The fragmented pieces fell to the ground with a brittle crack.
Once they hit the floor, they disintegrated into dust, vanishing as if they had been mere mirages.
No matter the sizeâbig or smallâthey broke apart all the same.
âThis is...â
Gubong stared at the sight before him, his expression frozen in disbelief.
The barrier made of darkness had shattered.
It had seemed unbreakable, gradually consuming everything in its path. Yet, the absolute terror Gubong had felt just moments ago had been undoneâeffortlessly, as if it were nothing.
Crack!
Gu Yangcheon brushed his hand over the rough, jagged edges of the broken barrier, clearing it away as though it was a mere nuisance.
The casual way he acted left Gubong at a loss for words.
âWhat is this annoying thing?â
Click.
With a short click of his tongue, Gu Yangcheon tossed something to the floor.
It wasnât an objectâit was a person.
Thud!
A figure with jet-black hair fell to the ground like discarded luggage.
Gubong swallowed hard.
It had been decades since heâd last seen him, but he recognized the man instantly.
It was his older brother.
Though his face was so swollen from repeated blows that it was barely recognizable, Gubong was certain of it.
âUgh... guh...â
The man groaned, a pained sound escaping his lips. Blood dripped freely from his mouth.
What in the world had happened to him?
Gubong wanted to ask but couldnât summon the courage.
âAnd whatâs with you?â
A voice broke through his thoughts.
When Gubong lifted his gaze slightly, sharp, glinting blue eyes were staring directly at him.
âYou know, Iâve been wondering. Do you have a hobby of kneeling or something?â
Gu Yangcheon smirked, his voice laced with mockery.
As he said, Gubong was kneeling on the floor.
â...â
Unable to respond, Gubong remained silent.