Two months later…
The forest stood quiet as Kael gazed at the rising sun through the trees, the light brushing against his now sculpted physique. Months of intense combat, relentless training, and survival had carved his body into something resembling a divine statue the form of a warrior perfected by hardship.
He glanced down at his watch, the digital time blinking back at him.
A rare smile crossed his face. "It's time to go home, Vanta."
The black snake tattoo pulsed slightly, almost in agreement.
He packed his gear with practiced ease, secured the tent back into the storage ring, and tightened his ponytail. The long silky white hair trailed to his back, swaying as he leapt off the rocky hill where he had trained for weeks.
Kael didn't walk.
He ran a blur of shadows and silver streaks, his movements now fluid and refined, no longer a boy fumbling through power but a fighter who had faced death and tamed it.
By the time he reached the edge of the city, his clothes were dusted but clean, and his eyes gleamed with quiet fire.
The futuristic-Victorian city bustled as always floating carriages, mana-powered vehicles, towering neo-gothic buildings dressed in magical neon. As Kael entered the city, heads turned.
People stared.
Whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire.
"Who's that…?"
"Is he an actor?"
"Those eyes… and that aura he's not normal."
His tall, lean figure moved gracefully between the crowds. Though his face retained an elegant, almost feminine beauty, his now-sharpened jawline and confident stride added an unmistakable masculinity. The tied-back white hair glimmered under the city's light, and the crimson snake-like eyes seemed to pierce through the soul of anyone they landed on.
Kael ignored them all.
He had only one destination.
He arrived at his home a sleek Victorian-style mansion modernized with rune locks and digital systems. He placed his hand on the scanner.
Fingerprint recognized.
The door opened with a soft click.
Kael stepped inside.
He inhaled deeply.
The familiar scent of home filled his lungs lavender incense, polished wood, faint traces of his sister's favorite perfume.
A calm warmth spread in his chest.
He shut the door behind him, dropped his bag, and walked toward the living room.
With a heavy exhale, he collapsed on the couch.
His body finally relaxed.
His thoughts settled.
A soft grin curved his lips.
"…It's good to be back."