The rain returned — a quiet drizzle falling over the Forgotten District.
Jiwoon lay under a makeshift tarp as Kravein tended to his wounds. Though he was back in his child form, something in his eyes had changed.
Not fear.
Not confusion.
Clarity.
Kaelya arrived first, sliding down the slope with her twin blades drawn.
She saw Jiwoon and froze.
"You burned that thing… didn't you?"
Jiwoon turned his head, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.
"It tried to wear my sins like a crown."
"I reminded it who they belong to."
Elsewhere – Sin Council Surveillance Room
The masked figures watched in silence.
"He awakened briefly," one murmured.
"Even in his sealed form, he can manifest flame."
Another leaned forward.
"The boy is no longer unstable."
"He's adapting."
The third figure — the one known only as Prime Sin — gave a soft laugh.
"Good."
"Then the next test may proceed."
Back at Camp
Kaelya handed Jiwoon a steamed bun.
He took it — stared at it for a moment — then looked away.
"I remember the first time my mom made me something like this," he said.
Vera sat nearby, quiet. "Do you… remember her now?"
He nodded.
"I remember everything."
There was a beat of silence.
Then Jiwoon said, more to himself:
"That's the worst part."
Memory Echo – His Mother's Voice
"Promise me, Jiwoon… if you ever become something dangerous…"
"Don't forget who you are."
That Night
Jiwoon couldn't sleep.
Not from pain.
But because the flame inside him had begun whispering again — not with screams, but questions.
"Why are you still holding back?"
"Why do you keep trying to be human?"
He sat up, eyes glowing faintly in the dark.
Kravein stirred. "Nightmare?"
Jiwoon shook his head.
"Just memories."
"And ghosts that refuse to stay buried."