Chapter 6 Moonlit Bounds

A few weeks had passed, and David had adjusted to his life under Morgan's tutelage. One quiet afternoon, Morgan called for him.

"David," her calm voice echoed through the halls, beckoning him.

David entered her room, his usual composed demeanor in place. "You called for me, Master?"

Morgan turned from her desk and smiled. "From now on, we're going to spend some time in my pocket dimension."

David raised an eyebrow. "Pocket dimension?"

Morgan nodded, gesturing for him to sit as she began her explanation. "A pocket dimension is a personal world outside of reality, similar to an item box or a magic bag. It can be used for storage, rest, or even as a living space. While magic bags are a smaller, more limited version of a pocket dimension, mastering the creation and control of a true pocket dimension is an incredibly rare feat."

David listened intently, his curiosity piqued.

Morgan began drawing a pentagram on the floor, her movements precise and graceful. She then chanted:

"Through veil unseen, I weave the thread,

A space between, where none have tread.

O endless void, by my will comply,

Unfold thy gate, where secrets lie. Ethereal Gateway."

As her chant ended, a massive white gate materialized before them. It was grand and majestic, its intricate carvings glowing faintly with ethereal light.

David's cold façade cracked as his eyes widened in awe. "It's… beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with childlike wonder.

Morgan's smile softened. For the first time, she saw a glimpse of David's true self—a curious, energetic child hidden beneath his cold, calculating exterior. She felt relieved.

Taking his hand, she asked gently, "Shall we?"

David nodded eagerly, and together they opened the gate.

David stepped into the pocket dimension, and his breath caught in his throat. Before him stretched a colossal library, its shelves reaching endlessly into the sky. Books, grimoires, and ancient tomes filled every corner, some floating gently in midair, their pages turning on their own.

"Welcome to the world of endless knowledge," Morgan announced, pride evident in her voice. "This is my sanctuary. Everything I've learned over my lifetime is here—history, magic, politics, martial arts, and more. My entire life's work is at your disposal."

David's awe deepened. "This is… incredible," he murmured.

Morgan led him to the center of the library, where a wooden desk and chair stood surrounded by neatly stacked books. A luxurious white sofa sat nearby.

"You'll study here from now on," Morgan instructed. "Math, history, politics, magic, martial arts—everything you need to excel. Don't worry about time; one day here equals sixteen minutes in the real world, and you won't grow hungry or tired unless you overexert your mind. But don't get reckless—if you wander too far, you might get lost. Even I might not be able to find you."

David nodded, his determination shining through. "I understand."

Morgan chuckled at his enthusiasm. "You remind me of a child discovering their favorite toy. Stay focused, and I'll return in three days. For now, start with these," she said, placing a stack of books before him.

With that, she left the dimension.

Morgan returned to the real world, only to find Emma waiting for her.

"Master Morgan," Emma began, her tone flustered, "where's David? I want him to join me for a hunt."

Morgan leaned back in her chair, a sly smile on her lips. "Oh? That's all?"

Emma blushed. "W-W-What do you mean by that?"

Morgan's expression grew serious. "Emma, I've been wondering—why did you bring that boy here? He's a former slave with mysterious powers and techniques. His background is unknown. And yet, you brought him here without a second thought. Why?"

Emma hesitated, her confidence wavering. Then, taking a deep breath, she said firmly, "Master, do you remember when we first met? You saved me from that dungeon and taught me magic. When I met David, I saw myself in him. I don't care about his past. He's family to me, and I know he means no harm."

Morgan studied her closely, then nodded. "I see. That's all I needed to hear

Three days passed in the pocket dimension, and Morgan returned, expecting to see David poring over books. Instead, she found him asleep on the sofa, an eerie void-like aura surrounding him.

As she approached, the aura pushed her back, its oppressive energy sapping her strength. "David!" she called out, startled.

David stirred, his expression calm. "Master, you're back. Why are you on the floor?"

"David… what is this around you?" Morgan asked, keeping her distance.

"It's a mana barrier I created," he explained. "Nothing can enter or leave. I developed it while training my mana control."

Morgan was both shocked and impressed. "You've mastered such a technique in three days? And you've read all 168 books?"

