Miko suddenly found himself floating in a white space. He didn’t know where he was and why he was here. All he knew was that he was just defeated by Nebulous.

“Am I dead?”

He immediately discarded the idea.

“According to Tia, when Proxies dies, they are transported to the Graveyard of Immortals, also called the Void Realm. This doesn’t fit the description she gave about the Void Realm, which should be a gray world filled with ruins.”

There were no ruins in sight. It was purely a blank space.

“My name is Nebulous.”

“?!”

He sounded a familiar voice echo in the blank space.

“Darry?”

He looked around and saw that the space wasn’t blank again. There was something that looked like an oval shape portal, not too far away from him.

“Did it come from there?”

He floated towards the portal and stared into it. He couldn’t see that clearly, but he saw Darry’s or Nebulous face inside it.

“What is this?”

(It’s pathway to the answers you seek.)

A new voice echoed in the space and surprised Miko.

“Who’s there?!”

He started to look around, but he couldn’t see anything other than him and the portal.

(Who I am will be made clear to you soon. More importantly, don’t you want to understand the person in that portal? I’m currently giving you the chance to do just that.)

The voice sounded relaxed and arrogant, as if talking to Miko was the same as talking to a child.

“You’re the one who brought me here?”

(Yes, and no. It’s your power, I just borrowed it for a bit.)

“My power? Wait, could it be that I’m scanning Nebulous soul?”

The voice didn’t answer as if he couldn’t bother to. Miko took that as confirmation.

“Then, this portal will connect me to Nebulous soul…..”

Miko looked behind him.

“I’ll deal with you later.”

Without saying anything more, Miko jumped into the portal. The space was silent for a while until the voice resounded again.

(What a whimsical brat. He didn’t even consider that the portal was a trap.)

It started laughing.

(He’s a diamond in the rough, but still a diamond. After a little polishing his true form will be realized. That’s why going into that portal is essential. He’ll come back out a bit more polished.)

A smirk could be heard.

Meanwhile, after entering the portal, Miko found himself floating in front of a castle. He looked at his body and saw that he was semi-transparent, he figured that he wouldn’t be able to interact with anything in this world.

“This is….the Flameheart Residence? It looks different but this should be it.”

He recognized where he was after looking around for a bit.

“Young Master, please wait!”

He heard a woman’s frantic voice and looked down and saw a group of servants chasing after a teen. He had messy shoulder length black hair, emerald eyes, slim build, and a ruffian look on his face.

“Darry?”

The teen walked, ignoring the servants desperately chasing after him, while grumbling. Miko descended to the ground to get a better look.

“Young Master, you can’t just skip your classes at the academy. The Master won’t be happy.”

Said one of the servants. He was a dignified looking elderly man with a head of grey hair. He was dressed in a black and white tuxedo, and had a sword on his hip. Unlike the other servants, he didn’t look flustered in the least.

“Jeffery, I don’t need to go because I’m a part of one of the royal clans right? So I’ll stay home and kick it back all day.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Young Master. You’re the heir to the Flameheart Clan. You can’t just kick it back all day. You need to go to the academy and build relationships and gain contacts with the future leaders of this nation.”

“Lord Jeffery, the Young Master is already asleep.”

One of the maids whispered in Jeffery’s ears. Jeffery kept a dignified expression and walked up to the teen who lean onto a tree with his eyes closed and drool flowing from his mouth.

“Wake up, you stinking brat!”

*Bam!*

He punched the teen so hard in the stomach that the tree snapped in two from the impact.

“Ahhh!”

The teen wailed on the ground, while holding his stomach.

“Lord Jefferey really is amazing. He’s the only servant that isn’t afraid to hit members of the main family. You remembered when he slapped one of the elders for talking back to him?”

“Yeah. That was scary.”

The servants started to mumble while Miko watched the teen on the ground. He then looked at Jeffery.

“So this is the rumored servant from hell, Jeffery. He’s famous even in our clan. He’s as merciless as I heard.”

Jefferey grabbed the teen by the collar and started to drag him.

“I’m bringing you to your father, before I kill you.”

Jeffery still looked like a dignified gentleman despite what he was doing and saying.

“From Jeffery to the Master. Poor Master Darius.”

The servants scattered seemingly to carry out their daily tasks.

“Hm? Darius?”

