CHAPTER 180: END OF MEMORY

The memory shifted again, skipping forward through hazy snippets of memory, showcasing key moments in his life.

Gabriel realized he could fast forward the memories. He skipped over some parts, even when they showed bonding.

If he were a pervert, he would have lingered through their intimate moments as well, but Gabriel had morals.

Finally, the scene settled on one last, clear memory.

Ken was crouching behind a fallen log at the edge of a clearing, during the Inter-Guild Event.

The sounds of battle echoed in the distance. Peering through the bushes, he watched Gabriel take down the goblin generals. It was just moments before Ken and the ChaosKnight forces launched their ambush.

His heart pounded as he saw the mind-blowing scene: a lone level-50 adventurer killing hero-rank goblins that should have been far beyond him.

Ken’s hands tightened on his mana rifle. "Unbelievable..." he whispered. Next to him, IceQueen looked equally shocked at first, but her expression quickly turned to anger and envy.

His mind raced. If Gabriel survived this fight, his reputation would only grow, threatening their guild’s prestige.

He raised his hand to signal the attack. ChaosKnight archers and Crimson Star gunners tensed around him. They had encircled the Adventurer Guild’s position, waiting for the perfect moment. Now, Gabriel was panting and clearly low on mana after his fight. That moment had arrived.

Ken took a deep breath. "Fire at will," he whispered. In an instant, the night exploded with gunfire and whistling arrows. He watched with cold focus.

At first, he felt a surge of satisfaction. The plan was working. Gabriel’s forces were caught off-guard, just as he had planned. Rising from cover, confidence swelling, he shouted orders. Crimson Star and ChaosKnight fighters rushed in from all sides. Victory felt close.

But then... Gabriel moved.

At first, Ken saw him limping and holding his greatsword under the hail of bullets. Then, suddenly, dozens of images of Gabriel appeared across the battlefield.

Panicked shouts went up from his allies. Gunfire lit the darkness as the copies darted through it like ghosts. Ken’s eyes darted frantically, searching. Where was the real one?!

Suddenly, a scream rang out to his left—one of his men was sliced in half. On the right, a ChaosKnight mage’s head exploded from a single punch. A chill ran down his spine. Gabriel was cutting through them as if their numbers meant nothing.

"This can’t be...!" he whispered, finger glued to the trigger as he fired shot after shot. He was vice-leader of Crimson Star, a top graduate of Blackrose Academy; his tactics were flawless, his forces superior. By all logic, Gabriel should have been trapped and killed by now.

But reality had turned upside down. The Adventurer Guild, backed by those terrifying fighters, was pushing back ferociously. And Gabriel—Gabriel was coming straight for him.

Ken’s breath caught when he saw the real one. Emerging from the smoke and blood like a demon, Gabriel’s electric-blue eyes locked on him. There was no hesitation, no mercy—only cold anger.

"Cover me!" Ken shouted as he stumbled back. A few gunners tried to form a line, opening fire desperately. But Gabriel was too fast. A flash of crimson steel, a gurgle of pain, and his last defenders fell in heaps.

In terror, Ken’s mind raced. He could retreat, but fleeing would disgrace his family. Yet if he stayed, he might die here.

His choice came too late. Gabriel was already upon him.

Ken’s pupils shrank.

Crimson Judgement slashed downward, the glowing edge reflecting in his eyes.

It was the last thing he saw before darkness swallowed his view.

Warmth filled his throat, blood flooding his mouth. He gasped and choked, vision dimming as Gabriel blurred before him.

No... This wasn’t supposed to happen. He was supposed to be a hero of the kingdom, a general like his father, a partner to Lilith. How had it slipped away so fast?

As darkness closed in, Ken’s last thoughts were full of regret and dread. Father... Lilith... I failed you. In his final moment, a single tear of frustration fell. I’m sorry...

Then the memory shattered.

---

Gabriel jolted awake, sucking in a breath as if he’d been underwater. He was himself again, sitting on the bed with the empty orb still in hand. Cold sweat clung to his brow.

He slowly let go. The spent crystal crumbled to dust and drifted to the floor. Flexing his trembling fingers, he tried to shake off the lingering emotions. Ken’s pride, duty, and terror still echoed in his mind. It was disorienting to experience someone else’s life so vividly.

After steadying his breathing, he whispered to the empty room, "So... that’s your story."

It was a lot to take in: Ken’s upbringing, the powerful ties between Crimson Star and the Edgeburne Kingdom’s leaders, and the pressure that had driven him into desperation. Gabriel now understood why Scarlet and Lily had been so worried. He hadn’t just killed a guild’s vice-leader; he had humiliated the son of Edgeburne’s top general and the fiancé of one of the kingdom’s most influential women.

A grimace tugged at his lips. ’I’ve really kicked a hornet’s nest this time, haven’t I?’

Any normal person would be terrified of what came next. The Edgeburne military, the Valentine family—these powerful forces would all be against him now.

"Ken... you poor fool," he muttered. "All that power and support, and you still couldn’t escape your fate."

He felt no pity, only stronger resolve. If anything he disliked the gunslinger because he was nothing but a pawn, who was used throughout his life.

Seeing Ken’s memories didn’t weaken him—it made him more confident. The dangers ahead were real, but they were also chances. The knowledge he gained tonight was a weapon he could use.

It would be reasonable to hide. But Gabriel had a better alternative.

’Get stronger.’ His eyes flashed dangerously.

First things first, he needed to head to the association and begin his class advancement quest.

***

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