Outside, the moon had begun to rise.
But that night... the atmosphere was anything but calm.
Not because of the weather—
But because malicious intentions had begun to move.
And the sleeping monster... was slowly opening its eyes.
A servant’s footsteps echoed as she knocked on the small door of the back building.
"Young Master... you’re summoned to the family lounge. Immediately."
Al sighed and put down his phone. Deep inside, he already knew.
I guess... I’ve been framed again.
Al arrived at the Virellano Family Main Lounge.
All the family members were already seated.
Sarah and Vianna looked pleased.
David kept a neutral expression, though his sense of victory was obvious.
Nayala sat not far from Lysha, who looked lost and confused, her face downcast as if playing the victim.
Sandra looked hesitant. Edward, as usual, cold and untouchable.
The moment Al stepped in, Sarah’s sharp voice rang out.
"Who do you think you are, approaching Nayala like that!?"
Vianna followed up, "Shameless brat! Disgraceful!"
David spoke in a low tone, "You may be a biological son, but even so... it’s disgusting if you actually did something like that."
Al said nothing. He simply stood there, calm eyes unwavering.
"What’s going on, Father, Mother?" he asked, directing his question to Edward and Sandra.
"Al, I’m really tired of your behavior," his father replied. "It’s only been a month since you were punished for harassing a maid, and now you do it again... to Nayala. What’s wrong with you?"
Just as I thought. I’ve been framed again.
And everyone believes it without question. No evidence. No investigation. But I guess... this family never cared about truth anyway, Al thought.
"I’m sorry, Father, but I’m not even interested in her. How could I possibly—"
"Al..." Sandra cut in softly, "If that’s true, then why is Nayala ? Why is she scared? Why did she accuse you?"
Al looked down slightly.
"Enough. I’m tired," Edward interrupted. "Harun, call Dedy." He raised his hand.
Al chose to stay silent, knowing full well that no matter what he said or what proof he could offer, no one would take his side.
Wasting time on this drama was pointless.
Not long after, from the back of the room, a large figure entered.
The legendary bodyguard who once mentored Vianna in martial arts.
Built like a living wall, his face stern but never arrogant. His steps were heavy but measured.
"Punish him according to the discipline protocol," Edward ordered.
In a small training hall at the back, Al stood in the center.
No protection. Just a t-shirt and loose pants.
Dedy stood before him, assuming his stance.
Al deactivated his passive magic barrier. He didn’t want to reveal his strength. And he didn’t want to hurt anyone.
He knew his barrier could easily injure someone far weaker.
And he knew Dedy was just doing his duty. That alone made Al unwilling to let him get hurt just for following orders.
He’s only following commands. I hope he doesn’t get hurt, Al thought.
A punch to the gut. Fast. Powerful. Precise.
But the impact... wasn’t like hitting flesh.
Dedy’s expression tensed. His hand trembled.
A small tear in the skin. Deep.
Even without Al activating a magic barrier, Dedy still got hurt.
What is this...? Dedy thought, alarmed.
But he said nothing. His pride wouldn’t allow it.
Al was thrown back—not because of the hit, but because he made it seem so.
He spat out blood—fake blood, created using illusion technique.
He rolled and lay still.
Everyone looked satisfied.
"Let that be a lesson to you," Vianna said coldly.
Sarah smirked. "Don’t act like you own the world, Al."
And with that, the session ended. Everyone dispersed.
Al walked out of the hall, his breath steady.
In the corridor behind, Dedy was sitting down, icing his hand.
A terrifying aura surged.
Like an illusion, Dedy saw Al’s figure grow... into a towering shadow.
And a voiceless whisper echoed in his mind.
"You’re not my enemy.
Don’t speak of what happened tonight.
Because if I can make you tremble... without touching you...
I can also erase you... without a sound."
But when he blinked, everything was back to normal.
Al stared at him... calm.
Then, he reached out and touched his hand.
In that instant, the muscle tears and internal bruises vanished.
Dedy touched his healed hand in shock.
He knew this was high-level healing magic.
"You... who are you really?"
Al simply patted his shoulder.
"Don’t worry about it. As long as you don’t talk, you’ll be fine.
I’m not a threat to this family. So relax."
And with that, he walked away without another word.
His body still trembling.
Awe for the boy who was supposed to be weak...
But who could easily crush this entire estate if he wanted to.
You’re all... truly blind."
Meanwhile, in the main living room...
David lounged on the luxurious sofa. Nayala sat beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"See? Just one hit and he was down like a rat," David said with a smug grin.
Nayala gave a faint smile, her eyes glancing at the door the servants had just closed.
"I thought he’d be a little... more daring. But turns out, he’s still just a weak orphan boy."
They chuckled softly.