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Christopher was breathing roughed, blood gushed out of the wound. His symbol glowed, thankfully only a few people knew the symbol of the Woman of Abomination.

He coughed blood and convulsing, he was on all fours and pushed his body to move.

The bandits were shocked, some of them ready their weapons. They didn't know what they were going to face.

Donovan lifted his hand showing they must halt and wait. He returned to Christopher, he stepped on the pool of blood. He released his machete and he would sever Christopher's head if he fought back.

"I thought you have an enhanced physique, but I guess I'm wrong? Or maybe you have two Gifts a strong regeneration and enhanced physique. I can only say one thing, your Goddess doesn't want you to die. "

Donovan came close, he put his weapon on his neck. Christopher couldn't think straight, his mind was groggy. He watched Donovan holding his machete.

"Well, you're interesting. Based on the speed of the healing, I can say your Goddess is fond of you. Heck, I might even receive divine retribution if I kill you, I don't want that."

Donovan was not stupid, he could see that Christopher was not an ordinary Awakener. He believed he hit his vital organs and destroyed them, but Christopher was still alive. Even Masters would die if they stabbed to death like what he did to Christopher. Yet, the man was still breathing and his wound disappeared faster than he thought.

"Give me a reason not to kill you."

Christopher started to retain his rationality. His ragged breathing relaxed. He understood that if he made mistake this time, Donovan would chop his head off. He started to think if he must use his full power here, but he knew that no matter how he struggled, he won't win against Donovan and the three Intermediate on the back.

He needs to stack his collection, right now he only had one Demon Beast that he could transform, the Lycan. Sure, he could transform here but the outcome would still be the same. He would die if he fought Donovan.

His mind found the best answer he could think of.

"… If you kill me, you will regret it… I have the way to end this war."

Donovan kicked his tongue, this was the third time that he heard this answer. He was not sure if he would believe it or not.

He imagined this man, Christopher, standing in the middle of the war, struggling to find the key... He was surprised that he didn't find the image repulsive. Now that he could see it, Christopher had determination in his eyes.

'About this… I already saw that he had a strong Gift, this means one of the Goddess adored him. Well, he got incredible strength and speed added to his healing capability. Perhaps he is under the Temple of War, or maybe Temple of Mountain. Not that it matters, he is still weak to face any Master. Why did the Goddess choose a man who didn't have Aura? I can't sense any Aura inside him, a Faux Pas.… Should I let him free or not?'

Donovan thought what's the best way to end this. He forgot about the three children that escape, he was not into loli or shota. Though he knew that a lot of his men were sexually frustrated. Anyway, he decided to ask him another question.

"What is your name, young man."

He pressed the machete further and Christopher felt the heat. Crimson blood dripped slowly, he stared at Donovan, hiding his fear. He opened his mouth, never stuttering.

"I am Christopher Mellwood. "

He didn't have the reason to lie, perhaps the news about his death spread but he didn't care. Donovan was an experienced man, he could easily discern if he was lying or not. He braves himself, hoping that his decision is right.

Donovan's pupils enlarged, he quickly lifted Christopher, holding his neck. Christopher gasped for air, he couldn't breathe, he tried to kick him but Donovan didn't move. He stared at Christopher seriously, he was inspecting his face.

He put him down when he found that Christopher and Vincent look identical. Christopher tumbled on the ground and inhaled air.

Donovan was shocked and he lost his reasoning for a moment. Christopher and Vincent were brothers.

"I see, I see. Hahahaha."

Donovan laughed, he remembered that Vincent spoke about his little brother once.

………………

"I believe someday, my brother Christopher will impact this world."

"Pfft- what do you mean, Captain? I know that you have strong power but I didn't know that you have precognition or clairvoyance. What, are you going to tell me that you are one of the three elusive Oracle of the Temple of Fate?"

Donovan asked Vincent while he was roasting a pig on the fire.

Vincent shook his head.

"No, I don't have that power, but my gut feel is telling me that my brother is special."

"Haha, Captain, I know a lot of people like you. Many parents believe that their children are special. I think you're just doting your brother. "

"Maybe."

Vincent said and drunk the beer that he was holding.

…………………

Donovan laughed, it was one of the moments that he couldn't forget. It was his last time having a drinking party together with Vincent. A week after that, Donovan became a wanted criminal because of the fake accusations that he killed an aristocrat.

He was just an Intermediate at that time, so he couldn't confront the authority. However, one person helped him, Vincent took him out of the prison and fabricate his death.

Years after his escape, he received news that Vincent died. Donovan mourned, he couldn't repay his debt. Even now Donovan felt regret that he didn't meet Vincent.

Christopher was confused why Donovan was cackling so hard. He insanely laughed like a mad man.

Donovan laughed and his tears fell. He didn't know what emotions he currently had. He realized that he had another way to pay his debt.

(Discord link on the synopsis.)