CHAPTER 891: THIS IS MY SECOND LIFE

Cassian’s smile faltered instantly. He lifted a hand to his cheek, eyes suddenly hollow.

"Is it... that bad?"

Kyle’s irritation flared. Why did people like Azazeal—and now Cassian—turn their pain inward, choosing to destroy themselves instead of the ones who betrayed them?

He had suffered too, yet his smile always managed to return—because deep down, he knew there were still numerous people who would come for him if he ever needed help. Family, friends, and a beautiful wife.

Azazeal and Cassian had no one, and it showed. They were hollow—empty shells chasing the grave, hoping to die alongside the ones who broke their trust into pieces.

"It’s worse than bad."

Kyle said with a cold look.

"It’s unbearable."

Cassian blinked, a flicker of realization passing through his tired eyes.

"Really? I see... I’ll try not to smile, then."

Kyle’s cold expression softened slightly—only slightly—and he let out a quiet sigh. He knew he wasn’t the kindest person alive—heartless, even—but despite everything, a small part of him had never truly seen Azazeal as just an enemy to be killed.

He had known... deep down.

And now, the man before him wore that same expression—those vacant eyes and that forced, fake smile, as if he had long forgotten what it meant to truly smile.

Kyle’s voice came low, almost soft.

"You’re doing it again."

Only to wave his hand dismissively.

"Anyway, how about you explain how exactly you’re useful? If you really are, I might consider not killing you—but only if you stay far away from me and never try anything funny again. Now, speak."

Cassian’s gaze flickered with confusion.

He could already tell from Kyle’s gaze that the man no longer intended to kill him. He should have been relieved—grateful, even—that Kyle showed him a shred of mercy.

However, instead, a sharp, weird bitterness twisted in his stomach. And he just had to go and ask something meaningless when he had already achieved what he wanted.

"...Are you pitying me?"

Kyle pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering to himself under his breath.

"He always said we were alike. And now I see, there really is someone just like him."

He lifted his head, locking eyes with the crimson gaze fixed coldly on him.

"Pity? Don’t flatter yourself."

Kyle narrowed his eyes.

"I don’t pity those I intend to kill. I said I would consider sparing you—but how long that lasts depends entirely on you. After all, we may be somewhat alike in some ways, but deep down, we’re nothing alike."

Cassian tilted his head, though the cold edge in his gaze had faded. He liked Kyle’s response. He could see it in his glowing eyes—the man meant every single word.

"But... Kyle, who are you really talking to?"

A genuine smile flickered in his eyes.

"It’s like you’re not speaking to me."

Kyle’s eyebrow twitched. Wow. Cassian’s perception was very sharp. Damn it. So, he chose to simply change the subject.

"Why are you talking so much? Just get to the point—why are you useful—"

His words were cut off mid-sentence by Cassian’s sudden revelation—one that left him confused, until the realization dawned.

"This is my second life."

Cassian noticed the way Kyle’s eyes widened, and his eyes crinkled slightly.

"You’re quite sharp, aren’t you? Not even asking just what I meant by second life."

Kyle scratched his chin, frowning.

"Second life... I’m guessing you don’t mean you simply rebuilt a new body after your old one was destroyed, right? To kill a Celestial, both their soul and consciousness must be completely erased. So they cease to exist."

He paused for a second.

"Also, there’s no afterlife in this realm. So how are you still existing? How is it even possible that this is your second life?"

Cassian touched his broken nose and turned away. Now that he had Kyle’s full attention, there was no need to rush.

"Let me clean up and heal first. I’m a mess—thanks to someone beating me so much. Pretty sure half my bones are broken."

Kyle was left speechless.

"Just when things actually start getting interesting, you decide to be annoying."

With a flick of his fingers, he activated one of his bloodline abilities—Encasing Ice. A second later, Cassian hissed as a layer of shimmering frost began to envelop him.

The ice crawled up his body, sealing over his skin, his limbs... and finally, his eyes. In moments, where Cassian once hovered, there now floated a perfect ice statue.

Kyle smirked, examining his work.

Honestly, he was just testing the skill.

It had grown significantly stronger.

The time limit had been reduced from six months to just six short days—and now, he could also use it to heal others. Another flick of his fingers, and the frost encasing Cassian shattered into glittering particles.

Cassian, who felt as though he had just brushed past death—frozen into a statue before he could even lift a finger to resist—glanced down at himself. Silently.

His body was not only completely healed but glowing, as if infused with pure natural energy. The smooth, unblemished skin felt unfamiliar. Not a single wound remained—not even a scratch. Who would’ve believed he’d been beaten badly just moments ago?

So, Kyle possessed yet another terrifying ability—one that even surpassed Cassian’s natural law of healing, aside from those icy flames... Just how many such abilities did he have, exactly? Surely, there were more.

Suppressing the tremble in his hands, Cassian steadied his breath and waved a hand. In the next moment, a fresh set of clothes materialized on his body—almost identical to what Kyle was wearing.

He hadn’t meant to copy him... they just looked comfortable. Not that he’d ever admit they suited Kyle a little too well.

Kyle folded his arms.

"Now, let’s continue our conversation."

But of course, nature had other plans. A familiar male voice echoed from above, drawing both their gazes upward.

"I don’t want to jump in! Why do I always have to be the one to suffer? I just want to save my people, but I am too weak!"

There was a brief pause before the voice rose again, laced with clear frustration.

"Esteemed Elders! Why don’t you all go in first and find my two clan members? I gathered you here for that very reason!"

Cassian shook his head at the voice.

"That’s Clan Leader Ares."

He muttered, then turned to Kyle.

"How about we head out before they come in and realize the Hell’s Layer is gone? I am guessing you don’t want the Rulers to find out your icy essence devoured the chaotic energy here. We can always talk later."

Kyle rubbed his forehead with a sigh.

"How long has it been since we were thrown into this place?"

Cassian thought for a moment.

"Roughly... four or five months, I’d say."

Kyle blinked, clearly surprised.

"And you stayed here that long?"

Cassian shrugged.

"Well, curiosity got the better of me."