Yun Jin stared at the crowd as the manager announced that the event had come to an end, inviting all participants to join the afterparty.

  He declined with a simple, “I’ve got somewhere I need to be,” but turned to Luthier before leaving.

  “Make sure you can keep the sword,” Yun Jin said. “Now that it’s been cleansed, you can actually use it.”

  He offered it freely. He could always find another sword. Luthier, on the other hand, seemed to truly need it—and had shown he’d learned from his mistakes.

  Yun Jin believed in giving people second chances.

  Giving up a sword so another man can rise... what a bargain, he thought.

  But Luthier shook his head. “A man must keep his word. I said I gave you the sword. I keep my word.”

  Yun Jin smirked. “Fine by me. But remember—you won’t be that lucky next time. So don’t get cocky again. Understood?”

  “Yeah, yeah. You sound like my mom,” Luthier shot back sarcastically.

  Yun Jin could tell it was all bluster. He extended a hand.

  Luthier hesitated. After everything he’d said and done, Yun Jin still wanted a handshake?

  After a pause, Luthier reached out—and was met with a firm, solid grip.

  Sera stepped forward with a playful smile. “So, what now? Since my rich master just threw away the last of his money for someone else’s cause...”

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Luthier laughed. “Honestly? I feel better than ever. At least when I go home, I’ve got a comfy bed and good food. Sure, I might have to listen to a few dog whistles, but I can handle it.”

  He glanced at Sera. “But you know me—I’m not tied to his money anymore. So, since we’re already here... let’s start a business. My—no, our business. What do you say?”

  Sera’s eyes lit up. “Yes!”

  They walked off hand in hand, into whatever came next.

  Meanwhile, Yun Jin left the venue quickly. He was still one of the most wanted men in the city, after all.

  By sprinting across rooftops, he made it back to Merlin’s place in no time.

  Someone left the window open? he thought. Well... Merlin probably needed the fresh air.

  He stepped inside and pulled out the Elixir of Life. Gently, he opened Merlin’s lips—already dry and cracked—and carefully poured the potion into his mouth, not wasting a single drop.

  Once the bottle was empty, he stepped back, heart pounding. If he hadn’t stumbled upon that miracle elixir by chance... he didn’t even want to think about what might’ve happened.

  Wait... do I need to give it a little push? Like in those drama scenes?

  He remembered a stage play he’d seen at the imperial palace where the main character saved someone by passing the medicine through a kiss.

  It’d be my first kiss... but Merlin’s life is more important, he reasoned, stepping forward—

  Suddenly, Merlin coughed violently. His body began to regain color, his face filled out, and his skin visibly brightened.

  “Ah!” Merlin’s eyes snapped open—right in front of Yun Jin’s face. “AHH!”

  He rolled off the bed in a panic and hit the floor.

  “Ouch! What are you trying to do!?” Merlin shouted from under the bed.

  “Hey, is that how you talk to your savior?” Yun Jin folded his arms, shaking his head. “Tsk, tsk. Young people these days.”

  Merlin looked at the empty elixir bottle in Yun Jin’s hand, the pieces quickly falling into place. Pain. Collapse. Darkness. And now... this.

  “You saved my life?” he asked.

  “Yes. Second time, might I add,” Yun Jin said with a smile. “Welcome back, buddy.”