Lucan received Harin's report detailing Zev's progress in spiritual energy. At first, he was skeptical—Zev was only eight years old, and as far as Lucan could recall, no one that young had ever achieved such a feat. Still, he couldn't think of any reason why Harin would fabricate the report.
After all, it was in a butler's best interest to see their masters succeed in such accomplishments; it reflected directly on their service. And, of course, such success often came with generous rewards.
"Is this true?" Lucan asked, turning his gaze to Harin.
Harin gave a slight bow, his expression unreadable. "At first, I didn't believe it either, Lord Lucan. But young master Zev has indeed reached Spiritual Power I."
Lucan rubbed his chin, clearly intrigued. "Did you teach him?"
"As his butler, I've been guiding him to develop his spiritual energy as efficiently as possible," Harin replied. "However, I must apologize, Lord Lucan—I can't fully explain how he managed to reach it. Just a few weeks ago, he was still struggling to control it."
"I see. It's best if I ask him directly," Lucan said.
The reason for his eagerness was clear, if Zev had truly learned to materialize his spiritual energy, it would give him a significant advantage during the Awakening. After all, a monster's gene could only be awakened through the use of spiritual energy.
-
Zev glanced at his father, noting the serious expression on his face. He already had a good idea of what Lucan wanted to see today.
So Harin finally reported it, he thought. Even though I reached Spiritual Power a few days ago... as expected of him.
Zev had assumed Harin would report the breakthrough immediately, after all, an eight-year-old reaching Spiritual Power was a one-in-a-million event. But it seemed Harin had kept the information private, likely to prevent any threats or unwanted attention.
Why? Because a child showing such potential could spark dangerous ambition in others. It wasn't just about talent anymore, this kind of progress hinted that Zev could become a future leader of Black Sigil. And that was a title others might kill to control or prevent.
"Are you referring to this, Father?" Zev asked.
Without hesitation, he manifested his spiritual energy, letting it flow across his body. It wasn't large yet, but it was more than enough to catch Lucan off guard.
Lucan couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at his lips. Zev had released his spiritual energy effortlessly. Compared to his other children, who at that age struggled so hard they resembled flailing fish out of water, Zev's control was astonishing.
He quickly composed his expression, masking his reaction. But in that moment, a realization struck him, this was why his older brother had never been able to surpass him. It wasn't just about power. It was about speed, control, and precision. And Zev displayed all three, as if he'd been training for years.
Still, a question lingered in Lucan's mind.
How did he manage to do this?
At just eight years old—an age when most children were still playing games.
"It's quite impressive, son," Lucan said. "If your siblings find out, they'll definitely start watching you more closely."
Zev simply shrugged. "It doesn't matter, Father. I have no intention of hiding it."
Lucan was quietly amazed. The way Zev carried himself—calm, composed, didn't feel like he was speaking to an eight-year-old at all.
"As promised, I'll grant you a reward," Lucan said. "What do you wish for?"
Zev had been waiting for this moment. Or more accurately, he had planned for it.
He was ready to leave the mansion, to begin training his body in secret.
Let me know if you want to expand on Zev's plan or add inner thoughts to build more tension or depth.
Mount Dedram.
Zev had been thinking about that place for quite some time. It was perfect for training, rich in resources and teeming with monsters. But he shook his head, knowing his father would never approve. More than that, leaving the mansion now would be dangerous. With his recent breakthrough, he'd become a potential target for assassins.
"I'll save it for later, Father," Zev said. "I don't have anything in mind right now."
"I understand," Lucan replied calmly. But just before dismissing him, he paused.
"Tell me, how did you do it? It's not something you just wake up one morning and suddenly know how to control."
Zev smiled, having anticipated the question.
"First of all, I'm really grateful for Harin's guidance. He taught me everything I needed to know to get started."
He paused briefly, then added with a hint of pride,
"But the real reason I progressed faster than others… is because I'm talented."
"Talented?" Lucan raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Father. And besides, I'm your son, isn't it only natural?"
Lucan chuckled, his heart softening at the remark. He reached out and gently patted Zev's head.
