Location: Border City — Exactly 2 Years Ago
A massive crowd filled the marketplace. Vendors shouted over one another, children laughed, metal stalls scraped against stone, and the sharp scent of spices hung heavy in the air. Some people were shopping, some arguing, and others simply wandered as if lost within the sea of bodies.
But in the middle of that crowd, time itself seemed to stop… because only two people stood completely still.
There was roughly ten meters between them, and neither broke eye contact. People walked around them, instinctively avoiding getting too close.
And the most striking one said-
- - - : Master… No, Arthur… how long are you seriously going to keep this up?
Voices and footsteps echoed all around, yet the speaker stood upright and unmoving in the center of the crowd. The one facing him was the same… Arthur himself.
Suppressed rage twisted Arthur's face. His fists trembled slightly, and even the air around him felt heavier.
Arthur: Why?! Why did you kill those innocent people, Yujin?!
Dark circles rested beneath the other man's eyes. His gaze was dull, his pupils almost colorless with exhaustion. As if he hadn't even heard Arthur's words, he tilted his head slightly.
Yujin: What is the reward for being the strongest?
Arthur clenched his teeth. He was furious-yet he still listened. The noise of the crowd faded into distant static as the conversation between the two dominated the space.
Arthur: Forget the reward! Tell me why you did it, Yujin!
The man stared deeper at Arthur, as if not at his face but directly into his soul. His eyes narrowed slowly.
Yujin: Just because you're the strongest doesn't mean you have to carry all of us, Arthur.
Yujin Snakeman- Arthur's first student and the second strongest in the world. His black hair fell to his shoulders, and his golden eyes burned with quiet resolve. He wore a simple white tracksuit and sweatshirt; plain clothing, yet his presence was undeniably confident. He was 1.85 meters tall and only twenty-three years old, yet his gaze carried a burden far heavier than his age suggested.
Arthur: I have to protect everyone! Because… because-
His voice faltered. The words stuck in his throat. His fist tightened further.
Yujin sighed and looked at him.
Yujin: I know… you're just trying to keep one or two promises you made to her. But that promise is pushing you toward the wrong path.
Arthur's eyes flared with anger. The air around him began to tremble.
Arthur: Yujin! Are you insulting her?!
Yujin sighed again, his voice soft.
Yujin: It's not an insult. If you keep protecting us like this, the Guardians will grow weaker… and the creatures will grow stronger. People will stop taking risks. Power rots when it isn't shared.
Arthur: Then… at least tell me why you did it.
Yujin: Because weak links must disappear so stronger ones can form.
Arthur: They may be weak, but-
Yujin: They were weaker than minions. And it happened because of your promise to protect everyone. The more you protected them, the lazier they became. In the past, everyone tried to become the strongest… now they just pile their burdens onto someone who already is.
That's why I'm leaving the Guardians. I'll build a stronger community on my own… Farewell, Master Arthur.
Flames suddenly wrapped around Arthur's hand. Heat distorted the air. He raised his arm and aimed at Yujin…
…but he couldn't do it.
The flames slowly faded.
Arthur: Damn it…
Back to the Present
Candles covered the surroundings. Yellow light flickered across the walls, spiderwebs casting long shadows. The hall was long, straight, and cold; even the faintest sound echoed ominously across the stone floor.
At the end of the corridor stood a massive door, beside which a guard slept.
Suddenly, the sound of an elevator echoed. The guard jerked awake.
Guard (sleepy): Who's there?!
The elevator doors opened with a heavy metallic groan. A dark figure stepped forward slowly. The guard tensed, his hand drifting toward his weapon.
Guard: Leave immediately or I'll kill you!
Footsteps echoed across the stone. The figure raised a hand as if in greeting.
- - - : Open the doors… it's me.
The guard looked closer. His eyes widened, and he immediately bowed.
Guard: Greetings! Sun King!
The Sun King… Arthur.
Arthur: You can just call me Arthur.
The guard lifted his head, face glowing with excitement.
Guard: As you wish! Mr. Arthur!
Arthur (thinking): Good thing they chose this guy as a guard.
Arthur: Can you open the door?
Guard: Right away!
The guard gathered energy into his hands and began pushing the massive gate. Metal scraped loudly as it opened.
Guard: Please, Mr. Arthur.
Arthur: Thanks.
Guard: Who did you come to see?
Arthur smirked slightly.
Arthur: I came to meet someone named Jack.
Guard: Then after the sixth cage, you'll find his.
Arthur: Thank you.
Arthur stepped through the enormous gate. This was the Special Prison, also known as the Absolute Prison. The cold pierced to the bone. As Arthur walked, some cages held only skeletons, others rotting corpses. The sounds of chains and dripping water echoed endlessly.
After a long walk, he stopped at the seventh cage.
Arthur: I assume you're Jack Horizon.
Faint purple glowing eyes appeared from the darkness. Chains rattled softly.
Jack: Yeah… but why did you come?
Arthur paused for a moment. His gaze turned serious.
Arthur: I'm here to deliver some news… personally.