Aengus emerged from the barrier of Ruination, having learned how to control it after merging with the shard. Though he hadn’t gained the power to create one, he could now make the barrier disappear at will.
Standing at the base of the cliff, Aengus took a deep breath, feeling a sense of freedom. His immediate thoughts turned to Aria. Now that his problem had been solved, his priority was to find her and make sure she was safe.
With his soul partially healed, A warm smile spread across his face, a genuine one, perhaps the first in a long while. The emotions of longing and happiness surged within him, bringing a rare moment of peace.
But then, memories of his friends’ deaths flashed in his mind. The faces of those he’d lost, the pain of their absence, weighed heavily on his heart. The longing for peace was tempered by the sorrow of the past.
But, He wouldn’t forget his goal of growing stronger, seeking revenge, and ensuring the safety of his loved ones.
With renewed resolve, he was about to set off when several unfamiliar memories began to piece themselves together in his mind. After some reflection, he realized these were fragments of his current reincarnation’s memories.
He saw glimpses of a scene—Aengus being brutally beaten, suspended in the air by ropes. He saw a woman, her snowy white hair flowing, pleading and crying for Aengus. Though her face remained blurred, it was clear she was a beautiful woman, filled with love and sorrow that pierced his heart.
It meant Ethan and Aengus was the same person.
Aengus could remember only this much before coming back to reality, weighed down by the heavy emotions.
“So, I have a mother… and perhaps a family, but I’ve forgotten them since arriving in this world,” he muttered, solving part of the mystery of this reincarnated body.
Yet many questions remained—how had he arrived here, and who were the people who had beaten him?
The answers would come in time, he knew that. But for now, he had to be patient and uncover the mystery of his otherworldly origin one step at a time.
Aengus made his way toward the trial grounds, hoping to find her there. Given her abilities and the fact that most of them had headed in that direction, it seemed like the best chance of finding her. Still, he kept his eyes sharp, scanning the surroundings for any sign of her nearby.
As he glanced up at the sun, reminding himself that there were still a few hours before nightfall. The road ahead was long, but with his speed, he’d be able to make it there well before dark.
As he got closer, the number of people on the road increased noticeably. Armed individuals gave him odd looks, perhaps wondering why he was traveling alone.
Aengus slowed his pace as he spotted someone familiar in the distance. His eyes locked onto a broad, chubby figure. It was Hank. He was walking alone as well.
Aengus hesitated for a moment, then called out, “Hank, over here!”
Hank’s footsteps halted as he turned to see Aengus—whom he still referred to as Zero—with a weary smile. His clothes were stained with blood, and his body bore numerous scars like remnants of using low-tier healing potions. His mace looked battered and crusted, clearly damaged beyond repair.
As Aengus approached, Hank embraced him lightly, a mix of relief and exhaustion on his face. “Brother Zero! Thank God, you’re here,” he said, his voice filled with genuine relief.
Seeing Aengus with powerful presence getting together with Hank, a few who were having ill intentions toward Hank, cat it away from their mind immediately.
Aengus smelled the acrid scent of sweat and blood coming from Hank but said nothing about it. Instead, he gently pulled away from the embrace and asked, “You haven’t met the others either? I was caught up with a problem and couldn’t find anyone.”
Hank shook his head, still looking worn down. “No, I’ve been fighting nonstop out there. I didn’t receive Mara’s transmission either. Then I saw the light and hoped to find them here… just like you, brother.”
As they continued their walk toward the trial grounds, Hank’s face showed disappointment, his hope seeming fragile.
“Don’t worry,” Aengus reassured him, scanning the groups of people cautiously as they walked. “I’m sure they are fine and will be coming here as well.”
His eyes continuously swept the area, on the lookout for Aria and the rest of their party.
The groups of hunters kept a cautious distance from one another, their eyes filled with suspicion and wariness. It was clear they had experienced betrayal or robbery before, and the tension hung heavy in the air as everyone feared the larger groups.
Hank gave a wry smile. “I hope everything goes as you said, Brother Zero.”
Aengus glanced at him, deciding it was best to issue a warning. “Hank, I think this place is a trap. You should leave if you value your life. I heard from someone that we could be killed here.”
Hank’s eyes widened in surprise and fear. “What are you saying, Brother Zero? How could it be a trap? Didn’t they tell us that Hero Libros obtained the Divine Demon Slayer sword from here? And what about all the others who gained incredible treasures?” His voice lowered to a hush, not wanting to alarm those around them.
Aengus didn’t have all the answers, especially when it came to the mystery surrounding Hero Libros and others who had survived. But considering the strength of the one controlling everything, it wouldn’t be impossible for them to allow a few to leave—just enough to lure in more victims. If that were the case, it was a clever and malicious plan.
“Still, we should be careful, Hank. We don’t know what’s waiting for us inside, right?”
Hank let out a nervous chuckle. “Heh, you’re right about that, brother. We should be careful.”
Aengus could have shared more, but doing so would risk exposing his own secrets. As much as he wanted to protect Hank, there were some things he couldn’t yet reveal.
As the duo, along with the crowd of people, approached the mausoleum-like structure ahead, they were struck by awe at the sight of it. Towering and ancient, its eerie presence seemed to hold a promise of both great power and great danger.
