Rewrite The Star

CHAPTER 24 : AWAKENING FROM THE SHADOW

A year had passed since that fateful day. Atlas sighed as he finally struck down the demon in front of him. It had taken him a long time, but he had finally mastered the art of slaying demons. "The task is finished. Now I can return to the guild hall," Atlas said to himself.

The past year had changed Atlas deeply, ever since he lost the one he loved most—Keevin. "Welcome back, Atlas," Darren greeted him as he reached the guild hall.

"Yeah, but I'm exhausted," Atlas replied.

"Well, you’ve finally learned how to kill a demon, haven’t you?" Darren remarked.

"Yes, that’s true," Atlas admitted. "But I didn’t realize that killing a demon takes more energy than healing people."

"Can’t argue with that," Darren agreed.

They exchanged a glance, and just then, Nowell approached.

"Hey Atlas, want a drink?" Nowell offered.

"Thanks, Nowell," Atlas replied with a smile.

"Oh my god!" Darren suddenly exclaimed, his face turning red. Nowell and Atlas looked at him, confused.

"Oh, it's nothing. Haha!" Darren stammered, trying to cover up his outburst.

Atlas, understanding Darren’s joke, laughed it off. He finished his drink, set the glass down, and then quickly headed home. Atlas then rememberd how Darren managed to calm his sadness.

 Darren stood outside Atlas’s door. "Hey, I know you’re stronger than this. I know it hurts, Atlas, but you can’t keep living like this," Darren said, his voice heavy with concern. He tried to turn the doorknob but hesitated, afraid of breaking the door. He knocked as hard as he could, shouting Atlas’s name.

"Just leave me alone!" Atlas shouted back.

Darren finally lost his patience. "Come out, you stupid bitch!" he yelled in frustration. Atlas was shocked by Darren’s words. Suddenly, the door flew open, and Darren rushed in, slapping Atlas across the face. The sharp impact jolted Atlas back to reality.