THE VILLAIN'S POV Chapter 785 The Demon Behind Her Eyes

No remnants of the dark power lingered anywhere; it had been entirely eradicated.

A thick, pristine aura emanated from Abraham's form, polished to such perfection that to Frey's gaze, he resembled a glowing statue... thanks to the effects of his Absolute Manipulator power.

"You truly managed to eliminate it... in such a short time."

"Don't underestimate me, son. Taking me out isn't that straightforward."

Abraham rested a hand on Frey's shoulder.

In an uncommon instant, Frey's features eased slightly as he glanced at his father's hand.

Just then, Ada emerged from the cabin.

"Oh... you're back, Frey. Welcome home."

Frey shifted to face his sister.

She wore a plain white dress that complemented her bound white hair.

Her complexion and skin... she appeared much improved now compared to the ordeals she had faced before.

Faint shadows of exhaustion still hung under her eyes from the pressures she had withstood.

Even as she concealed her hands behind her, Frey noticed it all—her anxious habit of gnawing her nails and fingers until blood appeared.

Gazing upon her, Frey gave a soft nod.

"Yes... I'm back, Ada."

That evening, Frey remained with his loved ones.

The trio gathered around the table, sharing moments as a genuine family.

"I can tell you've advanced to SSS already, son," Abraham remarked, spotting Frey's recent progress right away.

Ada let out a sharp intake of breath.

"SSS?! How—"

Her astonishment was genuine.

Frey let out a light chuckle.

"I figured you were getting accustomed to shocks like this from me, big sister."

Ada exhaled deeply.

"I know you're incredibly powerful and everything, but SSS... and you're only twenty..."

She glanced back and forth between Frey and Abraham.

"...Am I really part of this family?"

It wasn't meant seriously... merely a lighthearted remark on the ridiculous divide between her and the two powerhouses at her side.

Yet both replied in unison.

"Of course you are."

Their response came without delay... followed by soft laughter.

"Now that you've attained SSS," Abraham continued, "I believe it's time I assist with your development."

"What do you mean?" Frey inquired.

Abraham rose from his seat at the table.

"Join me in the woods in half an hour. I'll set up everything needed by then."

A smile crossed his face.

"Time to hand down something meaningful to you— a true treasure. Something that'll endure with you eternally."

With those words, Frey inclined his head, grasping his father's intent.

Abraham departed the cabin silently, leaving Frey alone with Ada.

They lingered in quiet for several minutes before Ada spoke up.

"I wish Mom was here too... so we could all finally be together as a proper family."

Her words carried a tender, poignant smile.

Frey stayed silent. His knowledge of Ana Starlight, his mother in this realm, remained limited.

He'd never viewed her as his true parent... yet Ada, his sibling, held immense importance to him.

"It seems like a dream... Father returned against all odds, and he's warmer toward me now than during his living days..."

Such sentiments stemmed from Abraham's recent gentle demeanor—his newfound attentiveness, contrasting his earlier distance from her.

Watching Ada smile amid her tears—a blend of happiness and grief—

Frey parted his lips as if to speak, then held back.

Rather, he rose and approached her.

With care and tenderness, he encircled her in his arms, drawing her into a serene hug.

Ada wept for some time, pressing her face to his chest.

Throughout, Frey held steady, supporting her until her emotions settled.

Only after did he release her.

"I don't mind if you need to cry more," Frey offered with a gentle smile.

"I'm here now. And I won't be leaving."

Ada gave a soft laugh.

"You sound like the elder one here... when did you grow so wise?"

Frey joined her laughter.

"I'm not the wise one... you're just revealing your real self at last.

The pampered young miss part fits you nicely."

He regarded her in stillness.

If their realm hadn't turned into such a turbulent nightmare... if survival hadn't demanded constant battles... Ada could have thrived as a treasured, indulged young woman, shielded by her devoted brother Frey...

and her remarkable father, Abraham.

She wouldn't have needed to take charge of the household.

She wouldn't have borne such heavy loads, given her delicate nature.

They conversed a bit more, until Frey posed an unexpected query.

"Ada... mind if I ask you something?"

Ada cocked her head.

"A question? Ask away, Frey."

Frey affirmed with a nod.

"Do you have a dream, Ada?

A ambition... or a desire to fulfill... a hope you long to realize?"

Ada pondered briefly.

"A dream... hmm..."

Her response came swiftly.

"All I desire... is for our family to reside peacefully together...

in a serene realm free from life-or-death struggles...

without the daily dread of losing those dear to us."

A wry smile touched her lips.

"Each time you headed to battle, I feared you'd be gone—like our parents...

And with Father returned, that worry has intensified, as now I fret for him as well."

Were it up to her, Ada would keep her kin safe at home forever.

But reality forbade it... Frey and Abraham played vital roles in the impending conflict.

"All I desire... is peaceful living. No more, no less."

Frey's eyes tightened a fraction.

"Yes... such a place would be ideal.

A calm, compassionate world... that aspiration matches you ideally, Ada."

He grinned at her, then gradually dropped his stare to the ground.

"Our reality is unjust—corrupted and marred... vile and savage."

"The mighty dictate, forcing the powerless to bide in silence as doom approaches."

"Entities exist with the might to raze all.

They dwell high above, ignoring the bugs below their soles...

Unaware of them even, as they trample onward without pause."

"Is that just?

Just to measure a soul's value solely by might?"

"Just... that compassionate souls perish, as scum endures?"

"If total dominion defines all... then to what end?

What meaning does strength hold?"

Frey gradually raised his gaze to Ada...

a lethal aura seeping from him, twisting his expression into a fearsome mask.

"I'm questioning you... Agaroth."

In that instant, Ada grinned back.

Her gaze shifted to a profound, shadowy red, her aura transforming utterly...

evidence of a burdensome, ominous visitor's arrival.

Days remaining until the Shattering: 65 days

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