Bloodline Awakening

Ranav gently stroked Midnight's mane, feeling the connection between them. The horse's ears flicked back, and his dark eyes reflected deep emotions… loyalty, longing, and perhaps a tinge of sadness.

"Didn't Paramita take good care of you? Why are you so sad?" Ranav whispered in Midnight's ear, his voice soft and reassuring. "If I had brought you with me, you wouldn't have had the same care and comfort. In the village, the winters are much harsher than here. That's why I left you here… for your own good. This is the best place for you right now. I will visit you from time to time, and Paramita will take care of you when I'm not around."

Midnight snorted softly, his breath warm against Ranav's neck. After a few minutes of coaxing, the horse finally relaxed, pressing his head against Ranav's shoulder in silent acceptance.

Jessica's voice echoed in Ranav's mind, "The Nethershade Grass is still in your pocket. You can use this opportunity to evolve Midnight."

Ranav's heart quickened. If he evolved Midnight, his horse would no longer be an ordinary steed. It would become a magical beast, unlocking its true potential.

He turned to Paramita. "I'm taking Midnight to a secluded place in the woods. I have an ingredient that might help him evolve. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Paramita's eyes widened in curiosity. "If it's not a problem, can I watch? I've never seen a beast evolve before."

Ranav hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, come along."

He took Midnight's reins and led him toward the dense woods nearby. Paramita left Lucky behind and followed them, her expression a mix of excitement and disbelief.

After walking about a hundred meters into the forest, they reached a quiet clearing bathed in soft morning light. Birds chirped in the distance, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves.

Ranav stopped and turned to Midnight, speaking slowly and clearly so the horse could understand.

"Until today, you've been just a normal horse. But that's going to change. You are a Voidcharger, more than an ordinary steed. Your magical abilities have been dormant all this time. Today, I will awaken your bloodline and help you evolve into a magical beast."

Midnight pricked his ears forward as if listening intently.

Ranav continued, "You are more attuned to darkness magic, and after this evolution, you will be able to wield Shadow and Air magic. But listen carefully… magic is powerful only when controlled. If you use it recklessly, it will bring disaster. So, unless I'm around, do not use magic on your own."

Paramita stood to the side, speechless. She had known Midnight was different from other horses, he had resisted every expert who tried to tame him before Ranav. But nobody thought he had a hidden bloodline waiting to be awakened.

"So many experts tried to control him, yet no one could figure out his lineage. But Ranav… he knew all along? How does he have so much knowledge at his age? I'm older than him, yet I know so little. It's infuriating!" she thought, clenching her fists.

Ranav reached out and patted Midnight's neck. "This breakthrough will be painful. I've gone through something similar myself, so I know how much it hurts. But don't worry, you won't die. You just need to endure. I will be beside you for the entire process. If you agree, neigh once."

A moment of silence passed.

Then, Midnight let out a low, steady neigh.

Ranav smiled. "Good boy." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the Nethershade Grass. The three slender, dark-blue blades seemed to absorb the surrounding light, pulsing with an eerie, void-like energy. The air around it shimmered faintly.

Ranav placed the grass near Midnight's mouth. Without hesitation, the horse took it, chewing slowly. The moment it was swallowed, a silver-black light pulsed from deep within Midnight's chest… his mana core.

A low, vibrating hum filled the clearing, sending a chill through the air. Midnight's body convulsed as intricate patterns of glowing veins appeared along his dark hide, pulsing with liquid shadows. His muscles tightened and then loosened, as if something ancient was awakening inside him.

Then, a piercing, agonizing neigh tore through the forest.

Ranav stood firm, but Paramita instinctively took several steps back.

Midnight's entire coat suddenly fell off, hair drifting to the ground like shed leaves. Thick, black impurities oozed from his pores, releasing a foul, rotting stench.

Ranav reacted immediately by sending several dark tendrils to clear away the body hair and impurities. The air cleared the surrounding stench.

Midnight groaned, his body trembling. His hooves flickered in and out of existence… phasing between solid and shadow… as if caught between two dimensions. The ground beneath him cracked slightly from the surging force of his awakening.

Then, with a final, resounding cry, he disappeared.

For a few seconds, silence filled the clearing.

Then, a ripple in space appeared several feet away, and Midnight stepped out from the void.

But he was different. His body, once bare, was now covered in shiny black fur. His mane and forelock had turned a striking golden hue, while his tail and ankle feathers shimmered silvery ash. Midnight's eyes gleamed with a deep violet glow, holding newfound power.

He took a single step forward… then collapsed.

Ranav rushed forward and placed a hand on his flank.

"Jessica, I'm not proficient in beast anatomy. Help me check him." He said in his mind.

"On it," Jessica responded, casting their scanning spell, Regenesis. A moment later, she spoke.

"No need to worry. Midnight fainted due to exhaustion. His life force is stronger than before. His mana core evolved from bright red to bright yellow, skipping the orange stage entirely. He was absorbing mana at an insane rate during the process. Right now, his mana core is still absorbing mana. Once it's full, I think he'll wake up. But… you need to get him food. His stomach is completely empty."

Ranav turned to Paramita to ask about food, but he noticed that she was standing frozen, staring at Midnight without blinking.

Next to her stood Grandpa Khan.

"When did he get here?" Ranav wondered. He had been so focused on Midnight that he hadn't noticed the old man approaching.

Clearing his throat, Ranav spoke, "Good morning, Grandpa Khan."

The older man blinked, snapping out of his daze. "Good morning, Young Master."

Paramita stepped closer, concern lacing her voice. "Is Midnight okay?"

Ranav nodded. "He's fine. Just exhausted."

Then he looked at Grandpa Khan. "Midnight will need a lot of food. Can you send someone to bring some here? He won't be able to move until he eats something."

Grandpa Khan immediately responded, "Understood. I'll take care of it." He turned and hurried away.

Paramita, still staring at the horse, whispered, "Midnight… evolved?"

Ranav nodded. "Yes. He's now a magical beast. I believe he'll be able to use Shadow and Air magic."

Paramita exhaled slowly. "I never thought a horse could evolve like this… Will he still be the same as before?"

Ranav chuckled. "Don't worry. Midnight will always be Midnight. Just stronger and faster. He won't lose his memories."