Awakened: SSS Ranked Soul king

Chapter 4 A Place Above The Clouds

A roaring wind blew through the air, misty wisps of white fog swirling around as a feeling of weightlessness shrouded the senses. A young man appeared out of the mist, floating, his body seemingly suspended in mid-air.

"Where am I?" The young man seemed confused, his eyes darting around, his mind struggling to comprehend his surroundings. It felt as though he were flying, but the ground beneath him was as solid as stone. A place above the clouds? he wondered, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Big brother Guilliman, save me!!"

Suddenly, a loud scream exploded in his ears, seemingly coming from every direction—loud, piercing, and distant all at once.

"That voice... Caroline?!" His heart skipped a beat. Immediately, upon hearing the voice, he was filled with panic. He began frantically scanning the space, hoping to find its source.

I couldn't help her back then. I have to find her... where are you?!!

His eyes darted desperately, but all he could see was the endless mist around him. There was no one. He was alone. Was this some sort of trick? It felt cruel, like a cruel joke. His sister, Caroline, calling for him... he had to save her, no matter what. He couldn't fail again.

"Find me, big brother. You're the only one I have left." The voice echoed in his ears once more, as if the very air itself was whispering it to him.

"I am in the place above the clouds."

And then, without warning, a second voice followed with a scream.

"Ahh!!"

Guilliman jerked awake. Sweat drenched his face, and his breath came in short, frantic gasps. His dark hair clung to his forehead as his heart hammered in his chest. He had been dreaming, but it felt too real. The vision, the voice, the panic—it all hit him with a rush.

"A place above the clouds..." he muttered under his breath, his voice strained as he looked out of the window. The sunlight filtered through, casting a pale glow across the room, and a feeling of unease gnawed at him. The dream had been vivid, too vivid. It almost felt like a warning.

"Good... morning," the middle-aged man replied hesitantly, still trying to process the situation.

"You finally decided to show your face, huh? Where have you been, shithead?" Another voice sounded from across the room, obnoxious and mocking.

Guilliman turned to see one of the other men sitting at a makeshift dining table, surrounded by half-empty plates and cups. The others were eating, and they all shot him an annoyed look.

He had been missing for days, and they couldn't find him. In that time, they had been forced to do their own chores—washing dishes and taking care of things they expected him to do.

"There's food?" Guilliman asked with a smirk, walking toward the table and pulling out a chair to sit. His tone was casual, as if nothing was wrong. He didn't mention the whole slavery issue. Instead, he focused on the food, finally allowing himself to enjoy a proper meal after days of hunger.

"Here you go." The woman with the golden tooth placed a plate of what looked like leftover food in front of him. Guilliman glanced at it but didn't say anything.

What was going on here? Was the Blackberry family actually releasing their slaves after paying for them? Why was he here?

She couldn't make sense of it. But one thing was certain—she couldn't speak up. What would people say if they found out she had sold her son into slavery? Wouldn't they look down on her?

What was she supposed to say? "I sold him into slavery, and now he's back?" Wasnt that something to be ashamed of?

"Really, where have you been all this time?" she asked, feigning ignorance. She had decided to play along, pretending like nothing had changed.

"Hmm, I got lost in Clawwood Forest," Guilliman answered calmly, picking up a piece of fried fish with his bare hands and popping it into his mouth. It melted on his tongue, satisfying his hunger.

"Clawwood Forest? Yeah right, and I'm the head Regent!" A young man next to him snorted, clearly not believing the lie.

Clawwood Forest was a dangerous hunting ground that bordered the shelter. Ordinary people couldn't even venture into the outer regions, let alone get lost in its depths.

Guilliman was clearly lying. He had likely been avoiding work, doing whatever he wanted to escape chores.