It hadn’t even been a full day since they left Flamedragon Mountain, yet Hope and Sorin could already see Serene Sun City on the horizon. The sight of it stirred old memories within Hope, a reminder of past humiliation that had never truly faded.


    Julian. The city lord’s name surfaced in his mind like a festering wound. Years ago, that man had injured him over nothing more than the whims of his spoiled daughter. Hope had once let it go, reasoning that he was too weak to fight back. But now? Now, things were different.


    His gaze darkened as he spoke to Sorin. “Remember what happened in that city?”


    Sorin''s eyes narrowed as he locked onto the distant walls, his fur bristling slightly. A low growl rumbled from his throat in acknowledgment.


    Hope''s lips curled into a cold smile. “We’re going to pay a visit to the city lord. If he refuses to make amends… well…” He glanced down at Sorin, his voice turning chillingly calm. “Then it will be time for you to become Death’s shadow.”


    At those words, Sorin’s entire body shuddered—not from fear, but from raw, uncontained excitement. He had grown stronger. No longer was he the helpless creature who needed Hope’s constant protection. The thought of battle, of unleashing the power he had honed over the years, sent a thrill through his veins.


    Without hesitation, Sorin accelerated to his full speed, a streak of shadows tearing through the landscape.


    The city walls loomed closer, and in mere minutes, they were nearly upon the gates. The guards, who had been casually inspecting travelers and collecting tolls, were the first to notice the approaching storm.


    One of them suddenly tensed, eyes widening in sheer panic. “A BEAST IS COMING!” he bellowed.


    His comrades followed his gaze and froze. In the distance, a massive shadowed form rushed toward them at an impossible speed.


    “CALL EVERYONE HERE!” the captain of the guards roared, stepping forward as the first line of defense.


    Within moments, fifty guards assembled in perfect formation before the city gate, swords drawn, eyes sharp with determination. Though their hands trembled slightly, they held their ground. A beast was approaching, and they would not falter.


    Less than twenty seconds later, Hope and Sorin arrived.


    Hope’s gaze swept over the assembled soldiers, his lips curling into a sneer. Their disciplined stance, their rigid weapons—it was almost laughable. As if such a formation could stop them.


    Without a word, he dismounted, his steps calm and measured as he approached the captain. Sorin followed closely behind, his massive form radiating an overwhelming presence. A sharp-toothed grin stretched across his maw, sending a shudder through the gathered guards.


    Their grips on their weapons tightened, their breath coming faster. Yet in the next instant, they hesitated.


    Only now did they notice the small figure walking ahead of the monstrous panther. A man. The beast’s master.


    For a person to command such a creature… wasn’t it obvious? He had to be stronger than the beast itself.


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    As wary thoughts filled their minds, the captain finally spoke, his voice tense yet controlled. “Who are you, and why have you come?”


    Hope studied the man, amusement flashing in his eyes. Did they truly not recognize him? Or had he been so insignificant back then that they had already forgotten?


    It didn’t matter.


    “I’m here to see Julian” he stated coolly. “He should know me.”


    The captain blinked in surprise, his tension easing. If this man knew the city lord, then surely he wasn’t an enemy? His face softened into a polite smile.


    “Ah, I didn’t realize you were a friend of our city lord. Please, come in. I’ll announce your arrival.”


    Hope said nothing, nor did he correct the misunderstanding. Why bother? As long as he received what he came for, nothing else mattered.


    “Let’s go” he said indifferently.


    The captain nodded before barking out an order. “DISPERSE!”


    At once, the guards sheathed their weapons, stepping aside to allow passage. The captain turned back to Hope, offering a respectful nod.


    “Esteemed guest, please follow me.”


    Without another word, he led Hope and Sorin into the city, heading straight for the city lord’s mansion.


    As Hope stepped into Serene Sun City, he immediately noticed something different. The city was no longer as lively as it once was. The once-bustling streets, filled with laughter and commerce, now carried an air of quiet tension.


    A small smile tugged at his lips.


    ‘Actions have consequences. The only question is—can one endure them, or will they be crushed beneath their weight?’


    His gaze swept over the city, his mind sharpening with a sudden realization.


    ‘This city… is clearly not strong enough.’


    A strange sensation washed over him, as though a veil had been lifted from his eyes. The world around him became clearer, every movement, every sound imbued with a deeper meaning. It was as if a circle had completed itself—yet he could not fully grasp what it meant.


    Lost in his thoughts, he barely noticed when they arrived at the city lord’s mansion.


    The towering structure loomed ahead, its walls built from the most expensive materials the city had to offer. Yet, beneath its grandeur, Hope could see the cracks—not in the stone, but in its foundation of power.


    “Please come inside” the captain said, motioning toward the entrance. “I will go and inform the City Lord of your arrival.”


    Hope nodded absently, his gaze lingering on the doorway—it wasn’t large enough for Sorin to pass through. Realizing this, he let out a quiet sigh and chose to remain by the entrance, standing beside his companion, his hand idly running through Sorin’s fur as they waited.


    Meanwhile, the captain sprinted toward the main hall. Upon reaching the heavy doors, he knocked before announcing, “City Lord, a friend of yours has come to visit.”


    Seated upon his throne, Julian frowned. ‘A friend? Who?’


    His voice carried the weight of command. “Enter and explain.”


    The captain stepped inside, bowing deeply before hastily speaking. “It’s a young man with a massive panther following him. He said he’s here to visit you, so I assumed he was your acquaintance.”


    Julian’s brows knitted together in deep thought.


    ‘A young man with a panther?’


    Yet no matter how much he searched his memory, he found no answers.


    After a moment, he exhaled. “I see. Bring them to me.”


    “Yes, sir.” The captain bowed before quickly making his way back.


    However, upon reaching the hall, Hope was nowhere to be seen.


    A flicker of panic crossed the captain’s face, but a quick glance toward the entrance reassured him. There stood Hope, casually speaking to the massive panther, his expression calm and unhurried.


    Stepping closer, the captain spoke with newfound respect.


    “Sir, the City Lord has agreed to see you. Please, follow me.”


    Hope nodded. It seemed Julian had finally remembered him. Or at the very least, realized he was worth meeting.


    Without another word, he followed the captain through the lavish corridors, their footsteps echoing softly against polished marble.


    Arriving at the grand doors of the main hall, the captain turned to Hope and bowed slightly. “Sir, you may enter. The City Lord is waiting.”


    Hope nodded and stepped inside.


    The sight before him nearly made him chuckle.


    Julian, once a man of stature and arrogance, now sat disheveled upon his throne. His once-pristine robes were slightly wrinkled, his expression no longer carrying the effortless confidence it once did.


    ‘How far you’ve fallen.’


    For a brief moment, Hope almost pitied him. Almost.


    Julian studied him intently, his eyes narrowing. ‘Who was this young man?’


    Finally, he spoke, his voice laced with curiosity.


    “Who are you?”