Chapter 13: Pegasus’ Submission & Sora’s Past (Updated)

It looks into my cold eyes, grinding its teeth as it realizes it was never my match. It knows its survival hinges solely on my mercy.

"I will serve," it says. (I use it instead of he because I don't acknowledge it as more than a monster until it's tamed.)

"Good. Now let's heal you up."

I channel high-output healing magic, restoring its broken body. Within seconds, it's back on its feet.

"Stay in place. I will use Capture on you now."

It nods silently. I purchase a Monster Card, pull it out, and activate my skill. Light radiates from both the card and the creature.

[Capture Successful Name: ???]

"I will call you Pegasus."

The light fades, and the card in my hand now bears the name Pegasus. As I examine it, something unexpected happens.

"This subject asks his majesty for forgiveness, even if I don't deserve it for what I've done. But this subject will prove its worth through action and serve you until death."

"Well, that's new. Where did your attitude go? And why are you calling me 'your majesty'?"

Pegasus kneels, lowering its head even further.

"This subject was blind and didn't realize it was in the presence of the King of Monsters. I am grateful for your majesty's kindness in making this lowly creature your subject. I vow to serve until death."

In my mind, I think: 'Is this because of the King of Monsters skill? It must be. I didn't expect Capture to make them subjects, but… being called 'your majesty' feels good, so I won't refuse.'

"Rise. You are forgiven. I expect you to work hard and earn this kindness. From now on, treat humans better—unless it's someone I despise. Then, do as you see fit."

"This subject understands and will obey."

"Good. Now come—we're going home."

Introducing Pegasus to the Pack

Back at Son Goku and his pack, I introduce them to Pegasus. Pegasus seems indifferent toward the pack but bows to Son Goku, who reciprocates. They appear to exchange unspoken words through their eyes.

"Go, continue searching for more monster lairs. I'll head back to the cave with Pegasus."

Go nods, commands his pack to move, and I begin walking home.

Sora's Reflection

As we walk, I find myself asking: 'Why did I get so angry earlier? I thought I was over that, but clearly, I'm not.'

Memories flood back—memories of being an orphan, of school, of betrayal.

Sora's Past

It started when I was still an orphan. Some classmates were kind, but others thought they were better than me. I didn't care much—until the day the school gang leader approached me.

"Join my gang," he said. "Us orphans need to stick together and defend each other."

But I knew the truth. His gang bullied other students—even other orphans—for their belongings, money, and labor. They were trash. I refused.

That's when hell began. The gang openly bullied me, and classmates who once spoke to me started avoiding me. I became an outcast.

When I told the teacher, he dismissed me: "Be grateful you get to attend school for free."

That's when my hatred began—hatred for them, hatred for myself for not standing up. "I'm an orphan. It's me against the world."

I started learning martial arts, cleaning the dojo in exchange for lessons. When I became strong enough, I challenged the gang leader to a rooftop fight—and won.

But then, the teacher who ignored my pleas treated me like a criminal. He praised the gang leader as an honor student and painted me as the bully. I was suspended for a month.

Back at the orphanage, I was punished with quadruple chores to "reflect on my actions."

A New Beginning

Two weeks later, an elderly couple visited the orphanage to adopt a child. While I was cleaning the hall, the woman—whom I later called Mother—noticed me.

"Honey, what about this boy?"

"He looks hardworking, but his face is filled with sadness."

"Who is this boy? Can we meet him?"

The orphanage worker sneered: "I advise against it, ma'am. This troublemaker beat an honest kid at school and was suspended."

I shouted with all my might: "He wasn't honest! He was a gang leader who bullied me for two years! I stood up for myself because you abandoned me!"

The couple was shocked. The woman approached me, and I braced for scolding. Instead, she hugged me, patting my back.

"It's okay. I believe you. It's okay now—I'm here."

That moment was the best of my life—the start of a new chapter.