When he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by a black void. The only thing he could see was a white mist—and behind it, the silhouette of a human figure. He felt nothing. No weight, no body. Only vision. He floated in emptiness.
The shadow within the mist began to grow and approach. Guren could do nothing but watch.
Then, it spoke:"Cursed one, do you wish to continue your duty?"Its voice was deep and commanding."Will you deliver the truths?"
The mist lit up, revealing immense wings behind the figure. As the light grew, the shadowy figure began to shine brilliantly. The once dark void now glowed with the figure's grace. Guren could see nothing but blinding white. His eyes burned.
The light drew closer and continued:"God has granted you another chance for vengeance. Will you take it?"
Guren was scared out of his wits. He wanted to cry, but couldn't understand what was happening. A thousand questions raced through his mind:
Where am I?What is this light?Father, save me.Will it hurt me?Is this a dream?Was I cursed for reading that book?
He tried to process what the voice had said."Cursed? Vengeance? Me? Proclaim?"
The beauty of the light made it hard to focus. It was warm—like the sun rising after a long, cold night.
The voice softened."You must be very small now," it said gently."But your soul... your mana is vast. It resembles the Divine Tree—even Him. Isn't that a contradiction?"
The voice chuckled warmly."You're probably confused. DON'T BE AFRAID! If you wish to continue your duty and see me again, read that book once more. And please, accept my gift. May God be your guide. Farewell."
He opened his eyes again. This time, he was in his usual bedroom. He was sweating, thirsty, and his head ached. He couldn't collect his thoughts.Was it a dream? A vision?No dream had ever felt this vivid.
He looked at his hands. Blue glowing lines shimmered across them.Ocean blue. Beautiful.Of course, Guren's first thought was:"What the hell is this?!"He screamed and started jumping on his bed, grabbing his hands in panic.Then he fell backwards off the bed.
His glowing hands brushed against the leather-bound book on the floor—and it rose into the air, as if lifted by some unseen force.Guren stared in terror.The light gathered into his elbows and faded away, leaving behind crescent-shaped marks on his skin.The book dropped to the ground.
He let out a deep sigh of relief.Sitting on his bed, he thought:"What just happened… and that dream… they're definitely connected."He looked at the crescents on his arms."I need to look at that book again—"
Footsteps echoed from the manor's staircase.They stopped outside his door. A knock.
A male voice:"Young master, you are invited to breakfast."
That must have been Edward, the butler—Guren's most beloved companion, more like a brother than a servant.
He rushed to the door and shouted:"Coming, Edward brooo!"He opened the door and saw Edward: tall, dark-suited, black-haired, with eyes like charcoal. Guren hugged his leg tightly.
Edward sighed:"You mustn't act this way, young master. If we don't go now, Miss Edna will have our heads."
Both of them winced.Together, they headed down to the dining hall.