David nodded. "Yes. I finished in two days. The last day, I focused on martial arts and mana manipulation."

Morgan sighed, overwhelmed by his talent. "You're a monster… but an incredible one. Go get some rest."

David stepped out of the pocket dimension, his body adjusting to the cool air of reality. The familiar scent of home greeted him as he made his way downstairs, where Emma was lounging by the fireplace.

"Sis Emma, it's been a while," he said, his tone calm but warm.

Emma looked up, her expression brightening. "David! You're finally out! How was it? Did you… survive Morgan's world of endless knowledge?"

David chuckled softly. "Yes, I've been there for what felt like four days. I studied the history of the Maria Kingdom, learned about Holy Land politics, and even dived into advanced magic techniques. It was overwhelming but… rewarding."

Emma shot to her feet, rushing to him. "Four days? You studied that much? David, are you okay? Is your head hurting? Are you tired?"

David placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his gaze steady. "I'm fine, Sis. Really. But thank you for worrying."

Emma pulled him into a tight hug, her warmth washing over him like sunlight breaking through clouds. "You're so strange, you know that? But I'm glad you're okay."

This feels… safe. Joyful. Thank you, Sis Emma, David thought as he gently returned her hug.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Lily stepped in. Her usually confident demeanor seemed shaken, her movements stiff and uncertain.

"Welcome back, Sis Lily," David greeted.

Emma turned to her. "Where have you been?"

Lily offered a weak smile. "I was in town… working at the restaurant." Her voice wavered, and her eyes darted away.

David's sharp gaze immediately caught the faint bruises on her arms, half-hidden beneath her sleeves. His stomach churned as unease settled in his chest. Something wasn't right.

"Sis Lily," he said softly, stepping closer, "are you okay? You look… tired."

"I'm fine," she replied quickly, but her voice cracked, betraying her.

David reached for her arm, gently pulling up her sleeve to reveal a dark bruise near her wrist. Lily stiffened, tears threatening to spill.

"Sis," he whispered, his voice laced with both concern and fury. "Who did this to you?"

"David, please," Lily whispered, her voice breaking. "Don't… don't tell Emma."

David's jaw tightened as his anger bubbled beneath the surface. But his voice remained calm. "I won't. But let me help."

He placed his hand over the bruise, his magic surging gently through her skin. The bruises faded, but the pain in her eyes lingered.

As soon as the magic faded, Lily's composure crumbled. She threw her arms around David, clinging to him as if he were her lifeline. "Thank you… thank you…" she whispered, her tears soaking into his shirt.

David leaned closer, his voice low but firm. "Next time, I'll protect you. No one will ever hurt you again, Sis Lily. I promise."

Her sobs grew quieter as she buried her face in his chest, desperate to hide her pain from Emma, who was still in the other room.

When Lily finally pulled away, she wiped her eyes and gave a shaky smile. "I'm okay now. Really." But her eyes betrayed her words.

David nodded, his expression unreadable. "Alright. But remember, you're not alone."

Lily took a deep breath and turned to the kitchen. "I'll start dinner," she said, her voice steadying.

As she walked away, David's gaze remained fixed on her retreating figure

Later that evening, when Lily was busy in the kitchen, Emma approached David.

"You've been quiet all day. Is something wrong?" she asked, sitting beside him.

David hesitated for a moment. Emma had a right to know, but he didn't want to betray Lily's trust. Finally, he spoke.

"Emma," he began carefully, "I think something happened to Lily while she was in town."

Emma's eyes widened. "What do you mean? Did she say something?"

"No," David admitted, his voice steady but firm. "But she had bruises on her arm, and… her behavior was off. She was scared. Hurt. I healed the bruises, but…" He paused, his fists clenching. "I can't heal what's inside."

Emma's face darkened with a mix of anger and worry. "Why didn't she tell me?"

"She didn't want you to know," David said softly. "She didn't want you to worry."

Emma's hands trembled as she stood up. "If someone hurt her, I'll—"

David placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "We don't know who or what happened. For now, let's just be here for her. She needs us."

Emma's gaze softened, and she nodded reluctantly. "You're right. We'll protect her. Together."

