Two years passed. In this time Kaden had continued practicing arduously every single day.
Burcham praised him greatly on his martial arts, but chastised him endlessly when it came to his studies. The tutors came to Burcham with endless complains, but no matter what he said he couldn't get the boy to take his studies as seriously as he did his martial arts.
It was true Kaden didn't take his studies very seriously, but he would put in great effort when it came to martial arts. In his first year, he had reached the 5th level of the Body Tempering realm. In the second, shortly before turning six years old, he made it to the 9th level.
This greatly excited Burcham, he had high hopes that Kaden would reach the 18th level before awakening. A feat that hadn't been performed in the Federation in over 100,000 years.
But Kaden wasn't the only one making progress. Zander had recently begun training in the family's martial arts too. Lynwood had decided to take up the task of teaching Zander himself. The day following Zander's first training session, Sophie had once again looked at Kaden strangely when he went to take his bath.
In regards to Lynwood teaching Zander but handing Kaden's training off to Burcham, Kaden didn't quite understand but found himself being a bit jealous. He hadn't seen his father much during his young life, so they didn't really have a strong bond. Still, he was jealous that this father of his was showing so much attention to his younger brother.
One night, Kaden woke up and felt hungry. When that happened he would always go to the kitchen and find some sort of snack. Like any other time, he headed out of his room and went towards the kitchen.
On the way, he came across his mom's room and saw that the door was cracked open. Raised voices could be heard arguing inside.
His curiosity won him over and he walked closer to hear what was being said.
Through the slight doorcrack, he could see his father and mother in the room.
"Why are you personally teaching Zander?"
"This discussion again?" Lynwood sighed and let out a grunt, "I've already told you. Zander's potential is lower, he needs more help."
"You have more than enough time to train them both. You barely pay any attention to Kaden." Avery was dissatisfied. In her heart, her son was number one. It pained her that her husband didn't feel the same love for their child as she did.
"Arghh for gods sake Avery!" Lynwood banged the wall, "He's a noble demon for crying out loud. We can't keep him around forever. He's not some fiend that can fit in in our society. Someday his horns will grow, how are you going to explain that away? He'll have to leave at that point. I'm thinking of the family here, why should I waste my effort?"
"Why should you? Because he's your son." Avery sobbed and sat on the bed, "Even if he can't stay forever, it doesn't mean that he doesn't deserve a father figure."
Standing outside, Kaden had heard enough. It hurt when he heard the things his own father said about him, but it hurt even more to see his mother crying.
He couldn't bare staying around to listen any longer. Trying to be as silent as possible, he snuck back to his room and fell on his bed.
Alone with all his thoughts, he thought back to what he had heard his father say. He was a demon? A noble demon? His tutors had taught him a bit about demons, they were described as vicious and grotesque creatures. He was supposed to be one of those?
And what was a noble demon supposed to be? Those tutors hadn't mentioned anything about noble demons.
Sleep didn't come easy for him that night, barely able to get two hours of rest. He had spent most of the time worrying. The thought of being a demon was a negative one. Everything he had been taught about them was negative. Now he found out that he was supposed to be one? It was a hard thing to process so suddenly.
As night turned to day, and the morning rays shone through his blinds, his mother came to wake him up.
She took a seat on the bed and gently shook his shoulders.
"Mom?" Kaden had a look of confusion on his face. It wasn't often that his mother came to wake him up.
"Yes honey, it's time to get up." Avery had a gentle smile on her face.
Kaden kept quiet, he didn't know how to bring it up.
"Is there something wrong?" Avery could see her son was concerned about something.
With the concern his mother showed him, Kaden just blurted out what he was thinking without any tact or consideration, "Am I a demon?"
Avery was caught off guard by the sudden bluntness. "Where did you hear that?"
"You and father. I heard you talking last night."
A sad look passed by on her face and she hesitated before answering, "You are." She grabbed his hand and held it tight, "But that's not a bad thing."
"But my tutors told me—" Kaden's voice grew weak.
"That demons are bad? It's not true." Avery cut him off, "My father, your grandfather, was also a demon. He was a low-class demon, often called a fiend. He raised me all by himself. Did everything he could to provide. Can that really be considered evil? Humans kill each other all the time. Fights for territory and resources are common across the universe."
"But then why does everyone hate demons?"
"Envy. They're envious of the power that demons possess," Avery softly stroked his cheek, "As a noble demon your potential far outclasses theirs. You were born as royalty, that's something to be proud of, not ashamed."
"Really?"
"Really. Mom loves you no matter what. You're my little noble prince." She leaned down and gave him a kiss on his forehead.
Kaden felt comforted by his mother's words, he felt his worries dissipate and a bright smile returned to his face.
He shook off everything that his tutor's had taught him. If his mother told him that they were wrong, then they were certainly wrong.