“F-father?” Gi-Gyu whispered, trying to control his growing confusion. Why had his father appeared out of the blue?

For the first time, Gi-Gyu had addressed Kronos as Father.

Kronos smiled warmly and replied, “Thank you for still calling me ‘Father.’”

Gi-Gyu remained quiet, and Kronos didn’t approach him. An awkward silence fell until they heard a sudden shaking.

“Lou?” Lou, in his ring form, was shaking.

And El quickly transformed into her human form and warned Kronos, “Do not get any closer.”

El had always taken Gi-Gyu’s permission before taking her human form; this time, she had skipped this show of obedience. She was now aiming her sword at Kronos with a threatening glare.

“I can see that you have made some good friends,” Kronos commented with a smile.

Gi-Gyu asked, “Are you really my father?”

Even as he spoke, Gi-Gyu wasn’t certain how he should address the man. Should he continue to call him “Father?” Or was Kronos more apposite? The man looked like his father, but Gi-Gyu had no memories of him.

“That’s right. I...