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Chapter 14 - Chapter 14 – Suzu’s Secret

Scene – On the road to the guild.

Suzu, Yatrans, and Zil walk together. Around them are tall buildings, charming houses, shops, and a lively park. A gentle breeze flows under a clear sky.

Yatrans notices the park.Yatrans: "Suzu, let's sit in the park for a while."Suzu: "Okay."

They enter the park and sit on a bench.

Suzu: "The weather is really nice today, isn't it, Yatrans?"Yatrans: "You're right. …Zil, can you get off my head now?"

Zil hops down from Yatrans' head and sits on the ground.Zil: "Ku." (nodding)

A moment later, Zil dozes off.

Yatrans: "By the way Suzu, you know so much about me, but I hardly know anything about you. Other than the fact you work at the guild and live near it… I don't know about your family at all."Suzu: "You're right."Yatrans: "So, what's your goal?"Suzu: "Then let me start from the beginning… my past life."

Flashback begins

Suzu: *"I'm not from this country. My home was the Kusa Kingdom, a small kingdom near the Monhunt Jungle and Shin Kingdom. My parents grew up there, and it was where I was born. But on the day of my parents' marriage anniversary, it happened… A Primordial Demon—Black—attacked. He destroyed everything: my house, my family, the palace, the people… everyone was either killed or turned into his subordinates.

That kingdom no longer exists. Instead, it became his base of operations. From there, his army spread, attacking villages and cities, leaving only ruin. Today, people call it the Territory of Bil.

I wasn't there when it happened—I had been sent to Shin Kingdom for my studies. Our small kingdom didn't have the facilities I needed, so my parents sent me away. When I learned what had happened to Kusa Kingdom… I broke inside. I wanted revenge, but I had no power. Against a Primordial Demon, even an S or SS-rank adventurer would struggle.

So, I decided to let go of revenge… to try living a new life for the sake of my family. That's why I moved far away from that pain, to this kingdom, and started over as a guild worker. That's my story."*

Flashback ends

Yatrans looks down, sadness in his eyes.Yatrans: "I see… (sad face)"Suzu: "There's no need to be sad." (smiles softly)Yatrans: "But still… I brought up painful memories by asking."Suzu: "It's fine. Actually, fun fact—no one here knows my past. Not even my best friend, Pilo. You're the first person I've ever shared this with… the first I've trusted with my painful memories." (smiles faintly)

Yatrans stares at her—at her eyes, at her determined face. Suddenly he stands, bursting with energy.Yatrans: "Then I've decided. I'll take your revenge for you. That's my promise!"Suzu: "That's not necessary."Yatrans: "I said I've decided!"Suzu: "But you can't defeat him. He's far too powerful."Yatrans: "You'll never know until I try, right?"

Suzu is caught off guard by his conviction, then slowly smiles.Suzu: "Hmhm, fine. If that's the case, then I'll stand by your side." (a gentle, cute smile)

Yatrans sits back down.Yatrans: "We should get going now."Suzu: "Not so fast. I told you my backstory, now you tell me yours."Yatrans: "I already did."Suzu: "You only told me a little. You didn't say anything about your family. Tell me properly this time."

Yatrans looks uneasy.Yatrans: "What can I say about a family I don't even have? Honestly, I don't even remember what I told you before."

He sighs, then starts again.Yatrans: "My family lived near the forest, remember?"Suzu: "Yes, but are you asking or telling me?"Yatrans: *"Just checking if you remembered. Anyway, my family loved me dearly. They never let me work, even though I was capable of it. One night… someone attacked. I couldn't see who it was—it was too dark. My parents were outside at the time. I don't even know if it was a demon or something else. But they killed my parents… and from that day, I swore revenge.

The next morning, I left home… and well, you know the rest."*

Suzu: "Wait… didn't you tell me before that you left because your parents were overprotective?"Yatrans: "! Oh… did I say that? Well… back then I was exhausted and scared, so maybe I didn't explain properly. Sorry."

Rise: "Uff."

Yatrans: "Anyway, I'm searching for the being who killed them. I don't know its name, its face, or even its power."(In his mind): "Of course, this is all a lie. But the one I'm talking about is real—the same being I was summoned here to fight. I just don't know its name or where it is! Damn it, God, couldn't you at least tell me that much?!"

Suzu: "I see… so you also carry revenge in your heart."Yatrans: "Exactly."Suzu: "And still, you want to help me with mine… you really are the best, Yatrans."Yatrans: "O-oh… thanks." (flustered)

Suzu: "Then, shall we go?"Yatrans: "Yeah, let's go. Come on, Zil."

Zil rises from the ground.Zil: "Kuu!"Yatrans: "Ah, no no! You can't sit on my head or shoulders anymore. You're too big and heavy now." (funny tone)Zil: "Ku…!" (turns head away)Suzu: "Looks like you upset Zil. You shouldn't do that, bad boy."Yatrans: "Wait—you're on her side, not mine?!"Suzu: "Hihihi."

The three leave the park and head toward the guild.

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