Duty

"Meiyin," Finn called gently to his little sister, forcing a smile to his lips.

In an instant, Meiyin dashed toward him, her small feet padding across the floor. Her face radiated uncontainable joy and excitement as she clutched her two toys against her chest.

"You were gone for so long, Big Brother! And Mother and Father wouldn't let me play outside at all. It's so boring in here," she pouted, puffing her cheeks in indignation.

Finn continued to smile, but sorrow lingered behind his eyes. A single tear slipped free, trailing silently down his cheek as he looked upon his younger sister.

"Big Brother's home now," he whispered. "I'm sorry we haven't been able to play together. But I promise—once I finish all the things I need to do, you'll be able to go outside and explore as much as you like."

His heart tightened as he took in her pure, innocent expression. Like their father and mother, he refused to let Meiyin become entangled in the conflict swallowing their clan. He wanted her to stay blissfully unaware of the war around them.

At her tender age, she deserved a childhood untainted by fear and strife. Since the day she was born, Finn had sworn to protect her and do everything in his power to ensure her happiness. She was his little sister in every way that mattered.

Even after he learned they shared no blood between them, his resolve only deepened—fueled by the immeasurable debt of gratitude he owed their parents. Growing up under Creed and Olivia's care had been the greatest fortune of his life. He had never once felt like an outsider in this family.

"Is that a promise, Big Brother?" Meiyin asked, her wide eyes shining with hope.

"It's a promise," Finn replied, smiling as he reached out to tousle her hair. "By the way—where's Mother?"

"Mother? She's probably in the kitchen!" Meiyin chirped, but then her expression turned somber. She looked up into Finn's eyes and whispered, "Big Brother… where's Father? I hardly ever see him come visit anymore."

Finn's heart sank as he heard the quiet longing in her voice. To protect Meiyin from the truth about Creed, they had agreed to keep her away from the house where he lay recuperating in a locked room. Only Olivia knew exactly what had happened to him.

He bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, stroking her hair as he spoke softly.

"Don't worry, Meiyin. Father's all right. He's just very busy working hard to make our clan strong again. So for now, it's important you listen to Mother and stay safe, understand?"

Meiyin nodded with downcast eyes, her mouth curving into a little frown. "All right, Big Brother…"

Finn gave her another pat on the head and told her to play in the sitting room for a while. Then he made his way to the kitchen, where he found his mother quietly weeping as she chopped vegetables.

He stepped forward and lowered his head.

"Mother…" he murmured respectfully.

Olivia gasped in surprise at his sudden presence. She immediately set down the knife and hurried to steady him, her voice trembling.

"My child… It's really you… Thank the heavens you came back to us alive…"

Finn lifted his gaze to meet hers and saw the terrible sorrow clouding her features.

After a moment, he reached into his interspatial ring and withdrew a small bottle containing a single, glistening pill. He placed it carefully into her hands.

"Mother… Please give this to Father. With it, the healing of his arms will be much faster," he said solemnly.

Olivia's eyes widened, but she did not hesitate. She accepted the bottle without question, her faith in Finn absolute.

Then she pulled him into a fierce embrace and broke down in ragged sobs—grief and relief pouring out at once.

"Everything will be all right, Mother," Finn whispered firmly, his arms around her trembling shoulders. "Those who deserve to pay will pay. As a member of the Azure Wood Family—and as your son—I will never allow the sacrifices of our innocent kin to be in vain. Even if it costs me my life, I will face them alone and make them answer for everything."

Olivia drew back just far enough to hold him by both shoulders. Tears streaming down her face, she spoke in a low, quavering voice.

"But, my son… It's too dangerous to confront them by yourself. If only I weren't so weak—I would stand beside you to avenge our people…"

Olivia was a 9th Level Scarlet Gold Rank—not because she lacked talent, but because she had given up her training to raise Meiyin. In dedicating herself to being a mother and wife, she had laid aside her former life as an adventurer.

"Mother, please leave everything to me," Finn said gently. "Right now, Meiyin needs you more than ever while Father recovers."

In the entire Azure Wood Family, he alone had the strength to challenge the Nine Ice Family. He would not drag his clan into further bloodshed. With his current power—and the Low-tier Epic Armament at his side—he could personally end their evil once and for all.

For several more minutes, mother and son spoke in hushed voices, their hearts heavy but resolute.

At last, Finn took his leave, bidding farewell to Meiyin before stepping out into the night.

His next destination was the residence of Augustus. He arrived swiftly and was shown in without delay.

"Family Head Augustus," Finn began solemnly, "I am truly grateful to your entire clan for never abandoning our agreement."

His eyes shone with sincere gratitude. Had the Golden Lion Family turned their backs, his kin might have been destroyed before he ever returned.

Augustus smiled and nodded, meeting Finn's gaze with calm dignity.

"The Golden Lion Family and the Azure Wood Family are bound in alliance, in all things, for as long as our names endure," Augustus said. "You are a blessing to our clan. Without you, my children and our entire family would not have prospered as we have."

At the mention of his children, something stirred in Finn's memory.

"Family Head Augustus… May I ask—how are Isake and Leo?" he inquired, his voice warm but serious.

