It was Darius who challenged the first true test. A vampire, centuries old and still full of venomous pride, had tracked them from the distant north. It emerged suddenly, claws extended, fangs glinting in the moonlight, certain that these fledgling powers were no threat.
Kael observed silently. Mara's hand rested on his arm, her instincts screaming caution, yet trust in him was absolute.
Darius stepped forward first, human-form strength already impressive. The vampire lunged, but Darius twisted midair, knocking it off its feet with a single strike that shattered bone. Lyra followed, her shadow blades slashing with uncanny precision. The vampire scrambled, shocked, but Kael stayed still, eyes calm, letting the followers experience their limits.
When the vampire tried to regroup, Kael moved. Not in Aethernox battle form, not fully transformed — just his human form, now pure white-haired and impossibly fast. One step, one motion, and the vampire fell, unable to comprehend the strike. Mara gasped. "He didn't even… transform?"
Kael's voice was low, almost a whisper: "This is what we are now. Even without the battle form, we are untouchable if we command ourselves."
The followers realized something profound — human-form Aethernox was already terrifyingly powerful. They could fight, manipulate domains subtly, and survive encounters that would have killed them before. And yet, their true potential remained dormant, waiting for guidance, discipline, and Kael's further influence.