In the Upper Realm, Gabriel had made up his mind. If he had to choose one person between Karyk and Ezekiel, no matter how hard this choice was, his answer was clear.
With a heavy heart, Gabriel followed Karyk back into the house, his mind still grappling with the weight of his decision. He couldn't shake off the conflicting emotions that tore at him.
On one hand, he wanted to protect Ezekiel. On the other hand, he couldn't ignore the bond he had with Karyk, the undeniable connection they shared as brothers.
As Gabriel reentered the living room, he found Karyk engaged in a conversation with Avilia, Eia, and Alion. Unlike the past, he truly felt like this was a family which he could've been a part of.
However, unlike him, Ezekiel had no family. He only had him.
Without speaking anything, Gabriel slowly retreated, leaving the house.
Karyk noticed Gabriel leaving but he didn't stop him. He thought Gabriel was going to call Ezekiel and the girl inside.
He could also see Avilia's gaze resting on Gabriel. She had so much to talk about but she held back. It was unclear if she was just shy or she felt that she wasn't worthy anymore as she was the weakest here.
Out in the darkness, Gabriel approached Ezekiel.
He told Ezekiel everything that happened inside, not hiding anything at all.
"We can still go back. We don't have to go through with the plan." Ezekiel stated as Gabriel returned. He could see some sadness on the young man's face.
He understood that it was because Gabriel still cared for those people. And for his life, he didn't want to take Gabriel's other family from him.
"You know, in this life, one can get anything. However, it's only after losing some things that we truly realize the worth of them. It was the case when I lost my family. I could do anything to get them back, but time can't be turned back," Ezekiel said, placing his hand on Gabriel's shoulder.
"You have a family, one that truly seems to care for you. Don't lose them only to have regrets."
Gabriel looked at Ezekiel, but before he could say anything, Ezekiel continued. "I've lived a long life. And this life had been anything but beautiful. I've gotten tired of life. So maybe it's for the better if I were to die. I could sleep in peace and return to my family in the afterlife."
"I don't want to lose you!" Gabriel spoke, his fists tightened.
Ezekiel ruffled Gabriel's hair as he smiled. "Who said you're losing me? Won't I always be alive in your memories? Moreover, what after five years even if it succeeds? We'll only delay the inevitable. You're destined for a long life while I'm destined for a long awaited death.'
Although he had heard Gabriel say that he hated Karyk, when Gabriel returned he had sensed the conflict in his eyes. And after hearing the story, he understood that it was a misunderstanding which was normal in families.
"I don't want to lose you either... I don't want you to die!" Gabriel spoke, his voice breaking.
No matter how strong he projected himself to be, deep inside he was just a young man who never had the love of family.
"I will kill him! I will do it!" Gabriel spoke, not even realizing that tears were already streaming down his cheeks.
"Will you? So you'll take a brother from your sister? Won't she hate you? Do you really want to lose her? Don't be stubborn. You have an answer on what you have to do. You're not killing anyone! And as far as my life is concerned, what if I won't live for a few more years? Even if I'm to live a few more days, I'll make it worthwhile!"
Ezekiel didn't show any fear of death. Instead he revealed a smile as if he was perfectly happy.
"So, aren't you going to introduce your family to this old man?"
Gabriel felt torn, but in the end, he knew that this was for the best. He had to let Ezekiel go. Even if he killed Karyk, none of them were going to be happy. It was true that a few moments of happiness were better than an eternity of sadness.
Gabriel dropped to his knees before Ezekiel, lowering his head. "You are, and you will always be my family."
"A man should never bow his head to anyone," Ezekiel grabbed Gabriel's shoulder, helping him up.
He was about to enter the mansion with Gabriel when he suddenly realized something. He looked at the clone of the Princess in the distance.
Although they had dropped their plan, but that didn't mean that the girl had done the same. It was only now he started worrying about where she had gone!
"Dammit! This is bad! If she opens the door, then this world..." Thinking to this point, his expressions darkened.
"We have to stop that girl before she destroys the sealing door!" he spoke as he ran towards the Mansion in the distance. "Go and inform Karyk and Aliac! I'll try to stop her!"
Gabriel also realized that something was wrong. It was only when he focused on the girl that he realized it was just a clone and not the real her.
"That fool!" He ran towards the mansion to inform Aliac. Only Aliac could take him to the door faster since he knew where it was. They didn't have time to search every floor for her!
Pushing the door open, Gabriel landed inside the house. Karyk and everyone also looked at him, frowning.
"I don't have time to explain! The girl who came with me is going to destroy the sealing door! We have to stop her!" he exclaimed.
Most people in the room didn't know what sealing door he was talking about. However Aliac and Karyk understood, their expressions darkening.
....
While Gabriel informed everyone, Ezekiel had already run inside the Main Palace, searching for the girl.
