Chapter 37 – The Awakening
The Underground base had become quieter since the tragedy.
Not peaceful.
Just heavy.
Everyone understood that something had changed inside Audrey.
He was no longer simply fighting for influence, power, or survival.
Now he fought for something far more dangerous.
Revenge.
---
The First Day of Training
The surviving child stood in the training chamber.
His name was Kiran.
Small.
Thin.
Still carrying the fear of the massacre in his eyes.
But also determination.
Audrey stood across from him.
"No anger," Audrey said calmly.
"No revenge."
"Focus on control."
Kiran nodded nervously.
Selene had created a magical stabilization circle on the ground.
Aria watched from the side with folded arms.
Lyria leaned against a pillar silently observing.
Selene spoke softly:
"The demon energy inside him is unstable."
"If he loses emotional control…"
"It could explode."
---
The First Attempt
Kiran closed his eyes.
He remembered Audrey's instructions.
Breathe slowly.
Focus energy.
Guide it through the body.
At first…
Nothing happened.
Then suddenly—
A faint dark spark flickered around his hands.
Aria narrowed her eyes.
"That energy…"
Selene's expression turned serious.
"It's reacting to the Demon King's residue."
Kiran struggled.
The energy began to pulse faster.
Too fast.
His breathing became uneven.
"I—I can't stop it!"
---
The Surge
The dark spark exploded outward.
A shockwave blasted across the chamber.
Training weapons were thrown against the walls.
The stabilization circle cracked instantly.
Kiran screamed as demonic energy burst around him like a violent storm.
Black flames began forming around his body.
Selene shouted:
"He's losing control!"
Aria moved forward instantly.
But Audrey raised his hand.
"Wait."
He walked directly toward the unstable energy storm.
Lyria's eyes widened.
"He'll be torn apart by that pressure."
But Audrey continued walking calmly.
Golden energy surrounded him.
The violent demonic aura parted slightly as he approached.
---
Control Through Connection
Audrey stopped directly in front of Kiran.
The boy's eyes had turned dark.
Energy was spiraling uncontrollably.
Audrey placed his hand on the child's head.
"Kiran."
His voice was calm.
Grounded.
"Look at me."
For a moment—
The chaos slowed.
The boy's trembling eyes focused on him.
"You're not alone."
The dark energy began to weaken.
Audrey continued speaking slowly.
"Your strength isn't for revenge."
"It's to make sure no one else suffers what you did."
Kiran's breathing stabilized.
The violent aura slowly faded.
Then—
Silence returned to the training chamber.
---
A Dangerous Discovery
Selene immediately scanned Kiran's energy again.
Her expression changed.
"This is worse than I expected."
Aria frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Selene explained carefully:
"The Demon King's attack didn't just leave residue."
"It planted something."
Lyria stepped forward.
"A seed?"
Selene nodded slowly.
"A demonic core fragment."
Everyone went silent.
---
What That Means
Selene continued:
"If the fragment grows naturally…"
"Kiran could develop power comparable to high-ranking demon generals."
Aria added quietly:
"Or he could become a monster."
Kiran looked frightened.
"…Am I dangerous?"
Audrey crouched in front of him again.
"Yes."
The boy lowered his head.
But Audrey continued:
"That's why you train."
"Dangerous power is only a problem if it controls you."
He stood up again.
"And I won't allow that."
---
Far Away…
Deep within the Demon King's territory…
The Demon King opened his eyes.
He could feel it clearly now.
The fragment had awakened.
He smiled slowly.
"So the child survived… and awakened my gift."
His generals knelt before him.
"Your Majesty?"
The Demon King stood from his throne.
"Prepare the hunters."
"If that child fully awakens…"
"He could either become my greatest general…"
"Or Audrey's most powerful weapon."
His smile widened.
"Either outcome…"
"Will make this war more entertaining."
---
🔥 End of Chapter 37
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