[ FORBIDDEN MANSION ]


    Aries''s coughing echoed across the chambers. She coughed and coughed until she was spitting out blood, clutching her chest tightly.


    "Hurts…" came out of her lips, slumped on the floor near the bed.


    Aries snapped her eyes at the ss of water ced on the bedside table. The heat and pain that suddenly struck her made her entire body boil, constricting her lungs as if something shed deep across her body. However, there was no blood on her body aside from the drop of blood on her palm because of her intense coughing.


    "Hah…" her breathing grew heavier with each passing second. Soon, her vision started to blur. Droplets of sweat formed on her forehead, drenching her back and nape.


    Even before Aries could speak, act, or even think, she lost consciousness. Her bodynded on the floor with a thud, passing out on the cold floor with her palm open, revealing the blood on it.


    *


    *


    *


    Maximus shouted through his gritted teeth, wincing at the striking pain in his chest. Abel did it; Abel dared hurt him, knowing Aries would feel the same pain. On his knees, Maximus red up at Abel, only to raise his chin when the tip of Abel''s sword pressed into his nape.


    "Surprised?" Abel''s brows rose, tilting his head to the side. "Did you think I won''t hurt you just because you were in a blood contract with my wife?"


    A shallow chuckle followed Abel''s remarks. "Why? Because I hesitated in the beginning? Was that the reason you''ve grown cocky?"


    "Abel Grimsbanne."


    "Stop calling my name." Abel''s smile lines faded, pressing the tip of the sword on Maximus''s throat. "You are not worthy."


    "Hah…" Hearing thosest remarks from Abel momentarily rendered Maximus speechless. "I am not worthy?"


    "Yes. A garbage like you only has one purpose in this world, and that is to pollute it." There wasn''t the slightest sign Abel found hisment funny, staring into Maximus''s eyes squarely. "I cannot believe you had fallen this low, Maximus. Instead of focusing on the real problems in thisnd, you were busy taunting and ming the Grimsbanne. Why?"


    "Do you think our years of silence made us pushovers? Or did you think that it was easier to me the Grimsbanne for what is happening in thisnd?" Abel continued out of pure curiosity, furrowing his brows in puzzlement. "If that is the case, then I can understand. After all, ming others was easier than epting that you are a failure."


    Maximus''s pupils dted, triggered by the word failure. How dare Abel, of all people, would call him a failure?<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Did you find my words offensive? Why? Because it was the truth and the truth always stings." Abel didn''t give Maximus a chance to spout his nonsense. He heard enough of it. "I told my wife years ago she shouldn''t worry about you. You are nothing. Yet, despite my warnings, she prepared for your arrival. Aries overestimated a loser like you."


    "Two years… she gave you two years to correct your wrongs. But s, you took it for granted. What a waste" added Abel with an air of nonchnce. "I should''ve just ended you. You are nothing but a disappointment in this n. A disgrace. I cannot even look at you, Maximus. May your soul get engulfed by the eternal fire, forever."


    The second thest syble rolled out of Abel''s tongue, he thrust his sword into Maximus''s throat. However, just as Abel did, Maximus got a grip on his sword and deflected it. The des nged loudly.


    Maximus jumped from his standpoint, hopping several meters back until the distance between them was considered safe. The sh across his chest dripped with blood, drenching his clothes with nothing but red. Yet Maximus ignored the biting pain across his body.


    "I see…" Maximus rocked his head. "Silly me. To think that someone like you is capable of loving another more than yourself. Of course, you are the mighty Abel Grimsbanne! Such a thing as love isn''t enough to stop you!"


    "Think however you like." Abel disappeared from his vantage point, only to reappear behind Maximus. "Stop stalling and offer your neck."


    CLANG!


    Maximus turned around in the nick of time, blocking the de that was aiming straight at his nape. If Maximus was a secondter, his head would''ve fallen from his shoulders.


    Abel was serious. His attacks this time were meant to kill Maximus. What was worse than that was that Maximus was aware Abel wasn''t even fighting with everything he could. They were friends in the past and had sparred countless times; Maximus knew this wasn''t Abel''s limit.


    The two des between Abel and Maximus rattled, making Maximus clench his teeth at the heaviness from stopping Abel''s sword. Sweats broke out on Maximus''s back and forehead, clenching his teeth while mustering all his strength to repel him.


    "Ahh…!" a loud shout escaped Maximus''s throat, pushing Abel back. However, he didn''t even recover yet when another ng rang in his ears, blocking another blow from Abel. "Abel Grimsbanne!"


    Maximus red at the person across from him, only to realize Abel was staring at him with a tinge of curiosity. There was no sign of struggle on Abel''s face, but rather, he looked amused. This sight made Maximus''s blood boil.


    Why?


    Why was this world so unfair? Abel couldze around his entire life, but he would still be stronger than Maximus. He didn''t need to train himself because he was already naturally talented and powerful.


    Meanwhile, Maximus had been training since upying the first official king of the maind. Even in this current Maximus IV, he had to train for many reasons. So why, against Abel, who did nothing in Haimirich but live a menial life, was still better than him?


    "Pity,"mented Abel, adding just a bit of strength which pushed back Maximus slightly. "That until now, you have such silly thoughts. For old times'' sake, I will end you quickly, and so it will be rtively painless."


    Abel drew a breath as the sclera in his eyes turned as ck as ink, while his irises shone in bright red. "It was nice knowing you, uncle. Now, die."