Gorvoth, the gruff but fair instructor, stood before the young demons, his eyes scanning their exhausted faces. "You've all shown remarkable progress," he said, his voice a little softer than usual. "But I know you're all tired. So, I'm giving you a two-week break to rest and prepare for our journey to the Night Valley."
The young demons cheered, relieved grins spreading across their faces.
Gorvoth raised a hand, his expression stern. "But don't think this is a vacation! You must continue training, honing your skills and tempering your bodies. We will face dangers in the Night Valley, and I won't have any of you failing because you slacked off."
Seven and the others nodded, still grinning. They knew Gorvoth was right - they had to be ready for the journey ahead.
"Remember, your goal is to reach yellow level tempering," Gorvoth reminded them. "Don't disappoint me."
As Seven packed up his belongings, he felt a pang of sadness. He had grown close to his fellow young demons, especially his friend, Lyra. They had been inseparable during their training, supporting and encouraging each other through the tough times.
"Hey, Seven," Lyra said, approaching him with a somber expression. "I guess this is goodbye for now."
Seven nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Yeah, I'm headed back to Kael's house. You're going back to your family's estate, right?"
Lyra nodded, her eyes gleaming with a mix of sadness and determination. "I'll keep training, Seven. I promise. We'll meet again soon, and we'll show Gorvoth what we're made of."
Seven smiled, clapping Lyra on the back. "You bet we will. We'll reach yellow level tempering and show everyone what we're capable of."
They stood there for a moment, reluctant to part ways. But they knew they had to. Their houses were in different locations, and they had to return to their respective families.
"Take care, Lyra," Seven said finally, his voice a little rough.
Lyra nodded, a small smile on her face. "You too, Seven. May our paths cross again soon."
With that, they parted ways, each heading towards their own destination. Seven felt a pang of loneliness, but he knew he had to focus on his own training and preparation for the journey ahead.
As Seven waited outside the training camp, a majestic hell cat emerged from the distance, its black fur glistening in the dim light. Its eyes burned with an inner fire, and its muscles rippled beneath its sleek coat. The hell cat was massive, its paws as large as Seven's head, and its tail swishing behind it like a whip.
The butler, dressed in his finest attire, sat atop a chariot pulled by the hell cat. His face was expressionless, but his eyes gleamed with a hint of pride. "Master's chariot has arrived, young master," he said, his voice low and dignified.
Seven felt a mix of awe and trepidation as he approached the chariot. The hell cat regarded him with a regal gaze, its eyes seeming to pierce through him.
Just then, Xaren appeared, his sneer evident even from a distance. "Well, well, well. Look at the little prince getting a royal treatment. Must be nice to have the Nightmare Prince as your...father," he said, his voice dripping with mockery.
The butler's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Master Seven, please take your seat. Master awaits."
Seven nodded, feeling a surge of pride as he boarded the chariot. The hell cat let out a mighty roar, causing nearby demons to stare in awe. Xaren's sneer faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure.
"Yeah, ride in style, little prince. But don't think it'll save you from your own mediocrity," Xaren said, his voice laced with venom.
The butler's gaze flicked to Xaren, his expression unchanging. "We will not be delayed by your petty insults, young Xaren. Master's time is valuable."
With that, the chariot lurched forward, the hell cat's paws pounding the ground as they rode away, leaving Xaren's mockery in the dust.
As the chariot rode on, Seven gazed out at the passing landscape. They traversed through the Shadowwood Forest, the trees twisted and gnarled, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. Seven's eyes widened in awe, remembering the stories of this eerie place. He had never seen it before, having arrived at the training camp via portal the first time.
Next, they passed by the River Styx, its dark waters glinting in the faint light. Seven shivered, feeling a chill run down his spine. He had heard tales of the river's cursed waters, said to erase memories and identities.
As they rode on, they approached the Bonebridge, a massive structure built from the remains of ancient beasts. Seven's eyes grew wide, marveling at the macabre architecture. He had never seen anything like it before.
Finally, they entered the Nightmare Terrace, a vast expanse of twisted rock formations and dark caverns. Seven felt a shiver run down his spine, remembering the terrifying stories of this place. He had never imagined he would see it in person.
The butler's gaze flicked towards him, his expression unreadable. "Master Seven, we're approaching the castle. Prepare yourself."
As the chariot rode into the courtyard, the sound of clanging swords and laughter filled the air. Servants bustled about, their eyes gleaming with warm torchlight. The castle's grandeur loomed above, its turrets and spires reaching towards the dark sky like skeletal fingers.
Seven's heart swelled with excitement as he gazed around at the familiar sights. The servants gathered around, their faces creasing into warm smiles. They bowed and curtsied, their voices rising in a chorus of welcome.
"Master Seven, welcome home! We've missed you!"
"The young master returns, and with tales to tell, no doubt!"
Seven's face flushed with pleasure as he stepped down from the chariot. The butler, Vorx, offered him a dignified bow. "Master Seven, welcome home. The staff has prepared a feast in your honor."
As they made their way towards the great hall, Shadow, the hell cat, stretched out at the gate, its eyes gleaming like embers. Maids fussed over it, offering treats and scratches behind the ears. Shadow purred contentedly, its tail swishing lazily.
Vorx led Seven into the great hall, where a sumptuous feast lay spread before them. The room was filled with the castle's staff, their eyes fixed on Seven with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. Seven's ears burned as he caught snippets of whispered conversations, rumors of his weak initial strength spreading like wildfire.
"...heard he only lit up a weak white light from the reflection of souls..."
"...wonder if he'll ever live up to the Nightmare Prince's legacy..."
Seven's face grew hot with embarrassment, but he kept his head held high, determined to prove them wrong.
As Seven walked through the great hall, a servant approached him, their eyes downcast. "Master Seven, the Nightmare Prince requests your presence in his chambers."
