this."
Kael looked at her.
"You remember when we first met—"
"Shut up," she said softly.
How did they first meet…?
That story will be revealed in the next chapter.