Instantly, they melted into the shadows, ready to evade or strike if necessary.
A guard descended the stairs, his form slowly becoming visible in the dim light.
He was dressed like the others, but his demeanor was different.
He wore the same uniform as the others in the manor, but something was different about him.
As he approached the cell, the guards prepared to knock him out—until they saw him pull food from his pockets
"It's been a while, young lord Raven," the man said quietly, his voice filled with respect.
"How is father's condition?" the boy, Raven, asked, his voice clear and strong despite the abuse he had endured.
"Still the same, young lord. His condition is declining," the guard replied, his voice laced with sorrow.
As they spoke, Raven's eyes flickered toward the shadows where Oasis's guards were hidden.
"What are you looking at, young lord?" the guard asked, sensing something amiss.
"Nothing," Raven replied calmly. "You should leave before the lackeys of that pig catch you."
"I swear, the days of that pig are numbered," Raven added, his tone resolute.
The guard nodded and bowed slightly before leaving. As soon as the door to the basement shut, Raven turned toward the shadows.
!!!
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice cutting through the still air.
---
Back in the city lord's room, Oasis prepared to act.
He reached into his storage bracelet and pulled out a small bottle, the liquid inside shimmering faintly.
This is the liquid from the Pond of Eternal Youth…
His mind drifted to the memory of collecting the rare liquid in the celestial sphere, storing it carefully in these small bottles.
Sitting beside the city lord, Oasis carefully held the man's cheeks, forcing his mouth open.
The man, despite being bedridden, tried to resist, but his strength was nothing compared to Oasis's.
It was like an insect trying to fight a beast.
I'll give him just one drop. If it doesn't work, I'll have to take this town by force.
Oasis held the vial carefully and let a single drop of the liquid fall from the bottle.
The drop shimmered as it descended, landing perfectly at the back of the city lord's throat.
With a light tap on the man's neck, Oasis helped him swallow.
As soon as the drop hit his system, the transformation began.
The city lord's body began to revitalize.
His once pale skin regained color, his breathing grew stronger, and the faint traces of life force that had been slipping away surged back into his form.
His body trembled as energy returned to his limbs.
Huff, huff, huff!
What is going on? Who is this boy? What did he give me? the city lord thought, his mind racing as his strength returned at an astonishing rate.
Within minutes, the man who had once been on the brink of death was fully restored, his body revitalized and his vitality returned.
The man's mana began to flow properly again, circulating with newfound vigor.
He sat up in bed, his eyes sharp and clear.
"Young man," the city lord said, his voice filled with gratitude and curiosity, "seeing that you have healed me, it means you are not my enemy."
"I am Oasis Volacris of Lunaris," Oasis spoke calmly, his azure eyes meeting the city lord's gaze.
The city lord studied the boy before him, still trying to grasp the reality of what had just happened.
"How did a young boy like you manage to reach my chamber?" the man asked, his voice still hoarse from his recent ordeal.
"I'm sure that he didn't allow you to enter this place."
Oasis stood tall, his confidence unwavering.
Before he could respond, the city lord's thoughts raced as he suddenly remembered.
"Raven… Luno…" the man exclaimed, his eyes widening in realization.
"Those must be the names of your children. Don't worry, I've already settled that," Oasis said, his voice filled with determination.
The city lord, still processing everything, glanced again at Oasis, noting his composure.
Who is this boy? He can't be older than 13, but those eyes… those blue eyes.
"Thank you, Oasis," he finally said, allowing himself to relax.
"What did you give me? I can feel my strength surging, even after being bedridden for so long."
So, this is what it feels like to be in the advanced stage of the Awakened Realm, the city lord thought, his aura now stabilizing inside him.
"How is this possible?"
He looked at Oasis once more, deeply moved.
"I don't know what you hope to gain from helping me, but I owe you my life, Oasis of Lunaris."
"We'll talk about that after a few cleanups," Oasis replied, his voice composed.
The city lord's face hardened with resolve.
Rising from the bed, he unleashed his aura in one powerful wave.
Crimson energy burst from him like a storm, immediately swallowing Oasis's wind barrier.
The atmosphere in the room shifted as the city lord's strength became fully apparent.
The aura rippled through the manor, a shockwave of power that pressed against the walls and surged through every corner of the residence.
Down below, guards stationed throughout the manor felt the sudden pressure. It was heavy, oppressive, and unmistakably powerful.
"Wh-what is this?" one of the guards gasped, gripping his weapon tightly as he staggered.
"The city lord's aura… but that's impossible! He's been bedridden for months!" another guard stammered,
struggling to stay upright as the energy wave rolled over him.
"He's… back?!" a third guard whispered in disbelief, sweat pouring down his face as the sheer intensity of the aura made breathing difficult.