Seven's heart skipped a beat. He felt a cold sweat trickle down his spine. Had Kael heard the rumors? Was he disappointed in his weak initial strength?
"Thank you," Seven replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Vorx, who had been walking beside him, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure it's just a routine meeting, Master Seven. Don't worry."
But Seven couldn't shake off the feeling of dread. He made his way to Kael's chambers, his heart heavy with anxiety. What would Kael say to him? Would he be scolded for his weakness?
As Seven entered the chambers, Kael's towering figure rose from the throne, his piercing blue eyes shining like stars in the darkness. His chiseled features, sharp jawline, and jet-black hair seemed chiseled from the shadows themselves. His broad shoulders and imposing physique radiated power, yet his warm smile and gentle eyes put Seven at ease.
"Seven! My boy! It's been far too long!" Kael's deep voice boomed, his arms opening wide to embrace his son.
Seven's anxiety melted away, replaced by a sense of relief and joy. "Father!" he exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace Kael, feeling enveloped in his father's crushing yet gentle grasp.
Seven hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject. "Father, I...I wanted to talk to you about my mortal potential..."
But before he could continue, Kael's gaze locked onto his, piercing through the uncertainty. Kael's eyes seemed to see right through him, into the very soul, as he gazed into Seven's rainbow-colored eyes, shining like a kaleidoscope of hope and wonder.
"Seven, look at me," Kael said, his voice low and gentle.
Seven's eyes met Kael's, and he felt a jolt of electricity run through him. Kael's eyes seemed to see right through him, into the very soul.
"What is it, Father?" Seven asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kael's gaze intensified, his eyes burning with an inner fire. "I have something to tell you, Seven. Something important."
Seven's heart raced as Kael's words hung in the air, heavy with anticipation. What could his father possibly have to say that would make him look so serious?
"Tell me, Father," Seven urged, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Kael's eyes seemed to bore deeper into Seven's, as if searching for something. Then, a small smile played on his lips. "You have a special gift, Seven. One that goes beyond your mortal potential."
Seven's heart raced with anticipation. "What do you mean, Father?"
Kael's smile grew wider. "Your true bloodline, Seven. The one I've kept hidden all these years, with the help of my Father."
Seven's confusion deepened. "What do you mean? I'm a hybrid Nightmare, a Pseudo Tier 2..."
Kael's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Ah, but that's the disguise I created for you, my adopted son. Your true bloodline is actually...Shapeshifter."
Seven's eyes widened in shock. "Tier 1?! But how...how did you and Grandfather manage to hide it?"
Kael's expression turned serious. "Father had the knowledge and power to help me disguise your bloodline. Together, we made sure you would be safe from those who would seek to exploit your power."
Seven's mind raced with questions. "But how does my Shapeshifter bloodline affect my mortal potential? I received special tempering 7 years ago, when I was still a fledgling youngling..."
Kael's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ah, yes! The tempering! That's what makes your situation even more unique, Seven. Your Shapeshifter bloodline enhances your mortal potential, but...it also means the tempering you received from the Nightmare tribe isn't enough to fully stimulate your growth."
Seven's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean? I thought the tempering was the best way to increase my power..."
Kael's expression turned serious. "It is, for most. But your Tier 1 bloodline requires a higher level of stimulation. The Nightmare tribe's tempering is...insufficient for someone of your potential."
Seven's eyes widened in shock. "So, what can I do?"
Kael's face broke into a wide smile. "I've found a way to give you a proper first tempering, Seven. One that will unlock your true potential and allow you to grow at an exponential rate."
Seven's heart raced with excitement. "Really?! What is it?! How do I get it?!"
Kael's smile grew wider. "Ah, that's the best part. I journeyed to the Shapeshifter's territory a week ago, seeking a way to help you. And I was lucky enough to meet an acquaintance from the Shapeshifter's tribe, who was kind enough to give me a drop of their special tempering liquid."
Seven's eyes widened in awe. "You have an acquaintance in a Tier 1 tribe?! That's amazing, Father! I had no idea!"
Kael nodded. "Yes, and after a week of researching, I've finally discovered the composition of the liquid. But, I need to gather the ingredients to replicate it. So, I'll be going on a journey for the next week to gather what I need."
Seven's eyes sparkled with excitement. "And then you'll give me the tempering?!"
Kael's expression turned serious. "Yes, but in the meantime, I want you to do as much self-tempering as you can. Push your limits, test your boundaries. By the time I return, I want you to be ready for the next level."
Seven's determination ignited. "I won't let you down, Father! I'll be ready!"
Kael smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "I know you will, Seven. You have the heart of a true Shapeshifter."
With that, Kael turned and walked outside, where his demon pet, Shadow the Hell Cat, was waiting. Shadow's eyes glowed like embers in the dark, and her wings unfolded from her back with a soft whoosh.
"Let's go, Shadow," Kael said, swinging onto her back.
Shadow let out a soft growl, and her wings beat the air, lifting them into the sky. They soared into the night, leaving Seven to his tempering.
Seven watched them go, his eyes wide with wonder. Then, with a determined look, he turned and walked into the courtyard, his eyes fixed on the ancient mural depicting the art of tempering.
As he gazed upon the mural, Seven felt himself entering an enlightened state once again, his mind expanding to comprehend the secrets of his Shapeshifter bloodline.
With a deep breath, Seven began to move, his body flowing through the intricate poses and movements, his spirit reaching deep within himself to tap into the power of his bloodline. The mural seemed to come alive, its colors swirling around him in a kaleidoscope of light and energy.
Seven's body glowed with a soft, ethereal light, his movements becoming more fluid and graceful as he tempered his spirit and flesh. The air around him seemed to vibrate with energy, as if the very fabric of reality was bending to his will.