Asura stood in the middle of an endless void. Darkness stretched infinitely in all directions—cold, silent, and empty.
Then, a distant light flickered in the void. Faint at first, but growing brighter. Drawn to it, Asura took slow, cautious steps forward. As he approached, the light revealed a massive black figure, towering over him like a shadow given form.
Its presence was overwhelming. A deep, sinister voice echoed through the void.
"It has been so long, my dear nephew… Don't make your uncle wait any longer. Surrender your body to me."
A chilling sensation ran through Asura's spine. His body refused to move. The figure's aura was suffocating—ancient, powerful, and filled with an eerie familiarity.
Then—
His eyes snapped open.
He gasped for air, his body drenched in sweat. His heart pounded like a war drum. It was a dream. But it felt too real.
Asura found himself lying in a hospital bed. The dim glow of a nightlight illuminated the quiet hospital room. His body ached, but the pain was already fading—his unnatural healing at work.
As he tried to process what had just happened, he noticed he wasn't alone.
Asura's breathing was heavy as he tried to shake off the lingering unease from his dream. His vision adjusted to the dim hospital room, and soon, he noticed four familiar faces standing around his bed—Ravan, Sun, Yuki, and Sakura.
"You finally woke up," Ravan said, relief evident in his tone. "How are you feeling?"
Asura sat up slowly, running a hand through his hair. "I'm fine… Just a nightmare."
"That's normal after what happened," Sun added. "Your body went through a lot."
"What incident?" Sakura asked, crossing her arms.
Asura hesitated for a split second before shaking his head. "Nothing. It was just a small accident."
The others exchanged glances, not entirely convinced. "Just be careful, bro," Sun finally said, patting Asura's shoulder.
Asura exhaled, then glanced at Yuki, giving her a subtle look—his eyes silently telling her to keep quiet. Yuki, sensing his message, gave the slightest nod in return, signaling "Understood."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics, but deep down, Asura knew…
That dream wasn't just a nightmare.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
An elderly doctor, accompanied by a young, attractive nurse, stepped into the room. The doctor adjusted his glasses, glancing at Asura with a knowing smile.
"Your body may be healing fast, boy, but your mind still needs rest," the doctor said in a calm, deep voice. "After what you've been through, I'd say you're mentally exhausted."
The nurse handed Asura a small slip of paper. "Here's a list of medicines you need to take," she said, her voice gentle yet professional. "And this is the doctor's contact number. If you ever feel alone, don't hesitate to call."
The doctor chuckled, tapping Asura's shoulder. "I can help fill the loneliness, my brave boy."
Asura took the paper without much thought, nodding slightly. He wasn't the type to rely on others, but something about the old man's words felt strangely comforting.
Meanwhile, the nurse stole a quick glance at Asura. He was cool, handsome, and had an air of mystery around him—the type that naturally attracted attention.
But Asura, as always, remained indifferent.
After thanking the doctor, the group prepared to leave.
As Asura turned away, the nurse playfully lifted her hand and made a "call me" gesture with her fingers, flashing a teasing smile.
The moment the door closed behind her, Ravan smirked. "Damn, Asura, you're a lucky man!"
Sun chuckled. "Yeah, seriously. First Yuki worries about you, and now the nurse wants your number? What's your secret?"
Sakura crossed her arms. "Tch. Some guys just have all the luck."
Asura rolled his eyes. "You guys are annoying."
Laughter filled the room as the tension from earlier finally eased.
The Ride Home
Since Ravan and Sakura lived nearby, they decided to walk home. "See you guys later," Ravan—now called Ren—waved as he and Sakura (Saki) left.
Asura, meanwhile, hopped onto his Kawasaki Ninja H2, with Sun and Yuki waiting beside him.
"Alright, hop on," he said.
Sun took the back seat, and Yuki sat behind him, holding onto Asura's waist lightly as they sped through the streets.
As they rode, Yuki leaned in slightly and spoke over the wind. "Hey, Asura... As a friend, please don't push yourself too hard. You need to rest and take care of your health, okay?"
