Chapter 150: Adam (2)
...To create a world where humans are not looked down upon.
.........
Adam couldnt help but let out a sardonic laugh at that absurd statement.
For someone constantly clashing with reality, there couldnt be a more preposterous notion.
There was a reason their kind had such a reputation.
Even Adam himself had started to doubt his own people.
Were the people of Eastrock inherently more vile?
It seemed there were countless among their kind who were beyond redemption.
Why are you laughing?
Eis frowned at Adams mockery.
Adam wondered where to even begin explaining.
But then, why should he shatter what seemed like the innocent dreams of a child? It was as if they were proudly declaring they wanted to be princesses.
Hanna, being slightly older, added her own explanation.
We always get looked down upon because were from the human race.
...
Ill sing and Eis will dance to show that our kind can be wonderful too.
Watching Hanna speak, Adam felt a lump in his throat.
It felt like a reward, just to be acknowledged for their efforts.
But in truth, Adam was content with this life.
Despite the daily hardships, having his family was all he could wish for.
He dreamed of growing up, marrying a beautiful woman, and having children of his own.
I think its a good dream.
Bergo commented from beside him.
Adam glanced sideways at Bergo.
Having tasted the bitterness of the city himself, Bergo could have been expected to be cynical, but he showed no such signs.
Was he protecting his siblings innocence... or did he truly believe in them?
It was unclear, but as always, Adam thought Bergo was being the better brother to their siblings.
And just like that, Adam turned 17.
...That day came without warning.
Returning to confront his siblings in the slums, he was met with an eerie silence.
Usually, his sisters would have greeted him by now, but they were nowhere to be seen.
?
It didnt take long for Adams confusion to turn into sheer horror.
For he found his siblings lying on the ground.
Hanna!!! Eis!!!
Adam rushed towards them in panic.
Their makeshift home was in ruins.
Hanna and Eis lay sprawled, covered in dirt and bruises.
Adam, with trembling hands, reached to lift Hanna first.
Hanna...! Wake up!!
Struggling, Hanna opened her eyes at Adams touch.
With a bloodstained face, she managed a smile.
....Ah...big oppa...
.......
Adam cradled Hanna, overwhelmed.
Her entire body was in a bad state.
It felt like bones were broken all over.
Adam, struggling to hold back tears, asked Hanna, What happened? Tell me, Hanna...
A group of different races
they came and took everything... Im sorry... oppa
What?
All the money you had saved was stolen
Seeing Hanna apologize even in such dire circumstances, tears began to flow from Adams eyes.
A rage, fueled by stories he had only heard in passing, began to rise within him.
Seeing Adam trying to hold back his tears, Hanna asked, What about Eis?
Adam glanced at Eis and then, clenching his teeth, forced a smile for Hanna.
Just lie down for a bit, Hanna. Everything will be alright. Im going to check on Eis.
Okay Eis must be hurting a lot too
Adam, suppressing his burgeoning rage, carefully laid Hanna down.
How badly had they been beaten for Hanna to say such things?
Adam then pulled Eis into his arms and called out to her, Eis wake up
Please, wake up
Bergo, gasping harshly, asked, The kids?
Tears of blood streamed down Adams blood-soaked face.
...Theyre safe.
Adam lied.
Bergo nodded and let out a sigh.
Thank goodness... thank goodness...
...
...Hyung... Im sorry...
Bergo then offered an apology.
...I should have protected them when you werent here...
Adam shook his head.
You did protect them. So hang in there. The kids will be sad without you.
...Eis... her leg was injured... will she be able to dance...?
She will. So...
...Hyung...
Adam attempted to lift Bergo, but paused at his call.
A single tear then streamed down Bergos face.
It was a tear of frustration and suppressed anger.
...Why... were we born so weak...
...
If only I had a bit more strength...
The light faded from Bergos eyes.
His head drooped down as his strength left him.
Adam stared blankly at Bergo.
An endless stream of tears fell from his eyes.
It was a moment that changed the reason Adam lived.
.
.
.
After laying his siblings to rest in the same space, Adam, holding a small dagger he had found in the slums, headed toward the city.
Why did their kind have such a bad reputation?
Adam felt he now understood.
It was unclear who started it, but the cycle of hatred was already in motion.
Everyone hated their kind, so their kind hated everyone in return.
It was unjust, but he had no thoughts of resisting anymore.
If it was unjust, then it was simple to make a reason for the hatred.
-Click!
But that resolution was easily halted.
Suddenly, a dragonian man standing behind Adam asked, holding the dagger Adam had.
What were you planning to do with this?
Adam lunged at the dragonkin man to retrieve the dagger.
However, the dragonian man easily kicked Adams legs out from under him, causing him to fall.
As Adam tried to stand, the man delivered a kick to his torso.
Adam collapsed, unable to breathe.
I know that look.
The dragonian man said.
...Youve had a tough time, huh? Maybe its fate that we met like this.
After catching his breath, Adam immediately stood up and charged at the man.
The dragonian man, watching Adam, whispered.
...Looks like I need to lay you down to talk.
Adam was endlessly beaten by his opponent, falling to the ground.
Fighting until he was too exhausted to move, until his body wouldnt listen, the pain of losing his siblings returned.
Adam, crying endless tears, looked at the dragonian man pointing the scabbard at his neck.
...Whats your name?
The man asked, but Adam spat out blood-stained saliva in response.
Im just trying to help.
Still, the man maintained his composure and said,
My name is Gale. I serve as a guide to those who are lost.
...
You seem like you could use some help.
The End of The Chapter
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