Three Years in the Shadows

The morning sun bathed the village of Okharia in warm golden light as Wilsen and Theo, still brimming with energy, bid farewell to Master Krom and his lively family. The visit had shaken the very foundation of Wilsen's thoughts about his son. What started as an innocent child chasing dogs had now turned into a prodigious child with awakened mana—and an uncertain road ahead.

Their journey home was filled with silence. Wilsen was deep in thought, often glancing at his cheerful son walking beside him, humming and skipping along the path as though he hadn't just shifted the course of his entire life. Kael floated beside Theo, invisible to the father, his ethereal form blending with the shadows of trees, watching with silent amusement.

Once home, Theo raced to his room, excited to read the new book Master Krom had given him. Wilsen stayed behind in the kitchen, explaining to his wife everything that had transpired. There were no more doubts. Theo was special—and his future was far greater than they could comprehend.

Inside Theo's room, Kael hovered above, arms folded, a strange glint in his eyes.

It's time, he thought, lowering himself slowly beside the bed.

"Theo," Kael said, his voice carrying a rare edge of seriousness, "what do you want to become?"

Theo looked up, blinking his large eyes with curiosity. "Hmm... I don't know... a bird?"

Kael sighed and muttered under his breath, Dear Abyss, this is going to be harder than I imagined.

"You're not normal anymore," Kael said, his tone dropping an octave. "You've awakened your mana core. That makes you different. Special. People will expect things from you. They'll look up to you... or try to bring you down. That's the reality."

Theo tilted his head. "Bring me down? Why? Did I do something wrong?"

No, but I'm planning to, Kael mused, rubbing his temples.

"I'm saying," Kael clarified, "you can protect your loved ones now. And destroy anyone who even thinks about hurting them. Before they get the chance, you could wipe them off the face of this world."

Theo's eyes widened. "Destroy...? Like... make them disappear?"

Kael smirked. "Exactly."

"But..." Theo hesitated, tapping his chin. "Wouldn't it be better to just talk to them first?"

Kael's smirk died instantly.

Oh for the love of flame and shadow... he groaned internally. Who raised this cinnamon roll?!

Still, he had to try.

"You want to become strong, right?" Kael asked.

"Yes!" Theo said, this time without hesitation.

"Then listen carefully. I'll train you," Kael said. "But... no one can know what I'm teaching you. Not your father. Not your mother. Not your puppy friend. No one."

Theo nodded seriously. "Okay! Pinky Promise.

And thus began the next three years—years that would shape both of them.

Year One

Wilsen took up the task of physical training. Early morning sword drills, strength-building exercises, running around the perimeter of the village with logs strapped to Theo's back. For a five-year-old, it would have been impossible. But Theo didn't complain. Instead, he laughed through the training, seeing it all as a fun game with his dad.

Kael, on the other hand, began his own lessons at night. He was limited—Theo's body was too young to bear the strain of powerful magic, and all Kael knew were advanced demonic spellcrafts meant to obliterate rather than nurture.

Damn it, Kael thought as he stared at the rune-laced pages in his mental grimoire, everything I know would probably explode this kid. I guess we start with mana sensitivity and control... ugh.

He taught Theo how to feel the pulse of mana, how to guide it like a current beneath his skin. Theo soaked it in like a sponge—his understanding of mana instinctual, almost eerie.

Year Two

Theo's growth became impossible to ignore. His physique was lean but powerful, his reflexes sharp, and his awareness heightened beyond his years. Villagers whispered that he must be some kind of genius.

Wilsen and his wife were proud—and worried.

At night, Kael continued his lessons, trying—every now and then—to corrupt Theo in small, subtle ways.

When a child stole Theo's wooden sword during a mock duel, Kael whispered, Burn his bed. Send a message.

Theo had replied, "But maybe he just wanted to see how light it was! He must like my sword!"

Kael's eye twitched. He stole your sword, not your lunchbox.

Another time, a bigger boy pushed Theo in a puddle. Kael whispered, Trip him on a tree root and watch him cry.

Theo smiled, wiping the mud off. "Maybe he was just testing my balance!"

Kael wanted to scream.

Every time I offer chaos, this little dandelion gives me a daisy chain. Why?!

Despite his frustration, Kael kept trying. It became less about the goal... and more like a strange game.

Yet somewhere deep inside, something else was brewing. Though Theo remained the purest soul, Kael found himself strangely... at peace. The air here was quiet. The people, sincere. And Theo? Theo loved him. Genuinely.

Even Kael's corrupted heart began to... soften?

No. That wasn't possible.

This place... it's just an illusion. I'm still a demon. I have a purpose, he reminded himself.

But every time Theo hugged the air—his way of "hugging Kael"—something in Kael trembled.

Year Three

Theo was now eight years old.

He could lift a grown man with effort. He could slice through a thick log with a wooden blade. His mana control had reached a level where Kael even considered giving him his first taste of magic.

Emotionally, Theo had matured too. He was still joyful, still innocent—but now thoughtful, reflective.

Kael no longer hesitated to speak freely around him.

"Do you know why most people fail?" Kael asked one evening.

"Because they give up?" Theo offered.

Kael smiled. "Close. Because they get distracted. Pulled in too many directions. But you, Theo... You've stayed focused. I'm proud of you."

Theo lit up. "Thank you, Kael!"

Kael winced as if stabbed. Why do those words still hurt?!

Despite his continued attempts, Kael's corruption never took root. Theo remained untouched, unswayed.

Is this what they meant by... purity? Kael thought. Ugh, I'm going to vomit rainbows.

Still, despite himself, he no longer saw Theo as a "pawn." Not even a "host." Maybe, somewhere in the back of his twisted mind, he saw Theo as... a companion.

Not a friend.

But not an enemy either.

The bond was real. Unspoken. Slowly forged in moonlight and sweat and secrets.

One night, as Theo lay on his bed after another long day of training, he looked up at the invisible Kael and asked, "Do you ever miss anyone?"

Kael was caught off guard. "What?"

"You know... like a family?"

Kael hovered in silence. For centuries, he had been alone. The Demon Realm was no family—it was survival.

"No," he said flatly. "Family is weakness."

Theo nodded sleepily. "Then I'll be your strength."

Kael didn't reply.

But for the first time... he didn't want to.

Damn you, Theo, he thought. You're dangerous in a way no enemy ever was.