In the Dungeon:
Raven was chained to the wall, his body weak, and his eyes barely open. He was completely drugged, as if his mind had left his body. One of the guards approached him and asked in a low voice:
Guard 1: "Are you the Masked One, or your friend who died?"
Another Guard: "Don’t waste your time. He won’t answer. To prevent him from using magic, we injected him with a substance that makes him unable to activate his powers. It weakens him and keeps him from speaking. In about two hours, he will start to speak. His magic will begin to return, but don’t worry, it will take at least six hours for it to fully recover."
Hours passed, and Raven could barely see. Everything around him was blurry and distorted. His eyes felt heavy, and his body ached from all the blows he had taken.
Two hours later, the guards entered the dungeon again. They began asking questions, but Raven remained silent, as if he didn't understand anything. One of the guards said angrily:
Guard 1: "Listen, we’re not wasting any more time. He has to speak."
They began torturing him mercilessly, but Raven remained silent, not uttering a word. Without food or water, Raven began to collapse. Every time he fell, they would revive him and continue the torture. His body was covered in blood, and he begged for water, but no one responded.
Three days passed. One of the guards said:
Guard 2: "We’ve broken every bone in his body, but he still won’t say anything. This is strange."
His body was drenched in blood. He groaned, asking for water, but still, no one responded. The days dragged on, and Raven was on the brink of collapse.
On the eleventh day of torture, the dungeon remained eerily silent, except for the occasional muffled sounds coming from Raven’s broken body. He was on the verge of breaking.
In the Everin Family's Mansion:
Head of the Family: "Why haven’t they killed him yet? Why haven’t we heard anything? I’m deeply worried. If he mentions our family name, we’ll be in big trouble."
Advisor: "This is very strange. He’s been tortured, beaten, and whipped, and still hasn’t said our name. Does he think he’ll be released? There’s no other explanation."
Head of the Family: "I hope he doesn’t confess. I wish he dies from the torture without revealing anything. I won’t do anything for now. Every decision I made hastily has only led us into bigger problems. Since he hasn’t confessed, that’s good for now. Let’s wait."
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Day 15 – An Unknown Fate
In Everin Mansion:
The head of the Everin family paced back and forth, anxiety consuming him from within. His eyes narrowed sharply as if he were seeing a ghost haunting him. Suddenly, he slammed his fist on the table and spoke in a tense voice:
Head of the Family: "I’m going to see him! I can’t live with this fear any longer—we must do something!"
The advisor raised an eyebrow calmly, leaning back in his chair before speaking in a measured tone:
Advisor: "Calm down and think… If you go, what will you say? You can't act recklessly now."
The head of the family responded without hesitation:
Head of the Family: "I'll tell the Prime Minister he must be executed immediately!"
The advisor exhaled, concern flickering in his eyes.
Advisor: "I just hope this doesn’t create another problem... But if you insist, I’ll accompany you."
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At the Government Headquarters:
The Prime Minister sat behind his luxuRyous desk, his gaze cold and unreadable as he looked at the Everin family head. Then, he spoke with firm authority:
Prime Minister: "Why do you want him executed? I’ve already decided to release him."
The Everin family head’s eyes widened slightly in shock, though he quickly masked his reaction and forced a polite smile.
Head of the Family: "What if you handed him over to me instead? I can make him talk, and you'll get the information you need."
The Prime Minister tilted his head slightly, considering the offer before responding:
Prime Minister: "I'm too busy these days. I’ll give him to you, but on one condition—do not kill him. He’s still too young to die."
A shadow of a sly smile appeared on the Everin family head’s face as he confidently replied:
Head of the Family: "Agreed!"
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Back at Everin Mansion:
Raven was thrown into a private cell within the mansion. His body was still suffering from the wounds of relentless torture, and his energy had yet to fully return. However, his mind was clear enough to understand what was happening around him.
Standing outside the cell, the Everin family head watched him with a gaze full of contempt before turning to his men.
Head of the Family: "Prepare yourselves—we move tonight."
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Deep in the Forest – Midnight:
A carriage rumbled through the dark, winding forest path, stopping at the very place where Shin had lost his life. The wind howled through the trees, whispering eerie secrets of the night.
Raven, still bound, stood weakly as the Everin family head stepped closer, his voice low and cold.
Head of the Family: "I have many questions, but I don’t have the energy to listen… and you don’t have the strength to answer."
Suddenly, the advisor grabbed his arm, leaning in to whisper cautiously:
Advisor: "Stop! Defying the Prime Minister’s orders will cost us dearly. I have a better idea—one that lets us get rid of him without dirtying our hands."
The Everin family head glanced at him cuRyously before asking:
Head of the Family: "And what would that be?"
A sly grin spread across the advisor’s face as he explained:
Advisor: "We take him to the sea, throw him from the highest cliff, and claim that he escaped—jumping in fear of us."
A low chuckle escaped the Everin family head as he murmured:
Head of the Family: "Brilliant idea! Though… we won’t get to watch him die."
