Killed Me? Now I Have Your Power

Morning came.

The night had been peaceful, and Kaden had managed to rest well for the journey ahead.

After waking up, he went through his morning routine like always—taking a shower, brushing his teeth, and putting on his clothes.

He also took some special time with Reditha, silently sitting on a reclining chair as he cleaned her blade with love and affection.

Reditha couldn't stop pulsing with a soft red light, showing her deep contentment and affection in return.

Since the appearance of Rory—and now, the fact Kaden was with Meris—Reditha had been a little restless, afraid of losing her wielder… her master… her forever companion.

It was a feeling Kaden didn't miss, so he acted immediately to dissolve it.

Better to take care of those emotions before they grow and cause unnecessary problems.

So today, he took his time for a little bonding session with his dear and loyal sword.

The one who would be with him, no matter what.

Literally.

After that, Kaden went to each of his parents to say goodbye. He went first to the forge, where his father stood shirtless, sweat glistening on a physique packed with deep, solid muscle, holding an enormous hammer as he struck the red-hot steel in front of him.

His expression was focused, no sign of the recklessness or childish grin he always wore.

You could tell how much he cared about what he was doing.

Kaden respected him for that. His dad might be easygoing, but when something important came up, he did his best to handle it.

Leadership just wasn't truly his strongest trait.

But it's fine.

'I'll shoulder it. Or maybe make Dain able to shoulder it. Where the hell is that guy even? Damn Dain…' Kaden thought, shaking his head as he stepped into the forge.

"Father, I'm here to say goodbye," Kaden said, making Garros turn his bloody red eyes toward him.

He smiled. "That's perfect, my son. Do you need anything? I'll give it to you if we have it."

Kaden blinked in slight surprise, then shook his head. "I believe I have everything I need. Thanks," he said politely.

Garros laughed loudly and gave him a shoulder pat so strong it shook the earth.

"I know you'll do amazing. Go and saturate your core," he said with pride.

Kaden nodded with trembling lips, his shoulder aching in pain from just that casual tap.

After that, he went to his mother. That scene was more dramatic…and for absolutely no reason.

His mother hugged him for almost five minutes, whispering how he should take care of himself along the way and asking if he needed any artifacts.

He said no, but she still gave him some anyway, saying "it's safety."

It was strange for his parents to be so giving… but Kaden didn't question it. He just nodded and appreciated the gesture.

Then finally came his sister.

With this one, Kaden didn't expect anything. In fact, he only expected Daela to nod with her usual expressionless face and that's it.

And guess what?

That's exactly what happened, folks.

Daela simply nodded at his words with those apathetic eyes.

Kaden, unsurprised in every possible way, smiled quietly before turning around, ready to go.

"I'm waiting for you… for a duel…" Daela said softly, just as Kaden was about to vanish from her room.

He smiled.

"Sure, sister. Next time, I'm afraid I'll win," he said with a light chuckle before finally leaving.

Daela stood there, impassive.

Then a small smile curled her lips.

"We'll see, little brother," she whispered, before pulling on her tight black training clothes and heading off to fight her mother.

Yes. She was serious about getting stronger.

Can't let Kaden win, right?

How could she stay the best sister if he surpassed her?

Daela couldn't accept that. So, to continue being the best sister alive for her cute little brother…

She was going to do everything necessary.

Even if that included being strong enough to beat him up.

What a strange concept of being the best sister.

But oh well…It's Daela.

…

Kaden now stood in front of the gate of his house, the one leading to the outside world.

Sabine was behind him, her expression poised and calm.

"Did I forget anything, Sabine?" Kaden asked.

"Nothing, young master," she responded.

He nodded before stepping forward. "Then… see you next time," he said, walking away.

Sabine bowed her head deeply.

"I wish you success in your endeavor, young master," she said.

Kaden simply raised his hand, waved a little, and kept going.

Soon, he was already out of her sight.

…

Wearing a black cloak that hid his face, Kaden walked through the streets of Waverith with calm, confident steps.

It was strange, but now it seemed like he was getting used to walking the city one last time before every departure from Waverith.

A habit born out of nowhere.

He smiled a little and continued on, blending into the crowd and observing everything with his perception at full.

As always, he noticed many things. Things that were quite interesting… and things that weren't.

But he didn't mind. He loved seeing how lively Waverith was, with carriages running here and there, pulled by all kinds of beasts. He loved seeing the people walking with purpose in their steps… and others with sadness and hesitation.

The contrast was jarring.

And beautiful.

He loved it. He loved to just… observe. He could do this all day, to be honest.

But he didn't have all day.

So he walked, observing here and there—until a scene captured his mind.

It was kind of common.

There, in an alley drowned in subtle darkness and repulsive smells, a young girl in slightly luxurious clothes was beating an old man with her legs.

Behind her, two guards stood watching as if it were an everyday occurrence.

Kaden paused and watched the scene with intrigue. With his perception, he could clearly hear the girl's words.

"Filthy being! How dare you touch me with your filthy hands?" she said, delivering kicks far too brutal for someone her age.

Her expression was filled with genuine disgust. Because really, couldn't this beggar just beg without touching her?

Now she felt dirty and had to go back to wash herself and change before meeting her love.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got—kicking the old man even harder.

"Disgusting being, you should just die and stop bothering everyone if you can't take care of yourself," she spat, venting her fury.

After a while, she grew tired. Looking at the trembling old man with blood all over his face, she clicked her tongue and turned away after spitting on him before leaving.

The old man lay there on the ground, his body was shaking with pain. But he didn't cry. Didn't beg.

He just lay there, like someone who was simply tired of life.

"Why?" a voice suddenly echoed beside him.

The old man slowly raised his bloodied face, looking at the young man in front of him with tired eyes.

Kaden was standing there, looking at him with perplexed eyes.

It wasn't difficult to see the man clearly wasn't thrilled to be alive. So—

"Why are you still living if you don't like the life you're living?"

He paused.

"…Is it worth it?"

—End of Chapter 142—