40

The silence in the main chamber of the dungeon was profound, broken only by the soft murmur of water flowing from the subterranean lake on the second floor. The bioluminescent flowers that covered the walls seemed to pulse with a light of their own, as if connected to Aurora's heartbeat. She sat on the spongy floor, surrounded by plants that had bloomed under her care during her hibernation. Her gaze, now more intense and aware, swept across the room with a mixture of curiosity and authority.

Sebastian, who had been checking the plants near the central pedestal, looked up when he noticed Aurora watching him. The transformation of the young girl into a more mature and majestic figure still left him speechless. Although he still saw the little girl he had protected for so long, now there was something more: a regal presence that filled the room with its aura.

"Sebastian," Aurora said softly, her voice full of sweetness, "Will you give me some fish? Kaili says you cook fish wonderfully."

The request took Sebastian by surprise. Not because it was unusual—he had cooked for her many times before—but because this time her tone had a different nuance, a mixture of tenderness and expectation that he had not heard before.

"Of course, Aurora. I'll go to the second floor to find some fresh," he replied, adjusting the belt where he carried his makeshift fishing rod.

Aurora nodded in satisfaction, but before Sebastian could take a step towards the exit, her expression changed. Her amber eyes took on a cold glint, and her posture became more upright. It was evident that something else occupied her mind.

"Go, Sebastian," Aurora continued, her voice still sweet but with a touch of firmness. "I will miss you, so don't be too long."

Sebastian obeyed instantly, sensing that Aurora wanted some time alone. With one last look at her, he withdrew from the main chamber, leaving Aurora and Kaili alone.

Once Sebastian disappeared down the hall, Aurora turned to Kaili, who had remained in the shadows observing the scene. With an elegant movement, Kaili approached Aurora, her translucent wings slowly unfurling as she walked.

"Kaili," Aurora began, her voice soft but full of authority, "stop plotting malicious things against Sebastian."

The words echoed in the chamber like an echo, breaking the silence. Kaili raised an eyebrow, visibly disconcerted.

"I don't understand what you mean, my queen," Kaili replied, folding her arms across her chest. "I am loyal to you, I always have been."

Aurora tilted her head slightly, as if evaluating the sincerity of Kaili's words. Then, with an almost imperceptible gesture, she continued: "I don't doubt your loyalty, but I know you consider Sebastian...weak. Useless. An obstacle in our way. And above all, I know that you have made him train with the excuse of protecting me, but in reality you have put him in danger."

Kaili was silent for a moment before responding. Finally, she let out a low, almost amused laugh. "My queen, your abilities have improved greatly. It seems you can read minds now."

"I don't need to read minds," Aurora replied calmly, although her tone was unmistakably firm. "I simply know. And I want you to understand something: Sebastian is important to me. I will not tolerate anyone, not even you, trying to hurt him."

Kaili bowed her head again, this time with a more serious expression. "Understood, my queen. I have no intention of harming him. I only questioned his usefulness, but I see that he has a...special value to you."

Aurora nodded, satisfied with the answer. Then, she extended a hand towards Kaili. "Give me a report of the surroundings. What do you know of the outside world?"

Kaili hesitated for an instant before responding. "I sealed the entrance to the dungeon after your hibernation to prevent intrusions. However, my summoning generated some chaos in Eldoria for the purpose of accelerating your evolution. The humans are alarmed, but have not yet managed to locate us."

"That chaos was not necessary, Kaili," Aurora replied coldly. "My power manifested itself naturally, without the need for you to interfere with the outside world."

Kaili shrugged, with an indifferent gesture. "I simply sped up the process, my queen. Humans are a source of residual energy that you can absorb to increase your power. The more living beings you eliminate, the faster you will grow."

Aurora frowned. "I don't like the idea of killing people, Kaili."

"They are not people, Aurora," Kaili corrected coldly. "They are inferior creatures that only serve to feed you. You should not feel compassion for them."

Aurora was thoughtful for a moment. "But Sebastian is also a human..."

"Sebastian is different," Kaili replied with a smile. "He is your protector, your friend. He will help you reach your full potential."

Aurora nodded, convinced by Kaili's words. "You are right. Sebastian is special."

"Of course, my queen," Kaili said with a smile. "He is the key to your victory."

Aurora closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating on the energy that flowed through the dungeon. She could feel the presence of the creatures she had summoned, and the strength of the plants she had grown. And above all, she could feel the power that grew within her, fueled by the residual energy of the creatures she had eliminated.

"I am ready, Kaili," Aurora said, opening her eyes with a look full of determination. "I am ready to face the world and gain more power."

Kaili nodded with a smile. "Then let us begin, my queen. Let us begin to hunt."