Chapter 29: Open for all beings
Emberfall Capital
In the worn-down commoners’ district, a sharp shout echoed through the narrow alleyways. The nearby passersby paused, sighing as they glanced toward the source of the noise.
"Is that guy beating his son again?" a girl asked, her face full of concern.
"I think so," another replied, shaking her head. "Such a pity... he’s ruining that handsome boy."
Inside the crumbling house, a furious middle-aged man banged relentlessly on a door.
"Get up, you bastard! Today’s your last day under this roof!"
Behind the door, on the cracked and dusty floor, lay a boy—around sixteen years old—with black hair, his body bloodied and bruised.
"...Huh? Where am I?"
Groaning, he sat up slowly, blinking as he tried to process his surroundings.
"Ehh? What is this place? Was I kidnapped? Where are my bodyguards?"
He attempted to stand but winced as pain surged through his limbs. Looking at his hands, his eyes widened in shock.