The Founder's POV

Chapter 14: Sky-Piercing Tree

Which do I hate more? Summer or winter?

Well, I kind of hated winter because I often got sick during this season since I was young.

But I loved the weather a lot, especially hearing the raindrops hitting the roof of my room; I found it refreshing when sleeping.

I also loved the heavy blanket, where I always made my mom take it out for me before winter even came, just to regret it and put it away myself because of the heat.

I loved sitting by the fire with my family too when the university stopped and I returned home due to that widespread disease.

Was that my first or second year in college?

I particularly enjoyed hearing stories of my parents' childhood, realizing the difference between their generation and mine, and the hardships they faced until they had me.

It's great to learn different aspects of them. I couldn't wait to grow older to do the same with my children.

I'd tell them some stories, lie to them a little because I rarely went through exciting stories; winter is truly wonderful.

I also loved the summer because of the more comfortable clothes, and especially because of the longer summer vacation.

More time with my family, our trips were only on this season specifically because I was forbidden from missing school for long periods.

The biggest downside was the intense heat; I hated being in enclosed spaces filled with that heavy smell...

I preferer not to think about it anymore.

Anyway... aren't we in winter now? I mean, currently.

I still haven't opened my eyes despite waking up, but I felt like the sun was literally above me, as if someone was almost roasting me on a fire.

And the angry breaths below me only made things worse; where did they even come from?

This feeling inspired me to settle my opinion on that difficult and complex issue; I definitely loved winter more.

I prefer cold over heat... I don't think my opinion on this matter will ever change.

I slowly rose from the really comfortable pillow, but I found myself strangely stuck to it.

I looked down, and my heart almost stopped when I saw red angry eyes, the masked figure looked at me as if I had killed his mother or father, maybe both even.

"You bastard! You've slept on me for a whole day! How lazy can you get?!"

Huh?! Was he too rude in the past? I remember him as emotionally cold, why the sudden change?

Did he suffer some kind of shock? Was my sleeping on him in this deadly heat during my snoring really that infuriating? I don't think that's right...

"Why didn't you wake me?"

I scratched the back of my head, is he stupid?

"Do you think I didn't try? I screamed for three continuous hours before I gave up! And the worst part is you were just sleeping! You weren't even in a coma!"

I was somewhat embarrassed, but I couldn't really be blamed.

I had gone without sleep for more than two months during training, my mind got used to being awake but had now fallen in love with sleep.

"Why don't you get up?"

Before I could finish, I realized what was happening.

I had tied him with cursed chains before ...