Asura kept his eyes on the road but responded calmly, "Yu, don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself."
She sighed but smiled softly. "You never change, do you?"
Meanwhile, Sun smirked from the back. "Man, Yu's worried about you, and you're just acting all cool again."
Asura chuckled but didn't reply, simply revving the bike as they disappeared into the night.
Asura parked his Kawasaki Ninja H2 and stepped into his home, where a few maids greeted him at the entrance.
"Welcome home, young master. How was your day?" one of them asked with a warm smile.
Asura sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not good."
The maid's expression turned to concern. "Did something happen, young master?"
Asura leaned against the wall. "Yeah… just a small group fight. Nothing serious."
Before the maid could respond, a tall, cool-looking butler stepped forward. His sharp eyes reflected wisdom beyond his years.
"Young master, you should be more careful. You are the future of your father's legacy and this company. Since he is no longer here, your safety is even more important."
Asura's expression darkened, his voice laced with frustration. "I know that already. No need to remind me again and again!"
The butler immediately bowed. "My apologies, young master."
This butler—a loyal demon—had served Asura's father for years. He was not just a servant but a protector, strategist, and one of the few who truly understood Asura's lineage.
One of the maids, her husband also working in the household, had a five-year-old daughter named Niko-chan, who often ran around the mansion, brightening the place with her innocence.
Asura let out a deep breath. "I'm heading to my room. I need some rest."
The butler nodded. "As you wish, young master."
Asura stood on the balcony, leaning against the cold metal railing, staring up at the vast night sky. The moonlight bathed his face in a soft glow, and the cool night breeze brushed through his hair.
He took a deep breath and whispered to himself, "I'm grateful… truly grateful."
His parents had loved him with all their hearts. They had given him everything—a warm home, a successful life, and unconditional love. He especially loved his father, who had always been his hero.
"But… why is it just us?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
He had never met his grandparents, uncles, or aunts. His family was just his mother and father, and now… now they were gone.
He glanced back at the mansion behind him. This giant box… this empty house… It's all I have left.
His parents had always worshiped a god—Kratos. They spoke of him with deep respect, calling him a great and merciful god, the God of War. But Asura never truly understood.
"Who am I?" he questioned. "What is my real identity?"
His parents had always spoiled him a little, not because he was weak, but because he was their only child. They showered him with love, made him feel safe, and now…
"Just a few months ago, they left me… in that damn car accident."
His grip on the railing tightened. His heart felt heavy.
"They left me alone... with no clue about who I really am."
The wind howled softly around him, as if whispering secrets he wasn't ready to hear yet.
The wind continued to howl as Asura stood by the railing, his gaze fixed on the glowing city lights below. The world felt distant, almost unreal, as if he were trapped between the past and the present.
Then, a voice broke the silence.
"Young Master, there is someone who wishes to meet you."
Asura didn't turn around. He simply sighed, his fingers tightening around the cold metal railing. "How did you even find me here, Butler?"
The butler, standing a few steps behind, responded without hesitation. "Because I am your butler, Young Master. I know everything about you. My only purpose is to protect you and serve you."
Asura exhaled sharply. "Fine. Who is this person?"
The butler stepped aside. "See for yourself."
Asura finally turned his head—and froze.
A boy, no older than ten, stood there. His eyes held an odd sense of familiarity, deep and knowing.
The child smiled softly. "It's me… your father."
Asura sighed and looked back at the city lights, his face filled with doubt.
"Go home, kid. I don't want any problems right now," he said, his voice tired.
The boy didn't flinch. Instead, he took a step forward. "That's not the way to talk to your father, Asura."
Asura's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the boy again. Something about his voice, his tone—it felt oddly familiar. But this was ridiculous.
"Your voice… the way you talk… it's similar," Asura admitted. "But you're not my father. If you really are, then prove it. Tell me a secret that only my father and I know. Then maybe I'll listen to you."
The boy—Basura—grinned. "Alright then, listen carefully." He cleared his throat dramatically before continuing.