After they left Miko recalled the name the teen was called. He found it familiar and started to wonder where he heard it before.

“Darius….Darius Flameheart….Heir…..”

He suddenly looked like he had remembered something. He then immediately chased after them. At that moment, the scenery shift and Miko was in a different location without him actually reaching there himself.

“Looks like the sequence of events are following Darry….Darius’ memories.”

He looked around and saw that he was inside a room. From one look he could see that it was a huge office. In the office, Darius was sitting on a chair, looking at the person who sat behind the desk. He was tall, a bit muscular, and dressed in a dark vest suit. He had tall hair that was tied into one with a black ribbon. His hair was emerald and black near the ends.

Miko recognized him. In fact, he met him countless times before. He was the leader of the Flameheart Clan, Darwin Flameheart.

“Yo, pops. It’s a nice day, isn’t it?”

Darius spoke with a nervous expression.

“Yes, it’s a nice. So why aren’t you in school enjoying the nice weather?”

“Straight to the point as always.”

Darius mumbled.

“I was just thinking that I’m 16 years old already, it’s about time I start spending my time learning how to run a clan rather than going to the academy.”

“I see. Then do you want me to show you what happens to those who lie to the Clan Head?”

Darwin showed a scary smile.

“No, no, no. I’m still a novice here. How about we start off with something less painful, I mean complicated. Hahaha…”

Darius laughed nervously. Darwin sighed in return.

“You know the Song Family daughter must be lonely without you. How can you treat a friend like that?”

“Layla is fine. She knows how I am. Besides, I feel stifled at the academy.”

He started to slouch in the chair.

“There’s too many rules, and everyone there’s too occupied with keeping up appearances to truly enjoy life. For an advocate of freedom like myself, that place is a prison. I get told when to move from class to class, I get told when to eat, I have to ask to take a shit, and sleeping is prohibited no matter how tired I am. That place is a hellhole and whoever thought up the idea of school is an evil bastard.”

“I get where you’re coming from, but the academy and society as a whole needs rules to function. Order is the key to peace.”

“If that’s the case, then me who hates order must have an affinity for chaos.”

Miko, who was listening to their conversation, resonated with Darius views more than Darwin’s.

Darwin sighed and held his head like he was having a headache. He was about to say something, but a knock came from his door.

“Come in.”

Once he gave his permission, the door opened and someone walked. Miko looked at the person and widen his eyes in shock. It was a girl around 10 years old. She had black hair that turned emerald near the end. She had a doll like face, and an angelic smile.

“Luka?!”

He looked at the girl from head to toe, and then noticed her eye color.

“Emerald?”

The girl had the same eye color as Darwin and Darius.

“Luka’s was red…Also this was over two decades ago. Luka wasn’t born back then. So this must be…”

“What is it, Lisa?”

Darwin said to the girl.

“As I thought, it’s her mother.”

Miko mumbled.

“Father, I think your wasting your time. This idiot won’t listen to what you say, I recommend we turn him over to Jeffery.”

Darius got up and grabbed Lisa by her cheeks and started to pinch them.

“That’s big brother to you, you cheeky brat!”

“Ow ow ow!”

Lisa tried to break free, but Darius was determine to punish her. Darwin ignored the two and started doing some paper work.

“My lord, I’m sorry for intruding.”

Jeffery opened the door and said. He looked at the siblings and saw them seated and looking well behave. Darwin was shocked to see his children fearing Jeffery more than him.

“What is it?”

“The emperor said that he’s coming over to discuss something with you.”

“Nero? Did he say what?”

Jeffery shook his head.

“I see. Well, he probably just wanted to mess around.”

Darwin looked at his children.

“You two can go now. Oh, Darius if you skip school again, I’ll break your legs.”

He then smiled and waved as they left.

“Remember, Daddy loves you.”

The scene changed again.

“Hmm….So Darry or Nebulous was the missing Flameheart Heir that I heard about as a kid? But how did he just go missing and become such an unstable Crime God?”

Miko muttered as he looked around. They were once again in the yard of the Flameheart residence.

“In the end, he still didn’t go to the academy huh.”

Darius was now sleeping in a tree like it was natural. It reminded Miko of what he used to do to avoid work….well, he still does it from time to time. He was starting to see why Nebulous said that Miko was a younger version of himself.

