Kael's eyes remained fixed on Seven, who had been soaking in the tempering bath for several minutes. Suddenly, Seven's peaceful expression contorted in agony, his body squirming in distress. His eyes screwed shut, and his mouth opened in a silent scream.
Kael's calm demeanor shattered, replaced by panic. He rushed to the bath's edge, his voice laced with concern. "Seven!"
But Seven couldn't respond. His body arched in torment, his face deathly pale. Kael's mind raced, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an answer. He hesitated, afraid to touch Seven or interfere with the tempering process.
Kael's gaze remained fixed on Seven, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and helplessness. He didn't dare call for Vorx or anyone else, knowing that Seven's shapeshifter bloodline was a secret that must be kept hidden. He could only stand there, frozen in anxiety, as his son suffered in silence.
But then, Kael noticed a subtle change. The bath's essence was flowing into Seven's body, and his pale skin was gradually taking on a healthier, ruddier hue. Kael's eyes locked onto the transformation, his mind racing with the implications.
He hesitated, his hand hovering above the bathwater. Should he risk interfering with the tempering process? But Seven's improving color gave him pause. Maybe, just maybe, the bath was adapting to Seven's unique physiology.
With a deep breath, Kael decided to wait, his eyes fixed intently on Seven. He remained alert, ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble, but hopeful that the tempering process was somehow working despite the unexpected pain. The silence was tense, the only sound Seven's labored breathing and the soft lapping of the bath's essence against his skin.
As the moments ticked by, Kael's anxiety slowly gave way to relief. The bath's essence continued to envelop Seven, and his skin tone had improved, looking healthier and more vibrant than its natural pale complexion. Seven's body had stopped squirming, his limbs now fully relaxed, submerged in the bath.
Kael's eyes never left Seven's face, searching for any sign of distress. But Seven's features were serene, his chest rising and falling in a slow, peaceful rhythm. The tempering liquid's effects had worn off, and the bath had returned to its ordinary state.
With a quiet sigh, Kael's tension eased. He had weathered the unexpected storm, and Seven seemed to be safe. For now, he would continue to monitor his son, ensuring that no further complications arose. The silence in the room was once again tranquil, the only sound the gentle lapping of the bathwater against Seven's skin.
After a few more minutes, Seven slowly stood up from the bath, his movements graceful and fluid. Kael's eyes remained fixed on his son, his expression softening as he took in Seven's relaxed demeanor.
As Seven stepped out of the bath, Kael finally allowed himself to exhale a deep breath of relief. His tension and anxiety melted away.
Seven's rainbow-colored eyes met Kael's, and a soft smile spread across his face. He could sense the depth of his father's concern, and his heart swelled with affection. For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the silence between them filled with understanding and love.
Kael's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled back at Seven, his expression filled with warmth and adoration. "You're okay, son," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Seven nodded, his smile growing wider. He knew that his father had been worried, and he was grateful for Kael's unwavering support and care. In this moment, he felt seen and loved, and his heart felt full.
"Father, I am probably stronger than Xaren now, right?" Seven asked, his eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
Kael's smile faltered for a moment, his eyes clouding with a mix of emotions. He knew that Seven's question was rooted in his desire to surpass Xaren, the young warrior who had once shown greater mortal potential. Kael's gaze intensified, his voice taking on a serious tone.
"Seven, your strength and abilities are growing rapidly, but it's not just about surpassing Xaren. Your path is different, your destiny unique. Don't measure yourself against others, but against your own potential. You have a special gift, a purpose that only you can fulfill."
Kael's eyes locked onto Seven's, his expression filled with conviction. "You are strong, Seven, but your true strength lies in your heart and your spirit. Don't forget that."
Seven's eyes dropped, his mind processing Kael's words. He realized that his father was right – comparing himself to Xaren, a nightmare, was not right. Seven was a shapeshifter, a being with unique abilities and strengths. He didn't need to measure himself against others, especially not a lower-tier demon like Xaren.
A sense of understanding washed over Seven, and he felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He didn't need to prove himself against someone else's standards; he only needed to focus on his own growth and potential.
With a newfound sense of determination, Seven looked up at Kael. "You're right, Father," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I'll focus on my own path and not compare myself to others. I'll become the strongest version of myself, not just compared to others, but for my own sake."
Kael's face lit up with a proud smile. "That's the spirit, Seven. You have no limits, and I have no doubt you'll exceed even your own expectations."
Kael conjured the Reflection of Souls, a mirror-like tool that revealed the depth of one's tempering. The air shimmered as the reflection materialized before them.
"Let's see the extent of your tempering, Seven," Kael said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Seven approached the reflection, his heart racing with excitement. They had expected his aura to appear as yellow, green, or red. But as he gazed into the reflection, a deep black hue stared back at him.
