After Dom's words, the silence that followed was heavy in the humble home…
The only person who moved was Lucy, quietly eating as she and Dae watched Dom stare down a now-agitated Pops.
"That is the dumbest thing you've ever said, kid," Pops said, breaking the silence. "This isn't a fucking game."
"When did I say it was?" Dom replied, wearing a similarly serious expression.
The two maintained their quiet glare at each other until Dae finally sighed heavily.
"Dom. I know you're not actually dumb…" Dae began,
"The fuck does that mean?" Dom snapped.
But Dae ignored him and continued, "So I know that you must have an actually good reason for this."
After glaring at Dae for a few seconds, Dom leaned back, his eyes fixed on his plate as he responded, "I want to know more about this Clan."
Dae raised a brow.
"First the Council, then the North… and now my mother." He added, gaze darkening. "There's definitely something up with this Clan that all the royals don't want us to know about."
"And you think taking the name will help you?" Dae asked.
Dom shrugged. "It's better than nothing." He said, "Judging by everything Ivan says, the Silvas have been a target for centuries. Ally or not, if someone knows that name, they'll come for me. And when they do, I'll make them tell me everything they know."
Dae tapped his spoon against his plate in thought. "It could work…" He said with a frown. "…but it's very risky."
"I don't like it," Lucy said, touching Dom's arm, concern clear on her face. "I don't want you to get hurt again."
Dom forced a weak smile at her. "Thanks, but if I'm going to be the hero I've always wanted to be and surpass the Monarchs, I have to know what this Clan is all about." He then looked at his palm, eyes narrowed at the blue mana oozing from his skin.
"Since the Emperor was a Silva too, I feel like finding that out will get me closer to his level at least." He clenched his fist just as a phrase crossed his mind.
All you ever think about is saving what's in front of you. Fixing the current problem… You don't even think about what comes next.
Those words Xavier said months ago suddenly echoed in his mind, reminding him of what had happened in the North.
It was just like he said; all Dom did was save a few lab subjects out of a massive pool of trapped mages. It was similar to a drop of water in a bucket.
Insignificant.
I was naive. He thought, his fist audibly tightening as he recalled Aera--imagining what she must have gone through to become that hollow. Things that could happen to countless others.
I've been so focused on the South that I didn't think about other kingdoms. If I want to save them… I need to be stronger… Strong enough to save all of them next time.
But even as he thought of such a noble cause, a simple question left him completely stumped.
How?
Dom then snapped out of his thoughts once he finally noticed three pairs of eyes staring curiously at him.
He quickly hid his concern with a smirk.
"Relax, Pops. I'm not suicidal," He said, Pops' eyes widening at those specific words--the same words Clara said years ago. "I'll be careful. Besides…" He looked at Dae and Lucy. "I have my team and Tony looking out for me."
Dae let out a heavy sigh, already envisioning the trouble he's about to endure.
Lucy, however, gave him a determined nod. "I'll work extra hard to keep you safe," She grumbled, fists clenched.
Dom grinned at them, then turned to Pops, who had remained completely silent, his gaze locked onto Dom's face. For a brief moment, that confident expression on Dom's face mirrored the one Clara--his mother--had worn on that fateful night.
"You really are hers," Pops murmured, drawing a confused stare from Dom. He simply shook off the comment and sighed. "Fine. I mean, it's not like I can actually stop you, can I?"
Dom smirked… just as a loud knocking echoed from the front door. He shot Pops a questioning look, but Pops only shook his head, not expecting anyone.
Frowning, Dom headed for the door--and froze when he opened it.
A slim but clearly fit man stood there, staring at him with wide eyes.
"Yo. They weren't kidding when they said you came back." The guy said, eyes still fixed on Dom, who only looked more confused. "Oi. What's with that look? Don't tell me you've actually forgotten who I am?"
Dom studied the man's face more carefully. A few seconds passed before realization finally hit.
"Devon?!"
Memories of his chubby childhood friend--back when Dom still lived in this town--flooded his mind.
Devon glanced down at his own body with a frown. "Have I changed that much?" He asked.
Dom nodded, still visibly shocked. "Yeah. When I left, you were built like a bloated hippo." He commented bluntly.
Devon punched his arm with a glare. "You don't have to say it like that."
Dom laughed as he rubbed his arm while giving him another once-over. "So you finally decided to hit the gym, huh? I told you, you had potential." He said.
