Darkness. Silence. A dull, aching pain wrapped around him like an iron shackle.
Alex drifted between consciousness and unconsciousness, the echoes of the attack clawing at his mind. The screams, the blood, Lily's terrified cries—it all came in flashes, relentless and unforgiving. His fingers twitched, grasping weakly at the soft sheets beneath him. The faint scent of herbs and medicinal salves filled his nostrils.
A warm hand pressed against his forehead.
"He's still feverish," a familiar voice murmured.
Liz.
He tried to move, but his body refused. Every muscle felt like lead, his ribs burning with even the slightest breath. He parted his lips, but only a rasp escaped.
"Don't move, idiot." Liz's voice was sharp, yet beneath it lay something softer—concern. "You're lucky to be alive after that beating."
A chair scraped against the floor, followed by the gentle touch of a cool cloth against his forehead. The scent of chamomile and crushed leaves mingled with the crisp night air drifting in through an open window.
"…Lily?" His voice was barely a whisper, hoarse and strained.
"I'm here, big brother!"
Something small and warm latched onto his hand, trembling. He forced his heavy eyelids open. Through the haze, he saw her—Lily, her face streaked with dried tears, eyes puffy and red. She clutched his hand as if he might disappear if she let go.
"Lily…"
His throat burned. The last thing he remembered was failing. Failing to protect her. Failing to fight back. Shame curled inside him, but before he could speak, Lily buried her face against his arm.
"I thought I lost you," she sobbed. "They hurt you so bad, big brother. And I couldn't do anything—I was so scared!"
His chest ached, but not just from the wounds. He raised a trembling hand and rested it on her head. "I'm… sorry."
A presence shifted nearby. The room was dimly lit, but he could make out Harvis standing by the window, arms crossed, his blindfold wrapped around his eyes. His posture was different—tense, guarded.
"You should've stayed down, Alex," Harvis said. His tone wasn't unkind, just blunt as always. "Picking a fight with a cultivator when you don't even know how to swing a blade? Not exactly the smartest move."
Alex clenched his teeth. The memories surged back. He had been powerless. Helpless. A burden, while others—Harvis, Liz, the Town Lord—fought and bled to protect what he couldn't.
The shame twisted into something else. Something sharper.
Resolve.
Ignoring the pain, he pushed himself up. Liz clicked her tongue in irritation but didn't stop him. Lily's grip on his hand tightened, but Alex met Harvis's unreadable gaze head-on.
"I don't want to be weak anymore," he said. His voice was hoarse but steady. Determined. "I want to be strong enough to protect my sister. To protect what matters to me."
Harvis didn't move. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken meaning.
"Train me." Alex's hands balled into fists. "Teach me how to fight. How to survive. I don't care how hard it is—I won't let this happen again."
Lily gasped softly.
Liz sighed, rubbing her temples like she had expected this.
Harvis remained silent for a long moment. Then he exhaled through his nose.
"I don't train people," he said flatly. "I'm not interested in playing master and disciple. Everyone has their own path, Alex. I can guide you, but I won't hold your hand every step of the way."
Alex said nothing, his fists trembling.
Harvis studied him, then continued, his tone sharper. "Strength isn't just about swinging a sword like an idiot. Since you're asking for my help, I'll give it—but listen well."
He stepped forward, and for the first time, Alex felt the weight of his presence pressing against him, undeniable.
"If you ever use the strength I help you gain to harm the innocent, I will make you regret it." Harvis's voice was low, serious. "Death would be a mercy."
Alex swallowed hard, but he didn't waver.
"…I understand."
Harvis tilted his head slightly, then sighed. "Fine. I'll help you become strong enough to protect who you wish to protect."
Alex's brows furrowed. A lump formed in his throat.
He turned to Lily, who was still clutching his hand. Her expression was torn between fear and something else—pride. He gave her a reassuring squeeze before shifting his gaze back to Harvis.
Taking a slow breath, he bowed his head.
"I, Alex, swear my loyalty to you, Harvis. I swear to become strong—not for revenge, but to protect. I will learn, endure, and fight, no matter the hardship. I will not falter. I will not turn back. This, I vow."
The air in the room shifted, heavy with something unseen.
Harvis was silent for a long moment. Then, a slow, knowing smirk tugged at his lips.
"…Alright," he finally said. "But don't come crying when you regret it."
Liz sighed. "I'll get the bandages ready. You're going to need them."
Lily wiped her eyes, sniffling. She didn't look happy, exactly, but she wasn't stopping him either. Instead, she hugged him tightly, whispering, "Just don't leave me behind, okay?"
Alex wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Never."
As the night deepened, he knew one thing for certain.
His path had been chosen.
And there was no turning back.