Beyond the Gate: The Last Gozzaki - Capítulo 108

Capítulo 108: Beyond the Gate: The Last Gozzaki Chapter 111: Secrets Behind the Veil

Beyond the Gate: The Last Gozzaki

Chapter 111: Secrets Behind the Veil

A tiny, palm-sized version of Kage manifested on Xyron’s shoulder, invisible to the others. “My Lord,” the shadow whispered, “why are you being so cold? Your ‘fans’ are quite persistent. They are only a few years younger than you—perhaps a little attention wouldn’t hurt?”

“Shut up, Kage,” Xyron muttered under his breath. “I didn’t ask for your commentary. Just stay hidden.”

In the living room, the atmosphere was festive. Maki cut the first slice of cake and handed it to Kim, then to Yuhima, and finally to her school friends. She walked over to Xyron last, holding a plate with a mischievous grin. “Here you go, Cutie.”

Xyron’s eye twitched. “Stop calling me that, Maki.”

“Why? My friends think you’re a total catch. Since you don’t have a girlfriend, I was telling them that—”

Xyron reached out and pinched Maki’s cheek, pulling it lightly. “I understand exactly what you’re trying to do. Tell your friends to keep their distance. I’m not interested.”

Everyone laughed at Maki’s pouting face as Xyron took a quick bite of the cake and handed the plate back. “I’ve had my share. I’m heading to my room.”

As Xyron turned to leave, Kim watched him with a heavy heart. ‘Should I tell Maki?’ he wondered, his hand gripping his suit jacket. ‘If I don’t tell her he’s injured and powerless, and something happens tonight…’

Before Kim could speak, Yuhima handed Maki a beautifully wrapped gift. “Happy Birthday, Maki!”

“Thank you, Yuhima!” Maki beamed.

Yuhima then turned her attention to Xyron’s retreating back. “Xyron! Wait. Can we talk for a second?”

Xyron stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Sure. Come to my room.”

As the two of them headed upstairs, Kim realized he couldn’t just stand there. “Oh, right! I brought a few more things,” he said, heading back to his car. He returned with an armload of bags and boxes.

“Kim! This is too much!” Maki exclaimed.

“This is nothing,” Kim smiled. “There’s still more in the trunk.”

[Inside Xyron’s Room]

The door clicked shut, leaving Xyron and Yuhima in silence.

“So, what’s up?” Xyron asked, sitting on his chair.

“Look, Xyron, you haven’t been on a raid in days,” Yuhima began, her expression turning professional. “Yuito-sir mentioned that you need to be back on the field by tomorrow. We have several S-Rank gates appearing, and the Titans are getting bolder.”

“I know, I know,” Xyron sighed. “I’ve just been… busy.”

“Busy watching anime all day?” Yuhima teased, but then her eyes caught something. She stepped closer, her gaze fixed on Xyron’s neck. Faint, spider-web-like purple veins were creeping up from beneath his collar. “Xyron… what is that on your neck?”

Xyron instinctively pulled up his hoodie. “Nothing. Just a scratch from the mountains.”

“No,” Yuhima’s voice dropped, full of alarm. She reached out, but Xyron flinched away. “Those look like infection marks. Or worse… Soul Poison. What happened to you?”

“I said it’s nothing, Yuhima. Drop it.”

Yuhima bit her lip, clearly not convinced, but she sat back down. To break the tension, Xyron changed the subject. “Anyway, I heard your parents are looking for a husband for you. So, when’s the big day?”

Yuhima froze, and for a second, she was transported back to a memory from last week.

[Flashback: The Ryuzaki Estate]

Yuhima stood in a grand hall, facing her father—the stern, powerful Head of the Ryuzaki Clan. Xyron had no idea that his closest ally was the daughter of his clan’s greatest rival.

“Yuhima, you have reached the age where a political marriage is necessary for the clan’s standing,” her father boomed.

“Absolutely not!” Yuhima shouted. “I am a Knight. My life belongs to the gates, not to some contract. If I marry, it will be my choice.”

“Yuhima, please,” her mother added softly, watching her daughter’s face. “Is there… someone you already like? You seem particularly distracted lately.”

“No! Of course not!” Yuhima turned away, her face heating up. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Editor’s Comment:

The irony in this chapter is incredible. Xyron is teasing Yuhima about marriage, completely unaware that her father is the man he’s been told to ‘surpass’ as the Gozzaki Head. Meanwhile, Yuhima has seen the first signs of the Soul Disease. If she reports this back to the Association or her clan, Xyron will be hunted while he is at his weakest. The birthday party is a facade; underneath, everything is falling apart.

Fuente: Webnovel.com, actualizado en Leernovelas.com