Jay no longer knew how much pain his body could endure. Every time his consciousness faded, it was forcefully pulled back. His captors never allowed him rest — only suffering.

Despite everything, he refused to give them what they wanted.

The only thing he admitted was that he was an elemental. Nothing more.

No name.
No element.

Outside, his disappearance shook the city.

Jay had been missing for three days. By the second day, the search had already begun. After all, he was the son of Poul — the hero who had once saved the city from disaster.

Mary could barely sleep. Every hour, she searched for updates, clinging to any fragment of hope.
Luis, on the other hand, took part in the investigation directly, following leads and suspects. But the kidnapping had been planned too well. There were almost no clues.

Poul helped as well — and once again, he tasted the bitterness of failure.

Kyrai suffered the most.

She locked herself in her room, leaving only to eat or use the bathroom. Crying had become routine.

Mary was washing dishes when someone knocked on the door.

Two uniformed officers stood outside. Their blue uniforms, trimmed with gold, were spotless.

They sat at the table. Mary joined them, her hands trembling.

"We have news about the boy," said the older officer. "And it’s good news. The case is progressing."

"Really?" Mary forced a smile. Relief flashed across her face, though exhaustion was clear. "I hope you find him soon. My daughter… she’s been deeply affected."

"And the updates?" she asked.

"We found witnesses," said the younger officer, pulling out a sketch. "Several locals reported a man following the boy."

Mary stared at the drawing.

"He wore a hood, a blue coat, and a mask. It limits identification, but it gives us a starting point."

"And the other news?" she asked urgently.

"They sent a letter," the older officer said. "A ransom demand. One million Lakqo. You have three weeks."

Mary felt her heart sink.

If they didn’t comply, Jay would be sold.

After giving more details, the officers left.

Mary remained seated, staring at the table.

She was willing to pay anything.

That night, Luis returned home exhausted. He collapsed onto the couch, covering his face.

'How could I let a child walk alone…' he thought bitterly.

"I received good news about Jay," Mary said softly.

"The case is moving," Luis replied, his voice tense.

"Then we should speak to Poul and pay the ransom."

Luis hesitated… then nodded.

Jay’s mind was breaking.

His body healed again and again, but something inside him cracked each time.

A voice echoed in the darkness.

"You are not awakened yet."

A cold presence appeared before him — a faceless being made of ice.

"I am Roh," it said calmly. "The spirit sealed within you. The source of your power."

Jay stared silently.

"You are almost entirely incompatible with elemental energy," Roh continued. "Only a small fraction of your body can withstand it."

Jay clenched his teeth.

"And yet," Roh added, "you pretend to be calm, Gabriel."

Jay froze.

"How do you know my name?"

"I hold your memories."

The silence that followed was heavy.

"You promised you wouldn’t kill," Roh said coldly. "And you broke that promise."

Those words cut deeper than any wound.

'He’s right,' Jay thought. 'I haven’t changed at all.'

The connection shattered.

Pain returned.

When Jay woke again, something was wrong.

His body screamed.

A voice whispered near his ear:

"Tell me… are you pure or impure?"

He didn’t answer.

Pain followed.

Again and again.

Until finally — silence.

Jay awoke in a hospital bed.

His father slept beside him.
Mary stood on the other side, tears streaming down her face as she hugged him tightly.

"I’m sorry," she cried. "I couldn’t protect you."

Jay broke down.

Later, when he was finally alone, a single question haunted him:

'Who am I?'

'Jay… or Gabriel?'

Faces flashed through his mind.

And the answer refused to come.