Advisor: "It doesn’t matter—no one survives that sea."
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On the Cliffside – Above the Raging Sea:
Twelve hours had passed since Raven was taken from his cell. Now, he stood at the edge of a towering cliff, overlooking the fuRyous waves crashing below, the sea appearing as though it were opening its mouth, ready to swallow him whole.
What they didn’t realize was that his magic had started to return—slowly, but surely. Though exhausted and weak, he was regaining his strength.
The Everin family head stepped forward, staring at him with disdain before speaking in a voice laced with satisfaction:
Head of the Family: "You’ve caused us too much trouble, Raven. This is the best ending for someone like you… Throw him in."
Without hesitation, the men grabbed Raven and hurled him off the cliff, sending him plummeting into the darkness below.
For a moment, the Everin family head watched the sea, then turned and said nonchalantly:
Head of the Family: "Let’s go. We have bigger problems to deal with… like our mounting debts."
Raven slowly regained consciousness, but his body was still utterly exhausted. The waves toyed with his fragile form, as if refusing to swallow him completely, pushing him toward the unknown only to drag him back again. The currents were strong, pulling him under with every attempt he made to stay afloat, but his survival instincts did not fail him.
At one moment, a massive wave surged forward, carrying him away from the relentless currents before hurling him forcefully toward the shore. His body crashed against the wet sand, his hands instinctively clutching the ground as if he had finally found refuge. He had no energy left to understand where he was or what had happened. All he could do was surrender to sleep—his body had already reached its limits.
Seven hours passed...
Raven’s eyes slowly fluttered open, struggling to adjust to the dim light. At first, he couldn't comprehend where he was. The simple wooden ceiling above him, the scent of medicinal herbs filling the air, and the faint glow of oil lamps—everything was entirely different from the dark, suffocating cell he had been trapped in just hours ago.
He tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through his body, as if every muscle in him was screaming in protest. He wasn’t bound this time, but he was far from being able to move freely.
Suddenly, a man entered the room. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, with a short beard and eyes that held a mix of caution and kindness. He carried bandages and some herbal medicines in his hands.
The man smiled: “Finally awake… I was starting to wonder when you’d regain consciousness.”
Raven, trying to grasp the situation: “Where am I? Who are you people?”
The man, as he began dressing Raven’s wounds: “Calm down… You’re safe here. We found you unconscious by the shore—you were barely alive.” He then turned toward the door and called out, “Bring some food. Our guest is in desperate need of it.”
Raven hadn’t realized how hungry he was until the rich aroma of food filled the air. As soon as the plate was placed in front of him, he grabbed the spoon and began eating Ravenously, as if he hadn’t tasted food in years.
Raven, after finishing his meal: “That was the best food I’ve had in… I don’t even know how long. But tell me, what is this place? And what do you people do here?”
The man, arranging the herbs on the table: “This is our village. Some call it a city, others call it a refuge. Call it whatever you like—no one here cares about labels.”
Raven, puzzled: “Call it whatever I like? I don’t understand… I’m ready to go outside—I need to see where I am.”
He carefully stood up, still feeling the ache in his body, but he needed to know the truth. As he stepped out of the room, what he saw was beyond anything he had expected.
Before him stretched a vast settlement filled with wooden houses, as if belonging to a time long past. But at the same time, the streets were paved, and he could see motorcycles and even a few modern cars parked along the sides. People dressed in traditional clothing walked among others wearing contemporary attire, creating a striking contrast between two seemingly different worlds.
Raven, in astonishment: “What is this? Is this a village or a city? Why do your homes look like something from the past, yet you have the latest cars and motorcycles?”
The man smirked: “See? That’s why I told you to call it whatever you like. We live differently here. Some prefer simplicity, while others embrace modernity, and no one forces their way of life on another.”
Man: "Listen, I'll explain everything later. But for now, these men will take you to the person in charge of this village."
Raven, thinking to himself: "The person in charge? So they have some kind of governing system here too... This isn't just a random settlement."
He had no choice but to comply. He followed the men as they led him through the village streets. People around them cast cuRyous yet wary glances at him, as if they hadn't seen someone like him in a long time. The village wasn’t noisy, but there was an underlying sense of quiet anticipation in the air.
After a few minutes, they arrived at a building that stood out from the rest. Unlike the surrounding wooden houses, this one looked more modern and sturdier. However, the strangest thing about it was the complete absence of guards.
Raven, glancing around cautiously: "No guards? Strange... If this were the home of Esteria’s ruler, there would be no fewer than sixty heavily armed guards."
One of the men gently nudged him forward, leading him inside. He found himself in a modest yet well-organized room. Behind a wooden desk sat a middle-aged man with graying hair and calm eyes that radiated experience.
The man, with a faint smile: "Welcome... No one has come from the sea in a long time."
Raven, confused: "Why would anyone come from the sea in the first place?"
The man in charge, studying him intently: "You came from the sea."
Raven fell silent for a moment. He wasn’t eager to discuss what had happened, but his cuRyosity was beginning to burn.
