My arms were burning, but I need to push myself.


    I needed to be stronger...strong enough that I wouldn''t be helpless when the time came.


    One… two… three… keep going.


    My breathing increase, but my body was starting to feel the strain. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to keep a rhythm.


    Just a few more.


    Just a little—


    My door creaked open.


    "Nero, breakfast is—"


    I froze mid-pushup, glancing toward the door.


    Jade stood there, her hand gripping the wooden frame. Her purple eyes were looked at him both curious and uninterested.


    "Was I interrupting something?" she said, stepping inside.


    I exhaled, finishing my last rep before pushing myself up into a sitting position, "It not really, just finished my morning set." I muttered, rolling my shoulders.


    "I''m just doing some basic strength training. Can''t let myself get fat and lazy."


    Jade lean against the door, tilting her head after noticing he was oddly muscular for a seven year old, "You''re kinda strong, huh?"


    I started performing some stretches as I replied, "Back home, my best friend would always get bullied by the kids. I simply gotten stronger for him. Plus dad was always a strong swordsman. Since I don''t like using swords, I will use the strength I got from him."


    She rest her left hand underneath her chin, "I see, well it''s impressive real. I don''t know any kids that are interested in exercising. You don''t mind if I ask a question?"


    I wiped some sweat off my forehead, "Go ahead."


    Jade''s expression shifted slightly. She glanced away, idly playing with the hem of her sleeve, "…What''s he like?" she asked softly.


    I blinked. "Huh?"


    "Our dad…was he good...you know?"


    For a moment, I didn''t know how to respond.


    Memories of Henry flashed through my mind—his broad grin, the way he ruffled my hair, the ridiculous jokes he told even when Mom sighed at them. The way he always left for long stretches but never failed to bring something back when he returned.


    I can write a documentary on how much I respect him before I found out that I had a sister.


    But considering her feelings, I don''t want to overly talk about it.


    A hero. A warrior. A father.


    Those are the only thing that matters.


    "He''s a hardworking hero to the people and a loving father and husband to us. Nothing else needs to be said." I replied.


    Jade was quiet.


    She didn''t react right away, just stared at the wooden floor with a contemplative look, "…I see." she mumbled.


    She turned toward the door, "Breakfast is ready."


    Then, without another word, she left.


    I sat there, watching the door swing shut behind her, before letting out a quiet breath.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    Looks like I should avoid taking about dad when I''m around her.


    ---


    The scent of freshly baked bread and warm broth filled the air as we sat at the table.


    It was a simple meal—some roasted meat, eggs, and sliced fruit—but considering everything that had happened, it felt almost surreal to be having such a normal breakfast.


    Jade sat across from me, silently eating her food, while mom sat at the head of the table, her expression unusually serious.


    For a while, no one spoke.


    Then, after taking a slow sip from her cup, mom finally broke the silence, "I think it''s time I tell you both what''s going on."


    Jade looked up from her plate, eyes curious. I, on the other hand, already knew what was coming.


    Still, I stayed quiet, letting her continue.


    Mom folded her hands together, "The Veils… they''re creatures born from fear and curses. Monstrosities that should never have existed in our world. For centuries, they were locked away, sealed behind the strongest barriers known to man."


    She sighed, rubbing her temple, "But given that the eclipse still active. Dante most likely escape with his army of Veils."


    I felt my jaw tighten.


    Dante.


    Even hearing his name left a bad taste in my mouth.


    Jade tilted her head, "Who is he?"


    Mom hesitated, "A nightmare. A man who—if we can even call him that anymore—wants nothing more than to turn this world into a wasteland." She placed her hands on the table.


    "Henry and Ethan are fighting to stop that from happening...to be frank they are only people that can fight them." mom was shaking and there was no confidence in her voice.


    Jade''s grip on her spoon tightened, "And how long will that take?"


    Mom closed her eyes for a moment before answering, "As long as it takes for them to save the world."


    I lowered my gaze, gripping the fork in my hand. So it''s just like Young Me said. This world is already set on a path to destruction… and Henry and Ethan are the only ones trying to stop it.


    Except… that wasn''t true.


    I was here.


    I could do something.


    But how?


    I glanced at Mom.


    She had managed to create a portal—a teleportation spell strong enough to take us from the village to this island. That alone was insane. If I could figure out how she did it…


    "…Mom...How did you make that portal early?"


    The room went deathly silent.


    Jade glanced between us, confused.


    Nicole, however, had gone completely still.


    Then, without a word, she pushed back her chair and stood.


    "Never ask me that again."


    Her voice was cold than ever.


    And just like that, she left the table.


    I didn''t move.


    I didn''t say anything.


    But deep down, I knew—whatever that spell was…


    She didn''t want me to know.