Kael's eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape. "By the heavens...Seven, you've surpassed all expectations!" He took a step closer, his voice filled with wonder. "You've reached the level of a pseudo-demon master! Your progress is stellar, Seven!"
Seven's eyes met Kael's, both of them sharing a moment of stunned disbelief. They had known Seven was a shapeshifter demon and that once he got the appropriate tempering, there would be marvelous results, but his power surge had left them both breathless.
"This is incredible!" Kael exclaimed, his voice filled with pride. "You've transcended the limitations of a youngling demon, Seven. You're no longer bound by the constraints of your former self.
Seven's face lit up with excitement. "Father, this is amazing! I can't believe I've reached this level in one step. Will you help me teach me how to become a true Demon Master now?"
Kael's expression turned serious, and he placed a hand on Seven's shoulder. "Slow down, Seven. While your progress is impressive, it's important to remember that a sturdy foundation is crucial for true strength. Rushing forward without consolidating your gains can lead to instability and potentially dangerous consequences."
Seven's enthusiasm faltered slightly, but he nodded eagerly. "I understand, Father. I just want to become stronger and make you proud."
Kael smiled, his eyes warm with pride. "You already make me proud, Seven. But let's focus on building a solid foundation first. We'll work on consolidating your powers and developing your skills gradually. Patience and dedication are key to achieving true mastery."
"Let's go and check on Shadow, she was badly wounded earlier," Kael said, his expression turning serious.
Seven's eyes widened with concern. "What really happened to her? Was it those mist demons again?"
Kael's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean by 'again', Seven? Have you had an encounter with them before?"
Seven's eyes darted back and forth, realization dawning on him. "Ah, yes...I mean, one of them tried to attack me in the courtyard when you were on a journey, Father. Uncle Vorx was there, and he chased it away. I was shaken, but he saved me."
Kael's expression turned grave, his eyes narrowing. "A mist demon attacked you? And you didn't tell me about this?"
Seven hesitated, looking sheepish. "I didn't want to worry you, Father. But...Uncle Vorx was there, and he took care of it. I'm fine now."
Kael's gaze softened slightly at the mention of Vorx. "I see. Well, we'll need to increase security measures around the castle. And you'll need to be more vigilant, Seven. Those demons won't hesitate to strike again."
As they approached Shadow's den, Seven's concern for her wellbeing returned. "Father, how is she? Will she be okay?"
Kael's expression turned reassuring. "She'll recover, Son.
As they approached Shadow's den, nestled in a quiet corner of the castle, Seven's concern for her wellbeing only grew. He could hear her faint whimpers and labored breathing, and his heart went out to his father's loyal companion.
Inside the den, they found Vorx tending to Shadow's wounds, his hands moving with a gentle precision. "Lord Kael, I've applied the cure you gave me earlier," Vorx said, looking up from his work. "She's stable for now, but we need to monitor her closely."
Kael's eyes scanned the den, taking in the sight of Shadow's injured form, her sleek black fur matted with blood, her eyes gleaming with a fierce inner light even in her weakened state. "Good work, Vorx. Let's keep a close eye on her." He turned to Seven. "She'll be okay, son. Shadow is resilient. She'll pull through this."
Seven nodded, his eyes fixed on Shadow, feeling a mix of relief and concern. He knew how much Shadow meant to his father, and he hoped she would recover soon.
Vorx handed Kael a small, shadow-infused pouch. "Lord Kael, I've managed to dispel the mist from Shadow's wound. This pouch contains the extracted mist."
Kael's eyes narrowed as he took the pouch, his fingers wrapping around it like a vice. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Seven. With this mist, I can use my knowledge of demon lore and magic to trace it back to its source. By analyzing its properties and resonance, I'll be able to identify the specific mist demon that attacked us."
Seven's eyes widened with understanding. "So, we'll know exactly who attacked us and can take the necessary steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."
Kael's eyes gleamed with determination. "Exactly, son. And, of course, to make them pay for their audacity."
Seven's curiosity got the better of him. "Father, why are the mist demons attacking us?"
Kael's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes gazing into the distance. "That's a good question, Son. But first, let's focus on stopping them. We can worry about the why later."
Vorx turned to Seven, his eyes soft. "Young master , would you stay with me for a bit? I'd like some company while I tend to Shadow."
Seven nodded, his eyes never leaving Vorx's face. "Of course, Uncle Vorx. I'll stay with you."
Kael nodded, his eyes still fixed on the pouch. "Good. I'll be in my chambers, analyzing this mist. Vorx, keep a close eye on Shadow. If her condition worsens, send for me immediately."
Vorx nodded, his eyes serious. "I will, Lord Kael. Do not worry."
As Kael headed off to his chambers, Seven turned to Vorx. "What can I do to help, Uncle Vorx?"
Vorx smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just keep me company, young master. That's all I need."
Together, Seven and Vorx sat in silence, watching over Shadow as she rested, her wounds slowly healing.