"Father, please don't blame me for being heavy-handed. I did it for your own good," Muria said, his tone halfway between jest and sincerity.
As soon as he sensed the awakening of his father's Titan power, Muria could feel the familiar resonance of Titan blood coursing through the battered giant. Though faint, the presence of his father's true will had begun to stir. This was an unmistakable sign.
Muria knew that this awakening was partially due to the trauma the reincarnated giant had suffered. However, his relentless beating of the giant certainly played a role in accelerating the process.
Thus, Muria increased the intensity of each strike. His attacks grew more powerful, though their effectiveness diminished as the giant's body became surrounded by flickering golden arcs of electricity—a manifestation of Titan might.
Finally, Muria's dragon fist swung down toward the giant's face. But this time, the attack never landed.
Smack!
The giant's hand intercepted the blow, gripping Muria's scaled fist tightly. His previously lifeless, despair-filled eyes now gleamed with a sharp, regal golden light. His expression and aura had undergone a profound change.
"Muria," the giant's voice rumbled, calm yet commanding, "have you had enough?"
Muria instantly recognized the shift. He withdrew his claw, retreating a few steps, and tentatively called out, "Father?"
"Mm."
Though his body was broken and bloodied, the giant nodded faintly. The wild, animalistic fury that had consumed him earlier was gone, replaced by an air of quiet authority.
"Looks like my method worked after all," Muria said, clearing his throat awkwardly. He glanced at his claws, still stained with his father's blood. Flames briefly flared around them, evaporating the crimson droplets.
"I only went this far because I thought that pushing you to the brink of death would increase the likelihood of awakening your true consciousness."
The giant, now fully aware as Ansor, the Titan King, gave a cold, indifferent response: "My awakening had nothing to do with your efforts."
Muria's smile froze on his face. "W-What? Surely I helped, right?"
"No," Ansor said flatly. His entire body was shattered—bones cracked, muscles torn—but he remained stoic. Slowly, he closed his eyes and began absorbing the memories of the reincarnated life he had been living.
It was at this moment that the entity known as Jordain ceased to exist. In his place stood Ansor, the Titan Lord, a being who now carried both his own ancient identity and the grief-fueled hatred of the giant he had become.
"My awakening was triggered by the emotional trauma this body experienced. You had nothing to do with it."
"Surely just a little...?" Muria chuckled nervously, shrinking back slightly as he saw the growing displeasure in his father's golden gaze.
Ansor ignored his son's attempt to downplay the situation. Instead, he began channeling Titan power to repair his broken body, his tone remaining cold. "You brutally attacked me without restraint. You nearly killed me."
"I-I thought you'd wake up sooner that way…"
Ansor's expression did not change. "I'll remember this."
"Wait... you're really holding a grudge?" Muria's heart sank. He had expected a scolding, but this level of animosity was concerning.
Ansor's silence was answer enough. The tension between them thickened until Ansor finally spoke, his gaze lifting toward the sky where a large, winged serpent hovered.
"Bring your mother down."
Muria hesitated, scratching his neck with a claw. Sparks scattered as his talons scraped against his armored scales. "Her consciousness hasn't awakened yet. She's still just an ordinary girl with no memory of her past life."
"I don't care. Bring her here," Ansor ordered.
"Alright," Muria sighed, gesturing toward the sky. The massive, azure-scaled serpent dragon descended gracefully, landing softly on the scorched ground. Its rider—a blonde-haired girl—appeared tense and nervous as she dismounted.
"W-What's going on?" Arina stammered, her eyes darting between Muria and the towering giant who stared at her intently. She instinctively stepped closer to Muria, seeking reassurance.
"Don't be scared. He's my father," Muria explained with a toothy grin, trying to calm her down.
However, his attempt backfired. The sight of a grinning dragon, complete with rows of sharp, gleaming teeth, only made Arina's anxiety skyrocket.
"'Don't be scared'? Are you kidding me?" she muttered. Her body trembled slightly under the combined pressure of the giant and the dragon. The overwhelming difference in size and power made her feel insignificant.
Ansor noticed her fear and spoke in a low, soothing tone. "You are my companion. You have nothing to fear from me."
His words, however, had the opposite effect. Arina's face paled, and she took several shaky steps backward.
"Stop! Just stop!" she cried, waving her hands frantically. "I know I'm supposed to be the reincarnation of some great dragon queen, and you're supposed to be my partner or whatever. But I have no memories of that! I can't—this is just too much!"
Ansor's calm demeanor faltered slightly. Muria took the opportunity to interject.
"Father, I think it's best to give her some time. Let her memories awaken naturally."
Ansor's golden eyes narrowed. "When will that happen?"
"I can't say for certain," Muria admitted. "I awoke under life-threatening circumstances. You were triggered by extreme grief and despair. Mother may require a similar situation."
The giant's gaze hardened as he considered his son's words. Meanwhile, Arina panicked even more.
"Wait, what are you planning?" she asked, looking between them nervously. "You're not going to... put me through some kind of trial, are you?!"
Muria chuckled softly, waving off her concerns. "Relax. I couldn't bring myself to put you through that. We'll let things play out naturally."
"Why does she get special treatment?" Ansor asked coldly. His gaze bore into Muria's soul, demanding an answer.
"Come on, Father. It's just... different, okay? Mothers and fathers aren't the same," Muria replied weakly, his voice lacking conviction.
Ansor crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed. "I'll remember that too."
Muria sighed deeply. It seemed his father wasn't going to forgive him anytime soon.
"Anyway," Ansor continued, turning toward the distant gate between worlds, "I have unfinished business to attend to."
"Wait! Where are you going?" Muria called after him.
"To settle a score," Ansor replied without breaking stride.
"Is this about your reincarnation's past?"
"Yes. His enemies are my enemies now."
Muria nodded slowly but voiced one final concern. "I understand your need for vengeance. But please... don't use your full power. Don't escalate this into a war between entire civilizations."
Ansor paused momentarily, his expression unreadable. "I'll handle it my way. Take care of your mother."
With that, the Titan Lord vanished into the distance, leaving Muria with a heavy heart and an uncertain future.
______
(≧◡≦) ♡ Support me and read 20 chapters ahead – patreon.com/INNIT
For every 50 Power Stones, one extra chapter will be released on Saturday.