Homecoming

No matter how much I wanted to avoid it, sooner or later, I would have to face my grandfather.

Face the people hunting me.

Face the truth of who I was.

But knowing that didn't make it any easier.

I turned my gaze toward the darkened window again, watching how the faint flickers of neon light seep through the edges of the curtains.

The city outside continued as if nothing had changed. But for me… something had.

I had already started down that path, but it wasn't enough. The Slave Body Refinement Technique, the training, the battles so far— they were steps forward, but not enough to tip the scales in my favor.

I had to push further.

I closed my eyes. "Damien."

[Hm?]

"I need more. The body refinement technique is a good start, but it's not enough.

I need to grow stronger. Faster."

For a moment, he didn't reply. Then—

[You're finally thinking like someone who wants to live.]