Looking at Arc, I finally asked the question that had been gnawing at me for a while. "Uh, Brother Arc… you just killed two people from the great family. Are we going to be okay?"
Before answering, he let out an unprompted chuckle.
"They weren't from one of the seven great families. Before their last breath, they muttered something about belonging to Katsuka."
Katsuka Guild?
Yeah, I definitely remembered them. Their research was a pivotal turning point in the novel. If I'm right, though, the entire guild was supposed to have been destroyed by Ragnar long before the story even began.
The UN's undercover organization later recovered their research during the Anti-Celestial Expenditure, and the files were groundbreaking. They exposed a ton of secrets about the Ethereal Society and its branches, shaking the foundations of the whole UN.
At that point, Ragnar was already hailed as Duke of the modern world.
I knew now wasn't the time to get lost in thought. But, I needed to focus. I had to figure out where I was in the timeline of the story. And as usual, my passive skills came in handy, helping me zero in without distraction.
So, if Katsuka's research was completed before Ragnar wiped them out, that muscle head I saw earlier was probably supposed to escape.
But the story changed. Why? Was it because of me? I didn't think I'd done anything significant enough to cause that.
Sigh... I glanced at Arc again with questioned gaze. Understanding him would answer most of my questions.
Noticing my stare, he frowned. "What?"
"Hmm? Oh, nothing. I was just wondering… are you really just a manager?"
"Of course not. Don't you think I'm a little too strong for that?" he said with a smirk.
"Yeah, that's why I asked."
"Well, I took the job to get close to the Ethereal Society and after I climb the ranks, I can even make my organization one of their branches. That way, Stevenheart family could be rebuild within my lifetime."
"You have an organization?" I frowned slightly, trying to keep my confusion hidden. If he really had an organization, especially one with motives of rebuilding Stevenheart, it should've at least been mentioned somewhere.
Yet, I had no memory of any group with that goal in the novel.
"Yes," Arc said with a warm smile. "It's called Blood Dawn, and from now on, you're also a member."
More than the words themselves, I noticed something in him. From the time we'd silently walked back, he'd been holding back his emotions. He was genuinely happy—no, excited—to have found another family member maybe.
His warm smile had a calming effect. For the first time in a long while, I felt reassured. The constant tension and fear I'd been carrying started to ease, little by little.
So this is what it feels like to have a capable big brother.
"Thanks for having me, brother," I said softly.
He chuckled—a deep, genuine laugh that went on for a solid minute. When he finally paused, he looked at me, still smiling.
"My father had the same dream, to rebuild Stevenheart. But he was talentless, and had no influence to speak of. Still, he never gave up. His life's purpose became finding a talented wife, hoping to have a talented child who could fulfil that dream. That's all I really know about him. He died shortly after telling me about the Stevenheart legacy. My mother... well, she saw me as a monster and left."
His smile wavered, turning a little bittersweet. "That dream he planted in me—the dream of rebuilding Stevenheart—was the only thing I had after they were gone. It became my whole purpose. I raised slaves, trained them as warriors, climbed the ranks, and built my organization. That was my entire life. And honestly... I don't even know if achieving that dream will give me any real satisfaction."
He stepped closer, his eyes slightly teary. "But when you called me 'brother,' for the first time, I understood what family really is. Sorry if I sound dramatic, but... this is the first time I've truly felt my goal."
I stood there, frozen for a moment.
I understood him.
No, it was more than that. I could relate to him.
Back on Earth, I lived a life of isolation. I was an otaku, shut off from the world, missing out on everything—especially my family.
My entire existence revolved around binging anime and series. There was no one to talk to, no one to really connect with. When I finally started working at an office, which I despised, old habits died hard.
But there was this one colleague who used to call me "brother."
I don't know what that feeling was back then, but in those moments, I felt like life had some kind of meaning. There was this stupid smile that would cross my face whenever he said it.
I don't know if what Arc is feeling now is anything like that, but I understand the importance of it. Still, I had no words to respond with.
I just stayed silent.
Arc quickly regained his composure and looked at me seriously. "Asuka, in two days, I have to leave. I would've liked to train you myself, but it's just not possible right now. So, I want you to take that car over there and visit the address saved on this phone. It's a trusted ally of mine. He'll explain what you need to do from here."
He handed me a phone and a set of keys, pointing to one of the old cars in the lot. "Yes, brother," I said with a short nod, holding back all of the questions I had.
Now wasn't the time for them.
I walked toward the car, but then Arc called out again, "Asuka, take this with you. Consider it a first gift from your brother." He tossed a small, plain black ring into my hand. "You need blood essence, right? It's stored inside that ring. And remember to always keep it on. if you find yourself in a situation you can't handle, break the ring. It'll create a dimension break and connect me to wherever you are. That way, I can save your ass."
He chuckled at his last words, but I couldn't hold back anymore.
I'd been meaning to say this from the start.
"Brother, please... try to stay alive."
Even though, I knew he was going to die.
❖❖❖
{A/N}
Any personal theory about Stevenheart or Arc?
Comment!
Thanks for reading and I hope you continue to do so...