“Keh, there he is slacking off again.”

Miko heard some mumblings and turned to see some servants whispering among themselves.

“Why is someone like that the future of this clan? He’s irresponsible, lazy, wild, and nothing like a noble.”

“Shh! He might hear us.”

“He’s not going to do anything anyway. He’s a coward too.”

“Yeah. I heard that he ran away from every challenge at the academy. He won’t even get angry when someone disrespects the clan’s name.”

“Doesn’t he having any pride?”

“I hate people like him. Born with a golden spoon in their mouth and intend to suck on that spoon all their lives, not even considering obtaining a spoon of their own.”

Miko frowned when he heard their whispers. He was immediately remained of how people would talk behind his back when he was at the royal palace.

He looked towards Darius and saw that he was awake. He was merely ignoring the servants.

“Those idiots forget who write their cheques.”

He laughed and said.

“Ah!”

Miko and Darius suddenly heard a shout and looked and saw the servants trembling while they were looking at something.

“Praises to his Imperial Majesty!”

They all got on their knees and shouted. They were all drenched in cold sweat. It was obvious that the person they were bowing to had heard them, and they were now praying that they didn’t anger them.

“Imperial Majesty?”

Miko suddenly frown. He saw someone walked past the kneeling servants and treated them as if they didn’t exist. Miko could now get a clear look at them. Seeing the person was like looking in the mirror for Miko. They looked identical expect for being taller and having purple and azure hair.

This person was the emperor of Dragna Emperor, one of the five joint leaders of the Dragna clan and Miko and Momo’s grandfather, Gamiko “Nero” Dragna.

“Why are you so scared? I haven’t said or done anything to you, have I?”

Nero’s voice was like a hammer slamming down on their hearts. They didn’t dare to move or breathe. The man that just past them was by all definition abnormal. There was no way to guess what he would do.

“Well, suit yourself.”

Nero shrugged and ignored them. He then walked towards the tree Darius was in. The moment he did, Darius jumped down the tree and landed in front of him.

“Uncle.”

“Yo, Brat. I hear you’re still giving your old man trouble. Good job.”

The two locked their arms from the front, and grinned as they greeted the other.

“I think he might kill me one day though.”

“Well, its possible.”

The two laughed.

“You’re ignoring conflict as always I see.”

Darius looked at the kneeling servants and laughed.

“The words of those beneath me mean nothing. Besides, conflict will only restrict my freedom. They’re not worth my time, much less my freedom.”

The servants all had embarrassed expressions on their faces.

“Your words doesn’t fit the heir of a clan like this, though.”

“Being a heir by itself is also stifling.”

“Then, why not leave the clan? Then you’ll be free of all responsibilities and can do whatever you like.”

“Is that really something the emperor should be saying?”

“Hey, I hate responsibilities too you know? I’ve been trying to quit being Emperor for a long time now. I even pass some stupid laws to make a point.”

“Ah, my father told me about them. Hey, did you really pass a law that ordered everyone to walk around in bikinis on Fridays?”

“Yup. But I got rid of it when I saw a granny in a string bikini.”

Nero’s body shook as he recalled the memory.

“Anyway, I know where you’re coming from. That’s why I lent you that book, Path to Liberty.”

“Thanks again. That book really opened my eyes. I felt like a modern day slave being forced to work by society, and that book showed me that there was hope.”

“I’m glad you like it. But, Darius if you truly feel stifled here why not take a breather from everything and spread your wings? You’re at the age you can do stupid things and blame it on youth. Don’t waste it being unhappy.”

“So the old man is the one who made Darius the way he was? He just loves causing trouble, doesn’t he?”

Miko said while listening to their conversation.

“Take a break huh?”

The scenery suddenly changed again. This time, Darius was before a group of people sitting on a platform.

“Is this a trial?”

Miko looked and realized that they were inside a courtroom. He looked at Darius and realized that he was older. He looked like he was approaching his 20s.

“Darius, you have broken too many of the clan rules. As such, a proper punishment must be given.”

Miko looked and saw that Darwin, and some others were sitting on the platform acting as judges.

“Darius, you are hereby vanished from the Flameheart Clan with immediate effect.”

Darwin had a painful expression on his face.

“Banished? For what? I didn’t get to see it.”

