Time flowed like an unstoppable river. In the world of Nurukaido, eighteen hundred years had passed, and Grey and Camellya had devoted every moment to relentless training. Now, they lay sprawled on the ground, exhausted, their bodies drained of mana, their breath returning to them only as a distant echo of their efforts.
The progress was tangible—a surge in power that would have been inconceivable to anyone else. Yet, it was still not enough. Compared to Aurora or the Outer Kings, their strength remained a faint shadow, the path ahead still long and fraught with challenges.
Training with Aurora, though intense, could hardly be called traditional instruction. It was more an unending series of brutal defeats that pushed them to their limits, occasionally bringing them to the brink of death.
"This... hurts too much," Grey murmured, his voice a ragged thread barely escaping his throat as he struggled to breathe.
Camellya was gasping for air, her chest rising and falling in desperation. Blood streaked her face, and her tattered clothes barely held together. A faint veil of smoke, born from the remnants of mana Grey had managed to gather, offered her meager cover.
"We should probably wrap up the training for now," Aurora said with a satisfied smile, utterly unaffected by fatigue, not a single bead of sweat marring her flawless brow. "It'll take you at least a week to recover fully."
"I think... that... sounds... like a good idea..."
Grey attempted to stand, but his legs trembled under his weight. With effort, he used his whip sword to steady himself. Camellya, on the other hand, collapsed back to the ground as she tried to rise. Aurora approached and helped her up, receiving a grateful smile in return.
"I'll take you to His Majesty Samson's castle. There, you can rest properly."
"Thank you..." Grey muttered, his voice barely audible.
And so, Aurora led them to the castle. When they arrived, King Samson greeted them with a booming laugh upon seeing their pitiful state.
"Hahaha! I wasn't expecting this result after so much time. It seems you held back too much, Lady Aurora."
Aurora merely grunted, not bothering to reply.
"Cold as ever," Samson remarked before turning to two attendants. "Take them to their respective chambers, prepare a hot bath, and ensure they have plenty of food."
"As you command, Your Majesty," the attendants responded with impeccable deference.
One of them helped Grey, supporting him by the shoulder, while the other carried Camellya on her back.
Before Aurora could retreat, Samson stopped her.
"I must thank you. I know you're reluctant to get involved with the Blessed Children or the Outer Kings, but Their Majesties Grey and Camellya are our only hope against this global threat."
"Don't worry," Aurora replied coldly, averting her gaze. "In some way, it was refreshing to meet the man who will save us from those cursed Outer Kings."
Samson smirked, his expression teasing.
"I hope the other prophecy of the Shadow Witch comes true as well. Isn't that the reason you're so interested in your beloved Blessed Child?"
Aurora's face turned a deep shade of red. Without a word, she turned and quickly left, leaving Samson to watch her with amusement as she walked away.
"It seems the other prophecy came true," Samson murmured, allowing the cave's wind to cool the air, like a distant echo enveloping his words.
Meanwhile, Grey lay on the bed, lost in deep thought.
(This won't be enough to keep me at pace with Robert, Eleanor, and Raynold...) He stared at the ceiling, as if his eyes were trying to pierce the wood and find answers in the infinite. (That power...)
Images of the moment when Robert unleashed an explosion with the intent to kill him flooded his mind, a haunting reminder of the overwhelming strength he was facing. He knew that this display of power was not even close to Robert's limit, and yet it was more than enough to defeat his current self.
How much more would he have to push himself to reach what he desired? But the true question that lingered in his mind was more troubling: Why am I doing this, really?
Grey knew it wasn't just for the humans; there was something deeper, a need that drove him. Was it revenge? Maybe, though he wasn't the type of person to cling to such a feeling over something so small. And yet, the idea grew stronger, as if a corner of his soul considered it valid.
Camellya, as she slept, turned slightly and rested her head on Grey's chest. He tenderly caressed her, letting his fingers play with her hair and cheek, seeking comfort in that simple gesture. He closed his eyes and let his imagination wander, visualizing a fight against Eleanor and Robert.
In his mind, the space transformed into a vast white room that stretched as far as the eye could see. Before him, Eleanor and Robert watched.
Eleanor moved first, closing the distance in the blink of an eye and delivering a direct blow to his chest that sent him flying backward. Before he could react, Robert appeared behind him, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him to the ground. Grey coughed up blood as his body reacted to the pain.
He focused his mana and unleashed a shockwave that pushed Robert back for a moment. That's when Ryujin awakened within him. Majestic horns sprouted from his forehead, and scales spread across his face, giving him a terrifying appearance.
Grey launched himself at Eleanor, his fist charged with titanic force. But she stopped him, blocking the punch with her arm, though she was forced to take several steps back. They exchanged brutal blows, the echoes of their impacts resonating in the vast room. Eleanor extended green vines from her fingers, trapping Grey in a net that held him still.
He struggled, trying to break free, but Robert appeared once again, teleporting toward him. In the blink of an eye, he grabbed Grey and dragged him along at high speed while flying. Grey struck Robert's back with his elbow, trying to make him let go, but Robert held firm. Instead, he focused mana into his palms and unleashed a devastating explosion.
