The skies above Seoul were quiet now. The once-roaring dragon lay defeated, its monstrous body dissolving into dust, leaving behind a scar upon the land and the hearts of those who lived through it. The dimensional portal from which it emerged shimmered for the last time… and closed.
A hush swept across the battlefield.
Rover's unconscious body lay amidst the rubble, his limbs limp, his breathing faint, and the remnants of his unholy aura dissipating into the air like vanishing smoke. Soldiers, healers, and guild members from around the world stood frozen—none daring to approach at first.
Maria del Rosario of Silver Halo whispered, "That boy… was human, right?"
Marcus Brandt, leader of Iron Circles, clutched his war-hammer tightly. "I've faced dragons before… but that? That wasn't just raw power. That was punishment incarnate."
Dmitri Volkov of Titan Eclipse nodded, sweat still glistening across his temple. "He didn't just fight the dragon. He eradicated it."
Ayame Kazehana, Tempest Fang's leader, folded her arms, gazing at the crater where Rover stood. "And then collapsed like nothing mattered. Who is he?"
Christoff Erickson, the Mind Emperor of the Celestial Order, remained silent. For the first time in years… he was unsure.
But the most shaken were the members of the Dark Triad.
Kim Hwan, fists clenched, muttered, "His aura… it wasn't just darker than Ried's. It was deeper. Like falling into a void."
Mae Lou, eyes narrowed, clutched her soul-bound book. "That power… it was cursed. Twisted. A god's anger given flesh."
Dao and Yao, usually emotionless, stood frozen. One of them whispered, "He is a problem."
Ried Stone, however, smiled. "No… he's a gift. This world will collapse under him… or rise with him. Either way, it's beautiful."
---
A week passed.
The world was still reeling from the Calamity-class dragon's appearance—and its unexpected destruction.
News outlets called him "The Unknown Savior." Conspiracy theorists dubbed him "The Demon of Seoul." Hunters debated whether he was a threat or salvation.
And the Higher Hunter Society had him now.
Rover's unconscious body was taken to a hidden facility. No public images were released. No updates were given. Only whispers.
Some feared he would awaken and bring ruin. Others believed he saved them and deserved to be hailed as a hero.
---
Ayaka, Mina, Vex, and Professor Kuroda stood outside the crumbling ruins of Seoul's outer district, having followed the news to the battlefield.
Ayaka whispered, "He was right here…"
Mina clenched her fists. "Why did they take him? He saved everyone!"
Vex glanced up at the sky, muttering, "If that's how they treat heroes… then maybe they don't deserve them."
Professor Kuroda said nothing. He stared quietly into the clouds, a deep knowing in his eyes. "He's not gone," he said at last. "I can't see him—but I feel him. Rover is alive."
---
A month later.
Korea was rebuilding.
Many lives were lost. Homes destroyed. But hope, oddly, remained. Kindness bloomed in the aftermath. Hunters helped citizens. Volunteers fed the displaced. Soldiers rebuilt neighborhoods brick by brick.
At Rover's university, Ayaka and Mina returned to campus. Students spoke in hushed tones. Some still shaken, others skeptical.
Gan, once the confident bully, now trembled in silence. He saw that footage—everyone did. The boy he tormented… became the god he feared.
Other students who once laughed now stared in silence when Rover's name came up.
His dorm remained empty.
His seat untouched.
The world had not moved on… not fully.
---
In the Dark Continent, the Triad lay low.
Ried smirked, hands behind his head, lying on a stone altar.
"Let them fear him," he said. "Fear breeds control. And soon… we'll need him."
Kim Hwan said nothing, staring into the distance.
---
Back in Korea, in a quiet, remote research facility, scientists monitored the boy in stasis.
The dark aura had vanished.
The readings were… human.
Almost.
---
And elsewhere…
Beyond comprehension…
In a plane not meant for mortals…
A glowing figure floated in a pool of shimmering stars. A being of pure light. Another floated beside it—ancient, veiled, silent.
The light-being opened its eyes and said one thing:
"He is awake."
---
[End of Volume 1]
"Punished by the Unholy Gods"