Beautiful night

Johnny observed the seven spheres floating in the air, noting that the largest one belonged to the young couple. At first, he thought that perhaps the size of the spheres was related to the level of power or strength of the individuals before they died. However, this logic didn't apply, as the couple didn't seem to be particularly strong or powerful.

While contemplating the spheres, an insight dawned on Johnny. He remembered the horror and suffering the young girl had faced before her death, the despair that had consumed her. It was as if intense emotions before death were a determining factor for the size of the spheres. With this revelation, he responded to the witch, "The greater the emotions before death, the larger the necroenergy!"

The witch nodded, and a satisfied smile curved her lips. "As expected from the child of darkness!" It seemed that Johnny's answer had confirmed her expectations and impressed her. She continued to work her dark magics, manipulating the dark spheres of the deceased with mysterious and sinister skills.

Johnny observed the witch and, after receiving the explanation, began to understand that her actions were not solely driven by cruelty but had a purpose and a greater goal. That creature of darkness, despite her sinister behavior, was acting according to a plan that he couldn't fully comprehend. A new view of the witch began to form in his mind, revealing complexity behind the frightening appearance.

The witch was about to continue her teaching when a sudden cry interrupted her speech. She turned toward the sound, her sinister face taking on an expression of impatience and displeasure.

"Who dares to shed blood on the lands of Lord Kaloch?" The voice resonated once more, carrying the characteristic indignation of someone who represented a figure of great power and influence.

The witch contorted her face in irritation and, in a swift motion, conjured a broom. The object gleamed with numerous magical runes, and she mounted it, shooting into the air like a rocket, quickly disappearing over the horizon. Her voice faded with the wind, uttering her final words, "May your rise be grand, child of darkness! Farewell, may darkness guide you!"

...

Meanwhile, in the territory of Lord Kaloch.

Lord Kaloch's castle was located atop a hill, with a balcony that offered a panoramic view of the vast expanse of land below. As the sun set on the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors, the Lord stood on the balcony, watching as darkness gradually swallowed the day.

The night breeze made the castle's banners sway gently, adding a touch of majesty to the scene. Derek, the Lord's son, stood by his side, observing the spectacle but unable to escape his father's restlessness.

"Damn it, it's been several days since those two boys disappeared!" Lord Kaloch muttered under his breath, expressing his concern with a furrowed brow. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, where the last lights of the day gave way to the darkness of the night.

Derek, still young and less concerned with the issues plaguing his father, questioned the reason for such worry. He tried to understand why the disappearance of two peasants deserved so much attention in the midst of such a vast population. "Why are you so concerned about the two peasants, Father? Our village has thousands of them!" Derek asked, perplexed by the intensity of Lord Kaloch's concern.

"You foolish child!" Lord Kaloch responded, with a touch of impatience in his voice. He turned to face Derek, his eyes gleaming with determination and concern. "One of the boys has a 'bleeding' talent, which can bless our soldiers' blades; this would greatly increase our military power. It was a significant loss to our fiefdom!" Lord Kaloch explained, his eyes fixed on the horizon, as if he saw a dark future unfolding.

Derek tried to absorb the information and understand the reason for his father's concern. However, his mind was still muddled. "As for the other boy? He has a spatial ability! Is he a great loss?" Derek inquired, seeking to understand the importance of the second boy.

"It's not a great loss, my son, but the situation is complicated," Lord Kaloch replied, his expression revealing complex emotions. He lowered his voice and looked around to make sure no one was listening.

"What I'm about to tell you is a secret you must keep from your mother at all costs. Pay attention, Derek. This boy is actually your half-brother, born from a complicated relationship I had in the past. My feelings for him are ambiguous, but I would never acknowledge him as my legitimate son. Therefore, I've assigned one of my subordinates to take care of him, keep him hidden, and ensure that he's not a burden to us. In the future, I hope that you, as my legitimate son, can provide a good life for your brother," Lord Kaloch explained with gravity. Derek, taken aback by the revelation, nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation he was about to become involved in.

Derek listened to his father's words with determination, vowing to protect and care for his half-brother. Despite the complicated circumstances, he was determined to keep the family together. "I understand, Father. I will keep my brother close and provide a good life for him! After all, we share the same blood, even if he's a poor bastard," Derek affirmed sincerely.

The Lord affectionately squeezed his son's cheek, proud of his attitude. "You're a good lad, Derek! Now go back to studying magical theories. One day, you will be responsible for taking care of our lands and keeping our family strong," said the Lord.

Just as Derek was about to leave the balcony and return to his studies, an alarmed cry from one of the Lord's soldiers echoed across the castle's terrace. "My Lord, there is a witch flying over the territory!" exclaimed the soldier, his voice filled with fear and urgency. Lord Kaloch raised an eyebrow in surprise, and immediately his expression shifted to a mix of concern and determination. Derek watched with keen eyes, aware that a new challenge was about to arise.