Kael quickly excused himself and returned to his room. As soon as the door shut behind him, he let out a heavy breath.
The lust energy he had gathered was intense—overwhelming even. It twisted and coiled inside him like a fiery snake, slithering through his veins with power.
He sat cross-legged on the floor. His breathing slowed, and his focus turned inward.
I want to see how it works…
Instantly, his inner world came into view. In the center of his being, the core, his lust energy swirled like a tornado. It pulsed aggressively and from there tendrils of energy began to branch outward.
They slithered through his body—first reaching his bones, then his blood, which shimmered faintly as the energy fused with it, giving it a warmer, more vibrant glow. Finally, it crept into every cell, filling him with a rush of power unlike anything he had felt before.
Yes… this is it, he thought. Apprentice Knight.
He had finally taken the first step on the path of a true swordsman.
Kael stood, feeling lighter—stronger. His body felt more alive than ever before. He reached over and grabbed a short wooden dagger from his table.
It wasn't much, just a practice weapon, but it would do.
He closed his eyes.
Focus. Energy from the hands... into the hilt... and then to the blade.
He pictured the flow in his mind. And as if obeying his thoughts, the lust energy surged forward, traveling from his palm into the weapon.
Within moments, the dull weapon began to glow—faintly at first, then brighter. A deep purple light shimmered across its surface and the air around it crackled softly.
Kael opened his eyes.
It was ready.
Without a second thought, he hurled the sword forward, aiming at the wall of his room.
Bang!
An explosion thundered through the space, louder and more powerful than he expected.
"What the fuck?" Kael muttered, blinking through the haze. "What just happened?"
The room was engulfed in dust, and for a few tense moments, everything was blurred.
Then, as the dust began to clear, Kael's eyes widened in shock.
The entire wall where he had thrown the dagger was gone. A gaping hole now opened his room to the outside world. The cool evening air rushed in, mixing with the echoes of the explosion.
Before Kael could react further, a voice cut sharply through the chaos.
"Kael! What happened? Are you alright?" came Lyra's concerned voice from just outside.
Kael turned his head and saw her standing at the edge of the shattered wall, her face a mix of worry and confusion.
Behind her, Ellie stood quietly, her eyes wide and unsettled, as if she hadn't expected such destruction either.
Lyra stepped closer, scanning the room and then meeting Kael's gaze. "Kael, this is dangerous! You could have hurt yourself… or someone else."
Kael's heart was pounding, adrenaline mixing with the raw surge of lust energy still coursing through him.
"I—I didn't mean for this to happen," Kael said, "I was just testing my new power...."
Lyra frowned, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the damage—the shattered wall, the dust lingering in the air, and the wooden sword faintly shimmering on the floor.
"Do you mean you released that power?" she asked.
Kael nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes..."
For a moment, Lyra's expression was unreadable. Then she sighed, forcing a small, reassuring smile.
"It's okay, don't worry. We can fix this when your father comes."
But even as she spoke, she couldn't hide the sheer disbelief and confusion swirling inside her. Kael had barely stepped into the rank of stabilization—and yet, he had already unleashed a power that even elite swordsmen struggled to release.
How?
Lyra had always known her son was talented, but witnessing that power in full display was something else entirely. It was almost frightening.
Then, as if shaking off the weight of her surprise, her expression softened, and a proud smile spread across her face.
She was his mother, after all.
The stronger he became, the better his life would be in their world—a world ruled by power and strength.
Her heart swelled with hope.
"If this is what you can do now," she said softly, "imagine what you'll become."
She reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Keep pushing forward, Kael. You're destined for greatness."