Devon smirked and rolled up his sleeves, proudly revealing his impressive biceps. "Well, when you started making headway as a Captain, I had to step up." He lifted his shirt just enough to show off a defined six-pack. "Especially when people didn't believe me when I said I'm your best friend."
Dom rubbed his chin with a smirk. "I guess I'm more popular than I thought."
"You've always been the popular one." Devon sighed.
Dom laughed with pride as Devon clapped a hand on his shoulder. "I just got accepted into the Academy, too. So when I become a knight, you're going to let me join your squad, right?" He asked.
Dom folded his arms, eyes scanning Devon's physique skeptically. "Hmmm. I don't know. You don't look like 3-17 material yet." He said, feigning a stoic expression.
"Come on, man. Don't be like that," Devon said with a frown.
Dom smirked teasingly just as Dae walked up behind them.
"Good morning," Dae said with a respectful bow, then raised a brow at Devon's glare fixed on him.
"I heard about you too," Devon said as he puffed his chest out. "And just so we're clear, I was Dom's first best friend."
Dae stared at him in confusion while Dom struggled to hold back his laughter.
And so, Dom spent the next couple of days unwinding in his hometown…
Not much had changed since he left. So he mostly showed his team around, helped out at the restaurant, and reconnected with old friends.
A nice, peaceful vacation, especially after the roller-coaster of events over the last couple of months.
On the final evening of their visit--
Pops stepped out of the now-closed restaurant and found Dom in the middle of the open, showing off his pseudo-flight to a small crowd of old friends.
"Too high! Too fucking high!" Devon screamed, clinging for dear life as Dom lifted him several feet off the ground, ignoring his protests while the others watched eagerly, waiting for their turn.
Nearby, Dae watched with an amused smirk, observing Lucy as she aggressively chased off any girl who dared to get too close to Dom.
"Yo! Dom!"
Dom's gaze tracked the sound and looked down to find Pops holding up a full ring of soda cans.
A couple of minutes later…
The two sat on the back porch of the house, cans in hand with the quiet hum of the evening settling around them.
"Damn," Dom said with a smirk. "You really miss me that much, huh?"
Pops laughed as Dom nudged his arm. "Can you blame me? We've not had any time for ourselves since you came."
Dom slowly frowned, eyes dropping to the can in his hand. "Yeah." He muttered. "I guess I have been spending a lot of time with everyone… except you."
Pops reached over and rubbed Dom's hair with a grin. "Don't worry, kid. I'm just happy to see you still as cheery as always. Plus," He gestured with his drink toward the quiet vegetable garden in front of them, "… this is more than enough for me. Reminds me of old times."
"You mean like when I first discovered my attribute?" Dom asked.
"And nearly destroyed the house in the process." Pops scoffed, and Dom grinned as he glanced at the wall behind him, where a familiar crack poorly filled in with cement was visible.
Eventually, they fell into easy conversation, catching up on things too long to fit into letters, or too trivial to ever bother writing down.
Under the evening star, they simply enjoyed each other's company, just as they used to when Dom was still a kid.
An hour and several empty cans later…
Pops' expression suddenly turned serious. "Are you really sure about this?" He asked.
Dom lowered his seventh can and looked at him, curious.
"This Silva thing," Pops clarified. "I get that you're already a target for just being one. But if you take their name…"
Dom smirked. "I'm sure." He replied, then downed the rest of his soda. "Besides…I've already sent the request. It's too late now."
He burped and crushed the can. He then tossed it onto the small pile of empties--only to turn and find Pops still staring at him, concern etched deeply into his face.
"It won't be like my mum, Pops," Dom said with a roll of his eyes.
Pops frowned as Dom turned his gaze toward the discarded cans on the floor.
"To be honest…" Dom added. "…even though she's my mother, I don't… know her."
Pops' frown deepened.
"What I mean is, I'm not doing this for revenge. I mean… if that's what's worrying you," Dom clarified with a shrug. "I just want the truth. That's all."
Pops continued staring, eyes wide enough to make Dom shift uncomfortably.
"What now?" Dom asked, eyes narrowed skeptically.
"Nothing," Pops commented, gaze still stiff. "I'm just surprised. You're definitely stronger than you were that day."
Dom smirked at the compliment.
As Pops took another sip, Dom leaned back and looked up at the sky, his smile softening as his eyes settled on the crescent moon.
"I couldn't have done it without you, you know," Dom said.
Pops lowered his can, giving him his full attention.
