Ken's fists trembled as he watched Vando walk away like nothing had happened.
No more running. No more dying without fighting back.
He needed a plan. Something smart.
Later, Ken slipped into a narrow alley, eyes scanning the ground.
There — a rusty knife, half-buried in dirt.
Ken bent down quietly, careful not to make a sound, and picked it up.
If I'm going down again, at least I won't be empty-handed.
Next, Ken crept toward the bakery. The smell of fresh bread made his stomach twist painfully.
He glanced around. The street was busy. Perfect.
Ken's heart pounded as he grabbed a loaf and tucked it under his arm.
Suddenly, voices shouted:
"Thief! Stop him!"
People rushed over. Ken's stomach dropped.
He didn't have time to think.
Rough hands grabbed him, dragging him into the street.
"Let go!" Ken struggled, but the crowd was too strong.
A heavy fist slammed into his ribs. Pain exploded.
Someone kicked him.
His vision blurred.
Then—
Soul Reset activated.
Ken jerked awake on the dusty ground near Vando's house.
His body ached.
His heart pounded like a drum.
He spotted Vando casually walking down the street again, unaware.
Ken's grip tightened on the knife.
Without thinking, he sprinted forward.
"Vando!" he shouted.
The man turned, eyes narrowing.
Before Vando could react, Ken plunged the knife into his side.
Again. And again.
Vando gasped, stumbling backward.
"Why… why?" Vando whispered, struggling to stay upright.
Ken's breath came fast.
"You killed me," he spat. "Over and over."
Vando's face twisted in pain.
Ken didn't wait.
He kept stabbing until Vando fell to the ground, motionless.
Ken dropped the knife, shaking.
His eyes locked on a wanted poster he'd seen before — Vando Cerres: Murderer. Reward 5,000 gold.
A plan formed.
If I take his head to the guild, I can finally have a chance to start over.
At the Hunter's Guild, Ken laid Vando's severed head on the counter.
The woman behind it gasped.
"That's Vando Cerres! The murderer?"
Ken nodded.
"Here's your reward — 5,000 gold." She counted the coins and slid them to him.
Ken's fingers trembled as he grabbed the money.
She looked up, curious.
"Why don't you join the guild? You've got guts, taking him down like that."
Ken hesitated, eyes dropping to the floor.
I know damn well I might die if I join this Hunter's Guild, he thought.
But I can't keep running forever. I have to face my fears somehow.
He looked back up, voice steady but quiet.
"I can try… joining the Hunter's Guild."