David nodded, his eyes sharp with determination. "Always"

Later that night, David left the house, his mind racing. Using the wind magic he'd recently mastered, he flew toward the slums where Lily had passed always. His mana-enhanced senses allowed him to locate the men responsible for her pain quickly.

Five of them sat around a fire, laughing and joking as though they had no care in the world.

David approached silently, his expression cold but composed. His sharp, tailored clothing fluttered in the night breeze as he stopped just a few feet away from them. His gaze bore into them like frost, making one of the men shiver despite the warmth of the fire.

"Who's this kid?" one of them sneered, trying to mask his unease.

David didn't answer. He raised his hand, and with a simple flick of his fingers, the man was slammed against the wall by an invisible force.

The others jumped to their feet, panic setting in as David's overwhelming mana filled the air. It wasn't just power—it was precision and elegance, as though every action was part of a carefully orchestrated symphony.

David stepped forward, his voice as smooth and sharp as a blade. "Tell me. Do you feel fear? Do you feel regret for what you've done?"

One of the men stammered, "W-We didn't mean any harm—"

David's icy gaze cut him off. "Do not insult me with your lies. You knew exactly what you were doing."

With another motion of his hand, the rest of them were pinned to the ground, unable to move. Their terror was palpable as David's mana surrounded them like a suffocating fog.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small silver bell, ringing it once. Moments later, a swirl of light materialized into Morgan, who stepped into the scene with an air of authority.

Morgan's sharp eyes scanned the unconscious men before settling on David. "Explain yourself, disciple," she said, her tone cold but curious.

David immediately turned to her and knelt on one knee, bowing his head in a display of respect. "Master," he began, his voice calm and formal. "I humbly beg your forgiveness for summoning you without prior notice. However, the situation demanded immediate attention."

Morgan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

"These men," David said, gesturing toward the unconscious figures, "have committed an unforgivable act against Sister Lily. I could not, in good conscience, allow them to continue their vile behavior."

Morgan's expression hardened as she took a closer look at the men. "And what do you propose we do with them?"

David lifted his gaze slightly, his tone unwavering. "Master, I seek your wisdom in ensuring that their punishment is both just and exemplary. If it pleases you, I suggest we render them incapable of harming anyone ever again, either through physical or magical means."

Morgan studied him for a moment, noting the composure and elegance in his demeanor despite the chilling determination in his words. "Very well," she said finally. "Let us proceed. But know this, David—your actions, while justified, carry weight. Ensure that your sense of justice does not blind you to reason."

David bowed his head deeply. "As you command, Master. I shall remain vigilant."

Together, they prepared to deliver judgment upon the men, ensuring that their punishment would be a lesson carved in both body and soul.

David, kneeling before Morgan with unwavering composure, awaited her judgment. The air around him buzzed with controlled energy, his cold, calculating demeanor a stark contrast to the chaotic fear that now radiated from the five men. They were no longer laughing. Their bravado had long since shattered under the weight of David's silent judgment.

Morgan's eyes flickered over them, her expression a mask of unrelenting coldness. She could feel the malevolent aura that surrounded these men—the same one David had so keenly identified. And although she understood his drive for justice, the method of it was something she had to ensure was just, not merely vengeful.

Turning to David, Morgan's voice sliced through the tension. "Do not forget, discipline and control are as important as the act itself. Their punishment must be fitting, but not without reason."

David's eyes remained impassive as he responded, his voice steady. "Master, they are no longer worthy of mercy. They have shown no remorse, only vile intent. They've stained this place with their darkness, and it is my responsibility to erase it." His words were a declaration, not a plea.

Morgan nodded slowly, her decision made. "Then let us show them the consequences of their actions."

She raised a hand, her magic swirling like a dark cloud around them. The men struggled against the invisible force, their attempts to escape futile. Then, without warning, Morgan snapped her fingers, and the atmosphere around them seemed to shift. The men were bound by ethereal chains of magic, unable to move or speak, their limbs held tightly by the invisible restraints. Their breath quickened, each of them realizing too late that escape was impossible.

