Returned

Sungwoo's consciousness traveled through a dark void, his thoughts consumed by the hazy memories of his demise. As the fragments of his existence started to reconnect, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his disembodied form. A voice echoed within his mind, distant yet clear, urging him to awaken.

Slowly, Sungwoo regained his senses, his eyes reopening to a world that had drastically changed. Instead of the icy mountain he remembered, he found himself in a vast underground chamber bathed in an eerie blue glow. His body was no longer his own, replaced by an ethereal figure, translucent and shimmering with newfound power.

Confusion and curiosity warred within him as he tried to comprehend his current state. The decapitated head that had been thrown before him was now a relic, its eyes staring vacantly into the unknown. Sungwoo reached out with spectral fingers, a spectral sword materializing in his grasp. He felt a surge of strength rushing through him, intertwined with an insatiable thirst for revenge.

With every step, he moved towards the exit of the chamber, drawn by an unknown force that called to him. As he ventured deeper into the bowels of the underground cave, a haunting presence lingered, permeating the air. Shadows danced and weaved along the stone walls, whispering tales of ancient battles and forgotten tragedies.

The deeper Sungwoo ventured, the stronger he felt, as if his spirit was merging with something greater than himself. He understood now, in this transient form, that he possessed abilities beyond mortal comprehension. The poison that had taken his life as Sungwoo knew it had not destroyed him; it had awakened a darkness within him, fueling his quest for vengeance.

Finally stepping out of the cavern, Sungwoo found himself in a desolate wasteland. The cold wind whipped at his spectral form, but he felt no discomfort. In the distance, a towering fortress rose against the unforgiving landscape. Determination burned within his incorporeal being as he set his sights on that bastion of darkness.

Countless days and nights blurred together as Sungwoo traveled towards the fortress, his ethereal form passing through obstacles with ease. Upon reaching its imposing gates, he could hear the clashing of weapons and the echoing cries of battle. In that moment, he knew his time for retribution had arrived.

Without hesitation, he phased through the gates, his presence unnoticed by the warring warriors. The cries of the fallen filled the air, the stench of blood and violence overwhelming his senses. Sungwoo knew he had to find the one responsible for his demise, the figure cloaked in darkness who had taken his head and left him to suffer.

His spectral form glided effortlessly through the corridors of the fortress, following the trail of death and destruction left in his wake. Finally, he arrived at a grand chamber where a figure cloaked in shadows stood, surrounded by loyal minions. The air crackled with anticipation as their gazes locked.

A wicked smirk adorned the figure's face as recognition flickered in their eyes. It was the same face that had thrust the poisoned arrow into Sungwoo's chest, sealing his fate. With a voice filled with malice, the figure spoke, "Ah, Sungwoo, you have returned. But this time, there will be no escape for you."

With a surge of spectral power, Sungwoo lunged forward, his sword slashing through the minions that stood in his way. As he neared his enemy, the figure raised a hand, attempting to cast a powerful spell. But Sungwoo was prepared, his newfound abilities surpassing any obstacle thrown his way. With a mighty swing, his spectral sword cleaved through the figure's defenses, shattering their darkest magic.

The figure fell to the ground, their true form revealed. It was Sungwoo's long-time nemesis, a bewitching sorceress who had coveted his power and sought to end his life. As the sorceress lay defeated, their once-confident gaze now filled with fear, Sungwoo's voice echoed through the chamber, "I have returned, an