After teleporting away from where Kael and Renar lay unconscious, the little vampire landed beneath the massive trunk of a colossal tree, as towering as a mountain in the middle of the forest. Its canopy spread shadows across the ground, leaving only the faint light of the moon filtering through thick leaves. She stood still, her eyes fixed on the rainy sky above, unable to stop thinking about the events that had just unfolded.
"Unbelievable… after more than a hundred thousand years, to encounter someone… with such talent…" she murmured, her voice a mixture of sorrow, surprise, and curiosity. The image of the young man with the beam of light piercing the sky remained vivid in her mind, causing her heartbeat to quicken.
Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind, cold yet full of reverence: "Welcome back, my mistress."
She turned and saw two adult female vampires emerging from the shadows. Her loyal attendants, their eyes serious yet full of poise, bowed respectfully.
"It's time. Pack up and leave here," she said softly, her voice whispering like the wind through leaves.
"Yes, Mistress," they answered in unison, quickly carrying out her command.
---
Switching scenes to Renar and Kael. When the adventuring party arrived under the mayor's scouting orders, they were horrified by the scene: the fallen guards scattered across the ground, blood pooling on the floor, rain dripping onto the wet earth, light from the lanterns casting eerie shadows.
"God… how could this happen?" one adventurer stammered, his hands trembling.
"Look at this… they fought against something that isn't human…" another whispered, voice low and full of fear.
The adventurers swiftly took Kael and Renar back to the guild to treat their injuries. Dawn broke gradually, casting a soft yellow light through the window into the sickroom.
Renar opened his eyes, still dizzy, and saw beside him the woman who had treated him back in his village. She smiled gently.
"Kael… is he alright?" Renar asked.
"He's fine," she replied warmly. "Just unconscious, nothing serious. And you? Are you okay?"
Renar shook his head, giving a faint smile.
At that moment, another person entered, holding a bowl of food. "This is a mana-rich meal, to help with your deficiency. Try to replenish yourself," they said gently.
Renar looked at the woman, who nodded in confirmation. Staring at the bowl of plain rice porridge with a few pieces of meat and some pickled greens, he was bewildered. The person continued:
"Word is… the rice is grown on the Giza range, absorbing natural mana throughout the year… the meat comes from an edible mana beast, body like a chicken but tail like a snake… and the greens come from leaves shaped like the crying face of a child…"
Renar froze, nearly unable to believe what he heard. But, encouraged by the others that it was highly beneficial, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and took a bite.
To his surprise, it tasted incredibly delicious. The porridge was warm, the meat tender and sweet, the pickled greens subtly tangy yet stimulating. Within a few days, Renar's health recovered rapidly, though his mind still worried for Kael.
He went to the guild's hall to check on Kael. The members pointed to the room next door. Heart pounding, Renar hurried to open the door… and found Kael doing push-ups with invigorated spirit, sweat beading on his brow, eyes shining brightly.
"Hey there!" Kael called, voice full of energy, a radiant smile on his face.
Renar exhaled, relieved. Yet the little vampire's words still echoed in his mind: *"Little one, we will meet again someday…"*
Clenching his fists, determination flaring in his eyes, he walked to Kael and spoke, voice confident but slightly trembling:
"Please… help me… help me become stronger… I don't want to be a burden to anyone ever again."
Kael laughed brightly and nodded, accepting Renar's plea.
---
Switching to the capital city **Sylveris**, in the grand royal palace. On the throne, King **Esix III** studied a report presented by his subordinate, his face grave.
"Those three cardinals… embezzlement, prostitution, and child trafficking… right near the orphanage…" his voice was heavy with sorrow yet full of rage. The images of abandoned and abused children stung his heart. "All because of my weakness before the Pope, I let them escape. For years… I cannot forgive myself."
A subordinate approached, voice reassuring: "Your Majesty, given the Pope's influence at that time, dealing with the three cardinals was extremely difficult. What happened… was inevitable."
King Esix III exhaled, a weight in his chest easing slightly. He then issued a command:
"Rysaz, royal knight, you will go to Lumeria… and investigate what harmed the top 20 adventurer, Kael. I am very curious to see what it was."
Rysaz, a courageous female knight, bowed solemnly. "Yes, Your Majesty. But… how could a top 20 adventurer be so easily harmed?"
King Esix III raised an eyebrow, voice stern: "You will find out when you arrive. You are permitted to lead ten soldiers to the city. Be careful, and report back thoroughly."
The knight saluted and replied, "Understood."
---
Back at the adventurers' guild courtyard, Kael was teaching Renar some basic sword techniques. Rain lightly misted outside, morning light reflected off the floor, creating a peaceful yet potent atmosphere. Kael guided each movement, eyes tracking Renar closely:
"It's not just about strength, but breathing and balance. Remember, the sword is not only a weapon, it's part of your body."
Renar nodded, silently thinking, "I won't disappoint Kael… and I won't let that vampire girl be a threat anymore."
The soft morning light fell over them, painting a picture of the arduous yet hopeful training days ahead.