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2024-10-29 19:42:56The air was still, and the crowds were speechless, their breath catching in their throats as they watched this play out before them. In that moment, not an ounce of noise was to be heard, save for the rustling of the trees as the wind blew through them. "You foolish daughter! I am your father, your only father. You are my daughter, my only daughter. Do not treat me like a stranger in front of a crowd. I took care of you and protected you, yet you treat me like this!" Mr. Smith shouted and pointed at his daughter with such a bad temper.
Tears streamed down her eyes, tightening her fist. "You are right, but I want you to treat my husband like you treat me. He also protected me and took care of me."
Ragnar, disappointed in himself, still kneeled at Mr. Smith. His face was still covered in blood, and his nose was broken.
Zach was shocked by what happened in front of him. "Sister, treat your father better. He was just worried about you." He's worried about what might happen next. Another voilence? Or will my sister's noble status be removed? Overwhelmed by the situation, he left the circle and went to the nearby forest to find peace.
"See, Zach even knew what was happening. Ana, you should never treat me like a stranger, for I will treat you like a peasant. Ana, after you met this coward here, you acted like a different person. What have happened to my daughter? The daughter that was smiling and laughing at everything. The daughter that was kind to his father." Mr. Smith worriedly looked at his daughter, filled with memories of the past. 'When my wife was alive, Ana was happy and kind; as we went to the flower fields, our family was filled with joy. Until this coward stole my daughter and treated her like an animal, why did she have to die like that? '
'I remember Ana picking up those flowers with a huge smile on her face, but that was gone now. Everything that was once happiness was gone; it only remained as a memory.' Mr. Smith felt dead and empty inside. "Everything has to change; as time passes, everything changes and remains as a memory. The girl you knew was only a memory, but not me. I have matured as a woman." Ana felt more confident as she unclenched her fist. She felt more calm than before.
"Matured? You call this matured? Treating your father as a stranger is an act of a matured lady? You have never matured, Ana. You are still a kid. Do not identify yourself as a person you are not; identify yourself as a person you are right now. And the person you are right now is a foolish daughter, who treats her father as a stranger!" Mr. Smith showed anger to his daughter as he gripped his fist tightly. While it may appear to an outsider that he is villainous or opposed to his daughter, he is merely fulfilling the role of a father, one who offers guidance, discipline, and lessons that are essential for one's personal growth. Despite the difference in perspective, Mr. Smith's actions are ultimately founded on love and concern for his child.
Ragnar sat still as his gaze stayed fixed firmly on the floorboards in front of him. How am I this useless? Despite my name meaning "warrior strong", I'm now nothing more than a helpless burden to Ana, the only one who truly believed in me. I just don't know what to do at this point; I'm useless' Ragnar said, still gazing at the floor filled with self-hatred. "Ragnar" Ana said softly, helping him up, "you should stop kneeling. There's nothing to worry about now."I don't know what to do, Ana," Ragnar muttered, "I am so useless." Ana was shocked hearing those words from a man who was once filled with confidence. "You're not useless, just stay calm, and I'll handle this, alright? "Even though Ragnar was full of self-doubt, Ana confidently comforted Ragnar with ease. Ana looked at his father again with pride. "I will promise this to you that Ragnar will be the man that will protect me when I'm in danger someday, so please believe in me." Ana stood there as she said those words with confidence.