David, ever the methodical one, rose and stepped forward. His voice, cold as ice, broke the silence. "I will not allow you to tarnish the peace of this place again. This is your punishment, and it will serve as a reminder that no evil is ever truly left unchecked."

He raised his hand and, in an instant, he summoned a barrier of wind around them. The gusts howled as they slammed into the men, sending them to their knees. The force of the wind was relentless—each gust striking them like a physical blow, knocking the breath from their lungs.

Then, with another gesture, David's wind magic intensified, drawing sharp whips of air that lashed at their bodies. It was not merely physical punishment; it was a punishment of the soul, a reminder that their actions had consequences beyond the physical realm. The wind seemed to tear at their very essence, leaving them gasping for breath, broken, humiliated.

The air was heavy with tension as Emma and Lily arrived at the secluded clearing where Morgan and David stood. The scene before them was chilling. Five men knelt on the ground, their bodies trembling as they faced the cold and commanding presence of David and Morgan.

David's posture was rigid, his piercing gaze locked onto the men as if he could strip away their very souls. His hands were clasped behind his back, exuding an air of calculated control. Morgan stood beside him, her expression unreadable, though a faint smirk hinted at her satisfaction with what was about to unfold.

Emma's brow furrowed. "What's going on here?"

Lily, however, froze. Her heart pounded as she recognized the men. They were the same ones who had stolen her sense of safety, who had left her with the bruises that David had silently healed. Her breath hitched, and she instinctively stepped back.

Emma glanced at her, confused. "Lily? Are you okay?"

Lily didn't respond. Her eyes were fixed on David. Unlike the warm, protective boy she knew, this version of him was colder, almost unrecognizable.

David didn't look at them. His focus remained on the men as he spoke, his voice devoid of emotion yet carrying a sharp edge. "You know why you're here. Your actions have consequences."

The men whimpered, one of them daring to stammer, "W-We didn't mean to—"

"Silence," David interrupted, his tone cutting through the air like a blade. "Your intentions mean nothing. Your deeds speak louder than your excuses."

Morgan observed David with a mixture of pride and amusement, letting him take the lead.

Lily's hands trembled as she took a hesitant step forward. "David…" she whispered, her voice shaky.

For the first time, David turned his head slightly, acknowledging her presence. His eyes softened for a brief moment, but the hard edge quickly returned. "Sis Lily, this doesn't concern you."

"But…" Lily's voice faltered as she looked at the men, then back at David. "You're not… this isn't like you."

David sighed softly, his expression unreadable. "Sometimes, the world demands harsh measures. What they did to you cannot go unanswered. They won't hurt anyone else."

Emma, now piecing things together, gasped. "These men… Lily, are they—?"

Lily's face flushed with shame and anger as she gripped Emma's arm. "Emma, don't… please don't make this worse."

Emma's eyes burned with fury as she turned to David. "What are you going to do?"

David looked at her calmly. "What needs to be done. They've already confessed. Their punishment will be swift and absolute."

Morgan stepped forward, her voice cool and measured. "David has my full support. These men violated the sanctity of trust and safety. They've proven themselves unworthy of mercy."

Lily's worry grew. She wasn't concerned for the men—they deserved punishment—but for David. She could see the darkness in his actions, the way he distanced himself emotionally.

"David," Lily pleaded, stepping closer. "Please… don't lose yourself in this."

David's gaze softened briefly again, but he didn't waver. "I'm not losing myself, Sis. I'm ensuring no one else suffers as you did. Trust me."

Lily's heart ached. She trusted him, but she couldn't shake the fear that this path would take him further away from the boy she cared about.

David turned back to the men, his voice like ice. "Your time is up."

Morgan raised a hand, her magic coiling in the air, while David's aura flared—a cold, oppressive force that made the men cry out in terror. The punishment would be brutal, but no one would ever know. It would be as if these men vanished from existence, a warning to all who dared to harm the innocent.

As the scene unfolded, Lily's gaze never left David. Her heart was torn between gratitude and worry, between pride and fear.

Please… don't let this darkness consume you, she thought silently, her hands clutching her sides as tears threatened to fall

Emma, who had quietly watched from a distance, stepped forward. She had been silent, but her gaze had never wavered. Her lips were pressed into a firm line as she observed the men, her expression hardening with every passing moment.

