CHAPTER 28
Ren watched the young boy walk off with the thugs, dust settling behind him. He turned to Digil.
"You said that boy was your brother, right? I want to know more about him."
Digil's expression softened. "Yes… he was my brother. All all began from....."
---
Fifteen Years Ago — Kazax Town
Kazax Town's highest hill held a grand castle, filled with statues, paintings, and jewels collected by the powerful gang family that lived there.
Inside the large dining room, servants stood lined up along the walls, dressed in black suits like mafia soldiers.
"Thanks for the meal," the family said together.
No sooner had the words left their mouths than two boys shot out of the room.
"Keptyn— slow down!" Digil called, nearly stumbling as his younger brother dragged him forward.
"If we're late, they'll choose a captain and helmsman without us!" Keptyn argued, pulling harder. "Come on!"
Digil adjusted his glasses, frustrated. "It's just a game…"
Keptyn stopped and faced him seriously. "It's practice. You're the only one smart enough to be captain. I'll steer the ship for you one day. Even if it's pretend now, it won't be forever."
Digil sighed. Keptyn was only three years old, but spoke with the determination of someone far older.
"Fine, fine. I'm coming."
---
Twelve Years Later — Age 15
The coastline of Kazax Town was quiet—until a group of pirates landed, shouting and laughing as they marched inland.
Standing in their path was a single figure.
Keptyn, now fifteen, wore a fitted suit, two pistols on his hips, and a sword across his back. A half-burned cigar hung from his lips as he stared calmly at the approaching pirates.
"I'll say this once," Keptyn said. "Turn around and leave."
The pirate captain laughed. "Who does this kid belong to?"
The crew joined in—until two gunshots echoed.
BANG — BANG
Two pirates fell before the others even realized Keptyn had drawn his weapon.
The captain stared in shock. "You—!"
He rushed forward in anger.
Keptyn moved.
To the pirates, he simply vanished. A moment later, the captain stiffened, eyes wide. His sword slipped from his hand. His body toppled.
Silence swept across the shore.
The remaining pirates panicked and tried to run, but Keptyn appeared in front of them again, blocking their escape.
"You," he said, pointing at one of them. "Unload all the treasure on your ship. Now."
The terrified lackey obeyed immediately.
"The rest of you," Keptyn continued, "take your dead and leave this island. Don't come back."
Once the pirates fled, Keptyn slung the bag of treasure over his shoulder and muttered to himself:
"…Why is getting a ship so expensive?"
As he left, bushes rustled behind him. His family—along with several gang members—stepped out, having watched everything.
"I told you that kid is my son!" his father laughed proudly.
His mother elbowed him. "When he causes trouble, he's my son. When he accomplishes something, he's your. Sly old man."
Digil sighed. "Mother… we should help him with his ship funds. He's doing everything by himself."
"We tried," she replied. "He refused it all. Said he wanted to earn the money with his own hands. That his pride wouldn't allow him to use our family's wealth."
She gave Digil a knowing look.
"And he said you rejected being his captain."
Digil adjusted his glasses, looking away. "I… had responsibilities. Even if I wanted to sail with him, I couldn't."