Bound by Fear
Kael sat in the dimly lit chamber, the weight of his earlier actions still pressing down on him. Though the Association had chosen not to execute him, their decision was far from an acceptance of his existence.
A heavy collar, inscribed with runes, rested against his neck. He could feel its suppressive magic, restricting his ability to tap into Heaven's Gate and Hell's Gate freely. The golden chains binding his wrists had vanished, but this new restraint was proof that the Association still saw him as a potential threat.
Iria stood beside him, arms crossed, a deep frown on her face. "They're scared of you."
Kael exhaled. "Can you blame them?"
Cain leaned against the wall, still recovering from his battle wounds. "Doesn't matter if they're scared. What matters is what you do next."
Kael looked at them both. Iria was still cautious, still wary in her own way, but she stayed by his side. Cain, despite everything, treated him like someone who had potential rather than a monster.
But the Association… they hadn't decided yet.
A knock at the door.
A Hunter in formal uniform entered, his posture stiff. "The Council has summoned you."
Kael sighed, rubbing his temples. "Of course they have."
---
The Council's Decision
The chamber was grand, its walls lined with banners of the world's strongest Hunters. At the center, a long table stretched across the room, where the highest-ranking members of the Association sat, their gazes sharp and unwavering.
The strongest Hunter, the one who had made the decision to spare Kael, rested his chin on his hands. "Kael Velcrow. We have reached a verdict on your fate."
Kael straightened, waiting.
"You will not be imprisoned," the leader said. "But you will remain under our supervision. The collar around your neck is a safety measure—to ensure you do not lose control. You will not remove it without our permission."
Kael's jaw tightened. He had expected this, but hearing it still felt suffocating.
"You will also be assigned to an observation unit," the leader continued. "A team will accompany you on missions, ensuring that your power does not become a threat."
Kael frowned. "So, I'm being watched."
The leader's gaze didn't waver. "You are being given a chance."
Silence stretched between them.
Then, Kael nodded. "Fine."
He didn't have a choice.
But he would prove them wrong.
---
A New Path
As Kael left the chamber, Iria and Cain were waiting outside.
Iria raised an eyebrow. "Well?"
"They're letting me live." Kael touched the collar around his neck. "For now."
Cain smirked. "Good. Then let's see if you can prove to them that you're more than just some anomaly."
Kael looked ahead, determination burning in his eyes.
He had survived judgment.
Now, he had to survive everything that came next.