Indeed, of Augustus's three sons, Isake and Leo were the ones closest to Finn.

Isake had been his first true friend back when he was weak and studying at the Sacred Dragon Institute—the one who had stood by him and made him feel he belonged.

Leo had been a trusted comrade in the Soaring Seven. He had a kind spirit and unwavering principles, and Finn still remembered how Leo had sent aid when he clashed with the members of Cloud Soaring Sect.

"Isake and Leo… Those two boys are currently in the Cloud Soaring Sect," Augustus replied. "My youngest, Isake, was accepted there after Grand Elder Isaac learned he'd advanced to Scarlet Gold Rank. I suspect you had a hand in that, and for that I am deeply grateful. As for Leo… he still hasn't returned to visit, though I heard Sect Master Noah granted leave for his members to see their families."

Augustus sighed softly. He had only three children, all sons—the eldest now acting as steward of the Golden Lion Family in his absence.

Finn nodded thoughtfully. After a moment, he retrieved a small, silver ring from his pocket—its appearance entirely different from an ordinary interspatial ring.

The Medicine Garden Ring.

Indeed, this was the ring that housed the young Winged Golden Lion. It possessed the power to contain any living creature, though only one at a time, within a small garden filled with medicinal herbs.

Finn focused his will upon it. A soft glow enveloped the ring, and in the next heartbeat, the sleeping young Winged Golden Lion appeared in his arms.

Awakened by the sudden shift, the little beast blinked drowsily, then tilted its head in confusion when it saw Finn's face.

Augustus's expression transformed in an instant. Utter astonishment carved deep lines across his features as he beheld the creature.

Its golden fur glistened under the lamplight, tiny wings folded neatly against its back. It looked for all the world like a cat—but the size of an ordinary housecat belied the latent power in its small body.

"A young Winged Golden Lion…" Augustus breathed, awe-struck.

He had only ever seen such beasts in painted illustrations of ancient books. Never had he laid eyes on one in the flesh.

The Golden Lion Family took their name from these creatures—whose skills and techniques their ancestors had emulated and refined over generations.

To behold a true Winged Golden Lion was beyond even his dreams. The species was counted among the noblest of Vicious Beasts. From what he knew, Golden Lions could reach beyond the Sky Rank with sufficient resources. But this—this was a Winged Golden Lion, the strongest lineage among them!

Respect and envy mingled in Augustus's gaze.

"You are truly blessed, Finn," he said with a strained smile. "To have met such a companion… I can't deny I envy the fortune that seems to follow you."

Finn smiled faintly. "I haven't formed a Beast Contract with this young one yet."

The little lion began to lick his face affectionately, but Finn paid it no mind—his focus remained on Augustus.

"Then… why not claim it now? While it's young, forging a contract—"

"That's precisely it," Finn interrupted gently. "I don't intend to. Because I want you to be the one to form the contract, Family Head Augustus."

Augustus froze.

His mouth fell open as if to speak, but no words came. For a moment, it felt as though the world itself had stopped.

"If there is anyone who deserves to care for this creature," Finn continued, "it is you and your Golden Lion Family. Its lineage is your own heritage. Think of it as a gift—a token of gratitude for standing by the Azure Wood Family when we needed you most. Without you… we might not have survived."

He held out the little lion to Augustus.

But Augustus did not immediately accept it.

Indeed—if any family were worthy to raise a Winged Golden Lion, it was theirs. And Finn knew they would treat the beast with the reverence it deserved.

"Finn… This is too great a gift… We cannot accept something like this from someone who has already done so much for us…" Augustus whispered, struggling against the desire in his heart.

Finn shook his head, smiling patiently as he continued to offer the little creature.

"If you truly wish to repay me, then please—accept it. Your aid spared countless lives in our clan. That means more to me than any treasure. Besides, I have no plans to form a Beast Contract with any creature right now. All I ask is that you care for it well."

At last, after a long hesitation, Augustus reached out with trembling hands to receive the little lion. Tears of joy and gratitude shone in his eyes.

"Finn… I swear—unless it endangers the very survival of my clan, the Golden Lion Family will honor any request you ever make of us," Augustus declared solemnly.

Finn shook his head again, his smile warm.

"You are not my servants," he said gently. "We are allies. Our families are bound together. All I want is to see that our pact endures—and that Elder Caesar stands with us as well."

He set the Medicine Garden Ring into Augustus's palm.

"Take this too. The little one is accustomed to living inside it. You can use it to transport him easily, especially once he grows larger."

Augustus nodded fervently. When Finn saw the respect and sincerity in his face, he felt a shy smile tug at his lips.

He still wasn't used to elders treating him with such deference.

"For now, there is only one thing I ask of you and your clan, Family Head Augustus," Finn said quietly.

Augustus raised his eyebrows. "If it is within our power, it will be done. Just say the word."

Finn nodded slowly.

"I must leave for a time. While I'm away… please watch over my family."

"If that is all, you needn't even ask," Augustus replied at once. "Even if you hadn't spoken, we would have done so. But… may I know where you intend to go, Finn?"

Finn met his gaze, eyes calm and resolute.

"I only wish to visit the faction I belong to," he said softly. "I need to return to the Cloud Soaring Sect."