A few days later…
Zack finally arrived at the same place.
And just like last time, the same monster was there to greet him.
He entered Kalthok's altar, his expression stern and determined.
As Zack stepped inside, he saw Kalthok seated on his throne—radiating power as always.
Kalthok:
"So, you've come. It's been a long time, Zack."
Zack (angrily):
"Yeah, I came... you fucking bastard."
Kalthok's expression turned furious.
He rose from his seat in a flash and used his telekinesis to choke Zack mid-air—pulling him toward him.
Kalthok (growling):
"Your tongue's gotten sharp… hasn't it?"
And then, with a violent force, Kalthok threw Zack across the chamber.
Zack hit the ground but quickly got back on his feet, wiping blood from his lip.
Zack:
"Betrayal… you've mastered that, haven't you?
If I weren't holding back right now, I'd bury you here and now."
Kalthok (coldly):
"Watch your tone, Zack."
Zack (furious):
"Why should I?
Why didn't you tell me the truth?
Why didn't you say that the one who killed me in my previous life… was an Original Monster—wearing Albus's face?
If I had known, maybe… maybe Albus would still be alive!"
Kalthok narrowed his eyes, his voice low and deadly.
Kalthok:
"You fool…
You really think I kept it from you for no reason?
Do you know anything?
If I had told you the truth back then…
You wouldn't have lived long enough to ask me this question."
Zack (yelling):
"Why!? I want to know the truth!"
Kalthok (serious, calm):
"The monster you crossed paths with—his name is Terox.
He's the weakest among the Seven Original Monsters… but don't let that fool you.
He knew Albus long before you ever stepped into this war.
He had his eyes on Albus for a long time."
Zack's fists clenched in anger.
Kalthok (continued):
"If I had told you about him earlier… you would have tried to save Albus.
And you would have tried, no matter the consequences.
And the moment you interfered… Terox would have found out about you—
that you were trying to stop him from entering the Abyss,
that you were protecting the gates… that you were different.
And if that happened…
He wouldn't have gone after Albus anymore.
He would've come for you.
And the moment that happened, he would've discovered me too.
Everything I did to bring you back…
would've been for nothing.
You're not strong enough yet, Zack.
Not enough to kill someone like him.
Need proof? Look at your missing arm."
Zack looked down at his mechanical arm—his jaw clenched, his eyes burning.
Kalthok (cold):
"Sometimes... sacrifice is necessary to achieve something greater."
Zack (furious):
"Sacrifice?
No.
If sacrifice is needed—I'll be the one to make it.
But I swear, right here in this Abyss—
I will carve the graves of all Seven Original Monsters with my own hands."
Kalthok:
"You'll get your chance too, Zack.
I'm on your side."
Zack (sarcastic):
"You're on my side?
Then prove it.
Tell me where Terox is."
Kalthok (firm):
"Not yet, Zack.
You're still too weak."
Zack (angrily turning away):
"Fine!
If I'm weak, then I don't need your help.
I'll find him myself—
If not today, then tomorrow—
But I will find him.
And I will dig his grave."
He starts to walk away.
Zack (without looking back):
"Goodbye, Kalthok."
Kalthok (calling out):
"Oh, and one more thing…
When you kill Terox—
you'll gain the Healing Power."
Zack (pauses, bitterly):
"Oh really?
If that's the case, why not just hand me all your powers now and save us both time?"
Kalthok (calm, explaining):
"You think this is easy?
I am giving you my powers…
but there's a method to it.
Whenever you kill a monster or human whose powers resemble mine—
you absorb a piece of their aura.
After death, their energy disperses…
and your body, connected to mine,
can absorb and copy that power."
Zack (quietly):
"...Oh."
To be continue...