Sam Alves

Chloe sat cross-legged on the floor, her eyes closed, her breathing steady as she immersed herself in meditation. A soothing energy coursed through her, wrapping her in its warmth. But as the sensation began to fade, she opened her eyes and glanced at the Beast grandmaster core in her hand. Its faint glimmer flickered for a moment before the core crumbled into fine dust.

"I guess my absorption rate has improved," she murmured, a faint smile gracing her lips.

Beside her lay a burlap sack brimming with beast cores of various sizes and hues. She untied the sack and poured its contents onto the floor. The crystalline cores spilled out, their soft, colorful glows casting shimmering patterns across the walls. Carefully, Chloe arranged them in a wide circle around herself, the light dancing on her determined face.

"This should be manageable," Chloe thought, her gaze unwavering, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "It's been so long since I've truly felt mana... Not since I got pregnant. Maintaining my mana became nearly impossible. It's common for women to lose their mana during pregnancy," she muttered, trying to reassure herself.

Drawing a deep breath, she closed her eyes and focused, allowing her body to absorb the mana once more. Streams of energy flowed into her, coursing through her veins and gathering at her core—a small, ruby-like structure nestled within her abdomen. With every passing moment, the gem pulsed brighter, hungrily devouring the mana she fed it.

But Chloe's curiosity got the better of her. Eager to push her limits, she inadvertently absorbed the mana at a reckless pace. The crystalline cores disintegrated one by one, releasing torrents of energy that engulfed the room. Her body began to levitate, an ethereal bluish aura enveloping her. The room's air grew heavy with pressure, so intense it seemed to distort reality itself.

Nearby, Joan struggled to maintain her footing as she shielded the cradle holding Alex, Chloe's infant son. Beads of sweat dripped from her brow as she reinforced the protective barrier around the child.

"Why did she have to meditate here of all places?" Joan muttered through clenched teeth. Her voice was strained, her arms trembling as she poured every ounce of her strength into maintaining the shield. "If this keeps up, Alex might..."

She didn't finish the thought. The pressure in the room doubled, forcing her to her knees. Chloe's glowing blue eyes snapped open, panic etched across her face.

"No... I can't break through here," Chloe whispered, her voice shaking. Her gaze darted toward the cradle, her heart pounding with terror. "If this continues... Is this how I lose my baby?"

Joan grimaced, her arms quivering as the strain grew unbearable. "I can't hold on much longer..." Her voice cracked, her knees buckling under the weight of the oppressive mana. "Please, someone"

A sudden, overwhelming presence filled the room, silencing her plea. The pressure around them vanished in an instant, replaced by a commanding aura that radiated calm and control. Joan's eyes widened as she looked up to see the figure standing before her.

She immediately knelt and greeted"Greetings grand elder"

"Of course, she couldn't wait until the training hall," the man grumbled, his tone dry with a hint of exasperation. "Such a hassle."

It was Sam, Chloe's father. His posture was relaxed, his expression unreadable, yet the sheer power he exuded was undeniable. Without hesitation, he strode toward his daughter, his movements deliberate and precise.

Sam raised a hand, his mana flowing outward in a controlled torrent. The energy merged seamlessly with Chloe's, stabilizing the chaotic storm. At the same time, he siphoned off the excess mana, absorbing it effortlessly. The room's oppressive atmosphere dissipated, leaving only a serene stillness in its wake.

Just as the breakthrough seemed under control, a final, supernova-like burst of energy erupted from Chloe's body. The explosion rippled outward, threatening to obliterate everything in its path.

Sam's eyes narrowed. In a single fluid motion, he unsheathed his sword. With one precise slash, he tore through the fabric of space, the explosion vanishing into the void. Silence fell, broken only by the sound of Chloe's soft breathing as she descended gently to the floor.

She blinked, her vision clearing as she realized the danger had passed. Her first instinct was to rush to the cradle. Scooping Alex into her arms, she cradled him close, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Thank goodness you're safe," she whispered, her voice trembling with relief. She pressed a kiss to his forehead, her shoulders shaking as the weight of her fear melted away.

Sam cleared his throat, his dry tone cutting through the quiet. "You're welcome, daughter."

Chloe turned to him, her cheeks flushing. "Father? What are you doing here? I thought you were in seclusion."

Sam raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of irritation and amusement. "I was. Then I broke into the Human lord realm, decided to take a stroll, and stumbled across your little mana-absorption fiasco. The matriarch and your mother probably felt it too."

Chloe's face reddened further as she stammered, "I… I guess I overdid it."

Sam sheathed his sword with a sharp click, his gaze softening slightly. "Next time, meditate somewhere safe. Your room wasn't exactly designed to withstand a mana storm."

Chloe nodded sheepishly, clutching Alex tighter. "Thank you, Father."

Sam waved her gratitude away with a lazy gesture. "No need. I also came to meet my grandson." His gaze softened as he glanced at the baby, but he quickly turned, his voice nonchalant. "Now that everything's settled, I'm heading out."

Chloe watched him leave, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "He really did break into the Human lord realm" she murmured, shaking her head.