First Smile , Last Smile ...

The next morning, David walked towards the orphanage with a determined stride, his expression unreadable beneath the weight of his thoughts. He called for Ruby, his newest student, and handed her a ring imbued with mana control, a precious artifact he had specifically acquired for her training.

"Put this on," he instructed, his voice steady yet laced with authority. "It will help you channel your mana more efficiently. Now, sit. Close your eyes. Feel the energy coursing through your veins."

Ruby obeyed, lowering herself to the ground. A hush fell upon them as she focused, her breathing slow and deliberate. David watched intently, his keen eyes analyzing every subtle shift in her energy. Slowly, a soft aura began to radiate from her small frame—a shimmering, ethereal glow enveloping her like a second skin.

The atmosphere grew dense with raw power, the very air trembling as mana swirled around Ruby, drawn towards her core. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, yet she remained unmoved, unwavering in her concentration. Four grueling hours passed, each second stretching into eternity. Then, suddenly, the transformation was complete—her mana now flowing in perfect harmony within her, forming the very essence of an aura core.

David's lips curled into a rare smile, pride flickering in his usually cold gaze. "I am proud to be your master," he said, his voice softer than before.

Ruby beamed, her joy radiating as brilliantly as a ruby gemstone reflecting the morning sun. In that moment, as the wind gently brushed against them, David was struck by an unexpected wave of emotion. He saw his sister in her—her smile, her innocence, the same light that had once filled his world before it was mercilessly shattered. His chest tightened, a brief but powerful ache spreading through him. He clenched his fists, swallowing the emotions that threatened to surface.

"Master, are you okay?" Ruby asked, tilting her head.

David exhaled sharply and nodded. "Yes. The training is complete for today."

Without another word, he took her hand and, in the blink of an eye, teleported them to the heart of the Ruins Kingdom. The bustling city unfolded before them—majestic structures, towering markets brimming with exotic goods, streets alive with merchants and travelers alike. Ruby's eyes widened in astonishment, the sheer scale of the kingdom overwhelming her senses.

"So many people... so many shops..." she whispered in awe.

David tightened his grip on her hand and led her through the vibrant streets. He bought her food, toys, and elegant dresses that shimmered like stars under the golden sunlight. She laughed, a pure, untainted sound, as she clutched her new belongings close to her heart. For the first time in her life, she felt truly happy.

Hours passed in fleeting moments, and as the sun began its descent, they found themselves seated on a bench near a river bridge. The water sparkled, mirroring the fiery hues of the sky.

"Master... I have never been this happy before," Ruby confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

David looked at her, a warmth settling in his chest. He didn't respond outright, but he smiled, just enough for her to see.

"Shall I take you back?" he asked after a moment.

She nodded, and together, they walked through the city once more. Upon reaching the orphanage, David watched as Ruby ran inside, her laughter lingering in the air long after she disappeared from sight. He turned away and began his walk towards the church, his mind clouded with unfamiliar emotions. For so long, he had been consumed by vengeance, by rage, by the thirst for destruction. And yet, for the first time in years, he felt something else—something he wasn't sure he wanted to acknowledge. A reason to protect.

As he wandered through the city streets, he took in the sight of happy families, lovers strolling under the dim glow of lanterns, children playing without a care. The kingdom was thriving, wrapped in the illusion of peace. But David saw through it. Beneath the surface, corruption festered like an untreated wound. The so-called heroes—those revered as gods—were nothing more than monsters in disguise.

His expression darkened, his jaw tightening.

"The world will know the truth," he muttered under his breath. "These false gods, these so-called saviors... they will all fall."

A sinister voice echoed in his mind, sending a chill down his spine.

"Speak of the devil," the voice drawled. "Enjoying your little moment of happiness, are you? A student who reminds you of your sister... how sentimental. But tell me, where is your revenge, David? Have you forgotten?"

David's lips twisted into a grin, a low chuckle escaping him. "Revenge? Hahaha..." His laughter was void of warmth, laced instead with something cold and unsettling. His crimson eyes gleamed with unrelenting fury. "Patience, Eternal. Nothing happens overnight. Slowly, steadily... the gods will fall. Their heroes will drown in their own blood."

The voice hummed in amusement. "I will wait. Do not disappoint me."

David exhaled, his breath misting in the cool night air. His hunt was about to begin. His first target: Lung Yun.

A so-called hero, a man who reveled in the suffering of the innocent. A twisted, egotistical tyrant who saw himself as a god, slaughtering without remorse, basking in the agony of those he deemed beneath him.

David had seen enough. It was time to end him.

Later that night, David lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling. But sleep did not come easily. Instead, he was haunted by nightmares—visions of the past, of the betrayal that had shattered him. His wife's deceitful smile, the gods watching with indifference as his world burned, the heroes laughing as he fell.

His breathing grew ragged, his fingers clenching the sheets. He shot upright, his heart pounding. Rising from the bed, he approached the window, gazing out at the peaceful city. The people slept soundly, oblivious to the storm that brewed in the shadows.

"How can they sleep so peacefully while I suffer?" he whispered. "Why am I the only one haunted by nightmares? By pain? By the truth?"

His fingers curled into fists.

"This kingdom... this fake peace... it will all burn. The bright moon will soon be drenched in blood. And when that day comes... they will finally understand true fairness."

A cruel smirk played on his lips as the cold night wind caressed his face. The moon above shone brightly, unaware that soon, it would bear witness to the end of an era.

And thus, the night whispered its promise—a promise of chaos, vengeance, and the fall of gods.