Droplets of rain fell from the sky, the highest point in the castle of Dushmire. King Malrik, was seen speaking to Erdrain, who responded that the barrier was failing. King Malrik instructed Erdrain to leave for Berl.
Erdrain, who was saved in time by the elite warriors, witnessed them launch a relentless assault on the few hundred remaining monsters. They were shocked to see Erdrain reduce the monsters from hundreds of thousands to just a few hundred. The other elite warriors remarked that this was a valid reason why King Malrik called him the Grey Hound; the only thing separating him from the monsters he fought was his humanity, which is why he was closest to King Malrik. The ground where Erdrain stood was reduced to fragments of valley and cracks in the earth, leaving a permanent mark on the land and wiping out most of the snow, forever changing the local temperature and climate.
Shadrex had grown into a charming young man in his twenties, possessing a presence that drew attention effortlessly. His deep red eyes glowed softly, like burning sulfur, hinting at something both dangerous and mesmerizing. His fiery red hair fell in slightly tousled strands, framing a long face that carried an otherworldly elegance.
His body was neither overly muscular nor frail, but perfectly balanced, toned by calisthenics—lithe yet strong, as if each movement were deliberately crafted. His shoulders were broad enough to convey power, yet not heavy, and his limbs flowed with a grace that seemed unnatural, almost superhuman in its precision. Every motion, every subtle shift in posture, emphasized a body sculpted not by brute force, but by mastery of control and balance.
Even while standing still, he radiated a quiet intensity an aura suggesting strength, speed, and elegance all at once, leaving onlookers both captivated and wary. Shadrex, still learning from Norshan, had mastered most sword techniques and the flow of energy; he understood the laws of nature better than anyone.
Norshan, impressed with Shadrex's growth, gave him a jug of milk. Shadrex's expression widened as Norshan encouraged him to drink, which he did before gently wiping his lips and heading back home. He greeted Gladys as she brushed his hair with her palms. As dusk fell, the house was filled with happiness as Gladys and Kendrick spoke of Shadrex's childhood, leaving him dumbfounded. Kendrick recalled a time when Shadrex almost swallowed a live lizard, and they both laughed.
The next morning, Shadrex carried his father's horse, Ray, with whom he had a bond since childhood. He rode to town, where he picked up some apples and cherry berries from Mira. Shadrex and Ray rode further into the light woods. He removed some apples, taking a bite and offering one to Ray. He sat alone as Ray rubbed her head against his body while he watched the river. He noticed a fish jumping in the water, and as the ripples spread out, a bold idea struck him. He picked up his sword and walked to the river, swinging it several times. He held his sword with both hands, and his eyes began to glow as the water bubbled. He attempted to pull the water closer but failed after multiple tries. The water began flowing outward towards his feet as he condensed it around the sword. His hands trembled uncontrollably as the water around the sword became heavy. He loosened his grip, not forcing it, allowing the water to flow around the sword. He began intense training, softly muttering that if he could master air shoes, the water would follow.
Every swing shattered the air around him, sending powerful water ripples that condensed like shockwaves, creating a loud bang that made him quiver. He paused for a moment to rethink what he had just discovered. Then he held the blade with both hands, this time directing it at the river. As he compressed again to the sword, he held his breath and released. The place seemed to pause for a second, then there was a loud bang, and he was lifted from the ground, both his legs and hands thrust forward as his body pushed backward, slamming him deep into the woods. His horse neighed, and his vision turned blue. He nearly dozed off, sitting with a leaf in his mouth, sneezing as he called for Ray. "Ray, come here, girl! If you come, I will give you one apple ok two. Ok find , you will taste my berries." Ray snorted and snickered, making Shadrex laugh. He replied, "That's not funny!" The leftover shockwave flew over the kingdom of Dushmire.
He lay across the horse, not with the careful balance of a rider but in the surrender of exhaustion. His stomach pressed against the horse's broad back, and his limbs dangled loosely on either side. His hands barely gripped the flanks, while his legs hung limply, toes brushing against the horse's sides. The horse moved steadily beneath him, each step rocking him gently, yet he remained oblivious, a deep sleep overtaking every muscle. His head drooped forward, chin nearly touching the horse's mane, hair falling in soft strands as he spoke faintly, "Ray, take me home." The horse walked slowly as it left the woods; it was already dark. Shadrex arrived home, struggling to walk while calmly speaking to Ray, "Just get going already," tapping its back. He proceeded to enter the house, knocking over the metallic jug as Gladys called out, "Shadrex." He faintly replied, "Mother," before passing out on the bed with his face in the cushion. Gladys approached from the hallway, calling, "Shadrex, Shadrex," as he spoke in a sleepy tone before completely covering his head with the pillow and drifting off to sleep. Gladys pulled the woolen cover over his shoulders, kissing him goodnight.
He squinted his eyes shut, feeling the warmth of the sun creeping across his shoulders as the night's chill receded, only to fully awaken to two figures staring at him. Gladys spoke
"Shadrex, I an your father have something to tell you: we are not your parents. I'm sorry we didn't tell you earlier; we were waiting for the right time for this, as we don't get any younger."
Shadrex, in disbelief, stared at both his parents. He yawned loudly. "You're all I know from childhood. There is no other home as beautiful as this." As he continued to sleep, he lay on Gladys's lap while sitting on his bed. Gladys wept softly as her tears fell onto his bed. Kendrick hugged her, placing his hand on Shadrex, thinking he wouldn't see them any differently.
A loud roar interrupted them, causing panic in the town as villagers screamed about a strong monster approaching. The monster pushed into Berl, and Erdrain arrived just in time, throwing his spear from his wild hound, which levitated back to his hand as he fought them. He yelled for the monsters to break through the barrier, this time each one stronger than the last he had faced, fighting independently. Gladys opened the door, seeing people running and monsters devouring some in panic, and quickly locked the door.
Erdrain fought the monsters fiercely, preventing the chaos from escalating. Thorn, the town's guard, struggled desperately to stop the monsters from crossing the barrier; it would be much harder to kill them once they got stuck in it, giving him the opportunity to strike.
Gladys and Kendrick were still hiding in their building as she urged Shadrex to flee, tears in her eyes. "You have to go."
"No, mother," Shadrex replied, looking at his father, waiting for his response to urge him to stay. When his father shook his head, Gladys shouted at Shadrex, "I am your mother! Listen!" Her voice broke as she cried. The scene shifted as he stomped out of the house.