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Mr. Smith was paralyzed with shock and disbelief, staring into Ragnar's dark, emotionless eyes. His words had shaken him, leaving him speechless and questioning the sanity of the man sitting across from him. "Is he crazy?" he wondered. "What's with the sheer confidence?" He was unsure what to do next, the confusion and uncertainty palpable in the air. Everyone was speechless, with shock and disbelief on their faces. "Ragnar, what happened to you?" Ana pleaded as she shook Ragnar's shoulders, tears in her eyes. But Ragnar did not speak in response. Instead, he remained quiet and still, as if he could not hear her pleas."Ragnar!" Ana cried, tears streaming down her face. "Please respond to me!" She was shocked and in disbelief; her eyes filled with tears. Ana tightly gripped her hands. “Please, just please.” Ana’s voice was like a whisper. SLAP! Ana slapped Ragnar just to snap him out, but he was still emotionless. Another slap and another, yet he’s still not responding. Ana let go of
Atonement's Path Chapter_7: The Birth
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Atonement's Path Chapter_8: Committed
The snow fell, and the flowers were covered. “It was beautiful, Ana. Is your dad coming?” Ragnar stood up from the rock, and he stretched his legs and arms. “Yes, they might be here in minutes,” said Ana while she held the baby in her arms. “I won’t see you grow up, Thors.” Ana looked at the cheerful and handsome little baby in her arms, and she smiled. It was not a smile of sadness, but a smile of happiness at seeing her son one last time. “It was fun while it lasted. I’m surprised I didn’t hate Ragnar when he said to let my father take me. Is it because we were couples? Or is it that I don’t even hate him a bit? I have been living with him, and I couldn’t find a reason to hate him. Even when he thought that he was a coward. It has been seven months since something happened to us, and he has changed,” Ana thought while looking at Ragnar. While the snow continued to fall, a familiar-looking carriage got closer. The designs were gems that represented royalty and flowers that represent
Atonement's Path Chapter_9: Change
The harsh weather slowed down, and the strong flow of the wind also slowed down. Ragnar took one last step, and both of them arrived at the village. Frostbite covered his fingers, and he was covered by cold snow. Bane and the other bandits rushed to Ragnar. “I’ll get the baby, and all you do is assist him to the bar!” Bane rushed to get the baby in Ragnar’s hands. He looked at the baby carefully. “How is this kid safe?” Bane continued to rush to the bar. “Go away! Fast!” A bandit said to the villagers eating on the huge table, then they carefully placed Ragnar on it. “Call Drake!” Bane proceeded to look at Ragnar’s body; he was extremely injured and could die any moment now. Ragnar opened his eyes and said, “How is my son?” He’s more worried about his son than him; he really changed; he was really committed. “He’s safe, don’t worry. Just lie down.” Half of the Bandits rushed to get Drake, while the other half took care of him. A lady looked down at Ragnar; her eyes were only gazing a
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15 years later... “Faster, boy.” More than twenty men walked to the “Monte Ruins” in the west. The men wore chainmail chestplates and leather pants, and some of them carried weapons like bows and daggers. A boy with short brown hair, wearing leather clothing. In front of the boy was a tall and huge masculine man; both his hair and beard were as long as one foot. The tall man carried a huge claymore and a huge iron shield. “Zaly, you shouldn’t have come with us; it's dangerous for a young boy like you to come in a ruin hunting.” Bane’s dark hair was tied because it was too long, and his beard was shaved to a stubble. “It was the right choice; this kid needs to see the other side of the world. We need this kid to be mature at such a young age,” Ragnar said with a cold and quiet tone; he was rather creepy. His eyes were too tired, his eyebags were darker, and more wrinkles showed up in his temple. And on the left side of his cheeks was a huge scar. The boy tripped on the root of a tr
Atonement's Path Chapter_11: Red Eye
The carriage moves onward on the rocky paths, the horses galloping through the rock. "How many people have been injured?"Drake was holding a piece of brown paper and an ink pen. "Four of them," one of the men stated as he wrapped a bandage around one of them."Two were shot in the leg, while the other two were shot in the shoulders, and the arrows were not poisoned," he added. "Thank you, God." It would take us about two days to go back there, so let's be careful and hope we survive," Drake stated as the men applauded, but they were also saddened because several of them had been injured.While Bane was concerned about Ragnar, Drake replied, "Rise up and cheer that we escaped and Ragnar should be safe; it's impossible for such a man to die." Drake approached the downed Bane at the carriage's corner."There's still a chance that he will die; don't just have faith," Bane exclaimed. "Fifteen years ago, he was about to die, but he survived; he was freezing, but he survived, and from that
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A large village in the east. Humans are all around, and markets exist. People dressed up in leathery outfits and headgear."Masks for sale!" screamed an elderly guy on the side of the road, his shop packed with customized masks.The old man had a bushy beard, arched brows, wrinkles around his temples, and a wooden stick to assist himself."Masks for sale!" he said confidently. He points to those who have passed by his shop.The men explored the village while dressed in the same clothes as the people. "It's such a great village, so lively!" Drake said as he chewed on a piece of corn. "Is it really safe to explore this village while Ragnar and the others are in danger?" said one of the guys, his brow furrowed."It's all right, trust me; Ragnar and the others must have left that forest." Drake grinned at the man, wearing his mask while munching on the corn."Let's just enjoy this for now," he said as he ran through the residents. "Let's meet at the carriage at 7 p.m.," he shouted as he d
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Bane dashed back to the carriage as fast as he could. "What's going on?" he exclaimed, frightened.In the meanwhile, Drake:Drake observed something when speaking with some locals. "What's up with the people wearing a band with red eye?" he wondered. A young woman approached Drake and inquired, "Are you a tourist?" Drake said, "Yes, yes."The lady had a slim figure, brown long hair, dark blue eyes, and appeared to be in her late twenties.Drake questioned the lady, "Do you know why people wore these masks?" "It's a celebration of our pasts, and we're not the only village to do so; parts of the region do as well," the woman explained."What about these people with bands with a red eye? Are they part of the celebration?" Drake asked again. "Well no, they're Empire soldiers," the woman said.Drake was even more surprised. "Why is the Empire here now? Are they the ones who attacked us?" he wondered.While Drake was thinking about the Empire, a large crowd rushed towards them, screaming.