"Teaching me to be myself and pursue my goals. Learning how to fight and control my strength around people. I was able to do all that because of you." Dom added, then turned back to him with a bright grin. "I think my mum was right to leave me with you."
Pops flinched as Dom's grin widened.
"And I think my dad would agree too."
Pops' body went rigid, eyes glinting as moisture gathered over them. He quickly turned away, covering his face with a hand.
"Are you… crying?" Dom asked, his smile turning teasing.
"No. I'm just…" Pops sniffed, taking a moment to steady himself before turning back with an almost perfect smirk. "I'm just allergic to your fucking bullshit."
Dom laughed--just as Pops suddenly slung an arm around his shoulder. "So… let's talk about Lucy." He said, teasingly.
Dom froze mid-laugh, his face flushing. "No! We're not having this conversation." He said as he shot to his feet.
"Come on." Pops chuckled, gesturing dramatically. "I know I was too focused on training to give you the talk…but better late than never, right?"
"Seriously?" Dom scoffed as he walked into the garden, eager to create space. "I'm 20 years old now, Pops. I think it's too late."
Pops' smirk widened. "Then consider it a late birthday gift." He commented. "Besides, I may not have any experience with a serious relationship, but I have had my fair share of times with whores. I can give you advice on how to spice up the mating."
Dom whirled around, eyes blazing. "Say one more word and I'll fucking break your arm."
Pops raised a brow. "Big words, kid." He chuckled before downing his last can and crushing it in his grip. "In case you forgot, you've never beaten me during our training sessions."
"That was before I got into the Academy," Dom scoffed, folding his arms and puffing out his chest. "I'm a Captain now. I'm already on your level."
"Oh yeah?" Pops asked as he tossed the crushed can aside and stood, peeling off his shirt to reveal his scarred yet still-powerful physique. "Prove it."
Dom grinned confidently as Pops took a spot on the grass and lowered into a stance. His old eyes and body still burned with experienced prowess.
A gentle wind swept through the garden, carrying with it the faint sizzling aura radiating from both of them. Their eyes glowed--and in the next instant, they lunged forward, fists already aimed at each other...
The next morning…
At the town entrance, Dom winced as he rubbed the fresh bandages on his cheek. Pops, meanwhile, stood beside him with barely a scratch, wearing an infuriating grin.
"I'll get you next time," Dom grumbled.
"You can't beat experience, kid." Pops scoffed--then pulled Dom into a hug, resting a fatherly hand atop his head. "But good luck with that."
Dom's glare melted into a warm smile as he hugged him back.
Pops looked down at him, then past him to the two behind. "Take care of each other, alright?"
"We will," Dae replied with a friendly smile.
As Dom released Pops, Lucy suddenly lunged forward and wrapped Pops in a tight hug. "I'll miss you, Pops." She said with a frown.
Pops laughed, rubbing her back as her tail wagged happily.
Dom raised a brow at them. "Since when did you two bond that much?" He asked.
Lucy released Pops and beamed at him. "Since he gave me his blessing as your father." She declared proudly.
Dae snorted, while Dom shot Pops a glare, which Pops responded to with a teasing smirk.
With a few more goodbyes from old friends, the trio finally departed the humble town...
But as the three traveled by horseback toward their base--they remained unaware of the eyes now turning toward them-- in the form of a secret meeting being conducted in the Royal Capital…
Within the lavish royal palace lay a chamber accessible only to the members of Royal Council—the Council's Foyer.
The secluded boardroom was bathed in the soft glow of carefully placed wall lanterns, their light reflecting off a large, masterfully crafted round table. Eight evenly spaced seats surrounded it, each occupied by an immaculately dressed man.
Yet despite the room's refined elegance, an oppressive aura of dread and frustration hung thick in the air as all eyes remained fixed on the documents spread across the table.
"That little brat." One of the nobles grumbled, abruptly dumping the papers onto the surface. Dom's image was revealed among them. "I told you we should have sent a high-tier mage to kill him when we had the chance." His glare lingered on the page bearing Dom's newly acquired last name.
"We voted on it, Your Grace," An elderly advisor replied calmly, adjusting his spectacles. "He wasn't a threat back then."
"And now he is," A second nobleman snapped.
The first advisor furrowed his brows, unable to counter the point.
"I agree!"