"Ah!" Grey woke with a start, sweating and breathing heavily. He felt frustrated, his mind still caught in the remnants of the dream. His brows furrowed with sadness and concern as he nervously fiddled with his fingers, trying to calm himself. He closed his eyes again, this time hoping to find some rest.
In the world of Nurukaido, it was common to see fights in the streets of the kingdoms. These were not disputes over social or political matters, but constant training to stay prepared. Anyone, at any moment, could be tested, and being ready to fight was a fundamental necessity. This combat training forged even the weakest Nurukaidos into foes that could rival a Blessed Child from the Great War.
Meanwhile, children played hide and seek in the alleys, waiting to be found by the seeker. The scene moved Grey, awakening his inner child, who longed to join in. However, Camellya stopped him with an amused smile.
They decided to walk for a while to get some fresh air. Since their marriage, they hadn't had any real moments of peace together. The little time they had been able to enjoy outside the kingdom, especially in the cave, had been limited.
Hand in hand, they walked in silence, enjoying the dense air and the sound of their own footsteps. However, the conversation that followed took an unexpected turn.
"Why? Why were you locked up?" Camellya asked, leaning against the rock wall.
Grey stiffened, uncomfortable. The questions he had tried to avoid came back with force, pounding in his mind like relentless waves.
"I don't know," he replied finally, his voice low, laden with a melancholy that seemed to pull the words from deep within him. "I wish I knew. I was never harsh with them, nor did I argue. I thought maybe I had done something wrong, but as far as I remember, I didn't do anything to deserve that."
Camellya fell silent, feeling guilty for having asked.
"Though... it doesn't matter now," Grey continued, his gaze hardening. "What they did no longer holds weight. The only thing that matters now is keeping the humans safe before Eleanor and the others try something."
"You're right," Camellya said, nodding gently. "We should head back."
Together, they walked into the darkness, leaving the conversation behind but carrying the shadows of their thoughts with them. It wasn't a long conversation, and certainly not one that pleased Grey. Aware of this, he hurried to give a response that would close the topic, avoiding any further uncomfortable discussion.
Now, the atmosphere had changed. In the grand hallway of the castle, Aurora waited for Grey with a daring smile that seemed to challenge the gravity of the situation. Camellya stopped, watching the scene with caution, as if she could sense something about to happen, something she might not know how to handle.
"Good morning, Mr. Grey!" Aurora called enthusiastically, rushing toward him. Her footsteps echoed on the marble floor of the hall as she stretched her arms, flashing a smile that, for a moment, eased Grey's unease.
Without hesitation, Aurora threw herself into his arms, wrapping him in a warm, determined embrace. Grey, surprised, tried to maintain his composure but couldn't avoid feeling the weight of Camellya's gaze, fixed and scrutinizing.
"Ah… Good morning," Grey replied, managing a nervous smile that didn't go unnoticed.
Aurora immediately pouted, much like a child denied a treat. She expected more, perhaps a genuine show of affection. To avoid making things even more uncomfortable, Grey sighed and, with some embarrassment, reciprocated the hug, wrapping his arms around her.
"Do you know something, Mr. Grey?" Aurora looked up at him, her cheeks flushed. As she did, she briefly glanced at Camellya, as if to reassure her: "Don't worry, this won't change what you have now."
"Uh… yes?" Grey answered cautiously.
Then, Aurora took a step forward in her emotional outburst.
"I don't want to wait anymore! Let's get married now!" she shouted, her voice overflowing with excitement. Her words reverberated through the hallway, attracting the attention of nearby maids, who peeked their heads out with curiosity.
Even Samson appeared, standing at a distance, though his eyes reflected a mix of amusement and interest.
Camellya stood frozen, trying to process what she had just heard. Grey swallowed hard, his mind struggling to find words in response to Aurora's outburst, which was met with her expectant, enthusiastic expression.
Samson, from his corner, watched in silence, aware that the fate between Aurora, Camellya, and Grey was seemingly being woven before him.
"I…" Grey began, trying to regain his composure.
But before he could continue, Camellya unexpectedly spoke:
"Do it."
The air seemed to freeze. Aurora frowned, confused. Grey's eyes widened in disbelief, unable to believe what he had just heard.
"Huh?" was all Aurora could manage.
Camellya stepped forward, her gaze resolute.
"Honey," she said, turning to Grey with a calmness that contrasted with the tense atmosphere, "if you marry Aurora, the power you'll share through that bond could give you a significant advantage in facing the outer kings."
Grey remained silent, processing Camellya's words. He knew she was right. A union with Aurora could increase his power, something he would certainly need. But the dilemma was deeper: Could he marry someone he wasn't sure he truly loved?
"But… isn't love supposed to be part of marriage?" he asked, his voice soft, almost a whisper meant for himself.
Camellya looked at him with tenderness, bringing her hand to his face.
"Grey, you married me, and we barely knew each other. This won't be any different." She smiled gently as she stroked his cheek, her gesture filled with understanding.
Camellya's words were a balm for Grey's doubts, a reminder of the difficult decisions he had already made in the past. He took a deep breath and nodded.
"Alright. Let's get married, Aurora."
Aurora's face lit up immediately, as if the entire world had conspired to fulfill her wish. Samson, from a distance, let out a satisfied chuckle, while the maids watched the scene with fascination.
At that moment, fate began to seal itself.