Alone like a stranded duck, Kilos Barber was the only one in the room, and he felt there were times one should be alone—to ponder.
He had been connected to the source of the Tamist descendants and knew many strange events were occurring within himskill, but he preferred to hide the new identity. Now, his strength, skill, agility—everything—had improved greatly, though not yet enough to bring the world to its knees. Still, with each new encounter, he grew stronger.
He was no longer interested in undergoing further tests personally, preferring instead to learn the rudiments of everything the military still had to offer. Kilos decided to act like the meekest lamb of all. But for individuals like Lantern Monroo, who persistently sought to dishonour him, he was prepared to put them in their place.
He chuckled when he remembered the challenge, but there were other things to revisit. Monroo had been helpful when he fainted and had even been a source of motivation to the cellmate of Those Stubborns. Considering these qualities, Kilos decided he should show some respect and handle the matter gently.
"Monroo shall be the determinant of whatever happens," Kilos said, removing his T-shirt and reaching for his round-neck top.
He approached the door and locked it before doing what he had in mind. Looking sternly at the space before him, he declared,
"Tamist summoned, show yourself."
"Show yourself?!" a voice replied scoldingly. "You didn't even ask me first," the angry voice from within him spoke.
Nothing happened. No creature emerged before him.
Kilos, having witnessed the summoned forces of Manny and Hamara, had the feeling he could summon his own force in a similar fashion. But he was shocked to hear the scolding voice.
"You choose to ignore me and speak at your own pleasure. That's why you aren't the first to be considered," Kilos replied, attempting to spank the speaker in retaliation.
"But you have no power to talk to me like that..." the voice rebuked him.
Kilos' frown transformed into a smile and then into laughter.
"Don't tell me you're scolding me like you're my parent. Who are you, really? You take shelter in my body—that's a huge help I offer," Kilos said in protest, threatening to make it clear how much he helped and how that could change at any time.
What followed was a humble silence, which Kilos felt bad about. Truly, the two of them had often argued, resolving issues without anyone apologizing. But this was different. They had argued openly and face-to-face, screaming.
"I don't want to hurt you, mister, but you possessed my body without my permission. Would you let me know why you trespassed?" Kilos asked softly.
The voice fell silent again. Waiting for an answer felt like an eternity—because the voice simply went dead.
Five. Ten. Then forty-five minutes passed.
Kilos' patience expired.
"Say something, secret brother, or you—" Kilos began, his words harsh—only to be cut short by a deep adult voice.
"I am not your brother. I have lived years upon years without a body," the angry voice replied, "…and I can do it again."
His earlier laughter dried on his face. Kilos felt he had truly crossed a line.
"I am Senior Barber, your ancestor," the voice said, with a note of regret.
Giggling. Smirking. A forced chuckle.
"Don't mock your ancestor. I am truly your own father. I ended the old powers of Chatka and the rest of the evil summoners. But you have let him free. Chatka and the other forces of darkness will rise to eliminate the world, and you are the main target—because only you can bring them to their knees," the voice explained in simple, memory-laden language.
While Senior Barber spoke, Kilos was remorseful. He dropped to his knees like a child being seriously scolded—and surely, he was. He had always felt low whenever he remembered how Chatka had left the warehouse with a chilling promise.
He had no idea how to curb Chatka's plan—nor how to end it. The only thing he felt capable of doing was to wait and fight at every point and place where evil emerged.
"I'm so sorry. I never meant to—but you warned me to act fast. I was foolish," Kilos condemned himself, uttering words he knew Senior Barber would use against him. But he had read ahead.
"You are not a fool," Senior Barber cut in. "You're just childish."
"But you once called me a fool," Kilos protested childishly, in a tone reminiscent of a child speaking to his parents.
The two of them continued throwing words back and forth, forgetting that there were more important matters to discuss.
For years unknown, the Tamist Master had been running through generations, seeking the one who could truly take charge of the earth. Knowing that the planet wouldn't survive without a tamer, there arose a pressing need to sustain, renew, and empower the new champion.
On his wristband, Kilos read the note: "Visit the hospital as soon as you get this."
Kilos' emotions shifted. He paused to think for a moment, because the only person he knew at the hospital was Dr. Le-an. The urgency of the note, by his own interpretation, meant something terrible had happened—and that his presence was needed immediately.
But then he thought, Why me?
Kilos' sensitivity had greatly sharpened. He was on the path to perfection, and his reasoning was increasingly honed toward achieving lordship.
Despite his feelings, he headed out to uncover the issue.
The road to the hospital was unusually quiet, as if everyone had chosen to avoid the path today. The common sight of students and lecturers bursting into the street was absent. This made him uneasy and disturbed. But then he remembered—it was a school-free day. This kind of atmosphere was to be expected.
He discovered a piece of paper hung at the end of an iron rod that protruded into the road. It was placed conspicuously, as though designed to provoke curiosity.
"What's this?" he asked rhetorically, scanning his surroundings.
He decided to ignore the note and continued toward the hospital. After walking several feet, he turned to glance at the note—but it had vanished.
"Wow!" he exclaimed in wonder, like someone who had just defied an enemy's imagination.
As he advanced, another note waited for him. Instead of being afraid, Kilos saw this as a coward's ploy to dissuade him from reaching his destination. Just as before, he ignored it and pressed forward.
Finally, he arrived at the hospital. Entering, he looked around for Dr. Le-an. Not wanting to alert anyone, he quietly made his way to her office, turning right. Nurses passed by him, but no one spoke—even when he greeted them.
That didn't bother him. All that mattered was finding the doctor. On Le-an's office door was a note: "Not In."
Disappointed but not defeated, he thought to ask a nurse.
"Please," Kilos lowered his voice and showed her his badge. "Do you know about this?"
The nurse gave him a very brief look. He wasn't even sure she saw the badge before she walked away impatiently.
There was another nurse speaking with a gentleman at the end of the corridor. Kilos felt she might be helpful. He prepared to speak with her—but as if she knew his intentions, she diverted her path before getting close.
It became obvious—they didn't want to speak to anyone. Perhaps because he was a student.
"Check the office," Senior Barber said.
"For what?" he protested. "Didn't you see I just left that place?" His voice was sharp enough to draw attention from nearby patients.
"Hope you're alright?" a passerby asked, though he didn't wait for a response before disappearing.
Ignoring him, Kilos walked out toward the exit—but then stopped abruptly, looking down at his stomach.
"You said I should check the office twice?" His voice carried a defeat he didn't want to admit. He dashed back into the hospital.
Touching the door, he froze at the sight before him.
"You are left with 45 minutes to fall into a world of chaos and eternal regret. Return to the notes you ignored to find Le-an."