Kai head still felt heavy when he awoke. His body was weak, and his memory was foggy. He opened his eyes in an unfamiliar room. The air felt cold and smelled of antiseptic.

Then, his eyes caught a shadow beside him. A dark wooden coffin, draped in a black cloth. His chest immediately tightened. Those terrible memories came crashing back.

With great effort, Kai got up. His hand trembled as he reached for the coffin. He took a deep breath before slowly opening it.

Inside lay Ben. His best friend’s face was pale and calm, as if he were sleeping. The scars on his skin had faded, but not the stabbing sense of loss in Kai’s heart.

This is really happening, he thought.

Ben, you’re gone. Why am I the one who survived? The cold room felt even more punishing to him. He knew he had to be strong, but the burden felt so heavy.

The sound of footsteps approached, breaking the silence. The door opened, and a man entered. Kai recognized him immediately.

“You... you’re the one who attacked me at the club,” Kai said, his voice hoarse. “Who are you, really?”

“I’m Felix,” the man replied calmly. His expression was serious but not hostile. “I’m here to help you, not fight you.”

Kai remembered the man with the dragon tattoo who killed Ben. “Then who is the man with the dragon tattoo? What does he have to do with all this?”

“His name is Draco,” Felix explained. “He is an important figure in the Red Dragon.

Felix then held out a small object to Kai. It was an earring made of black iron.

“This is for you,” said Felix. “Consider it a promise. Wear it when you are ready to learn the truth, and face the consequences that will come with it.”

Kai accepted the earring. His hand still felt weak. He looked at the earring for a moment, then turned his gaze to Ben, lying lifeless.

He let out a sigh.

There is no turning back.

He had to keep moving forward, carrying the memories of Ben with him.

With hardened resolve, Kai put the earring on his ear. It felt cold against his skin. A new promise had begun, and he had to face it.