Then General and Soho went to report to their leaders about what had happened, but they didn't mention that Ming had escaped into the Red Line. Instead, they made up a lie to avoid facing any consequences.
Inside the emperor's grand council hall, General bowed deeply before the throne. He began to explain what had happened — how Ming was killed by monsters near the Red Line.
The emperor sat high on his throne, wearing a majestic dragon robe. His expression was calm and cold, showing no emotion as he listened.
After a long silence, the emperor finally spoke. "General Jisoo," he said slowly. "So, you failed my mission"…You knew it, didn't you? Because of that boy, I had to fight the alliance leader!""
Jisoo kept his head lowered. "Yes, Your Majesty," he replied softly.
The emperor's voice suddenly rose in anger. "Useless commoner! I wanted that boy alive I wanted to shape him into a weapon that would serve the Empire."! And yet you failed me!" His words echoed across the hall.
He slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne. "That's why I despise commoners. They never do their jobs properly! From this moment on, "I hereby strip you of your rank, General. From this day forth, you are nothing more than a platoon commander."
Jisoo didn't speak. He simply bowed again, his face expressionless, and quietly left the hall.
The emperor had wanted to execute him on the spot, but warriors of the general's caliber were too rare to waste. Instead, the punishment itself became a warning. His demotion sent a powerful message throughout the empire — no one is above responsibility. Even the strongest will fall if they fail their duty.
The once-proud twelve generals, who had grown arrogant in their high positions, now felt fear coil deep within their hearts. The Emperor's wrath was a brutal reminder — power always came with a price, and failure would never be forgiven.
At the same time, in the Murim headquarters, the Alliance Leader stood before Soho. Soho was kneeling on the cold stone floor, his head lowered.
The leader's voice echoed through the hall. "So, you're saying that the boy died because of the monsters?"
Soho trembled with fear. "Y-yes, Leader," he replied weakly. The leader's sharp eyes glowed with an intensity that made it feel like he could see straight into Soho's soul.
"Tell me, Soho," the leader continued slowly, "why do you think I gave you this mission, even though you're the weakest among the squad leaders?"
Soho's body was shaking. Sweat ran down his forehead. "I… I don't know, sir," he answered nervously.
The leader stepped closer, his footsteps echoing. "Because you are the general's brother," he said coldly. "I knew he wouldn't harm you. If I had sent someone else, they would have fought him—and I don't want to lose any of my soldiers for a useless conflict."
Hearing that, Soho's body suddenly felt weak, like all the strength had left him. His eyes widened in shock. How did he know we were brothers? he thought.
The Alliance Leader noticed his expression and smirked. "Did you really think we'd let anyone join our clan without investigation? We know everything about those we accept." His tone turned sharp. "Now do your job properly lowly commoner. If you fail, your brother will suffer as well."
Soho lowered his head. "Yes, sir. I understand."
"Good. Now get out hear commoner. You're dismissed.
Soho stood up slowly, bowed deeply, and left the meeting hall without showing a single emotion on his face. But inside, his heart was trembling with fear and anger.
Inside the Red Line
Ming stood in confusion. "Where… am I?" he whispered.
The place was strange — the trees were so tall they seemed to pierce the sky, and birds the size of humans glided between their branches. The air felt ancient, heavy, alive. For a moment, Ming forgot about his bleeding hand, lost in awe at the surreal scenery.
Then pain hit him again — sharp and deep. His vision swayed, and he knew he could lose consciousness at any moment. As he struggled to stay on his feet, something caught his eye — the same crow that had helped him before.
With no other choice, Ming followed it.
The crow led him through the forest until they reached a dark cave. Ming hesitated at the entrance, his instincts screaming danger. But curiosity — or perhaps fate — pulled him forward.
He stepped inside.
The tunnel was long and silent, the air cold enough to bite. After what felt like forever, a faint light appeared ahead. Ming quickened his pace — and froze.
Before him stood a colossal temple, carved from black stone, towering beneath the earth. It looked ancient, untouched by humans for thousands of years.
Cautiously, Ming entered.
The moment his foot crossed the threshold, the faint light vanished — and the world was consumed by absolute darkness.
"Welcome."
The word echoed through the void, carrying such overwhelming pressure that Ming collapsed to his knees.
Then — light. The temple ignited with eerie, shadowy flames. A swirling cloud of black mist appeared before him. The crow cawed once… and merged into the smoke.
Slowly, the dark fog began to take shape — forming a human figure.
A boy emerged.
Long black hair framed a face that was all too familiar. Those cold eyes… that expression… it was Ming's face — a perfect copy.
The copy smiled.
Ming's injured body trembled. His vision blurred, the world fading into darkness — until finally, everything went black.