The group had arrived safely on the island. Standing at the front of the ship, Elijah's eyes sparkled with excitement as they approached the shore. With a wide grin, he shouted, "Kaiii!"
Kai, who had been napping on Tank's back, woke up groggily. Rubbing his eyes, he mumbled, "Yeah, yeah."
Elijah's enthusiasm didn't waver. "This island is said to have the second strongest monsters around. Let's hunt them down and bring back five tons of meat!"
"Five tons?" Stella raised an eyebrow. "The ship can't carry that much, and the fridge definitely won't hold it all."
Kai stretched his arms as he slid off Tank's back. "I was getting a little bored anyway, so why not?"
"Adan, go with Kai," Julia instructed, pointing toward him.
Adan, who was busy raising the sails, hesitated. "Can't he just take Tank?"
Tank shook her head vigorously and said, "Gaw gaw gaw," ( "Yeah, I need a break from him.")
Adan sighed and followed Kai to the front of the ship. "Alright then."
Meanwhile, Julia turned to Stella. "Want to join me?"
"Where are we going?" Stella asked, tilting her head.
"While those fools hunt down monsters, we'll focus on exploring the island's climate—and maybe have a little fun along the way," Julia said with a playful smile.
With their plans set, the group split up. Kai and Adan ventured deep into the forest, while Julia and Stella wandered off in a different direction.
The dense forest swallowed them up as Kai led the way, with Adan trailing behind, feeling a bit anxious. "Why are you guys always so fearless?" he blurted out, glancing around nervously. He could sense an intermediate-tier monster lurking nearby, but he felt relieved knowing Kai was there to keep it at bay.
Kai, scanning the area, asked, "What do you mean?" His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, but nothing caught his attention. 'Is there something even bigger here?' he wondered.
"You all faced a Emperor-tier without flinching," Adan explained. "And you… you came to help me fight an opponent who was stronger than you. How can you be so sure you'll win?"
"If you can't believe in yourself, who will?" Kai said, his gaze sharpening as he looked in a particular direction, then quickly dismissed it. "Anyway, what do you want to achieve, Adan?"
Adan hesitated, mulling over Kai's words. "I… haven't really given it much thought."
Kai stopped and turned to face him. "Everyone has a dream they're chasing. What's yours, Adan?"
Adan paused, reflecting on the question. Finally, he answered, "I want to become stronger—not just in physical strength but in mentality as well."
"A journey of self-improvement, huh?" Kai said, nodding. "Sounds familiar."
Adan's curiosity piqued. "So, why do you want to become the world's greatest swordsman?"
Kai's expression softened, and a small smile crept onto his lips. "It's both a promise and a challenge to someone. In a way, I'm on a similar journey—constantly improving my sword skills to a level no one else can reach. To become a legend."
Adan leaned in, intrigued. "Who's this someone? Why did you make that promise?"
Kai chuckled. "It started about eight years ago…"
Eight Years Ago
A younger Kai, just eleven years old, strolled through a grand hallway, accompanied by a maid. Despite his age, his face was already handsome, with sharp features and an air of confidence.
As they approached a pair of massive doors, they opened to reveal Kai's father—a towering figure, six feet tall, with a muscular build and a presence that commanded respect. His sharp, handsome features, jet-black hair, and striking red eyes contrasted with Kai's blonde hair and golden-hued eyes, yet their resemblance was undeniable.
"Father," Kai said, quickly bowing, while the girl remained still, her expression unyielding.
"Son, this is Aurora," his father said, introducing the girl. "She has just arrived from the Zulari Realm."
Aurora, who looked around nine years old, nodded slightly, her short black hair framing her emerald-green eyes.
"Is that how they greet people in your realm?" Kai asked, a hint of irritation in his voice. "I'm the Eighth Son, so show some respect."
Kai's father frowned. "Boy, mind your manners. Aurora is the daughter of a dear friend. Treat her with the respect she deserves, do you understand?"
"Yes, Father," Kai said, bowing again. His tone softened, though his eyes still flickered with annoyance.
Aurora remained expressionless, her gaze locked onto Kai. "Now," the father continued, "show her around the Abyssal Planet. Make her feel at home. Aurora will be living with us for some time."
Kai nodded and led the way, with the maid and Aurora following. He strode through the hallways without a backward glance, his expression cold and indifferent.
"My lord, that's the wrong way," the maid whispered.
Kai shot her a sharp look. "I know where I'm going."
Aurora finally spoke, her voice calm. "So, where are you taking me?"
Kai hesitated, realizing he was lost. He had intended to take her outside, but the vast manor was like a maze. 'This place is too big,' he thought, trying to keep his composure.
"Just follow me," he said, pushing open a door.
The maid sighed, recognizing Kai's error. 'The young lord is lost again, and he's about to enter the Second Prince's room,' she thought. She knew better than to say anything, lest it provoke his anger.
"This is the kitchen," Kai announced as he opened the door. Inside, the Second Prince was busy cooking alongside another girl. Kai's eyes widened, and he quickly shut the door.
The maid shook her head. "Shall I guide you, my lord?"
"Yes, please," Kai muttered, trying to hide his embarrassment.