Truth of Swain (1)

Tartarus, Fourth Floor.

A while earlier, before the plan officially began.

In the fifth sealed room, a middle-aged man with dishevelled grey hair and facial hair looked at the ceiling silently.

Disaster-class 005—"The Sword of Andolinio."

Swain Castellano looked at the ceiling distantly with melancholic eyes, as though looking at a far away past.

Many years ago.

While he was in his most pitiful state, emptily wandering in the streets and alleyways with no destination in sight, a man walked up to him.

The man was special and unique. It was hard to describe, only that boundless confidence and charisma could be felt around the man.

The man reached out his hand and offered a deal. Even though years had already passed, he still remembered the exact words the man said that time.

'You're quite pitiful. It's quite a waste with strength and talent like yours. If you have nothing else to do, why not contribute your life to me?'

'You're strong, different from most. You have the qualifications to stand along with me. Follow me and we'll rule the underworld together.'

At that time, he didn't know whether he should answer in anger or laugh comically at the craziness of the man's words.

Rule the underworld? That was foolishness. At that era and time, the underworld was experiencing unprecedented chaos and destruction.

New people rose with powers beyond human and strength beyond beasts, contributing to chaos and destruction. It was an era where humanity fought against themselves.

However, when the man said those words, there was no sign of joking or inconfidence at all. It seemed like it was truly possible by the man's belief.

Even him, who was slightly insane, was questioning the man's sanity.

Nonetheless, even with those doubts in his mind, he inexplicably found himself accepting the man's deal.

It was strange.

Thinking back at it now, it was an offer he couldn't refuse at all.

Whether it was because he was enamoured by the man's passion and charisma, or he was in his lowest state in his life and didn't care anymore, he chose to accept it.

Somehow, he felt like he could believe in the man. That's why he accepted the man's hand.

But even he couldn't predict the events that would follow.

As soon as he held the man's hand, that was when the legend of Andolinio Castellano, The Godfather, began.

With the two of them, they travelled across the world.

They suppressed the countless great familias, they defeated the overlords of the underworld, they led the first unification of the underworld, and subdued many enemies and allies through fear and respect.

It was a golden era for both of them.

Together, they conquered the world and had it under their grasp. Once upon a time, they were the brightest stars in the new world.

But he wouldn't dare to compare himself to the Godfather. He was vastly inferior, weaker and pathetic.

To him, who had lost himself in depression and sadness, the man, the Godfather, gave him purpose and another life.

Unfortunately, he was a sinner and forsake his own sacred oath. He was the worst kind of a man, a betrayer.

It was his fault why The Godfather, Andolinio Castellano, died.

The truth of the Godfather's demise was a nasty truth.

Back then, he didn't participate in the war and turned around when the Godfather needed him the most.

That was the truth to the death of the Godfather. It was his shame and sin that will follow him even in death.

TANG—!

At that moment, the bell rang loudly.

Swain felt droplets of tears fall from his face. However, he couldn't find himself to care as the sorrow and guilt in his eyes intensified.

'Godfather, forgive me. I have sinned upon the family. I betrayed you. I couldn't dedicate my life to you… I'm… the worst. However, I'm going to repay everything to your son.'

'Your son is smart, Godfather. I believe he will definitely succeed you well.'

At this moment, he remembered the first talk he had with Elias, where the latter repeatedly mentioned family.

"Young master, you know of my sins…"

Swain sighed deeply. Every day, he lived in guilt of his decision at that time, he feared for Elias' reaction when he knew the truth.

Who knew that Elias would know and even understand his decision?

"I am truly pathetic…"

Swain laughed bitterly as he wiped the tears in his face. He was the worst kind of person. A pathetic sinner that betrayed the own hand that helped him.

And yet, the Godfather's son still tried to sympathize and understand his decision. He was truly unworthy to have lived a life with such great masters.

After a while, the tremors finally stopped.

'It's time.'

As soon as the tremors stopped, Swain shook his head as he looked at the metal door before turning his head to the chains and collars restraining him.

Crack—!

At that moment, incomparable power suddenly coursed through him, making the chains and collars break.

Swain nodded as he looked at himself, his own skin pale and weakened. However, the chains and collars restricting him were now shattered.

At that moment, he was no longer suppressed.

Due to some unknown special means, Swain returned to being a genuine, top-class B Ranker.

He slowly stood up and walked towards the metal door. With a fraction of his strength, he pushed the door and made it fly away.

All around him, countless security guards were standing in apprehension and fear.

Swain looked at them for a moment before smiling. In exchange for his own life, he would do his best to help the young master escape.

***

Tartarus, Stairway.

In the stairs towards the fourth floor, a middle aged man fashioned with military clothes rapidly ran towards the top.

Captain Voxen dismissed the uneasiness he felt earlier and didn't hesitate any longer to run towards the fourth floor.

After a few seconds, he finally reached the fourth floor.

What greeted him was countless security guards on the ground with their eyes closed and unconscious.

And in the middle of the sea of unconscious bodies, a middle aged man with dishevelled white hair and facial hair stood silently with a sword in his hand.

He was late.

Captain Voxen looked at the scene in front of him in rage, he clenched his fist tightly as he turned his gaze towards the man.

With just a glance, he recognized the man.

"Swain Castellano…"

Captain Voxen took a deep breath, showing incomparable coldness in his face. He reached out to the katana waist and unsheathed it.

"...Today, you will die. I swear upon it in my honour."

At that moment, Captain Voxen and Swain looked at each other. In a split second, their figures blurred as they attacked against each other, causing a stunning fight to occur!