Miko was puzzled.

“Could it be that I’m only seeing memories that Darius himself find important?”

Miko asked after seeing the joyful expression on Darius face. He looked like this verdict was the best thing to ever happen to him.

The scenery changed again. This time Darius was seen leaving the Flameheart residence.

“Big Bro!”

Behind him, a teenage Lisa came running to chase after him. She was however stopped by Jeffery.

“Stop, Lady Lisa. That man is no longer your brother.”

“What are you saying, Jeffery?!”

She pushed past him and chased after Darius. Darius stopped and looked at her with a smile. Seeing that, she also smile and kept running. That’s when Darius disappeared from her sights, and reappeared in front of her.

“The last thing I need is a brat like you following me around.”

*Bam!*

He slammed his fist in her stomach, and sent her flying back. Jeffery quickly moved and caught her. Lisa coughed in his arms with a painful expression.

“W-Why?”

Her vision was blurry as she saw her brother turn his back on her and walk away. She stretched her hand towards him, but still passed out in Jeffery’s arms. Jeffery looked at her and then the departing Darius.

“Stupid brat.”

He turned around and brought Lisa back into their residence.

“……..”

Miko who watched the whole thing had a complicated expression on his face. He floated to the front of Darius.

“I knew it.”

He said when he saw the crying expression on his face.

“You’re really an idiot….Although, I’m not one to talk.”

“Yo, that’s not the face I expected from someone who just got his freedom.”

Nero suddenly appeared in front of Darius.

“You instead look like someone who threw everything away.”

He didn’t have his usual smile on his face. He actually looked upset.

“It doesn’t look like you’re here to congratulate me.”

Darius wiped the tears that were gathering in his eyes.

“Why would I? I know I told you that a break would be good, but I never said you should throw everything away. I meant for you to take a vacation, not a permanent leave.”

“I know.”

“Really? Then why have you been acting a fool these last couple years. Despite hating conflict, you started getting into fights for the simplest things. You started stealing things you didn’t need, and even went around causing mindless destruction. In the end, you got expelled from the academy, forcing your clan to expel you as well, so that you don’t tarnish their reputation.”

Nero looked at him with a sharp gaze.

“Darius, what were you thinking?”

“You should already know, right? I wanted to leave my stifling life behind. I wanted to leave the life where everything is decided for me. I want to be just Darius.”

Darius replied.

“Don’t we all want that kind of freedom?”

“True. Even I want to flirt with my other five wives without Kimiko getting angry. But you don’t see me throwing her away, do you?”

Nero poked Darius chest.

“The troubles that you had were normal, it’s just that most people just bare with them. Those that make the choice you made will live a life of isolation and destruction. Take it from someone who did the same years ago. Walking this path will destroy you.”

“……….”

This scene reminded Miko of when Nero stopped him from turning the world against him. Seeing it from a third person’s point of view is something different though. It made him think.

“Even so, it’s already too late.”

“Do you mean you punching your sister?”

Nero had seen what Darius did.

“You already know that we Flamehearts are beings that live for love. Once we fall for something, we’ll devote our whole lives to it. Hence, we’ll love those close to us to death and would do anything for them.”

“Of course. That’s why a lot people are afraid to get involve with your clan. You guys are too passionate, and that passion can destroy those it’s aim at.”

“It isn’t just how we handle love, we deal with hate the same way. Once we hate you, we’ll hate you for eternity in most cases.”

“I already know. You made her hate you to prevent her from chasing after you. But there’s one thing that I don’t get. Why throw everything away, even your beloved sister, for freedom?”

“You don’t get it? I said it earlier, once we fall for something we’ll devote our entire lives to it.”

“Don’t tell me….”

Darius smiled.

“I’ve fell in love with concept of freedom. Hence, I’ll live my entire life unrestrained by anything. I’ll become the freest thing in the world.”

Nero showed a bitter smile when he saw the expression on Darius’ face.

“Seriously, you Flamehearts are something else. You’re all freaking insane.”

The scene changed again. This time Miko was in the streets. He looked around and immediately remembered the dirty streets and the crude looking buildings.

“This is Gael. This was the place Nebulous originated.”

He looked and saw two people sitting across from each other in a bar. They were Darius and a younger Layla Song.

“I heard that you were banished.”

