Kael walked through the grand hallway, his boots clicking softly against the polished marble floor.
The walls were adorned with intricate golden engravings, and massive crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the luxurious surroundings.
Tall, arched windows allowed the moonlight to seep in, illuminating the silk-draped curtains embroidered with the Veydrin family crest.
Every inch of the hallway scread power and wealth, from the velvet-lined statues of past rulers to the gilded candle holders flickering with enchanted flas.
'I was really a fucking idiot for abandoning such riches and wriggling my ass in a mud letting my bitchy sister to enjoy.'
'Never mind, even if you are born a fool, life experiences will teach you sothing.'
As Kael moved forward, the servants lined up on either side, bowing their heads in unison.
Their expressions were blank, their hands folded neatly in front of them, but the mont he passed, whispers slithered through the air like venomous snakes.
He caught their fleeting glances, the hushed gossip hanging between them like a lingering stench. His lips curled into a grin, and with a scoff, he turned to Rami.
"It seems the servants lack manners," Kael said, his tone laced with amusent. His gaze sharpened as he continued, "Surely, this is the failure of the upper ones, unable to teach these dogs below how to behave. Isn't that correct, Rami?"
Rami, who had been walking beside him in composed silence, halted. His usually unreadable face remained impassive, but Kael noticed the sharp glint in his eyes. It was a warning, subtle but clear, as if telling him to be careful with his words.
Before Rami could voice his displeasure, sothing shifted in the air.
A monstrous, ear-splitting shriek erupted from nowhere, shaking the very foundation of the mansion.
The world around them twisted violently, the once-golden glow of the hallway bleeding into a sinister shade of red. It was as if the entire space had been subrged in blood.
An invisible weight pressed down on Rami, suffocating and unbearable, as though the heavens themselves had decided to crush him.
'What?'
His body locked in place, and cold sweat trickled down his back. He barely had ti to react before the illusion vanished, leaving behind only an eerie silence.
His breath was ragged as he looked up, only to et Kael's gaze or at least, he almost did. A primal instinct scread at him not to make eye contact. His body refused to move as his vsoul shriveled in terror at the unseen abyss within Kael's eyes.
Gulping, Rami bowed even further, his voice steady despite his internal tremors. "I apologize for their disobedience. I will make sure to teach them," he declared loudly, his words echoing through the hall.
Kael humd in satisfaction while keeping his expression unreadable.
This was killing intent of millions he accumulated by killing.Though it doesn't affect physically but it does have its own psychological warning.
He turned and continued walking, soon arriving at an enormous set of doors. The golden lion-shaped handles were carved with exquisite precision, their nacing eyes seemingly watching him. Rami stepped aside and motioned toward the door.
Kael nodded and pressed his hand against the cold tal. The mont he pushed, an overwhelming force exploded outward, sending a violent shockwave through his mind. His soul felt as if it had been ripped from his body, weightless and drifting in the void.
"You seem to have changed a lot unlike before cowering under the servant gaze.''
A hoarse voice echoed followed by mighty tides of wind blasts.
Kael almost shrieked as his clothes fluttered along with the hair.
Before him, two massive, glowing silver eyes erged from the darkness, locking onto him with an indescribable pressure. The sheer force was enough to make an ordinary man crumble in fear, but instead of recoiling, Kael chuckled.
"That's so sick power," he muttered, a twisted smirk playing on his lips.
'Worthy of a Grand Duke but it's not enough to scare anymore.'
The suffocating force vanished in an instant, like a storm abruptly fading into calm. Everything returned to normal as if nothing had happened. Kael, montarily stunned, stepped forward and lowered his head slightly in greeting.
"You called for , Father?" His voice was respectful, yet firm.
Seated at an ornate desk, Ruth Veydrin barely spared him a glance. His regal posture, high-backed chair, and folded legs exuded effortless dominance. His sharp, chiseled features were devoid of warmth, his piercing eyes like frozen steel. He tapped his finger on the table, his expression as cold as death itself.
"It seems you have finally given up on disappointing ," Ruth said, his voice calm yet laced with dangerous indifference.
Kael straightened, pressing a hand to his chest in mock reverence. "It's because I have found a cure for the inability."
A flicker of interest passed through Ruth's eyes, and even Rami, standing in the background, showed a rare sign of surprise. Kael knew he had successfully grabbed their attention.
"How?" Ruth asked, his tone devoid of emotion.
Kael smirked internally. 'He seems to be a man of few words.'
"I discovered a secret thod," he explained smoothly. "During the awakening ritual, I must follow a specific procedure that requires a significant number of mana stones. If done correctly, I will finally be able to take a step forward."
Ruth stared at him, his cold eyes studying every inch of Kael's face. Seconds stretched into an eternity before he finally spoke.
"Okay."
"...?"
Kael blinked, caught off guard. He had prepared an intricate web of lies, expecting interrogation, yet Ruth simply accepted it without a second thought. The sheer lack of questioning unsettled him.
'No... he must have soone watching . He already knows more than he's letting on.'
"Your confinent is lifted," Ruth stated, turning his attention back to the docunts on his desk. "You may do as you please. Seven days from now, you will enter the ancestral land for the awakening." He didn't even look up as he added, "Make sure to be prepared by then."
Kael waited for further instructions, but Ruth had already returned to his work, clearly dismissing him.
"...Can I go now?" Kael asked, feeling oddly out of place.
"Yes," Ruth replied without hesitation.
Kael's lips twitched. The lack of care, and the utter indifference was almost laughable. This man was his father, yet he acted as if Kael's fate held no real significance.
"Then, I will take my leave.Have a nice day father."
As Kael turned to leave, Ruth's voice cut through the silence. "I don't care whether you awaken or not," he said, his tone eerily calm. "But don't disgrace the na of Veydrin."
Kael froze, feeling the weight behind those words. Ruth's piercing gaze conveyed a ssage far more chilling than his words.
It might feel like warning but after mingling and seeing out the world, he understood the deeper aning behind.
He turned to give a slight bow and walked out, leaving Rami behind. As he exited the room, a smirk stretched across his face.
"It seems I was wrong... No, we were all wrong," he murmured to himself, his eyes glinting with hidden madness. "And that makes things all the more interesting."
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