Kael was still frozen in place, the shock etched across his face—he was staring death in the eye, yet couldn't move, couldn't resist. But it was Nyros's voice that jolted him back to reality.
"Kael, run!"
Nyros was still gripping the creature's face, his flames engulfing it. The corridor echoed with screams. But the horrifying truth quickly became clear—the creature wasn't burning. It was as if he was trying to burn a shadow. Its skin regenerated over and over.
Realizing this, Nyros immediately hurled the creature with all his might. It slammed into the wall, but suddenly, dozens more appeared in front of him. They didn't strike, didn't speak—only stared into his eyes, the same crimson light shining through theirs. And his body… it ignited even more intensely.
Kael snapped out of his trance and ran—toward the dim light ahead. Nyros followed, and behind them, the creatures surged, flooding every side.
Kael activated his bloodline, letting the four threads surge through his body. Strength returned in a rush. He felt it—his limbs surged with power, enough to shatter stone.
One of the creatures leapt in front of him. Without hesitation, Kael slammed his fist into its chest, driving it backward with a scream and a burst of crimson light. Without stopping, Kael tossed its body aside and kept running.
Both Kael and Nyros engaged the creatures, but… they couldn't kill a single one. Either they were too weak—or the creatures were immortal.
Kael glanced toward the light, fear tightening his chest. It was still so far away.
'I need to find a way…'
His mind raced. He needed something, anything, to give them a moment of breathing room.
Then, an idea struck him—if he and Nyros combined their strength, maybe they could collapse the tunnel and separate themselves from the horde.
He turned to tell Nyros, but—
Nyros was already behind him, just like Kael had been before. But this time… there were more than one. Several creatures clung to Nyros, feeding off him, trading turns as if he were a feast.
Nyros couldn't even utter a word.
Kael's eyes widened—and he moved without thinking. All four threads from the stolen bloodlines surged to his right arm. He shot forward like a comet, his limb heavy as though it carried the weight of mountains.
But he didn't care.
He reached Nyros and struck with everything he had. The blast sent the creatures flying in every direction, a burst of air exploding outward. But pain shot up Kael's arm—deep cuts, maybe even fractures.
Gritting his teeth, he growled, "Nyros, wake up!"
But Nyros didn't react. His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, empty of life or thought.
Boom.
Kael slapped him. Hard.
And Nyros blinked.
He looked into Kael's pain-stricken face, then around them—saw the creatures approaching fast. Without a second thought, his body ignited again. He grabbed Kael and launched skyward, flying as fast as he could.
Burns spread over Kael's body. The pain was unbearable—but he gritted his teeth and endured.
Nyros didn't stop, didn't hesitate. He flew through the air, the monsters racing behind them, their screams deafening.
But… they were close.
The exit was just meters away.
Boom!
A massive blow from above struck them both. They crashed into the water below, coughing blood.
They looked up.
The same creatures… but bigger. Giant. At least two meters tall. Crawling out from every side tunnel.
"Nyros… got any plans left?" Kael wheezed, every word scraping his throat.
Nyros, bleeding and burned, still smiled.
"Hah… this wasn't part of the plan. I guess… we fight."
"Do you even know how to kill them?"
"Sadly… not yet."
They forced themselves to stand. Around them, the smaller creatures backed away—but the giants blocked the exit. Dozens of them.
Unlike the smaller ones, these weren't just feeding. They were here to kill.
They had no way out.
Then—voices.
"Come on, Sylvana! The creatures must be nearby!" a voice called from the exit.
"Alright, alright, but you have to stay close, my little lady," another answered.
"Yes, yes, I kn—wait! Sylvana, look! There are two people inside!"
Kael and Nyros saw them—a girl about their age, dressed in fine clothes that screamed nobility, her golden hair flowing behind her. Beside her stood a tall woman, clad in powerful armor molded perfectly to her lean, strong frame. A blade hung from her hip. Her long black hair flowed down her back, and despite her strength… she was breathtakingly beautiful.
Sylvana didn't hesitate. She moved faster than Kael or Nyros could register. In an instant, the giants began to fall, one after another, as if collapsing on their own.
No blood.
No wounds.
They simply dropped—like corpses nudged into motion, now put to rest.
The giants struck back, their blows tearing through stone, gouging the earth. But Sylvana was faster than shadow itself. They couldn't even track her.
Within minutes, the monsters began to flee.
Nyros kept a hand on Kael's shoulder, keeping him upright. Kael used his bloodline to anchor his legs. Nyros's smile didn't fade.
"The Caldress family… guess we're safe now."
Then he collapsed.
Sylvana approached them. Kael looked up at her, still holding Nyros's unconscious body.
She inspected them. Two boys, no older than sixteen, clad in ragged black clothes, covered in dirt and blood. She had many questions—but first, they needed treatment.
"Greetings. I am Lady Sylvana, guardian of the heir to the Great Caldress Family." She placed her hand to her chest with grace.
Kael blinked, surprised by her formality.
"I'm Kael. This is my friend, Nyros."
She nodded slightly.
"Master Kael, you and your friend are safe now. You can rest."
A girl came running up. As she neared, Kael finally saw her face—his first time ever seeing a girl. Both Sylvana and her… but this one—this girl—was beyond beautiful. Innocent golden eyes, and a gentle, radiant smile.
"Hi Kael, I'm Lyseria," she said between breaths. "Come with us. We'll help you heal."
Kael, still stunned, bowed slightly.
"Thank you for your kindness… forgive our appearance, but we have no choice but to accept your help."
"Don't worry. We're happy to offer it," Lyseria said, still smiling.
Sylvana lifted Nyros from Kael's arms, and offered to carry Kael as well—but he refused.
He had to walk.
He approached the light…
The light he had never known.
He stepped from the tunnel.
Raised his head.
The wind brushed his face for the first time in his life. He never imagined a breeze could carry so many feelings. No foul stench, no oppressive air… just life. Real life.
People walking. Women, men. Cars. Houses. Trees. The real world.
He looked higher—into the blue sky above.
And tears began to fall, silently.
He had lived in darkness all his life. But now… now he had begun to live.
"Are you alright, Kael?" Lyseria asked, her voice soft with concern.
He wiped his tears, quietly.
"Yes… it's just… it's so beautiful."
Sylvana smiled, watching him.
And Lyseria simply looked at him, her heart fluttering with something she couldn't quite name.