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Chapter 39: Rabbits in Battlefield
Five months have passed since his rampage and the loss of his father, and Zaly remained unfazed by the joint forces of the Empire and the Royalty. His mind has become accustomed to taking innocent lives, and his gaze remains as unyielding as a diamond. Strangely, instead of remorse, a twisted sense of satisfaction fills him with each life he snuffs out.Despite numerous battles, the soldiers continue to suffer defeat at the hands of a single man. His reputation has instilled fear in the hearts of the people, and even the most well-planned strategies have proven ineffective against him. He remains immovable, impervious to any attempts to subdue him.The soldiers engaged in yet another battle, their hearts filled with fear and fury as they cried out their battle cries.Despite the injuries sustained, including lost limbs and eyes, they continued to rage with unrelenting determination.“Don’t ever let one thought destroy our goal as humans! Kill him, and he shall
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Chapter 38: Northern Styles
In the distant lands of the northern region of the Realm of Air, a village lies on top of a mountain. The beauty of the village is represented by the green, lush trees that surround the village’s atmosphere; a river formed by the purest water streamed down the mountain, creating a waterfall out of clear water. Koi fish swam through the rivers, and the pandas lived by the bamboos.An old man with local attire held a slumbering young boy at his back, heading towards Fuku Village.With each step taken by the old man, the boy slumbered more in a soothing, serene rhythm. The aerial beings flew past them as the wind grew fiercer.“So refreshing it is.”The old man inhaled deeply while gazing at the different structures of mountains in the distance.After walking for a few minutes, he came across the ritual shrine dedicated to Luca in the village. The presence of the shrine served as a symbolic confirmation that he had reached his destination. It stood as a tangible marker, signifying the en
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Chapter 37: Lone Monster
Hundreds of soldiers from the empire and the royalty had surrounded a lone figure. The person stood their ground, brandishing an axe, and was ready to face every single one of the soldiers.Both the royalty and the empire had agreed to compact and to hunt the single demon that committed the massacres all over the realm. The King of the Realm, King Caesar the Second, and the Emperor of the Empire, Emperor Aurelius, have shaken hands and signed a treaty after being hostile to one another for almost 20 years.And both nations have signed a peace treaty just for that one person—the person they’ve believed could rule and destroy humanity.‘Kill them one by one. Kill them with the most brutal way possible.’Zaly remained silent in response to the DEVIL's words. Without a hint of emotion on his face, he simply obeyed the DEVIL's command.After murdering innocent lives, Zaly’s attitude has changed, including his appearance. His straight hazel hair is now frizzy, with each strand getting filth
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Chapter 36: Etherane
Fraser found himself back on the 2nd floor after successfully delivering the documents to Titania. Exhausted from his work in the castle, he leaned against the wall for support. Taking a moment to catch his breath, Fraser reached into his pockets and retrieved the coins he had earned that day. With a sly smile of relief, he opened his hand to reveal the fruits of his labor. "One metherack coin and five silver coins," he murmured to himself. "That's quite a sum of money. I must use it wisely." Feeling a sense of accomplishment, Fraser decided it was time to head home. However, before he could make his way out, a deep voice echoed from his right. It was a middle-class demon, easily recognizable by his sharp teeth and two horns on his forehead. “Are you tired, Fraser?” “Not really, but I’ll rest; don’t worry.” Fraser glanced at the demon and smiled slightly. “You sure need to. Also, there’s not a lot of demons now; they’ve left because the Etherane will be extinguished in the next
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Chapter 35: Titania's Castle
