Back in Velmora, the moment Aldric Veyron—the Grand General—realized that his son's presence had completely vanished from his senses, something within him shattered. The bond that once connected them was gone, erased without leaving behind even the faintest trace. Rage surged through him instantly, overwhelming his thoughts as he unleashed his power across the surrounding lands, searching desperately for any sign of his son's soul. He tore through the skies, scanning the forests, reaching into every corner of existence within his range. Yet no matter how far his senses extended, there was nothing. The forest was saturated with natural mana, wild spiritual beasts roaming freely, their presence blending into the environment until all traces became indistinguishable. Even someone of his level could not find anything. For the first time in years, Aldric felt something he had long forgotten—helplessness.
Three years passed. Within that time, Kael had fully adapted to his new body. What was once foreign had now become natural. Every movement, every breath, every flow of energy belonged to him. The original soul had been completely suppressed, leaving only silence within his mind. And within that silence, something else grew—hatred. It did not fade with time. It sharpened. It deepened. It became clearer. Kael rose into the sky once more, his destination set—Velmora.
But before he could reach it, a presence descended from above. The air grew heavy, twisted by a dense and corrupted energy. A figure appeared, surrounded by dark mana that seemed to consume the space around him. His eyes glowed faintly, his aura suffocating.
"I've been waiting for you," the man said calmly.
This was Zarveth Khaelor, the leader of the Demon Tribe, a being whose power rivaled that of Eryndor Valen.
Kael stopped mid-air, his gaze cold and indifferent. "Move."
Zarveth's lips curled into a faint smile. "Straight to the point. I like that." His eyes narrowed slightly. "You possess something that should not exist."
Kael remained silent.
"Golden mana," Zarveth continued, his tone calm yet certain. "We have foreseen it. A power that does not belong to this world… or any world."
The air fell silent for a moment.
"Come with me," Zarveth said. "The Demon Tribe will give you power, purpose… a place where you belong."
Kael's expression did not change. "I belong nowhere."
A brief pause followed.
"I refuse."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Zarveth let out a quiet sigh. "…What a waste."
In the next moment, the sky shattered as their battle began. Zarveth unleashed a series of ancient demonic artifacts, each radiating immense power. Chains of dark energy shot toward Kael, attempting to bind him, while a spear formed from compressed abyssal mana pierced through the air, distorting space itself. Kael responded with Aurion Mana, golden energy erupting violently as it clashed against every incoming attack, burning through the demonic constructs with overwhelming force. But unlike before, his movements were controlled, precise, no longer reckless. Even so, Zarveth's experience and mastery began to show. He activated a sacred relic—an obsidian mask infused with demonic authority. The moment he wore it, his power surged dramatically. His attacks became faster, heavier, more refined. Kael was pushed back. Step by step, he lost ground. Blow after blow forced him into a disadvantage until finally—
he fell.
When Kael opened his eyes again, he found himself imprisoned within a massive stone chamber deep within the Demon Tribe's domain. Chains bound his body, engraved with ancient runes that suppressed his power completely. No matter how he struggled, the chains did not break. The more he resisted, the tighter they became.
"Let me out!" Kael roared, his voice echoing through the chamber.
Laughter responded.
Zarveth stepped forward slowly, his presence calm, composed. "Give me your golden mana," he said plainly. "And I will let you leave alive."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "How do you know about it?"
Zarveth smiled faintly. "That is not something you need to know."
With a simple gesture, he turned away. "Prepare the ritual."
The chamber darkened as ancient symbols began to glow across the walls. What followed was an ancient ceremony known as the Abyssal Transference Rite, a forbidden ritual used by the Demon Tribe to extract and transfer mana from one being to another. But such power required a price—one hundred lives.
Without hesitation, one hundred followers stepped forward. There was no fear in their eyes. No hesitation. One by one, they offered themselves willingly. Blood spilled across the ground. Their souls were consumed by the ritual as dark energy filled the chamber.
The ritual began.
A suffocating force invaded Kael's mind, distorting his thoughts, dragging out his memories. His mother's voice echoed. His father's face appeared before him. The pain. The betrayal. The moment they died. Everything returned all at once.
He drowned in it.
His breathing grew uneven. His thoughts shattered. Rage consumed him entirely as his control slipped away.
Zarveth watched silently. "…Good," he murmured.
But then—
something changed.
A voice surfaced from deep within his memory.
"Control your emotions… don't let them control you… or you will lose yourself…"
His mother.
Kael's eyes trembled.
For the first time, the rage paused.
"…No…"
The golden mana flickered.
"…I won't…"
It erupted.
In a single instant, the chains shattered, burned away by the overwhelming Aurion Mana. The chamber trembled violently as golden flames spread across the walls, destroying the ritual formation completely. Kael stepped forward, free once again, his eyes clear, his mind steady.
Zarveth's expression shifted slightly. "…Interesting."
Kael raised his hand as golden mana gathered around him.
"I said…"
The air cracked under the pressure.
"Let me out."
He moved.
The battle erupted once more, but this time, Kael was different. His power no longer lashed out uncontrollably. It moved with precision, devouring incoming attacks, erasing demonic constructs before they could fully form. Zarveth unleashed everything he had—artifacts, techniques, and forbidden power—but none of it could suppress the golden force. Step by step, the tide turned.
Kael advanced.
Zarveth attacked.
The attack vanished.
Consumed.
In the next instant, Kael appeared before him.
Golden light exploded outward.
Zarveth's body was thrown back violently, crashing into the far wall as cracks spread across the chamber. His mask shattered, his power collapsing instantly. For the first time, he dropped to one knee.
Kael stood before him, completely unshaken.
"…You've lost."