Layla said with sipping her drink through a swirly straw.

“Yeah. Some stuff happened. It doesn’t matter anyway, now I’m free.”

“Free huh?”

Layla stirred the ice in her cup with a bored expression.

“Hey, Darius. What am I to you?”

“What’s with the strange question?”

“I just wanted to know, am I a burden to you? Will you throw me aside like you did everyone else?”

“Is that how you see me?”

“Do you blame me? The current you is weird. You’re throwing away everything you hold dear for a superficial thing like Freedom. I can’t but help but wonder if I’m next.”

“Do you want to be thrown away?”

“Of course not. I am your girlfriend after all.”

“When did that happen?”

“Just now.”

Layla smiled.

“You have nothing but the clothes on your back, surely you wouldn’t pass up the offer having a sugar mama. But don’t worry, you can do whatever you want. I don’t own you.”

She pointed the straw at him.

“It’s just that it would make me happy if you show a bit of love every once in a while.”

“Well, I guess that doesn’t seem all that bad.”

“See? I’m a reasonable woman.”

“Yet, you’re here with a homeless guy like me.”

“While you are homeless and broke, and maybe a little weird in the head, you’re still the guy Layla Song loves.”

She stood up and poke his forehead with the straw.

“My love is comparably to you Flamehearts. So, you better not underestimate it.”

Darius looked at her with surprise expression for a bit, before showing her smile.

“I’ll take note of it in my heart.”

The scene changed again. This time Miko was in the streets. Beside him, Darius was walking with a smile on his face. Since his appearance didn’t change, Miko figured that it was still the same day.

“Hey, you.”

Some guys blocked Darius’ path.

“You’re sure smiling a lot. It kinda make me curious. What got you so happy?”

The men started to surround Darius with vile expressions.

“Oh, you guys want to know?”

Darius kept smiling.

“How about I tell you?”

The scene skipped.

“And then she said, that she loves me regardlessly. When I heard that I couldn’t help but be happy.”

Darius was happily telling his story to the same group of men. The only difference was that they all had lumps on their heads, and a few missing teeth. There was also a broken nose here and there.

“That was a great story, Boss. I can’t help but to be jealous.”

The men praised Darius with nervous expressions.

“You are, aren’t you?”

Darius burst out laughing. He then stopped laughing and wrapped his arms around two of the men’s shoulders.

“By the way, I’m new to the area. I hope you guys can help me adapt.”

The scene changed again. Darius was once again with Layla, but this time they were on a bed under the covers. Miko could tell that they were naked.

“I heard that you have a gang now.”

Layla said while resting her head on Darius’ chest.

“Yeah, some guys started following me around calling themselves my underlings. I didn’t really care, so I let them. Next thing I knew, people started picking fights with me for no reason. I crushed them, and somehow their territory was turn over to me. This repeated a couple times, and now people are calling me a Crime Lord. I gained a lot of privileges, so I decided to let happen. I’m using an alias though.”

“I heard. But Darry, huh? Your nickname as a kid. How simpleminded.”

She laughed.

“Hey, it was the first thing that popped up in my head.”

Layla lifted her head and looked him in the eyes.

“Darius, you may didn’t intend for it to happen but you’re now considered a big wig in Gael. There will be a lot of people out to get you, and your freedom will be restricted.”

“Don’t worry, no matter what happens I will always do whatever I want.”

He wrapped his arms around her and dragged her closer.

“So don’t worry.”

“You don’t get it, Darius.”

Layla buried her face in his chest.

“You just don’t get it.”

“……..”

Miko silently observed the scene.

“Darius was too naïve. If this goes how I expect it to go, then-”

The scene changed. They were now in the streets again. Everything around Miko was on fire and Darius was laying on the ground heavily injured.

“I thought so.”

Miko looked in front of him and saw a tall imposing figure staring down at Darius. Because it was late at night and flames and smoke were everywhere, Miko couldn’t see the face. Even so, Miko instantly recognized the person.

“Krow!”

Miko’s and Darius’ voice overlapped as they stared at the figure with hatred.

“Was that all you got, Darius Flameheart?”

Krow’s voice made all who heard it feel insignificant before him.

“I heard that you were gaining quite the influence. That’s why I thought that you would be the perfect subordinate. My link to this country’s dark side. But you dared to reject my kindness? You’re as much as a fool I heard you was.”

