Volume 2, Chapter 4: Training in Shadows and Blood
The Renard Kingdom was quiet too quiet.
After the Siege of Shadows, the world seemed to breathe again, but Cael knew better. Ancient powers, lurking factions, and hidden enemies would not rest.
In the depths of the Shadow Sanctuary, the Vampire Queen stood before Cael and the Seven Shadows. Her crimson aura pulsed like a living heartbeat, her fangs glinting in the dim light.
> "I want to learn," she said. "Not just to fight, but to dominate. To survive everything that approaches me."
> "Then learn," Cael replied, aura coiling around him like invisible chains. "But remember absolute power without control is destruction itself."
Shadow and Blood Training
The Vampire Queen moved like a predator, but Cael guided her through techniques that integrated shadow mastery and atomic energy:
1. Atomic Shadow Veil – she could cloak herself in shadows that distorted light and energy around her, making her invisible even to absolute vision.
2. Crimson Resonance – absorbing magical energy from opponents and amplifying it tenfold in controlled bursts.
3. Bloodborne Constructs – forming weapons or shields from her own life force, reinforced with Cael's atomic resonance.
4. Predator Step – moving faster than perception, leaving afterimages that confuse enemies across multiple planes.
The Seven Shadows trained alongside her, adapting their powers to her energy. Every strike, every dodge, every synchronization was amplified.
> "Master," Lyric whispered, "her speed… it's nearly atomic."
> "Exactly," Cael said calmly. "She will be both the sword and shield of our balance."
Rogue Factions Plot a Superweapon
Far from the kingdom, the defeated rogue factions gathered once more. Their eyes glowed with fanaticism and desperation.
> "We failed to capture her," one mage hissed.
"We failed to destroy him," another snapped.
"Then we must forge something greater. Something no mortal, shadow, or queen can withstand."
They began assembling a Primordial Catalyst an artifact forged from fragments of fallen devils, old gods' remnants, and forbidden vampiric essence.
> "With this," the faction leader whispered, "even Absolute Atomic will be powerless."
But they underestimated one truth: Cael had already anticipated their every move.
Absolute Atomic: New Form
Back in the sanctuary, Cael raised his hand. Shadows stretched infinitely, atomic particles flickering like distant stars.
> "Time to test a new limit," he murmured.
He released a pulse of Blinding Atomic Energy. The air fractured, space itself trembling. Shadows merged with light to form atomic blades that moved faster than thought, slicing through simulated targets with perfect precision.
The Vampire Queen and the Seven Shadows mirrored him, their new abilities synchronized with his atomic resonance.
> "Together," Cael said, "we are unstoppable."
The shadows responded instantly, flowing like one living organism. Each move was a deadly dance speed, precision, and power beyond comprehension.
A Warning from the Witch
The Witch of Creation observed quietly, her aura intertwined with Cael's.
> "This level of energy… is visible across realms. Anyone seeking powedivine, demonic, or mortal will know you exist now."
> "Let them come," Cael replied, calm and unwavering. "They will learn that Absolute Atomic does not forgive mistakes."
The Vampire Queen tilted her head, smiling faintly.
> "Then I will follow you, shadow-born. Not as a weapon, but as a force that ensures your balance remains unbroken."
> "Good," Cael said softly. "Because soon, the world will demand more than defense. Soon… they will force us to fight as one."
And far away, the rogue factions completed the Primordial Catalyst, unaware that the Absolute Atomic force had already reached beyond their perception ready to strike the instant they attempted to use it.