Two months had passed.
During that time, Isaac trained relentlessly every day on the "Steps of Death." Within those two months, he had reached halfway through the second level—an achievement far beyond what anyone could have expected. Most needed months just to grasp the first level, yet he surpassed it effortlessly.
He wasn't just training his body—he was escaping his thoughts. Every push-up, every strike, every drop of sweat was an attempt to outrun the chaos in his mind. And so, time passed like hell.
Kraye was in awe of her son's rapid progress. But her awe soon turned into fear. What would the world do if it discovered such a terrifying talent?
She began taking precautions. No servants were allowed near the training hall, and Lara was appointed to silently observe everything, limiting the chances of any information escaping.
And then, one day, she made a decision.
Standing before him with a mischievous glint in her eye, she said:
— "We're stopping the Steps of Death. It's time we begin the family's sword art. From this day forward, Noxvir, you'll grow by strengthening every foundation of your body. Prepare yourself… to begin the path of a true Noxvir practitioner."
She smirked, clearly waiting for a reaction.
— "Let's see if the new Noxvir can surpass the one who came before him."
Isaac's attention sharpened.
Kraye smiled proudly.
— "I knew how to get your attention. I'll tell you about him… during dinner."
A subtle smile crept onto Isaac's face as the voice of the Azure Sovereign echoed in his mind:
— "Someone's curious… very well, I'll tell you. That man… was a monster."
Isaac's grin widened.
— "Looks like tonight's dinner will be… satisfying."
Inside the training hall, Isaac stood focused, watching Kraye closely.
She began her explanation.
— "Today marks your first step into the legacy of the Bloody Shadow."
Her tone sharpened, heavy with gravity.
— "The Bloody Shadow legacy isn't just a combat style—it's a philosophy. It erases the line between attack and defense. It hides the killing intent until the final, fatal moment."
She raised her sword and continued:
— "This legacy consists of five levels and one final technique."
Then she added:
— "Today, we will begin by merging the Cloud Step with the Water Step, alongside the first sword technique. The result will be your first level: Silent Falling Steps."
She paced slowly, every word deliberate:
— "When a Noxvir moves… he is neither seen nor heard. But he is always… closer than the enemy realizes."
She broke down the core of the technique:
• Moving without sound.
• Gliding across the ground without losing balance.
• Reducing any trace of movement to confuse the opponent.
• Approaching undetected while disrupting the enemy's perception.
• Using subtle deception to mislead vision and sound.
But then came the warning:
— "It's not perfect. If the opponent's strength exceeds yours by even half a level, they can break through the illusion and nullify the technique. That's why it's only the first level."
Kraye began demonstrating the technique, simplifying the movements. Isaac followed along carefully and progressed quickly.
But suddenly… he stopped.
There was something familiar—this technique reminded him of something from his past life: a method called Sensory Suppression.
He paused, thinking.
— "What if I combined the two…? What would I get?"
The voice of the Azure Sovereign slithered back into his thoughts:
— "Need a little help, my king?"
Isaac smiled, that same wicked grin from the day their pact was formed. Hunger. Ambition. Desire.
— "How can you help?"
— "You're now ready to use the first of my powers—Clairvoyance. You'll create a repeated temporal field, fixed to one future path. You can test your technique fusion inside it. If the fusion is possible… you'll see it."
Isaac grinned again—dark and sharp.
The Sovereign let out a sigh:
— "Please… stop smiling like that. You're making even me nervous."
Just then, Kraye interrupted:
— "You're smiling. Why don't you share what's making you so happy?"
Isaac turned toward her.
— "I think… I'm about to create a technique of my own."
Her expression froze in shock. He always surprised her—but this time, it felt unreal.
She swallowed hard, regaining her composure.
— "Well… I'm here. I support you. I believe in you."
Isaac looked forward again. And for the first time since his birth, Kraye saw his eyes begin to move—slowly opening.
The atmosphere shifted.
The air thickened. The wind began to rise. The earth responded beneath their feet.
It was as if nature itself… recognized an ally.
Kraye fell to the ground, overwhelmed by the sheer force around him.
She looked up—and saw his eyes. Two glowing blue lights, surrounded by an overwhelming aura. A white, empty void… alive.
At that moment, Isaac found himself in a different realm—one shaped by illusions and endless space. A world of nothing but potential.
He began visualizing the fusion. A shadow technique formed… but something was missing.
He pushed his imagination further. Again. And again.
Then, it appeared—his own creation. A shadow that moved in ways even he hadn't imagined.
Expressionless, he whispered:
— "Seems life is going to be more fun than I thought."
He repeated the sequence again and again… memorizing it.
Then came the pain.
Agonizing. Hellish. Every nerve screamed, every vein burned.
Then—blackness. Silence shattered by a scream.
The Sovereign's voice thundered:
— "Your body is far too weak for this power, my king!"
To Kraye, it was like watching a nightmare unfold.
He had just been standing there. Then suddenly, his body collapsed.
He screamed.
Blood poured from his mouth, ears, and eyes.
She rushed to him, crying out:
— "Noxvir!! Noxvir!!"
She wiped the blood from his face, terrified. He fought to stay conscious, his body battling against the overwhelming pressure of the sealed force inside him.
But then… he laughed.
He looked up at her, and said through ragged breaths:
— "I fused them… I did it."
And he kept laughing.
Kraye slowly calmed herself and said:
— "We're resting today. Go clean up and meet me in the dining hall. We have much to discuss."
They walked back inside. Isaac leaned on her for support. She carried his weight as best she could.
He was still smiling.
The Sovereign muttered:
— "Stop smiling already. You're starting to freak me out."
An hour later.
Isaac entered the dining room. Kraye was waiting, this time with a stern, serious expression.
— "Sit down, Noxvir."
He sat quietly. The tension was thick.
He started to speak:
— "I'm sorry if—"
She cut him off with a shout:
— "Be silent!"
He blinked—stunned. He wasn't used to seeing her like this. Gone was the warmth and gentleness. Before him stood a storm.
— "If your body was just a bit weaker… what would've happened when you used your eyes?!"
He paused. Thinking. Why did he feel trapped? Why was it so hard to answer?
He muttered:
— "The pow—"
— "Don't you ever say that word again in front of me!"
Tears welled up in her eyes, even as her voice remained strong.
— "Tell me the truth. Did you know this would happen?"
— "No. I didn't know it would affect me like that."
She breathed deeply, then said in a strange tone—firm, yet broken:
— "Swear… that you'll never do it again."
Silence.
He thought… Why lie? She'd find out eventually.
The Sovereign whispered:
— "Isn't honesty the safest road?"
Isaac sighed.
— "I'm sorry… I can't swear that. But I promise—I won't use it again unless my body can handle it."
Kraye looked down, whispering to herself:
— "I knew he'd refuse… but at least he understands what he's doing."
She smiled softly through her tears:
— "Just be careful… you're all I have."
Isaac looked at her with sincerity:
— "I promise. I'll be okay."
She nodded.
— "I won't ask about your eyes again… but you must hide them well."
Then her cheeks turned slightly red. She began playing with her fingers nervously.
— "But… you can share your thoughts with me. That would make me feel… special to you."
He answered instantly:
— "But you already are special."
Her smile grew brighter as she began eating.
Isaac, meanwhile, thought to himself:
— "Why… did I want to say that? Was it just to see her smile? No… impossible."
The Sovereign chuckled:
— "A bit of mutual respect… I suppose even a king repays his debts."
Isaac smiled.
— "This food really is delicious."