Chapter 9

"Do you know Cier?" Cier asked again, his tone sharp and steady, his threads keeping Abel firmly under control.

"Y-y-yes," Abel stammered, his voice trembling as he forced the words out, struggling against the overwhelming pain.

"Oh, have you met him?"

"W-we u-usually b-bully him," Abel admitted hesitantly, knowing there was no way out but to confess.

"Well," Cier began, his voice tinged with icy calm, "to tell you the truth, I used to know his parents. They once saved me when I was injured. So now, if someone is taking special care of their child, shouldn't I give them my thanks?"

"No! I didn't do it on purpose!" Abel panicked, desperation creeping into his tone. "It—it was all Boss Jef! H-he was the one who k-killed and humiliated his mother!"

"And why did your boss Jef target him?" Cier asked, his voice low and restrained, though anger simmered beneath the surface. "As far as I know, Cier didn't have any problem with him."

"H-he said to do it j-just b-because he found it f-fun," Abel stuttered, his words punctuated by fear. "A-and according to him, the life and well-being of a nobody doesn't matter."

Cier stood silent for a moment, his grip on the threads tightening unconsciously. The weight of Abel's words sank in, a bitter reminder of how insignificant his existence had been to those in power. All the pain, humiliation, and loss he had endured—his mother's death, his suffering—were nothing more than the result of one man's twisted amusement. The sheer injustice of it all burned within him, igniting a deep, unrelenting rage.

"Thank you for telling me this, and goodbye," replied Cier in an eerily friendly tone, a stark contrast to the cold, muffled voice he had used earlier.

Before Abel could process the sudden change, his own hands jerked toward his throat under Cier's control. The threads tightened, forcing his fingers to wrap firmly around his neck. Panic filled Abel's eyes as his grip tightened against his will, the pressure cutting off his breath. He thrashed in a futile attempt to resist, but his strength was no match for the threads dictating his every move.

Within moments, the struggle ceased, and Abel slumped lifelessly on the bed. Cier released the threads with a faint flick, his face devoid of any visible emotion as he stared at the lifeless body.

Killing Abel brought an unexpected sense of relief to Cier's restless spirit. This was the same man who once towered over him in both power and arrogance, someone whose very presence forced him to lower his gaze in fear and humiliation. Now, that chapter was closed—Abel was no longer the invincible figure he once seemed but just a lifeless corpse.

The weight of that victory eased some of the tension in his heart. It wasn't just about revenge—it was proof that he wasn't the same powerless boy anymore.

After ensuring no one was around, Cier quietly slipped out of the brothel, moving with calculated steps to avoid drawing attention. Once outside, he headed to a secluded alley where he removed the makeshift cloak and face covering, discarding them in a hidden corner. His attire now appeared as inconspicuous as any other passerby, blending him seamlessly into the bustling streets.

With a calm demeanor masking the storm within, he began his journey back home. His steps were steady, but his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

Abel was gone, but the revelation about Jef had ignited a deeper resolve. Jef, the man who had killed and humiliated his mother, was now firmly etched onto his list of targets.

While Cier was fully aware that Jef was his ultimate target, he also understood the importance of patience. Rushing into revenge without gathering the right information would be reckless. Revenge, after all, was never too late.

In the past, Cier had come to know just how demanding Lily's tasks could be. Each one had pushed him to his limits, requiring not only skill but also cunning and resilience. He had faced difficult situations where failure was never an option, and each failure had taught him valuable lessons. Lily didn't tolerate mistakes or mediocrity—she expected results, no matter the cost. From what he had seen, tomorrow's task would likely be no different. As a newly evolved being, he would have to prove his worth once again. He knew Lily wouldn't go easy on him, and he couldn't afford to falter.

With that in mind, Cier resolved to focus on honing his abilities, ensuring that he would be fully prepared for whatever lay ahead. The time for action would come, but first, he had to grow stronger.

After returning home, Cier first prepared a simple meal, eating it quickly as his mind focused on the task at hand. He needed to push the boundaries of his newly acquired abilities. Once done, he took the puppet from earlier and placed it in front of him on the floor. With a deep breath, he extended one of his threads towards it, watching carefully as it connected with the puppet.

Almost instantly, a faint pulse of energy surged through him, and a message appeared in his mind, clear and concise. It described an ability he had yet to fully understand—Death Null. The ability allowed him a second chance in case of death. If he were ever fatally wounded, a puppet connected to his threads could act as a substitute, giving him an extra life. However, once this substitute was used, the puppet would be destroyed in the process. For now, he could only use a single puppet as a replacement.

Looking at this new power, a sense of reassurance washed over Cier. The ability to have a second chance in life, especially at critical moments, was a powerful asset. He knew that his life could be on the line at any time, especially given the dangerous path he had chosen. Having this safeguard gave him a small measure of peace, knowing that he wouldn't have to face death so easily.

Yet, despite the comfort it offered, he also understood the importance of caution. The puppet, while invaluable, was not infinite, and using it carelessly would only add to his risks. For now, though, the thought that he could survive longer and face challenges head-on, knowing he had a backup, was enough to bolster his confidence.