Chapter 255: A Secret Between Two (Part 2) Read full story at 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢•𝓷𝓮𝓽 “Because John Delgado is now under my control.” “I recently took control of him. He’s my subordinate now.” In truth, it was through a duel, not direct control. But the result was the same. “The Prophet told me that a necromancer’s abilities would be useful in the future. That’s the only reason.” Though the prophecy was a lie, the reasoning was valid. Christine seemed to accept it. “So, the undead attack in the second mission of the 15th round… Was that your doing too?” “Yes. I gave the necromancer orders to make that happen.” “Oh, so that’s why you told us to stand by…” Christine nodded in realization. The explanation had worked. But Christine still seemed hesitant, her mind filled with lingering doubts. “Black Scythe, could you show me your shadow ability one more time?” “I can’t explain in detail, but… I need to confirm something. Please.” Her serious expression left Ryu Min with no room to refuse. Using the Rune of Darkness, he created a shadowy barrier. “This is the same ability you used to block bullets, right?” “Can you transform it freely? For example, into something sharp for an attack?” Ryu Min hesitated. He could lie, but if he ever used Dark Dagger in front of her, it would backfire. He summoned a dagger formed from shadows. Christine’s thoughts raced. ‘It’s exactly like the Prophet’s ability… Could it be…?’ Despite her suspicion, she had no concrete proof. Christine took a deep breath and asked directly: “Are you… the Prophet?” Ryu Min was about to deny it. But then, the Rune of Future Sight activated. He saw Christine’s disappointed face in the future. ‘She actually wants me to be the Prophet?’ Christine’s eyes widened. “You… you’re admitting it?” “Yes. I am the Prophet.” With those words, Ryu Min removed his mask and revealed his true identity. Christine’s eyes widened in shock as Ryu Min’s body began to transform. His build grew smaller, his facial structure changed, and his true appearance as the Prophet was revealed. Christine gasped and instinctively jumped up from her seat. “You… You’re really the Prophet?!” “Shh. Keep your voice down. Someone might hear.” Ryu Min, now fully in his true form, gave her a wry smile. “I guess you’re quite shocked.” “S-shocked doesn’t even begin to describe it… You can change your appearance?!” “It’s nothing that strange. If you can bring people back to life, is transforming my appearance that surprising?” “I-I suppose that makes sense.” Christine, now slightly more composed, examined him with an almost incredulous expression. “So, this is the real you?” “Yes, this is my true form. What you’ve known as the Prophet is my actual identity. The other one—Black Scythe—is a facade.” Christine’s gaze lingered on him, her disbelief slowly fading into understanding. “You look… different from what I imagined under the mask. I suppose this means you’ve been hiding your true self all this time.” “Exactly. I had my reasons. And now you know the truth.” Christine hesitated, her thoughts racing. Her instincts told her there was more to this revelation than he was letting on. “Why are you telling me this now? Why reveal this to me of all people?” Ryu Min looked her directly in the eye and answered without hesitation. “Because I don’t want to lose you.” Christine’s face turned a deep shade of red at his unexpected response. “What do you mean by that?” “Exactly what I said. Christine, you’re an essential part of my plans. You’re a valuable ally, and I trust you. I couldn’t keep lying to you and risk ruining our relationship. That’s why I’m telling you the truth.” Christine stared at him, stunned. It was as if she had just been confessed to, though not in the way she had ever imagined. “So… You’re not going to kill me, right?” Ryu Min let out a chuckle. “Kill you? Of course not. If I wanted to do that, I wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of revealing my identity. Besides, I’ve already protected you once, haven’t I?” “The thugs who pointed their guns at you—they were targeting you specifically. They demanded I hand you over or else. I couldn’t allow that, so I dealt with them first.” Christine’s eyes widened as the truth dawned on her. The incident that had initially sparked her suspicion had actually been Ryu Min protecting her. “You… did that for me?” “Of course. You’re too important to lose.” Christine’s doubts began to melt away. What little fear remained was replaced by a growing sense of trust and gratitude. “So, can you believe me now? That I have no intention of harming you?” “Yes… I believe you now, Black Scythe—no, Prophet.” “Stick to calling me Black Scythe for now. Officially, that’s the identity I’m using. My true identity should remain a secret for the time being. Can I trust you to keep it that way?” “Of course. I’ll keep it a secret. You can count on me.” Ryu Min nodded, reassured by her response. He shared with her the full strategy for the upcoming 16th round before preparing to leave. “That’s all you need to know for now. I’ll be on my way.” As he turned to leave, Christine called out to him hesitantly. He glanced back, his expression curious. “Thank you… For saving me back then, and for being honest with me now.” A faint smile played on Ryu Min’s lips. “If you’re thankful, keep my secret safe.” With that, Ryu Min activated his wings and soared into the sky. Christine watched him disappear, her heart swelling with a mixture of emotions she couldn’t quite put into words. “I’m glad… that I’m someone important to him.” With a shy smile, she turned and headed back toward the chapel. A few days later, the 16th round began.