"Haha! You're right. You are my son. For you, something like this should be an easy feat." He nodded with approval.
"Thank you for coming, son. You can go back to whatever you were doing."
"As you wish, Father," Zev said with a respectful bow before turning to leave.
Click!
As Zev exited the room, Lucan flicked his finger. In response, a shadow formed in front of him, gradually taking the shape of a man.
"I greet the Guild Leader," the figure said, bowing slightly. It was Norman, a man with striking blue hair, crimson eyes, and a pair of black wings folded behind his back. "May I ask the reason for your summons?"
"I want you to watch over Zev," Lucan commanded.
Without hesitation, Norman gave a sharp nod. "Leave it to me, Lord Lucan."
With that, his form dissipated like smoke in the wind, vanishing without a trace.
Lucan turned to the man standing quietly beside him. "What do you think of him, Reno?" he asked.
Reno stood beside Lucan, his scarred face a testament to years of battle. His right arm glowed with an intense red-orange hue, as though it were made of molten magma, a remnant of a monster he had once slain.
Reno Silver—Lucan Quellen's right-hand man—had been by his side for decades. Together, they had faced countless expeditions and slaughtered monsters without hesitation.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Unlike your other children, Sir Zev doesn't seem tense when speaking with you," Reno observed. "But it's too early for me to make any judgments. I'll keep an eye on him for now. There's something about your son... I can feel it, but I can't quite place what it is."
Back in his room, Zev recounted everything that had happened. Though Harin didn't ask for all the details, Zev enjoyed watching his reaction.
"Really? Lord Lucan laughed?" Harin asked, his voice betraying a hint of surprise. He wasn't concerned about the reward, what mattered now was that Lucan had actually laughed during his conversation with Zev.
"Yes," Zev confirmed, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Then he patted my head." He glanced at Harin from the corner of his eye, noticing the change in his expression. So, he's happy, Zev thought.
"Prepare my bath and my meal, Harin. Tomorrow, I'll begin my training."
Harin nodded his head.
-
Zev began his training in preparation for his Awakening. During the day, he focused on building stamina and strengthening his muscles, preparing his body to endure any physical changes that might occur during the process. After all, it was common for their bodies to undergo significant transformations during the Awakening, often taking on monstrous traits.
At night, Zev worked on controlling his spiritual energy, carefully pushing it to a specific point without attempting to reach Spiritual Power II. He knew his body wasn't ready for that kind of power yet. If he forced it too soon, the backlash could be catastrophic—and potentially fatal.
With each passing day of consistent training, two years had quickly gone by.
Now, everyone noticed the changes in Zev's appearance. His body had become noticeably more toned, and a calm, almost serene aura emanated from him.
Look at him...
It had only been two years, right? How could he have transformed so much?
Sir Zev is only ten, isn't he?
Members of Black Sigil couldn't help but notice his presence, just as his siblings did. To put it simply, Zev was the seventh child out of eight siblings, and his transformation had become impossible to ignore.
Zev walked toward the room where the key members of Black Sigil and his siblings were gathered.
As he neared the door, he saw Harin waiting for him.
"Did you check everything, Harin?" Zev asked.
"Yes, I double-checked everything, sir Zev," Harin replied. "The energy plate you'll be using for the Awakening is also prepared."
"And what about the other matter I mentioned?" Zev inquired.
"It's also taken care of, sir Zev. You can rest assured, no one will be able to sabotage the Awakening."
The Awakening was usually a personal, solitary event, often lasting only a few minutes. But it seemed Zev had requested a public Awakening, one to be witnessed by his father and others. Given his status, no one would dare interfere.
"I'm glad to hear that," Zev said. "I'll proceed now. Stay behind me. It won't take long."
"Good luck, sir Zev. I'll be waiting for you here," Harin responded.
The Awakening. It had been the turning point of his life, the event that set everything in motion. And now, it was happening again. Zev couldn't suppress the mixed emotions swirling inside him—uncertainty, anticipation, and a bit of fear. He had no way of knowing what would happen next.
This time, I won't fail.