The forest was quiet when Kairo walked out of the cave.
But now, he was no longer Kairo.
He was Zephiron.
He looked at his hands for a moment, turning them slowly, observing the veins, the skin, the fingers.
Then he touched his face lightly, as if confirming reality.
A faint red glow flashed deep inside his eyes… then disappeared.
From today, he murmured, this is my face.
Without wasting time, he began walking toward the place where Diyanma had been left.
After walking for a few minutes, he saw him — lying against a tree, breathing weakly, his face pale and covered in sweat.
Kairo's expression instantly changed.
His cold eyes became worried, his face filled with concern — a perfect act.
He ran toward him.
Diyanma! Are you okay? How are you feeling? he said in Zephiron's voice.
Diyanma slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurry.
Zep… Zephiron… he whispered weakly.
I… I think I'm going to die… If I die… promise me… you'll take revenge on that bastard…
Kairo pretended to be angry and said, Don't talk nonsense. I brought the antidote.
He quickly took out the antidote pill and made Diyanma swallow it.
After a few minutes, Diyanma's breathing started stabilizing.
The dark veins slowly faded, and the poison began to disappear.
Two hours passed.
The sun had moved across the sky, and light filtered through the trees.
Diyanma finally opened his eyes fully and saw Zephiron sitting beside him, leaning against a tree, arms crossed, as if guarding him the entire time.
Bro… Diyanma said slowly. How did you kill him?
Kairo looked at him and sighed slightly, as if remembering a long battle.
It's a long story, he said. We fought for a long time… He was strong… but somehow, I managed to kill him.
Diyanma looked at him carefully.
But… you don't look injured, he said. If the fight was that long…
Kairo immediately replied, After the fight, I recovered inside the cave.
You know my recovery speed is fast.
Then he stood up and stretched his body slightly.
Come on, he said. Let's go home.
Diyanma nodded slowly and stood up, still a bit weak.
Then the two of them began walking back toward the Korvik family.
Kairo walked slightly ahead, and for a brief moment, when Diyanma wasn't looking—
A faint, cold smile appeared on his face.
Scene Shift – Kelric Family
At the same time, far away in the Kelric family estate, Ketlos was training alone in the courtyard.
Sweat covered his forehead as he practiced sword strikes again and again.
His movements were fast and sharp, cutting through the air with precision.
Just then, the old butler walked toward him and bowed slightly.
Young Master Ketlos, your grandfather is calling you.
Ketlos stopped his training, took a deep breath, and nodded.
I'm coming.
He wiped the sweat from his face and walked toward the main hall.
Soon, he entered a large room where his grandfather was sitting calmly, drinking tea.
Ketlos bowed slightly. Yes, Grandfather.
The old man looked at him for a moment and then said, You are going to the academy this month, right?
Yes, Grandfather.
Make new allies. Build connections. And focus on your cultivation. You have already breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.
Don't be lazy.
Yes, Grandfather, Ketlos replied seriously.
The old man then continued, And five months from now, the tournament will begin. Prepare for it.
Ketlos' eyes became serious.
I will be ready.
Scene Shift – Kairo's Parents
Inside another part of the Kelric estate, Kairo's mother and father were sitting together — but the atmosphere was tense.
You are his father! his mother said angrily.
You don't even know where your son is! He has been missing since yesterday!
His father frowned. And you? You were also busy at the party. Did you even check on him?
Oh, so now you're blaming me? she said angrily.
The argument continued, their voices filled with worry hidden behind anger.
Just then, a young girl entered the room — Mayra, the youngest daughter.
Mom, Dad, stop fighting, she said.
How long are you going to keep arguing? He'll come back. And when he does, I'll make sure he never runs away from home again. I'll give him a big punishment.
Despite the serious situation, her words made the room fall silent for a moment.
But none of them knew…
The person they were worried about…
Was no longer the same person.
Scene Shift – Korvik Family
As the sun began to set, Kairo — in Zephiron's body — finally arrived at the Korvik family estate.
This was his first time here.
Large gates. Stone lion statues. Guards everywhere. A powerful family.
Kairo looked at everything carefully, silently observing, silently memorizing.
From today… this is my new battlefield, he thought.
Just as he entered the main courtyard, a girl came running toward him.
Zephiron brother! You're back!
She stopped in front of him, slightly out of breath.
It was Piya, Zephiron's younger sister.
She looked at him with worried eyes.
Brother, you came back late… Are you okay? she asked.
Kairo looked at her.
For a brief moment, he said nothing.
Then he smiled gently — acting perfectly like a caring older brother.
Yes, he said softly. I'm back.
But deep inside…
The monster had already entered the house.
And no one noticed