The streets of Emberfall buzzed with whispers as Crimson walked toward the King's palace.
> "Did you hear? His son… wasn't even human."
"Yeah, they say the baby looked like a monster…"
"But he's a Celestis Rank Hunter. You think the King will really deny his request?"
"Tch, no way. A monster's a monster—"
Crimson heard every word, but his face remained still. Yet the aura around him grew darker with each passing step, sending chills down the spines of nearby citizens.
Then someone scoffed loudly, "Like father, like son."
In a flash, Crimson's feet pushed off the ground, and he soared through the air, landing directly on the third floor corridor of the palace. Guards stepped back in fear as he strode past them without pause, arriving at the King's chamber. Without knocking, he slammed the doors open.
Inside, the former King of Emberfall, now retired but still powerful, sat on the throne, holding his head in his hand.
Crimson bowed slightly, voice calm but firm, "My King, may I make a request?"
The King, without lifting his head, said heavily, "I already know what you want, Crimson. But… I cannot allow it."
Crimson's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
The King looked up, sorrow clouding his expression. "If I permit your child to live among us, the people will rebel. They will never accept him."
Crimson clenched his fists. "So you would let innocence die because the people might protest?"
The King replied solemnly, "You must understand—"
Crimson exploded. "YOU ASSHOLE!"
The King jolted in his seat. "Do you realize what you're saying?!"
Crimson's glare could shatter mountains. "I don't care about your rules anymore. I will protect my family. Even if I must tear this kingdom apart."
Without another word, Crimson stormed out, leaving behind a trembling court.
---
Later that night, Crimson walked through the forest path toward a small house. His mood lightened—he carried gifts for his wife Alena and their child. He smiled softly.
> "We'll leave for another kingdom. Somewhere they will accept us. We'll start over."
But his thoughts were shattered by distant screams:
"Help! PLEASE—DON'T DO THIS!"
Crimson's heart stopped.
It was Alena's voice.
He dashed at inhuman speed toward the forest house. What he saw froze him in place.
His home was engulfed in flames.
A group of 29 mage-class hunters were casting fireballs at the burning house, laughing cruelly.
"Stop!" Crimson screamed, his voice filled with fear and rage. "They're my family!"
The hunters turned—and went pale.
> "It's Crimson—"
"We're dead. I told you this was a bad idea!"
But it was too late.
Crimson raised his hand to the sky.
"BLACK LIGHTNING!"
The clouds above roared. A single, massive black bolt struck down with godlike fury.
In one millisecond, the 29 hunters turned to dust.
Crimson rushed into the flames, eyes wide with horror. Inside, he saw them—Alena and their son—burning.
> "NOOOOOOOO!!!" he screamed, reaching out.
But the fire was too strong. He couldn't even touch them.
He fell to his knees in the ash, sobbing uncontrollably.
Then—
"Brother!!"
His sister Azalea, The Flare Princess, had just returned from a dungeon.
She saw the destruction and the burnt remains of their home. Her eyes filled with tears as she ran to Crimson.
"Brother… what happened?! Please tell me—"
Crimson stood, his face void of emotion. "Nothing, Azalea. It's nothing you need to worry about."
He looked to the sky, then whispered:
> "The world took everything from me…
Now, the world will feel my wrath."
And with that, he shot into the sky, disappearing like a black comet.
"Brother!!" Azalea screamed after him. "Please stop!!"
She turned and noticed the dust of the dead hunters, her face draining of color.
> "No… this can't be real… No… NOOOO!!"
(Chapter 42 Fin)