"When you were 14, you had a huge crush on your teacher, Tamako. You tried your best to win her heart, but you failed because she always saw you as a dear student, nothing more. You couldn't tell your mother because… well, she's a woman. So instead, you came to me for advice."
Then, with a mischievous smirk, he added in a playful tone, "In fact, you were so desperate that you even considered writing her a love poem, but you were terrible at it! You spent an entire night trying to make it sound romantic, but it ended up sounding like a battle speech!"
Asura's face instantly turned red. His arms crossed tightly over his chest as he glared at the boy. "T-That's… That's the only secret my father and I swore to take to our graves!"
The butler remained silent, listening with respectful patience.
Taking a deep breath, Asura's expression turned serious. "Alright. Explain this situation. Why the hell are you a 10-year-old kid?"
Basura's smirk faded slightly. "Now that… is a long story."Basura let out a small chuckle before lifting his hand. A faint glow surrounded him as his body began to shift and change. In mere seconds, the 10-year-old boy was gone—standing in his place was a 28-year-old man, strong and imposing, yet carrying a familiar warmth in his eyes.
Asura's eyes widened in shock.
"See? I can use magic," Basura said, stretching his arms casually. "Your mother gave me a spell that allows me to hide my identity by turning into a child. It was necessary for… certain reasons. But since you asked, I used the same spell to turn back to normal."
Asura took a cautious step forward, his gaze scanning Basura's face. There was no doubt now. This was his father.
"Okay…" Asura exhaled. "But that still doesn't explain what's going on. Why are you here? And why now?"
Basura's expression grew serious. "Before I explain everything, Asura, there's one thing you must understand—you're not ordinary."
Asura frowned. "What do you mean?"
Basura stepped closer, placing a firm hand on his son's shoulder. "You were born from the forbidden love of a demon and an angel. That alone makes you different from anyone else in this world."
Asura's heart pounded in his chest. He had always known he was different, but hearing it so directly from his father made it feel even more real.
He swallowed hard. "You mean… I'm half-demon and half-angel?"
Basura nodded. "Exactly."
The cold night air carried the weight of Basura's words as he stared into his son's eyes.
"This place is no longer safe for us, Asura."
Asura tensed, his fists clenching. "What do you mean?"
Basura sighed, his voice heavy. "Last month, you thought your mother and I died in that car accident, right? But the truth is—we were attacked by the Emperors. Somehow, we survived, but danger still looms over us."
Asura's mind raced. The Emperors? Who were they? And why would they come after his parents?
"Wait… then where is Mom? Is she—"
Before he could finish, Basura flicked his forehead lightly. "No, you idiot. Your mother is an angel. She can return to Paradise without dying."
Asura let out a breath of relief, rubbing his forehead. "You could've just said that instead of making it sound so dramatic…"
Basura smirked before continuing. "She wanted to stay here with me, but it's too dangerous. So, I promised her—I will protect you at all costs. And when the time comes, I will explain everything and take you back to Paradise to be with her."
Asura looked down, his thoughts a storm of emotions. His mother was alive. His father had survived. And now, the world he had known was nothing more than a fragile illusion hiding a greater truth.
Just then, Basura turned to the butler standing silently behind them. "Quicker, we're leaving for an important mission. It might take us a few days to return."
The butler, Quicker, gave a deep bow. His golden eyes glowed faintly in the dark. "As you command, Master."
"While we're gone, take Asura's form and live as him." Basura's tone was firm. "Make sure no one suspects anything. Also, explain everything to your wife—she already knows about your true nature, so this won't be too hard for you."
Quicker straightened his posture, his expression unwavering. "Your command is my wish, Master."
Asura was still processing everything when Basura suddenly raised his hand. A faint glow surrounded him, and a small, floating symbol appeared in front of him.
He placed his fingers on the symbol and spoke. "Do we have permission to enter?"
For a moment, there was silence. Then, a deep, mysterious voice answered:
"Permission granted."
With a single motion, Basura opened a glowing portal in the air. The swirling energy illuminated their faces as he turned to Asura.
"Let's go."
Without hesitation, Asura stepped through, following his father into the unknown.
[End of Chapter 2]