Seven years passed in the blink of an eye.
The once fragile baby had now grown into a seven-year-old boy.
Kairo stood quietly in the courtyard of the mansion, watching the lively scene in front of him.
Laughter filled the air.
But none of it was meant for him.
In the center of the courtyard stood Ketlos, the adopted son of the family.
Everyone surrounded him.
His two sisters were praising him with bright smiles.
You're amazing, Ketlos!
Our little genius!
Even the two older brothers treated him with warmth.
Their grandfather looked at him with pride.
Uncles, aunts, cousins…
Everyone adored him.
Meanwhile, Kairo stood at the edge of the courtyard like a shadow.
Ignored.
Forgotten.
Unwanted.
But Kairo didn't look sad.
Instead, a faint smile appeared on his face.
So this is how things are.
Interesting.
Suddenly, a memory flashed through his mind.
Seven years ago.
The day he was born.
His mother had knelt before his grandfather with tears in her eyes.
Please… don't do anything to him.
Don't throw him out of the family.
He is still our blood.
Her voice trembled as she continued.
I'll lie to everyone if I have to… I'll say anything.
But please… let him stay in this house.
The old man had remained silent for a long time.
Finally, he sighed.
Fine.
But remember this… the family will not acknowledge him.
And just like that, Kairo's fate was decided.
But there was something no one knew.
Something that happened on the very same day.
The day Kairo was poisoned.
That poison didn't kill him.
Instead…
It awakened something inside his body.
A rare constitution.
A body perfectly suited for evil cultivation.
Deep within the forest behind the mansion…
A small figure sat quietly beneath a tree.
It was Kairo.
His eyes were closed as a dark aura slowly surrounded him.
Invisible streams of energy gathered around his body.
The faint spiritual essence of wandering souls…
Being slowly absorbed.
Devoured.
Kairo opened his eyes.
A cold smile appeared on his face.
Seven years.
My cultivation has finally begun.
At that moment…
The scene shifted back to the mansion.
Ketlos stood proudly in the training ground.
A group of elders watched him with admiration.
Such talent at this age…
He truly deserves to marry the royal princess in the future.
Ketlos raised his sword confidently.
Meanwhile…
Far away in the forest…
Kairo slowly stood up.
His eyes were calm.
But deep inside them…
Something dark was growing.