My Living Shadow System Devours To Make Me Stronger Chapter 1032 - 1034: Full Circle

Damon found himself at a loss for words. Though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes, he offered a nod to Iris's points, affirming each one that held logical consistency. This validation, however, inadvertently steered her closer to a difficult truth he was ill-prepared to confront.

Was this predetermined by fate, or a result of his own choices?

Iris deserved to know who was responsible for her father's demise, and Damon felt utterly exhausted. He was weary of the relentless violence and the ceaseless justifications. All he yearned for was peace.

Luna, unable to contain her delight in showing off her niece, scooped Ranar into her arms. With a gentle tug on Iris's wrist, she led her away, their soft laughter echoing down the corridor as they departed. Damon was left alone in the courtyard, bathed in the ethereal glow of the twin moons.

"You certainly took your sweet time," he murmured.

A woman with striking, long red hair stood a short distance away, observing him.

"I wanted you to have a truly blissful reunion with everyone. You may not realize it, but your return today is quite auspicious," Lilith stated calmly, a faint smile gracing her lips as she appraised him.

"Auspicious? I wouldn't have thought anyone would associate me with such a word." His voice carried a self-deprecating note as he scratched the back of his neck.

"Well, you've certainly come a long way. You are a hero whose name resonates across the land. Every person, young and old, throughout the world knows who Damon Grey is and the feats he has accomplished."

A soft chuckle escaped him. Her words drifted through him, much like the wind, never finding a place to rest. His heart remained as still and unyielding as stone.

"So, I am celebrated for my proficiency in killing?"

Lilith responded with a slow shake of her head.

"No. You are celebrated for achieving victory against all odds, Damon," she replied, her voice hushed.

She moved a step closer.

"You possess a troubling habit. At times, you exude an air of supreme confidence, believing yourself to be the greatest. At others, you feel entirely undeserving of your place. This drastic fluctuation and self-loathing are unbecoming."

Gently, she placed her hands on his shoulders and gave them a reassuring squeeze.

"Choose one. Personally, I favor the egotistical and arrogant version. He carries the conviction that he cannot possibly lose. Yet, on quieter days, I don't mind the other side of you. It serves as a reminder of your humanity."

Damon let out a slow breath and shook his head.

"I lived Mugu's life, you know. I witnessed him lose everything, not by his own doing, and I saw him plunge into an abyss of despair."

He continued, his voice heavy with emotion.

"Iris approached me today. She revealed that Amon was responsible for her father's death and expressed her desire for vengeance. I was the one who instilled in her the belief that revenge was justified, because I myself believed it was the only path forward."

His fists clenched at his sides, the sound of his knuckles cracking sharp in the silence.

"Do you believe you were mistaken?" Lilith inquired.

"I don't know. I wish I could tell her to let go, to find happiness, but considering it comes from her father's killer, especially one who enacted his own revenge, it would be utterly hypocritical."

He tilted his head back, gazing at the sky, the anger within him swirling aimlessly, finding no release.

"What right do I possess?"

Lilith remained silent for a considerable moment.

"Your parents perished due to the actions of Godric Ravenscroft, Xander's elder brother. You hunted him down and ended his life because his choice to murder them shattered your childhood and irrevocably altered the course of your life. You abandoned your home, wandering the streets of Valerion, uncertain of your ability to survive, let alone protect your sister."

Her emerald eyes mirrored the luminescence of the twin moons as she spoke.

"His actions precipitated your own. You need not carry guilt for enacting retribution."

She sought to offer comfort in the only manner she knew. Lilith held a deep conviction in vengeance, a belief almost as profound as Damon's own. In her view, extending forgiveness to those who had caused harm was akin to inviting further suffering.

Some individuals, by departing from this world, rendered it a service.

Damon let out a low, humorless chuckle. He had nearly forgotten who he was conversing with.

"An eye for an eye, is that it? When I encountered him, he was a pathetic figure. Reeking of alcohol, utterly devoid of dignity. He remained secluded in his room, consumed by fear of his own deeds."

Damon had not forgotten the visage of Godric Ravenscroft. Nor his palpable guilt. Nor his paralyzing fear.

"Initially, fear flickered in his eyes. It was as if he believed I would hesitate, that I would merely expose him. I shared a drink with him before I ended his life, and the act itself was far less satisfying than I had anticipated. I felt only profound disappointment. Later, when I encountered Xander again, a sense of guilt washed over me, even as my mind insisted I had done nothing wrong."

"Did you trust your mind then?" Lilith asked. Her crimson locks cascaded around her, swaying gently in the night breeze like soft tendrils of scarlet embers.

"For a time, yes, I did."

He lowered his head, drawing in a slow, deliberate breath.

"We aspire to goodness, yet falter in forgiveness."

He lifted his gaze once more to the celestial dance of the twin moons.

"Why must good intentions pave the road to wicked deeds? Those who crave peace often forge the most formidable weapons. Why do we perceive enemies all around when we could see fellow humans instead?"

He laid a hand upon his chest.

"I understand that what I am about to do is wrong, but I still wish for vengeance upon Morticai for Wendy's demise."

The confession escaped him in a whisper. It was a purpose he had not forsaken. How could he face his daughter when she grew older and fail to justify allowing her mother's killer to escape retribution?

"Then what of Iris? If you were to instruct her to relinquish her quest for revenge, she would. That girl would never openly admit it, but she looks up to you. She cherishes you. To her, you are far more than just her teacher; you are her family."

Damon offered a faint smile and pressed his palm more firmly against his chest.

"That is truly comforting to hear. When the moment is ripe, I shall undoubtedly fulfill the part of the wicked villain. This way, she will never waver in her chosen path."

"Then you would choose to perish," Lilith inquired softly.

"Will you attempt to prevent her actions?" he countered.

Lilith slowly shook her head.

"I have grown rather fond of her myself. I attempted to caution you about this possibility years ago. Now, it is far too late."

She observed him intently.

"You might very well meet your end at the hands of your own apprentice, much like your teacher fell before you."