Chapter 23: Secrets of the Past & A New Restriction (Updated)

Before the 10 seconds expire, I quickly collect all the crystals from the battlefield.

Among them, one stands out—a massive diamond-like crystal, nearly impossible to miss.

Jarvis instantly identifies it.

"Sir, this is the Dragon Heart—a rare drop from an Immortal Realm beast."

I nod, storing both my sword and the crystal in my inventory before straightening my clothes.

[The time is up.] [Sending host back. Please cross the gate.]

A portal materializes before me.

Stepping through, I expect to return to Hestia's home—but instead, I find myself back in the white room.

"Why am I here again?" I ask.

The Creator leans forward, expression serious.

"I need to give you some quick instructions. Jarvis can explain anything you don't understand later, okay?"

I nod, listening carefully.

"First," he begins, "you won't be allowed to rank up once you hit the first allowable level. You must first reach the full limit of each realm before advancing."

"I didn't mind before, since the previous realm wasn't important. But moving forward, you need to push each realm to its maximum before evolving further. I will update you with future information when necessary. Do you understand?"

I take a moment to process this, then nod.

"I trust you."

"Second," his eyes narrow slightly, "you messed up one of the most important gifts I gave you—{Devour}."

"It isn't just a simple skill, and it doesn't function like a spell. You completely overlooked its true purpose."

I frown, trying to recall how I used it before.

"I can't say anything else—figure it out on your own. Now go—our time is up."

"Wait, what do you mean—"

Before I can finish, a portal opens beneath me—and I fall.

When I land, I am standing in front of Hestia—two seconds before time resumes.

Back in the realm above, the scene shifts.

??: "That was quite the show your son put on back there. He shows great potential, don't you think?"

Sora's Father sits calmly, a subtle smirk on his face.

"Yes. He takes after me—and his mother."

His words carry hidden pride, though his expression remains composed.

??: "There are certain abilities and skills he used that shouldn't exist. Some of them threaten the balance, and I sensed something within him that shouldn't be there."

"So I ask you directly—did you do what I think you did?"

Silence.

Then, another voice—a woman so beautiful that reality itself bends to please her—intervenes.

"My husband did nothing wrong."

Her sharp gaze holds undeniable authority.

"He is our son. We had to give him the tools to survive. We already failed him once by following your so-called honorable tournament. If we hadn't agreed to it, he wouldn't have been assassinated, and he wouldn't have been forced to live as a normal human."

The other entity sighs, his voice carrying weight and remorse.

"I never intended for his death. It happened while I was away from the realm, and when I returned, I destroyed every soul involved in the assassination. I punished their families, sending them to lower realms."

"Don't forget—it was me who saved his soul, giving him a second chance at life, even if it meant sending him to Earth as a human."

"It was me who kept his identity a secret, even taking on your responsibilities so you could go to him and adopt him—so he wouldn't be alone."

The woman's rage doesn't waver.

"And don't think I don't see this for what it really was."

Her words cut deep, exposing an unspoken truth.

"You weren't doing it just to save him. You did it to appease my husband—so he wouldn't destroy your realm."

"Because you knew that if he wanted to, he could have wiped every single person responsible from existence."

Her words hang in the air.

The third entity remains silent, his expression darkening.

Then, after a pause—he speaks.

"What happened was a tragedy... but my son didn't do anything wrong."

Sora's Father finally stands, his presence commanding absolute dominance.

"So that's why you won't let me see him?"

"That's why you sent him somewhere unknown, keeping him away from me?"

His eyes narrow, energy shifting.

"I know exactly where he is."

"I am merely allowing him to live his own life—for now. He will be the one to decide his fate."

"As for your punishment—I will deal with it when it comes."

"You are nothing but a counselor to him. Don't pretend you control him."

The third entity sighs, realizing this conversation is over.

He turns, leaving.

As he vanishes, Sora's Mother gently reaches for her husband's hand, her voice softening.

"Don't worry, my love—we will keep our son safe."

"And if punishment comes, I will take it with you."

Her husband's gaze hardens.

"No. We can't risk you too."

"You must stay—look after our son until he is strong enough to protect himself."

"I will survive this—don't worry."

She begins to cry, but he pulls her into an embrace, gently patting her back.

"Trust in your husband—just as much as we trust our son."

Back to Sora, in front of Hestia—two seconds before time resumes.