Kael stood still for a moment, both hands ready to draw again.
Klux hadn't moved. He stared calmly, but his gaze cut like a blade.
> "You're not from here... are you, Kael?" he repeated.
Kael finally eased his stance slightly, without looking away.
> "That's true…"
Klux motioned for him to follow. They entered a discreet tavern, hidden in a narrow alley. Inside, the atmosphere was tense. The patrons avoided eye contact with the members of the Dreadmorne family, recently freed from demonic influence.
Sitting face to face, a warm plate between them, Klux began the conversation.
> "So… where do you really come from?"
Kael replied in a serious tone:
> "It doesn't matter… that world no longer exists."
Klux pointed at Kael's arm, showing an old tattoo.
> "And that symbol?"
> "When I arrived here, I looked for a name to borrow. I came across the Kura clan. Before taking on their identity, I did my research to make sure no one would suspect I was a fraud. But I found no connection between you… and the Kura."
Silence settled. Only the murmur of distant conversations filled the room.
> "Only those from our bloodline know the truth… The Kura are our cousins. In fact, they were banished from our family. Cast out by the second ancestor of our line."
Kael frowned.
> "What do you mean by 'second ancestor'?"
> "The second leader of our bloodline," Klux answered simply.
A moment passed, then Kael asked another question:
> "How did you know I'm not from this world?"
Klux looked him straight in the eyes.
> "Because… our very first ancestor wasn't from this world either."
Kael stood up abruptly.
> "What?!"
Suddenly, a massive pressure fell upon the city. A voice rang out, powerful and commanding:
> "Klux! Come here, now!"
Kael turned, surprised.
> "What was that?!"
> "My father," Klux replied. "And he sounds… furious."
He stood up as well, getting ready to leave.
> "I have to go. But before I do… know that our first ancestor is waiting for you in the Cave of the Pseudo-Dragons, in the mountains."
Kael's eyes widened.
> "He's waiting for me? But… he's supposed to be dead!"
> "So what?" Klux said with an enigmatic smile… before disappearing.
Kael remained alone for a few seconds, thoughtful. Then he whispered:
> "So that's where I must go…"
Outside, the wind was blowing harder. As if fate itself whispered in his ear: "This is only the beginning. The path ahead will be harsh."