“I work for no one! I’m my own man!”

Darius screamed.

“What a strong will. I thought you would submit if I defeated you and slaughtered your men, but you’re still willing to defy me.”

Krow paused for a bit as if he was pondering something.

“Interesting. This just makes me want you more. Having a strong willed underling is far better than a thousand puppets that respond to your every command. That being said, you don’t seem like the type to bend before superior strength.”

He took something from behind him.

“However, I think this will do just fine.”

What Krow took from behind him was a chained up and gagged Layla.

“Krow, you bastard!”

Darius roared like a beast, and struggled to his feet. Blood gushed from his wounds as he started to walk towards Krow.

“Good, that’s good. Show me your strong will.”

Krow seemed entertained by Darius’ efforts. Layla on the other hand started struggling to break free.

“You two really are made for each.”

Krow let her go and she started crawling towards Darius. Because her limbs were bounded, she used her face to drag herself closer to Darius. Darius also tried his best to reach her.

“Let me tell you something, Darius. I approached that woman long before you caught me eye. She had also rejected me, saying that she’ll only belong to one man. I was interested to see who that person was, and that’s how I found you. So in a way, she’s the one who led me towards you.”

“Shut up! I’m gonna kill you!”

Darius’ blood made a trail while he struggled to walk. While Layla’s face had started to peel away. Even so, the two still tried to reach the other.

“You know, when that woman realized that she was going to be a bargain chip to use against you, she immediately slit her throat.”

“?!”

Darius finally stopped when he heard that. He looked at Layla who was crying as she crawled towards him.

“I was completely caught off guard. She would have died if I hadn’t acted swiftly. To think that she would prefer to die, then be a burden to you. Such level of devotion is only comparable to the Flamehearts.”

Hearing this, Miko finally realized why Layla never feared him killing her. It wasn’t confidence in her own skills, but she just didn’t mind dying for Darius. The way he looked at her had changed.

“Now then.”

Krow suddenly appeared between the two, stepping on Layla’s head.

“Let’s cut to the chase here, Darius.”

He looked at Darius, who was still in shock about Layla’s attempted suicide.

“Work for me and I’ll let you two go. Oppose me, and I’ll kill her. I won’t kill you, because I know that death would only relieve you. But if I kill her, your Flameheart blood will make it so that you suffer for the rest of your days. After all, for you Flamehearts, losing a love one is worse than death itself.”

He stretched his hand out to Darius.

“Your freedom or the woman you love? It’s your choice.”

Darius froze in place. He no longer move or breathe. It was like he had died.

“Darius, forget me! Don’t give him what he wants!”

Layla shouted after having her muzzle removed by Krow.

“A Darius who isn’t free is the Darius I know!”

“True. That’s why you must choose. Will you die or will she die?”

Krow said.

“………”

Darius remained silent. Blood was soon seen flowing from his eyes.

“Darius?!”

Layla was frightened to see him crying tears of blood.

“Calm down. This is just how the Flamehearts react to killing a love one. They cry tears of blood to show their endless grief, and shortly lose their minds. They’re an interesting bunch to say the least.”

Krow laughed.

“The question is who he’s grieving for? You Or himself?”

Darius suddenly dropped to his knees with a blank expression. Miko’s vision started to turn red watching him. He wiped his eyes and realized that blood was flowing from his eyes.

“Darius’ emotions are starting to effect me? That means that his memories are starting to influence my personality.”

Even after realizing what was happening, he continued to watch the scene before him. He felt like it was his duty to see it through to the end.

“I’ll work for you. I’ll be your subordinate.”

Darius said after a long time.

“Darius!”

Layla wailed. She had just witnessed the spiritual death of the man she loved.

“Great. Then I want you take over the Crime world for the entire empire, but I want you to stay hidden like a shadow figure. That way you won’t be traced back to me.”

“Yes, Lord Krow.”

Darius spoke with a monotone voice and deadpan expression. Seeing him like that, Layla couldn’t stop crying.

“Also, Darry is too obvious. So let me grant you a name fitting of your new role.”

Krow spoke the name that put the last nail in the coffin for Darius.

“From now on, you’ll be called Nebulous.”

Darius nodded his silently and responded.

“Yes, Lord Krow.”