Chapter 16: Little Shadow
"My boy… it was out of my hands."
Grandfather's voice softened, sorrow clouding his features like mist over still water. "You may not understand the affairs of adults, but in time, you will."
His gaze drifted, painful memories resurfacing—eyes distant, as though peering through decades of regret.
"When you reach the pinnacle of Rank Nine, you will understand why my hands were tied."
Dax listened in silence—heartbeat thundering in his ears, each word landing like a hammer on anvil.
"During my isolation… that was when the Blood River Cult struck. The only ones capable of protecting her were your father and his disciple. But they were not strong enough."
The courtyard fell silent—wind dying, leaves stilling, as though the world itself held its breath.
"Your mother possessed a rare constitution—the God Vessel Body. Because of that, the Blood River Cult set their eyes upon her. And… tragedy followed."
