--- Chapter 30 — The Past Buried in Sweden Hirauka lay asleep on his bed when the sharp beep of the alarm clock pulled him back to consciousness. He opened his eyes slowly. “Good morning,” he murmured to himself. “Special one… great adventures are waiting ahead.” He got out of bed and went downstairs, heading straight to the bathroom. Cold water washed away the remnants of sleep, and by the time he returned to his room, his mind felt clear. Now dressed, he stood before his closet. “Which one…” he muttered, searching through the hangers. His hand suddenly froze. A coat. His father’s coat. Hirauka frowned. “Why is this in my closet?” Curious, he slid his hand into the left pocket. His fingers brushed against something firm. Slowly, he pulled it out. A business card. “Sweden?” he whispered. The card bore the name of a pharmaceutical company. Hirauka’s expression darkened. “Drug Corp… Sweden. So you really were a criminal.” His grip tightened. “I swear… I’ll go to Sweden and find out what you were doing there.” Turning the card over, he noticed unfamiliar text etched on the back. He opened his phone and translated it. “A dungeon for a devil.” Hirauka’s eyes widened slightly. “What does that even mean…?” His resolve hardened. “I have to go to Sweden. No matter what it takes.” --- He went downstairs immediately. “Good morning,” Hirauka said. “I need to tell you something.” Sanae looked up from the kitchen. “Why are you in such a hurry? Go on.” “I’m going to Sweden.” The color drained from her face. “No,” she said firmly. “You’re never going back to that hell. I won’t allow it.” “Why, Mom?” She hesitated, then spoke quietly. “Sweden was our home… seventeen years ago.” Hirauka froze. “When you killed your father,” Sanae continued, her voice trembling, “I took you and left that country. We came to Japan so you could live a normal life.” “…Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Hirauka asked. “Because I didn’t want you to know the truth,” she replied. “I wanted to protect you.” Hirauka took a slow breath. “That’s okay, Mom. But please… don’t stop me.” He picked up a steel bottle from the table and crushed it in his bare hand without effort. Then, in a blink, he vanished from the dining room—reappearing in the kitchen—only to teleport back again. “About the ring,” he said calmly. “I lied. It isn’t normal. It’s a God Ring. Ever since I wore it, I gained these powers.” Sanae looked at him with gentle eyes. “I already knew,” she said. “I was just pretending. I saw you disappear once when you were late from work.” Hirauka stared at her. “When did you realize?” “I’m your mother,” she replied softly. A pause followed. “But now,” Sanae said, “I won’t stop you. You can go.” Hirauka stepped forward and hugged her tightly. “Thank you, Mom. I love you.” “I love you too… my son.” --- After breakfast, Hirauka left the house at 11:30 a.m. His first stop was the passport office. At the reception desk, he spoke calmly. “I’d like to check my passport.” The receptionist examined it carefully. “It can be updated, sir. You’ll need to fill out this form and submit a passport-size photo.” “How long will it take?” “By this evening.” “That works.” He handed over the photo and filled out the form before heading back home. --- At home, Hirauka began packing. Sanae silently helped him, folding clothes with practiced hands. Suddenly, his phone rang. “Hey, Sayaka.” “Why weren’t you at the office today?” she asked. “Also, we’re about to go pick up Tensei—he arrives at 4:30 p.m.” “That’s good news,” Hirauka replied. “But I’ll be busy.” “…Busy with what?” “I’m heading to Sweden.” “What?!” Sayaka exclaimed. “When? Why?” “I found something related to my past. I need to investigate.” There was a brief pause. “In that case,” Sayaka said decisively, “I’m coming with you.” “No, I’m not taking you—” “I didn’t ask,” she interrupted. “I’m booking two tickets right now.” “Wait—Sayaka!” The call ended. Hirauka stared at his phone. “…This is going to be troublesome.”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.