The sudden outburst came from a massive, imposing military officer. His beefy arms were folded as he glared down at the documents. "We should have nipped it in the bud." He turned sharply toward the first advisor, revealing the jagged scar crossing his pale, opaque left eye. "If we had used a more direct approach during the exam--"
"Johan would have found a way to contain it," Another expensively dressed nobleman interrupted.
"He's just one man," The soldier scoffed.
"A powerful man with ties to the Dragon," the nobleman countered.
The soldier clicked his tongue and lowered his gaze to another document-Anthony's face staring back at him. "That bastard again," He muttered.
The first advisor stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Maybe we should have used his family as we did in the past, after all."
The second noble shook his head. "Johan has taken measures to prevent that ever happening again. And even if we succeeded, who knows how he would've responded—especially if the Dragon became involved."
"Still…" The soldier grumbled, jabbing a finger at an image of a familiar black-armored beast on another page. "We didn't need such underhanded tactics. If we could sneak in that thing, what's stopping us from deploying an advanced task force? I could've led it myself."
"And draw unnecessary attention," Another elderly advisor snapped.
The soldier glared at him. "From who? The fledglings?"
"Enough."
The single word silenced the chamber instantly.
All eyes turned toward the head of the table, where two elderly advisors sat.
Between them rested the most lavishly adorned figure of all—a man crowned in gold, his presence alone commanding submission. The ruler of this great nation.
"We cannot change the past, gentlemen," The King said calmly, rubbing his long gray-black beard. "There is no use in arguing over it."
"Apologies, Your Majesty," The first advisor said.
The King nodded before turning his attention back to the papers. "We clearly underestimated this young man." He added, his expression darkening. "He appears to possess the luck of the devil. Not only did he survive our first three attempts, but he's also now an exceptionally difficult protector. Touching him will not be easy."
"Isn't that why we tried to isolate him?" The soldier clicked his tongue and lifted another page with a familiar face staring back at him. "Even when we handed him over to the North, they still failed to take him out."
The King frowned, tapping the document displaying Dr. Ivan's face.
"The North only failed because they didn't eliminate him. Instead, they were… studying him." The first advisor added.
"You know what that means, don't you?" The soldier asked, tossing the crumpled paper aside, his remaining eye glowing faintly green. "They're trying to recreate him."
Silence descended upon the room, heavy and suffocating as they all thought of one man.
The soldier leaned back, his chair creaking sharply. "Even though we all agreed to destroy those demonic spawns…" He continued, eyes narrowing toward the mural behind the King--the Mage Emperor depicted in glorious detail. "We chose to display one instead. Now the North wants a piece of it too."
A fist slammed against the table.
"It's not our fault," The first noble snapped. "Not only were most of our forces tied down with the war, but we never even knew he was a Silva until after he gained his reputation. We even tried to stop him afterwards, but nothing we did ever worked on that monster."
The soldier clicked his tongue as he recalled their numerous, failed attempts.
A third nobleman spoke, "I've also heard rumors of some of those descendants being hidden in the East. Deployed like secret soldiers."
"And I wouldn't be surprised if the West had one as well," The fourth nobleman said, shaking his papers dramatically.
"So… they're all choosing to tap into that cursed bloodline," The second royal advisor commented.
"We are hardly ones to judge," The first advisor interjected.
The King exhaled slowly, reclaiming the room's attention. "Regardless, we still have the Ancient Pact on our side." He said as he leaned his chin on his hand, his gaze hardened. "That man acted independently. He was never in our control; neither could the other nations kill him themselves. They cannot pin the crime on us."
"But we still benefited from it," The soldier muttered.
The King's eyes flashed, aged yet fierce, glowing eyes commanding absolute authority. "And we remain protected." He said, "Should the others violate the pact, they will face the consequences."
The soldier rolled his eyes with a dismissive scoff.
Turning back to the council, the King spoke again. "As for us…" His gaze settled on Dom's image. "We have eliminated those demons with far less effort for centuries. This Dominic…" He crumpled the page in his hand, Dom's confident grin a clear insult to his authority. "...is just another name to add to the list."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty," The fourth noble said. "Just as that man was eliminated, we will find a way to eliminate him as well."
The soldier sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "All while our hands are tied, with the other nations probably itching to start a war, and that fucking JCA." He gritted his teeth, frustrated. "That scum group suddenly came back to life a few years ago like an annoying cockroach."
The King did not respond. He only stared down at the paper clenched in his hand, old crimson eyes glowing faintly as Dom's wrinkled image stared back at him, that infuriating grin still intact...