Chapter 77: Chapter No.77 After-Effect (1)
[Elysia Ashwood's POV]
'T-This- m-my son is so...' My heart swelled with pride as I looked at Samael, standing tall and resolute in the aftermath of the battle. The boy I had nurtured and guided was now a formidable mage and a leader in his own right.
But then I noticed his trembling hand, as he tried to keep it from shaking by clenching it into a fist. The immense power he had wielded was not without its cost, and the strain was evident in his eyes. Despite his outward composure, I could sense the toll it had taken on him.
I could see he didn't want anyone to see his weakened form, even in a moment of vulnerability. His pride and sense of duty were as strong as the magic he wielded. I stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"let's go home, I want to take a rest," I said not wanting to discourage him. He nodded slightly, understanding my unspoken concern.
"We'll regroup and discuss our next steps later," I added, addressing the nobles and mages around us. "For now, we need to recover our strength."
The nobles nodded, their expressions a mixture of respect and relief. As we turned to leave, Samael's steps were steady, but I could sense the exhaustion weighing on him. We walked through the castle halls, the echoes of battle still lingering in the air.
"Darling~ How did you become so powerful?" I asked softly, my hand gently holding his arm, feeling the exhaustion radiating from him. My voice was filled with both awe and maternal concern as we walked through the castle halls.
Samael glanced at me, a tired smile touching his lips. "Bloodline Awakening..."
My eyes widened at the mention of "Bloodline Awakening." It was a term spoken of only in hushed tones, associated with the most potent and ancient powers of the world.
Let's take a dragon for example, An awakened dragon is at least fifty times more powerful than an ordinary one, possessing abilities and strength that can reshape entire landscapes. The Bloodline Awakening Samael referred to was equally formidable, suggesting that his power had tapped into something ancient and incredibly potent.
But an Elf even with bloodline awakening doesn't contend with a seventh circle mage much less an enchanted one. Samael's revelation of a "Bloodline Awakening" was both intriguing and alarming.
"Samael, an elf doesn't usually possess the power to face a seventh-circle mage, especially not with an enhancement potion in play. This 'Bloodline Awakening' must be something extraordinary."
He sighed before saying, "It's not Elf bloodline, I have awakened Dragon bloodline."
I felt a shiver run down my spine at Samael's revelation. The mention of a Dragon bloodline explained the immense power he had wielded, but it also brought a flood of questions and concerns.
"A Dragon bloodline?" I repeated my voice barely above a whisper. "That's... unprecedented."
Samael nodded, his expression a mix of weariness and contemplation. "It's a power that goes beyond the usual understanding of magic. It's why I could challenge Cedric and the potion he used."
We reached the exit of the palace and saw our carriage ready to take us to the estate. The sight of it brought a sense of comfort and relief, a stark contrast to the chaos of the palace. As we approached the carriage, I continued to process Samael's revelation about the Dragon bloodline.
"How long have you known about this?" I asked, my voice laced with concern and curiosity. The implications of such a power were vast and complex, touching on everything from political ramifications to personal safety.
Samael climbed into the carriage and settled onto the plush seat, his exhaustion evident in his posture. "I discovered it not long ago," he said, his voice heavy with fatigue. "It was unlocked during a pivotal moment, one that required more than ordinary strength."
I took a seat beside him, reaching out to gently hold his hand. "You've borne a great burden today, Samael. The power you wield is immense, and it must be exhausting to channel it so effectively."
He nodded, leaning back against the seat, his eyes closing briefly as he allowed himself to relax. "It's a burden I accept willingly. The Dragon bloodline is a significant part of who I am now. But it does come with its own challenges and responsibilities."
The carriage began its journey, the rhythmic sound of the wheels on the road providing a soothing backdrop. I could see Samael's eyes growing heavier, the toll of the battle catching up with him despite his efforts to stay alert.
"Samael," I said softly, my heart aching at the sight of his weariness. "Rest now. We will have time to discuss this further when you're feeling better."
He nodded, a faint smile crossing his lips. "Thank you, Mother. I'll need time to understand and harness this power fully. But for now, I'm grateful for the chance to rest."
The carriage ride was peaceful, the soft hum of conversation from the other nobles who had joined us subdued as they too processed the events of the day. Samael leaned back, his head resting against the cushioned seat, allowing himself a well-deserved moment of repose.
When we finally arrived at the estate, I helped Samael out of the carriage, his steps slow but steady. The familiar sight of our home, with its warm lights and welcoming atmosphere, brought a sense of calm and normalcy.
Due to the sound of horses' hoofs, Alice and Liliana came outside with Lily and Sionna not far behind to greet us. Their expressions were a mix of relief and concern, reflecting the collective anxiety of our family during the battle. As we approached, I could see Alice's gaze lingering on Samael, her eyes filled with a deep, unspoken worry.
"What happened to Big Brother? Why does he look like he's exhausted?" Alice asked, her voice a mix of relief and concern as she approached us.
Samael offered a tired smile, trying to reassure her. "Just a long day, Alice. I've been pushing my limits, but I'm fine."
"Pushing to your limits? But you were going to a meeting, right? then how did you end up in such a state?" Liliana asked, stepping forward with a look of deep concern. Her eyes scanned Samael's weary face, reflecting her worry and care.
Samael gave a faint, reassuring smile. "The meeting turned into something much more intense. There were unforeseen challenges, and I had to use all the strength I could muster. But it's over now, and I'm safe."
I placed a comforting hand on Alice's shoulder, signaling her to stay calm. "He's had a difficult day, but he's home now where he can rest. We'll need to give him some time to recover."
Sionna stepped closer, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and lingering concern. "I'm just glad you're back, Samael. We were all worried."
Samael nodded, his expression softening at her words. "Thank you, Sionna. I appreciate your concern."
As we entered the estate, the atmosphere was filled with a quiet sense of relief. The warmth of our home enveloped us, and Samael was guided to his quarters, where he could finally rest. I made sure he was settled comfortably, ensuring that everything he needed was within reach.
Before leaving him to rest, I took his hand gently. "Remember, Samael, no matter how powerful you become, you still have us. We're here to support you through everything."
Samael nodded, his gaze meeting mine with gratitude. "I know, Mother. And I'm thankful for it."
As I closed the door to his room, I felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. Samael's new power, the Dragon bloodline, was both a blessing and a burden. It would bring him strength, but also immense challenges. As a mother, my greatest desire was for his safety and happiness, and I knew that navigating this new power would be a significant part of his journey.
I returned to the main hall, where the family had gathered. The day had been long and taxing, and it was clear that everyone was feeling the strain of the events. I glanced at each of them, my heart full of love and determination to ensure that we would face whatever challenges came our way together.
"So it's like this..." I narrated the whole event to the family, my voice steady but filled with the weight of the day's revelations. I began with the battle's details, the intensity of the conflict, and the surprising strength Samael had shown. Each family member listened intently, their faces reflecting a mix of concern, awe, and curiosity.
"I had no idea Samael's power was tied to a Dragon bloodline," Liliana said, her tone a blend of amazement and worry. "This is beyond anything we could have anticipated."
"I knew it, Big Brother is the real dragon!" Alice shouted with a silly smile on her face as she tried to lighten the mood. Her innocent excitement was a welcome break from the heavy atmosphere, and a few quiet chuckles rippled through the room.
Lily's gaze looked into an empty space while muttering under her breath, "My love, A real dragon... my love... my love..."
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[To Be Continued]
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