Puzzle Of Destiny [Jikook ABO]

✨26✨

Sol's newfound powers had elevated him to a terrifying level. His ability to channel his immense Alpha strength into his sword made him virtually unstoppable in combat, slicing through any obstacle in an instant. His speed was unmatched, and his extraordinary sense of smell allowed him to track anything, anywhere, as long as he had caught its scent before. However, his greatest asset—his ability to transform into a werewolf at will—though it was a curse but if he can master it, it can become his greatest weapon. Though he could control when to shift, he lost control the moment the transformation was complete, becoming a force of destruction. Only Cheonsu had been able to help him revert to human form, and without his presence, he was trapped in his monstrous state until exhaustion forced him back.

The outer palace, where Sol had been living for over a year, was more of an exile than a home. The walls of the grand structure bore the scars of his uncontrollable transformations, where he had accidentally destroyed parts of it in his frenzied states. His anguished howls echoed through the night, sending waves of fear through the surrounding lands, driving the nearby families to leave the area. Though not imprisoned, he felt the weight of isolation pressing down on him, unable to be with the ones he cared for most.

Despite his introverted nature and preference for solitude, Sol deeply missed his family, especially his mother. The bond between them remained strong, even with the physical distance between them. Every day, his mother would send him a home-cooked meal along with a heartfelt note. Sol would eat in silence, comforted by her words, and send back a response, knowing this small exchange was their way of staying connected. It was the only source of warmth in his otherwise cold and lonely existence.

Cheonsu, seeing a glimmer of hope in Sol, proposed a daring idea—an opportunity for him to put his powers to good use by helping those in need. He suggested that they leave the palace and practice his abilities on criminals, those who harmed others, allowing him to refine his control while serving the kingdom. Sol initially rejected the idea, but after Cheonsu's persistent encouragement, he reluctantly agreed.

Together, they devised a plan. Disguised in a dark, imposing outfit with his face concealed beneath a cloth mask, Sol would sneak out of the palace with Cheonsu by his side who was invisible to others except Sol. Under the cover of night, they roamed the outskirts of Silla, seeking out threats to the kingdom—criminals, invaders, and those who preyed on the weak. Sol's immense strength and speed made him unstoppable in combat. If he came across anyone attempting to harm innocent people or breach Silla's borders, he would swiftly neutralize them, sometimes beating them to the brink of unconsciousness or, if necessary, eliminating the threat entirely.

Word of his actions began to spread. Stories circulated of a mysterious figure, clad in black with a mask covering half his face, who struck fear into the hearts of criminals. His reputation grew rapidly, and people started referring to him as "The Black Knight." While the citizens of Silla feared the werewolf, they loved the Black Knight, seeing him as a protector. Sol, who had long been burdened by the consequences of his uncontrollable power, found solace in knowing that he could help his kingdom in this way.

This dual identity brought Sol a new sense of purpose, one he had never imagined amidst his struggles. For the first time in a long while, he felt a glimmer of happiness.

Shortly after Seongbae, the king, married Princess Micha—a renowned beauty from a neighboring kingdom, praised as the fairest and kindest omega in her Kingdom—he declared that he would begin accepting candidates for concubines. The announcement sparked excitement, and soon, many beautiful omegas from not only Silla but other kingdoms eagerly registered, hoping to be chosen as the king's perfect concubine. While most eligible omegas were filled with anticipation, there was one who remained entirely indifferent to the proceedings.