Raven: "It’s a long story..."
The man, placing his hands on the desk calmly: "It seems you’ve angered the government of some country."
Raven’s eyes widened slightly, his eyebrows raising in surprise.
Raven: "Huh? How do you know that?!"
The man, smiling as if it were obvious: "Because you're not the first. Others came before you, years ago, in the same way."
Raven's body stiffened for a moment before a deep anger started rising inside him like wildfire.
Raven, clenching his fists tightly as he thought to himself: "Those damn countries... How many lives have they ruined?!"
The Man: "Nations deal with those they consider criminals either by execution or exile. What did you do to be exiled?"
Raven, staring at the man with tired yet fuRyous eyes: "I wasn't exiled… they threw me into the sea to die!"
The man raised an eyebrow, as if deep in thought, then said in a contemplative tone:
The Man: "Strange… why would they try to kill you this way? Why not execute you publicly? How old are you?"
Raven: "Twenty-three."
The man's expression suddenly changed, as if he had just uncovered the truth.
The Man: "Now I understand. Executing someone your age would tarnish their country's reputation since all executions are recorded and publicized. The only logical explanation is that they threw you into the sea and claimed you took your own life to escape punishment."
Raven clenched his fists tightly, his muscles tensing as flames of hatred ignited within him.
Raven, his voice low but filled with fury: "I don’t know what they told the world… but I do know one thing… I will return, and I will destroy them all!"
The Man, looking at him seRyously: "Do you intend to stand against an entire nation?"
Raven, his eyes burning with determination: "No… but I will kill every single one of those responsible for this… and for my friend's death!"
The man sighed, shaking his head slowly. He stood up and walked towards the window overlooking the village, as if lost in thought.
The Man: "Listen carefully. Everyone here was either exiled or nearly killed by their own nation, but they survived. That sea you came from… in the last ten years, more than two hundred people have died in it. And yet, you arrived here alive? That’s no small feat… You must be skilled in diving and swimming."
Raven, looking down slightly, recalling his battle against the raging waves: "All I did was try not to drown… I had no choice but to resist. The strong sea currents gave me a push towards this place, but I was close to death more times than I can count."
The Man: "Regardless, the fact that you survived is a miracle… but what do you plan to do now?"
Raven, firmly: "I will return immediately!"
The man chuckled lowly, shaking his head in amusement, before turning back to Raven with a piercing gaze.
The Man: "And where will you go? Do you even know how to get back? Are you certain you’re strong enough to face them?"
Raven, with a smirk: "I am strong… and after everything I endured in their torture, and after healing here, I have become even stronger!"
The Man, placing a firm hand on Raven’s shoulder: "Don’t be hasty… Everyone here was once as strong as you, and at first, they all wanted revenge. But over time, that desire faded from their minds. If you’re truly determined to take revenge, you should start from here. Rushing into battle unprepared will only get you killed."
Raven remained silent, his mind processing the words.
The Man: "Why don’t you stay with us for a while? You can prepare yourself, grow stronger, and then return to face those who threw you into the sea. But first, I want to see your strength… not in combat, but in something else."
Raven, intrigued yet eager: "And what is that?"
The Man: "We’ll go to the training grounds. I want you to unleash all of your energy there, all of your magical aura… and I will determine just how powerful you truly are."
A grin spread across Raven’s face, his blood surging with excitement.
Raven: "Alright… Let’s begin!"
The village leader, along with five warriors, headed to the arena where Raven’s magical strength was about to be tested. Raven walked to the center of the arena, closed his eyes, and his aura began to glow unnaturally, as though it was reacting with every particle in the air.
Suddenly, Raven let out a powerful shout to unleash his full magical energy, and the ground beneath him shook violently, as if in pain from the overwhelming force. The air was filled with whispers and confusion, and the leader watched in shock.
Leader, stunned: "How... how can someone of this age possess such terrifying power?!"
One of the warriors, watching in fear: "His power is rising rapidly... it won’t stop! Is this even possible?"
After a few moments, Raven’s energy finally stabilized, and the arena settled into an eerie calm. One of the warriors, his voice filled with awe, remarked:
Warrior: "This terrifying energy has finally stabilized... It's overwhelming."
Raven then turned to the leader, his gaze intense and focused:
Raven: "Should I go now and destroy them?"
Leader, still in disbelief: "I can't believe this... You’re incredibly powerful. If this is your true level, you don’t need any training here. You’re truly exceptional."
Raven: "Alright, I’ll go."
The leader raised his hand, signaling Raven to wait:
Leader: "Hold on. First, you’ll have a home here in the village. Secondly, I’ll provide you with our three strongest warriors to assist you in your mission. They are currently outside the village, but they’ll be ready when you need them. Third, when you return to your country, the first thing you should do is live your life as it was before. Let’s see if anyone will notice you after all of this. Then, you can start your attack with the three warriors. My advice: don’t rush into it."
Raven took a deep breath, absorbing the leader's words.
and then Add to home screen.