Emma's eyes met David, and for a moment, there was hesitation. She had seen the consequences of David's cold justice, and though part of her recoiled at the brutality of it, she knew what had been done to Lily, the girl she considered her sister. Her heart ached with the same anger that pulsed through David's veins. With a slow, deliberate breath, she spoke.

"I agree," she said quietly, her voice tinged with sorrow. "They have caused enough pain."

With Davis's a whisper of incantation, the air around the men thickened. Their chains tightened, squeezing their limbs to the point of immobility. The pain from the constricting force and the wind magic overwhelming their senses. Emma's expression remained cold, but there was a spark of something darker in her eyes—a reflection of the same justice David had shown.

"May this be your lesson," Morgan whispered, her voice low but full of quiet authority. "May it burn in your minds for the rest of your lives."

The men's screams intensified, but David's magic continued to suffocate them. The longer they struggled, the more the chains constricted, until it became clear that their punishment was not about death—it was about ensuring that they would never forget the consequences of their actions even in after lifetime. They were left to endure the pain, the humiliation, and the suffocating darkness until they were nothing more than broken shells of the men they once were.

Emma seeing David's final decision, nodded. She turned back to Morgan, who had been silently observing, her eyes glimmering with a strange satisfaction.

Morgan's voice was soft but filled with meaning. "You've both done well. But remember, it is not only the act that matters, but the aftermath. This world is unforgiving, and the consequences of your actions are not always as clear as they seem."

David and Emma remained silent as they watched the men crumble under the weight of their punishment. It was over. For them, there would be no escape.

David, cold and methodical, stood before the five men, who now lay trembling on the ground. There was no remorse in his eyes, only a chilling determination that reflected the quiet storm within him. His earlier kindness, the warmth he showed to Emma and Lily, had disappeared, replaced by the fierce need to eliminate this stain on their world.

Morgan stood off to the side, a silent observer, but David knew she understood. She had taught him that power was not meant to be wasted, that mercy had its place but not when dealing with filth like this.

The five men, bound by invisible restraints, could barely move. They were broken, terrified, their eyes wide with dread as David's unblinking stare bore into them. Their prior bravado had evaporated, leaving only fear behind. But David was not interested in their fear. He was interested in ensuring they could never hurt anyone again.

His voice was a low, cold whisper, barely audible as he spoke to them. "You're not worth mercy. Not from me."

Morgan's gaze flickered over him, noting his detached demeanor, but she did not interfere. David's sense of justice was his own, built from years of suffering, from the realization that kindness and mercy often led to the same pain. There was no right or wrong in David's world. There was only the act of erasing what was broken, and the satisfaction of seeing the world right itself once more.

David extended his hand and twisted his wrist. The air around the men shifted, becoming dense, heavy with an invisible pressure. No magic was needed—just his sheer will. With a single gesture, the ground beneath them cracked open, and the men were dragged into the earth, sinking until only their heads remained visible.

David approached them slowly, his steps deliberate. There was no rage in his expression, just cold calculation. This was not vengeance; this was simply an action to restore balance, the way he saw it.

One of the men, his voice trembling, pleaded, "Please… don't… we didn't mean to…"

David's gaze locked onto him, and the man's words died in his throat. David's cold expression remained unchanged as he raised his hand. The air around them grew heavier, and the men gasped for breath. Their pleas became faint as they struggled against the earth holding them, but David did not allow their fear to sway him.

"You are nothing but a shadow in my world," he said flatly. "Nothing more than a passing nuisance. And I will erase you."

With a snap of his fingers, the men were silenced, their screams swallowed by the suffocating darkness. The earth around them began to twist, the weight increasing with each passing second. It wasn't death—no, David would not grant them that mercy. It was something worse. An endless, oppressive pressure, a reminder that they had no place in this world anymore.

As David withdrew, he gave them one last look, watching them struggle, the air around them vibrating with the oppressive force of his will. They would be left like this until they no longer had the strength to fight, until they had been broken completely, stripped of their dignity, their will, their lives. There would be no salvation for them.