Inside the inverted castle, a home of royalty and a home of the Titans, the frame of the skeleton remained in his position with the same look glared at Fraser. Slowly, his fingers pointed directly at Fraser's body."May the angels guide you to your destiny." A constant beam of light from the floor shone through the entire room.And that same beam of light vanished in an instant; not even the people outside the castle noticed the unexpected ray of light. And with the beam of light, Fraser disappeared too.Skullen sat on his throne without breaking a sweat and only showed a hint of annoyance. His mouth did not open, and no words were uttered."Master, are you disappointed?" A rough-voiced figure appeared beside the throne.The red-skinned devil stood in front of Skullen, and before kneeling, he fixed his glasses."Please accept my apologies for the minor inconvenience," the red-skinned devil said, kneeling and stretching his arms to offer Skullen a book."Is it the Evangelical Visiona
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Chapter 34: Inverted World
In the realm cloaked in shadows, the world twists and fractures, where light and hope surrender to the depths of thunder. This inverted domain, where chaos claims its throne, is known as the upside down, where darkness reigns supreme.Within this accursed land, demons roam freely, their presence oozing with malevolence. They prowl in the darkness, driven by insatiable hunger and twisted delight.This forsaken realm, a place of eternal darkness and despair,Where lost souls wander, trapped in the clutches of fear."Forgive us!" One of the souls wept."O Demons, free us!" Another one cried.Lost souls wept for they were thrashed down in this cursed land by the DEVIL himself, to the blasphemy and sins they've committed."Oh Luca, save us!" One cried as he was punished to feel suffering forever, he will forever feel pain, but not only physical pain, he is already destroyed mentally and he is punished to cry for eternity."You shall not say his name, he had already betrayed his men! He is a
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Chapter 33: Transmuted Soul
Even though Zaly knows he killed his father, his leg trembles, and his lips widen into a frightening smile."You have succeeded. You genuinely are this world's salvation."With so much pain in his mind, Zaly felt the essence of the darkness circle him quickly.In an instant, thousands of ideas flooded Zaly's mind. These thoughts represented not only Ragnar's moments of melancholy and hopelessness but also his suffering following Ana's departure.Indeed, that was the moment when Ragnar gave up all of humanity for his son. With his head fully covered by his bloody hands, Zaly shouted at the DEVIL, "What is this!"'Just Memories. The recollections of your father. Those are your father's final thoughts.'Behind him emerged a shadow with two horns on its head and claws as sharp as a soldier's broadsword.Grieving, Zaly said, "Memories? When did this happen to him!?""Find that yourself!"After uttering those words, the DEVIL's shadow vanished. 'How are such memories allowed to come back?
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Chapter 32: Sky
Ragnar’s in a state of shock and dread. His mouth was wide open as he was about to call for help; his whole face was covered in sweat from fear, and he raised his arms to defend himself from Zaly.But before he could yell for help, a familiar shadow hid behind Zaly. Though the anomaly was nothing but darkness, his smile can still be seen. “The devil! Why are you here? Don’t try to use my son! Don’t use my son!”Ragnar crawled backwards, despite the pain he’s feeling. “You really don’t learn, Ragnar," the DEVIL said as he took a step forward. “Go on, Zaly! Kill him.” The mischievous tone of the DEVIL returned, ordering Zaly to kill his own father.“Zaly! I raised you! I am y–” Ragnar stopped, realizing something. In a state of grief, Ragnar said, “I may not be the father you wanted, but I am your father! I will always be your father! My blood runs inside you; I am still inside you, even if you kill me. My remains will always be inside you, Zaly.”Zaly slowly walked forward, as if he we
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Chapter 31: Savior
Zaly’s footsteps reverberated throughout the whole house. As he walked to his father’s room, a large wave of aura surrounded him, which made some of his men uncomfortable. While he hid the knife in his pockets.After heading to his father’s room for a whole minute, he finally arrived. One of his father’s men assisted him to the room and was by his side the whole minute."We are here, Zaly; your father said you would be talking to him privately, so I will stand guard until you are finished." The man slowly opened the door as Zaly entered. In the room was his father, who lied on his mattress, which was on the floor.“I hope you have a great conversation with your father.” The man left while closing the door.Zaly looked at the door one last time as his father called his name. “Zaly.” Zaly quickly glanced over to his father’s lifeless body. “Sit here, next to me.” Zaly’s expression was obviously annoyed, but he still followed his father’s order.“I failed myself as a father.” Unexpected
