[Scene: Palace Gates]
Serene, Elena, along with palace guards, a few soldiers, and maids, were waiting anxiously at the palace gates for Ossban to return with Kael and the others.
"What's taking them so long? Why aren't they back yet… please, please God..." Serene murmured, praying worriedly.
Finally, they saw Ossban's wagon approaching.
Ossban and the others had returned to the palace. He stepped down from the wagon, his expression heavy.
"Take them to the medical center... And as for Kael, escort him to his room. Beatrice, stay in the room next to his and keep an eye on him."
Serene, Elena, and the rest were tense and worried.
"Dear, what happened? Why are you alone? Where's father? And Kael?" Serene asked, her voice trembling.
"Calm down, Serene..." Ossban began, but before he could finish, the soldiers pulled Victor's unconscious body out of the wagon.
Serene, upon seeing that, lost her balance. Ossban rushed to support her.
"Don't panic, Serene," Ossban said softly. "The doctors will treat him. He'll recover soon. But... the real problem is—" he paused, sighed, and continued, "I lost. I couldn't protect what Sir Victor fought so hard to defend. He got injured trying to save it."
Hearing that, Serene could feel Ossban's burden. She swallowed her emotions and decided to stay strong—for him.
Mia was also taken to the medical center in the building adjacent to the palace.
As Irena noticed Mia being carried in, she turned to Ossban and asked, "Father, who is she?"
"She was with Sir Victor and Kael. She fought alongside them. We'll know more once Kael regains consciousness."
"Kael? Where is he? Is he okay?" Serene asked again, her voice full of concern.
Ossban managed a small smile. "He was the only one still conscious and fighting when Victor and the girl were down. Kael... he's brave—facing something no one should. I can't even imagine what he endured."
Serene's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
As she questioned him, Beatrice emerged from the wagon holding Kael gently. She glanced at Ossban. He nodded, and Beatrice carried Kael towards his room.
"When I arrived, Kael was fighting alone. Three enemies were dead. Two of our people were already down. The battle had clearly been going on for a while. That man, Galen... I could tell he hadn't been there since the start. According to what Kael told me before he passed out, there were five enemies—they called themselves the Fourth Division of Night Ray. Even in such chaos, Kael was still holding strong," Ossban said.
"Seriously...?" Serene was shocked.
"Yes, that's the truth. We'll learn more once Kael wakes up," Ossban said.
Everyone slowly returned to their duties.
[The Next Morning – Kael's Room]
Kael opened his eyes slowly.
"My room... I'm back in my room. I guess someone brought me here." He sat up and walked towards the door.
As he opened it, Beatrice stood outside, eyes filled with relief.
"Master... thank goodness... you're safe!" she exclaimed and hugged him.
Kael smiled gently. "I'm fine, Beatrice. Calm down. Where's Grandpa? And Mia—that girl who was with us?"
"They're in the medical building next to the palace. Still unconscious," she replied.
"How are they?" he asked, concerned.
"They're stable. They should wake up soon."
"Good... Beatrice, how long have I been asleep? It feels like forever."
"Just one day," she replied.
"One day, huh? Guess that makes sense after that fight... Where's Uncle Ossban?"
Beatrice paused and then pointed behind him. "He's right there."
"Hello, Kael," Ossban said, entering the room.
Kael turned around. "Uncle."
"Come with me to the meeting room. Beatrice, please call Serene, Irena, Daichi, and Lucian. Ask them to join us."
[Meeting Room]
Around the circular table sat Ossban, Kael, Serene, Elena, Beatrice, Daichi (Ossban's advisor), and Lucian (commander of the army).
Kael glanced around nervously. What's going on? Why are we all here?
"Kael," Ossban said seriously, "I know this is a lot, but it's necessary."
Then, with a soft chuckle, he leaned over and whispered to Kael, "Honestly, Serene, Elena, and Beatrice didn't need to be here. But they were too worried, so I let them in."
Kael chuckled slightly, then nodded. "Okay, then... I'll explain everything."
He began describing how he met Mia.
"You're just like your father, Kael. He was quite charming with girls too," Serene teased.
"Huh? What does that even mean?" Kael looked confused.
"Oh, nothing. Just a compliment from your aunt," she replied with a smirk.
Kael continued explaining how the battle started, the sequence of events, and his duel with Galen before Ossban arrived.
"What?!" Everyone was stunned.
"All of this happened in one night, while we were peacefully asleep..." Ossban said, shocked.
"Night Ray... I'll investigate them immediately," Daichi declared.
"They're not to be taken lightly," Lucian added. "Three of their members can use blood arts. That's no small matter. And now they also have the life stone."
Serene turned to Kael, worry deep in her voice. "Kael, are you okay? Is that blood beast still trying to take over your body?"
"Sir Victor sealed it, right?" Ossban asked. "Did he tell you anything about the seal? Do you remember its name?"
Kael shook his head. "No... I don't remember. I could barely hear anything from the outside. And yes, Aunt—he's still trying to control me. But thanks to Grandpa's seal, I'm in control... for now."
He paused, eyes lowered. "Grandpa wanted to tell me more about the seal, but... we didn't get the chance."
"Don't worry," Ossban said warmly. "He'll wake up soon. You'll have that talk."
Kael nodded. "And Mia... how is she?"
"She's stable. Just drained. She overused her magic," Ossban replied.
Kael lowered his head. "So it's my fault."
"No," Serene interjected gently. "She wouldn't have pushed herself that hard if she didn't believe in you."
Kael nodded slowly, absorbing her words.
Then Ossban stood. "Everyone except Kael, please step outside. I need to discuss something with him privately."
Everyone left quietly.
The room fell into silence.
The door clicked shut.
Ossban leaned forward. "Kael... tell me. How did you regain your consciousness when that blood beast was trying to control you?"