Like truth. Even if, in the end, it turns out to be a lie… it will be your lie. And that, at least, will be real."
The rooftop fell silent again.
Kael sat in silence, the general's words lingering in his mind like the taste of old wine — bitter, strong, and not yet fully understood.
Hide yourself… be ruthless… keep moving…
He didn't quite grasp it all.
Not yet.
His own goal had always been simple, almost childish in its clarity:
Tobecome invincible under heaven.
That was it. Power beyond question, status above all, freedom no one could touch.
But now… a part of him stirred, a quiet voice whispering that perhaps there was more to it.
That the general's words weren't meant just as advice — but as warning.
He looked down at his hands, then to the scroll in his coat.
Even this, he thought, came with risk.
Still, he nodded to himself slowly.
