Perhaps not just the Kalua Empire. There might be many countries eager to conduct human weapon research but unable due to a lack of capabilities.

Feeble beings like Askan, Bill, and other laboratory children were being exploited, unaware, and dying without even knowing what was happening.

Their lives were merely insignificant.

“I’ve been wondering who we should seek revenge against all this time. However, is there anyone in the Kalua Empire’s leadership not associated with human weapon experiments? Can those who knowingly turn a blind eye be considered different?”

“Hyung…”

“I’ve judged that our grudge cannot be settled by just repaying a few people.”

Those in power were potential entities that could resume human weapon experiments at any time.

Even if they killed and eliminated Helcyon right away, someone else with insatiable greed might resurrect human weapon experiments.

“Bill, let’s destroy this entire world.”

He made a promise with the deceased laboratory children. To undeniably take revenge on those who made them like this.

Askan intended to make everyone in the world pay for their actions.

He wanted to share the despair and unhappiness they had tasted with everyone.

Wiping away tears with his sleeve, Bill replied harshly, “Hyung is right. It would be good if this entire world disappeared.”

From that day on, Askan and Bill secretly harbored a different goal.
They discreetly grew their influence under Helcyon, hiding their claws. The personal guards were just a convenient pretext, and they began to grasp invisible power.

As time passed and most of the laboratory children died, Askan could finally realize one thing.

“Now I understand. Why we were bleeding.”

Around that time, Bill started coughing. Wiping the blood on his mouth casually with the back of his hand, he asked.

“Why do I feel like I’m acting strange when you’re around?”

“You’re using your fire-summoning ability too much. Think about it, on the days when you carry out missions given by Helcyon, more kids bleed. I can’t make an accurate diagnosis, but perhaps their bodies can’t endure it.”

“Kehe, kekeke.”

Bill laughed like a madman.

“So, what you’re saying, hyung, is that death came sooner because of Helcyon using us.”

The relentless flames were powerful, but they resembled flames that consumed lives.

Askan had never vomited blood, but the others were different. If Bill continued like this, he wouldn’t have lived long.

Askan gripped Bill’s shoulders tightly and said in a low voice.

“Don’t summon fire unless it’s an emergency from now on. Let’s learn to fight without fire. Our bodies are powerful; we’re different from ordinary people.”

“Yes, hyung, I’ll trust only you. And even if I die, it doesn’t matter as long as we can fulfill our wish.”

At those words, a lonely light flickered in Askan’s eyes.

Most of the laboratory children were dead. Even if they managed to hide for a while, they couldn’t last long.

All that remained were Askan and Bill, just the two of them.

“Don’t die if you can help it. If you’re gone too, I’ll truly be left alone.”

Unexpectedly, Bill’s ashen eyes trembled slightly at those words.

It seemed like the laboratory children were all cherishing an empty room in their hearts.

Continuing that desire, Askan, in particular, seemed more lonely.

Bill forced a bright tone and opened his mouth.

“Hyung, don’t worry. I heard there’s a magic sword called Calspelliver that can summon fire. If we get that later, you won’t have to use your ability anymore, but you can still wield a powerful force.”

At that statement, Askan faintly smiled. He understood that Bill’s words carried the meaning that he wouldn’t die.

“Yeah. Someday, I’ll get that sword and give it to you.”

“Alright. Hyung can have it.”

Bill also laughed along. The meaning that he wouldn’t die was conveyed, and they couldn’t afford to exchange uneasy words between themselves anymore.

Surviving until they achieved their goal—this was their promise to each other.