Chapter 18 - Next Evolution
After realizing that he had fulfilled the conditions for his next evolution, Bong flew back to his cave in anticipation of his upcoming evolution.
Bong's wings carried him through the moonlit night, the pale glow casting a gentle radiance upon the forest below. The night was alive with whispers of creatures and the rustle of leaves. With each beat of his wings, he felt a sense of homecoming as he approached his beloved cave.
The moonlight seemed to welcome him. As he landed in the safety of his cave, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension for the evolution that awaited him.
The moon watched over him like an old friend, offering its guidance as he embarked on his next evolution.
"Cave, my dear Cave, did you miss me?" Bong exclaimed with a chuckle, a hint of playfulness in his voice as he greeted his familiar abode.
ALERT]
[Now would you like to Evolve? Y/N]
"Yes, start the evolution." As Bong's heart pounded with anticipation, he looked up at the ceiling of his cave. The time had come for his next evolution, and he was ready to embrace the change that awaited him.
[Evolution in progress...]
[Estimated time for evolution completion: 1 week]
As Bong underwent his evolution, he was surrounded by a protective dark red aura, unbeknownst to him. This aura shielded him from any potential threats, ensuring his safety during the transformation.
Meanwhile, someone was approaching Bong's cave while he slept deeply. It was a creature exuding an irresistible allure. Her flowing, raven hair contrasted against her porcelain skin, and her fiery red eyes held an alluring mystique. Her lithe and graceful figure moved with enchanting elegance. Amid her captivating charm, her sharp fangs hinted at a thrilling danger beneath the surface.
She entered the cave and knelt down, as if in prayer to Bong.
"Oh Mighty Lord! Oh Mighty Lord!" She chanted continuously, bowing in reverence.
In a dimly lit room within Everhartia state, Victoria sat comfortably in a plush chair beside an open window, allowing the gentle moonlight to cast delicate patterns on the floor. A faint grin played on her lips, betraying a mixture of excitement and determination.
"When will my dear son and daughter return from their time at the Magic Academy?" She inquired of Amelia, her eyes glinting with curiosity.
"Next month, My Lady. The summer vacation will grant them some respite." Amelia replied, ever the composed and respectful maid.
"And what of Sebastian? How is he faring after his ordeal? " She continued, her expression shifting to a more serious tone.
"He has recuperated from his injuries, My Lady. However, Duke Everhart has taken precautions. His Shadow Army keeps a vigilant watch over him, ensuring his safety. "
"Ah, the influence of a worried father. I suppose it's only natural." Victoria's brow furrowed slightly, her fingers tracing the rim of her goblet absentmindedly.
"Indeed, My Lady. Duke Everhart's concern for his son's well-being is evident." Amelia nodded in agreement, her demeanor respectful yet empathetic.
"It seems my opportunities for a direct approach are limited now." Victoria's gaze shifted back to the moonlit window, her thoughts seemingly lost in contemplation.
"My Lady, remember, there will always be moments when Sebastian ventures beyond these walls, giving you a chance to make your move." Amelia's lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Yes, you're right. Patience has always been my ally." A glint of anticipation returned to Victoria's eyes as she met Amelia's gaze.
"And it will continue to serve you well, My Lady." Amelia's smile remained, her eyes reflecting unwavering loyalty.
With a graceful wave of her hand, Victoria dismissed Amelia from her presence. As the maid exited the room, Victoria rose from her seat and moved to a bookshelf that held a concealed secret. Her fingers deftly selected a book, triggering a mechanism that opened a hidden passage.
The path that revealed itself was cloaked in darkness, a hidden route that no one knows. With determined steps, Victoria descended the stairs that lay ahead, her passage through the secret path seemingly effortless. The atmosphere was tinged with an air of mystery as she navigated the dimly lit corridor, a world hidden from the eyes of the mansion's occupants.
Emerging from the depths of the hidden pathway, Victoria found herself outside the confines of the Duke's mansion. Her attire was that of a simple robe, chosen to conceal her identity. A shroud of secrecy veiled her features, allowing her to move unnoticed through the night.
A horse-drawn cart stood ready and waiting for her. Victoria stepped into the cart, giving a quiet command to the driver to begin their journey. With a practiced ease, they navigated through the night, avoiding the watchful eyes of the guards at the Duke's Mansion.
Under the luminous glow of the full moon, the cart's wheels rolled on until they reached a dense forest. Within the heart of this forest stood a concealed house, its presence hidden by a canopy of trees. A sanctuary from prying eyes, this dwelling was tucked away from the world's view.
Victoria approached the door of the house and delivered a series of coded knocks. Each rap of her knuckles held a hidden significance, a signal known only to those it was meant for. The rhythmic pattern conveyed her identity and purpose, assuring the occupants of the house that she was the expected guest and should be granted entry.
"My Lady, please come in, " The butler greeted the woman with a slight bow.
Upon entering the house, she settled into a chair within a dimly lit room. The soft glow of a single candle illuminated the surroundings, casting flickering shadows across the walls. In the corner of the room, a woman sat by the window, her long hair cascading around her as her tranquil eyes fixed on Victoria. The woman's lips were a deep shade of red, and her eyes held a captivating intensity, dark and alluring.
"So, my dear, your assassination attempt didn't quite go as planned, and now you're here, hoping I can offer my assistance, " The woman's voice, like a whispering breeze, suddenly came from behind Victoria. Her movement was almost ghostly, as if she had appeared out of thin air. She leaned in close, her words carrying an air of mystique and an eerie undertone as they brushed against Victoria's ear.
"Yes," Victoria responded, her tone laden with a mixture of frustration and resignation.
"Why? Don't you have faith in your beloved father's abilities?" The woman's voice slithered behind Victoria, a serpent of intrigue weaving its way into her ear. Her sudden appearance, like a shadow unfurling, carried an enigmatic aura that seemed to caress the edges of the room.
"For goodness' sake, Aurora, he's our father, not just mine. Why do you harbor such strong resentment against him? What drove you to this secluded place because of your grudges? " Victoria's frustration and concern were evident in her tone as she questioned her sister's motives.