Morgan, her face inscrutable, approached him when it was done, but there was no satisfaction or approval in her expression. She understood, however, that David's form of justice wasn't something to be understood by others. It was his, and his alone.

David turned away without a word, his demeanor unchanged. "It's done," he said simply, as if nothing of significance had occurred.

He didn't need to look back at the men. They were beneath him, their punishment had already been sealed. He had delivered what they deserved, and in his mind, that was all that mattered.

No one would ever know the extent of what had truly happened here. No one would see the men buried beneath the weight of his power, left to rot in silence, far from the eyes of those who might call it justice. And as for Emma and Lily—neither of them needed to witness the brutality he'd executed. It was for them, for their protection, that David took matters into his own hands, without hesitation, without remorse.

The moonlight bathed the forest in a serene glow, casting silvery shadows across the ground. David sat under the massive old tree, its branches arching high above him as if to shelter him from the weight of his thoughts. He leaned back against the sturdy trunk, his eyes fixed on the pale moon.

The events of the night replayed in his mind. The cries of the men, the judgment he had passed, the cold, precise force with which he had delivered the final blow to their fates—it all felt like a distant echo now. Yet, the emotions lingered, clinging to him like an unwelcome shadow.

"Maybe I haven't changed at all," he thought, his fingers lightly grazing the grass beneath him. "The boy who died that day on the bus… is he still here? Am I destined to walk that same lonely path forever?"

He exhaled deeply, the cool night air filling his lungs, as if hoping it could wash away the ache in his heart.

A faint rustling pulled him from his thoughts. Turning his head slightly, he saw Lily approaching. Her steps were hesitant, her arms wrapped around herself as though bracing against the chill or the memory of what had happened earlier.

She stopped a few steps away, her gaze flickering between David and the ground. For a moment, the silence stretched, heavy and unspoken, until Lily moved closer and knelt beside him. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him in a gentle but firm embrace.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling.

David blinked, startled by the unexpected gesture. "Sis Lily…"

Her grip tightened, and she rested her head against his shoulder. "You're not a monster, David. You're my family."

The words hit him harder than any blade ever could. Lily, who had always kept her distance, who had never truly acknowledged him as part of her life, was now calling him family. It was soft, vulnerable, and utterly genuine.

"I… I was so scared," Lily admitted, her voice breaking. "Not of you, but of them. Of what they did… and what they might have done again. I'm so relieved. I don't have to fear them anymore. You… you protected me."

Her tears began to fall, soaking into his shirt as she clung to him. David sat there, his heart pounding in his chest. He didn't know what to say, but his hand instinctively reached up, resting gently on her back.

"You're safe now," he murmured, his voice low but steady. "No one will ever hurt you again."

Lily's sobs gradually softened, her breathing evening out as the fear and tension drained from her. The weight of her trust and gratitude settled on David's shoulders, but instead of burdening him, it brought a strange sense of peace.

For the first time in what felt like forever, David allowed himself to smile—not the polite, distant expression he wore to mask his emotions, but a genuine, heartfelt smile. Warmth. Peace. This… this is what it feels like to belong.

Lily's tears eventually stopped, and exhaustion overtook her. She drifted into a quiet slumber, her head resting against David's shoulder. David leaned his head gently against hers, his own weariness finally catching up to him. For once, his thoughts were silent, his heart at ease.

---

From the shadows of the house, Morgan and Emma watched the scene unfold. Morgan crossed her arms, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Finally," she whispered.

Emma's eyes softened, a quiet relief washing over her. "He's been so cold and distant for so long. To see him like this… it's like he's finally found a piece of himself."

Without a word, Emma stepped forward, carrying a soft blanket. She moved carefully so as not to wake them and draped it over the two of them.

As Emma stood back, she glanced at Morgan. "You know, they've both been through so much. I just hope this is the start of something better for them."

Morgan chuckled softly. "Oh, it will be. That boy is something else, but with them by his side, he might just figure out what it means to truly live."

The two women shared a knowing look before turning away, leaving the siblings to their peaceful moment under the moonlight.

Beneath the tree, wrapped in warmth and quiet comfort, David and Lily slept soundly. For that night, at least, the world was kind.