After that mentally and physically shaking sparring session ended, Hellius and Wexler bid farewell to the Duke's family. And then, they stepped out of the Altavis mansion gate, letting the cold night wind sweep away the sweat on their bodies.
The road to the military housing complex looked deserted, only illuminated by dimly glowing magic street lamps. The sound of their footsteps matched the rhythm of the night's silence.
"Hellius..." Wexler opened the conversation, breaking the silence. He turned to look at his superior and old friend. "I didn't expect Young Master Kazien could match you that far. Even without magic, his swordsmanship technique... it was terrifying."
Hellius laughed crisply, his laughter echoing in the quiet street. "Hahaha. To be honest, Wexler, I was overwhelmed fighting him earlier. I almost ran out of breath."
Hellius stared at his palm which still felt slightly numb from the sword impact. "You know? A year ago, he also did the same thing when we trained. But at that time, he claimed he only wanted to copy my Blink ability."
Wexler's eyes widened. "S-So... Young Master Kazien used your Blink earlier? That technique you developed for decades?"
"You're right!" answered Hellius enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with spirit. "He copied it perfectly, even faster than me. But thanks to that I could get excited when sparring with him. It feels like my young blood is boiling again! I feel very satisfied with today's sparring!"
Wexler shook his head, unable to comprehend. "You battle maniac! You almost died surrounded by 25 clones, but you say you're satisfied."
Hellius only responded with louder laughter.
Zap!
The wind rustled sharply in front of them. Suddenly, Kazien's figure appeared out of nowhere, blocking their way home. His hair swayed gently blown by the night wind.
Hellius and Wexler instantly stopped laughing and straightened their bodies immediately.
"What is it, Young Master?" asked Hellius, slightly surprised but alert.
Kazien's face looked serious, different from during the sparring earlier. He took out two small clear glass bottles from his storage dimension space. Inside, there was a thick red liquid emitting an unnatural faint glow.
"Here!" said Kazien while handing the bottles to them. "Drink my blood! I want you to become strong and live a little longer in this world!"
The eyes of the two army officials widened. They stared at the bottle, then stared at Kazien's face with horror. That liquid... blood?
"What are you thinking, Young Master?" asked Wexler, his voice choked. "Why do we have to drink your blood? That's unusual... and sounds terrifying."
Kazien sighed, as if he had expected this reaction. "Come on! Don't look at me like I'm a cultist wizard. There are already two people who drank my blood before you."
Kazien continued his words. "They are Lovin and Havel. Now they have become strong and youthful. I want you, the two pillars of Altavis' defense, to become as strong as them to face the tough future later!"
Hellius and Wexler looked at each other. They remembered Lovin and Havel, two young men who were new assassin recruits under the leadership of the Altavis family.
They also drank Young Master Kazien's blood? thought Hellius, still disbelieving Kazien's words.
Although astonished and filled with doubt. However, their loyalty and trust in Kazien defeated everything. With trembling hands, the two of them accepted the bottles containing the Demigod's blood. The bottle felt warm in their hands.
"I suggest you drink it when you arrive home, right before sleeping!" advised Kazien with a warning tone. "Because after drinking it, you will feel pain all over your body. The process of reforming body cells is not pleasant. It feels like your bones are broken and then reconnected."
Wexler swallowed hard. "But Young Master... how do you know this? How do you know that you, being immortal, can give us strength and youth through blood?"
Kazien smiled mysteriously. "I found out after reading a forbidden book I bought in the past." he answered casually. "It was written there, drinking the blood of an immortal person can provide an anti-aging effect, significantly extend lifespan, and inherit a small portion of the physical and magical power of the blood owner."
Wexler's face went pale. "Forbidden book? Black magic? You must throw that book away right now! It would be very dangerous for you if you keep such a cursed object, Young Master!"
"Hahaha. Calm down, Vice-Commander Wexler." Kazien laughed lightly. "I already burned it to ashes in front of Alvin right after I finished reading the entire content. No evidence remains. The knowledge is now only in my head."
Hellius and Wexler sighed in relief simultaneously. Kazien's quick and calculated actions could always calm them down.
"In that case..." Hellius gripped the bottle tightly. "Wexler and I will accept it, Young Master! Thank you very much for this gift."
Kazien answered them with a wide and sincere smile. "Use that power to protect everyone in this Altavis territory!"
"Of course, Young Master! We will definitely do our best!" answered Hellius respectfully.
Kazien nodded. "I believe in your loyalty."
"In that case, Young Master, we beg your leave to return home."
"Please, Commander Hellius, Vice Commander Wexler. Be careful on your way."
Zap!
Kazien disappeared again, leaving the two men on the quiet street.
Hellius and Wexler continued their journey home with raging thoughts.
That night, it was getting late. However, in their respective residences, stifled screams were heard from the Commander and Vice Commander's bedrooms. The pain Kazien warned about turned out to be no exaggeration. Their old bodies full of war wounds seemed to be forcibly dismantled, stiff muscles torn and reunited, wrinkled skin pulled tight for a while.
It was the longest night of their lives.
...
The next day, the morning sun shone on the Altavis troop headquarters.
Activities there ran as usual. Soldiers trained, ran, and prepared equipment. However, the atmosphere turned into a buzz when two figures of their leaders stepped into the training area.
The soldiers who were lining up instantly gaped. Some even dropped their weapons in shock. They stared at Hellius and Wexler with unblinking eyes.
"W-What..." a young soldier ventured to ask, his voice trembling. "A-Are you really Commander Hellius and Vice Commander Wexler?"
Hellius furrowed his brow which now looked firmer and with minimal wrinkles. His voice was still heavy and booming, but his face... that face looked like his face twenty years ago.
"Who do you think we are, huh?!" exclaimed Hellius fiercely. "Have our faces turned into monsters that you don't recognize your own superiors?"
"N-No! Not like that, Commander!" denied the soldier in panic. "Both your faces... look very young! Much younger than yesterday afternoon! The wrinkles on your face are gone, and your white hair... has now turned black again!"
Hellius and Wexler looked at each other. They indeed realized the change when looking in the mirror this morning, but seeing other people's reactions made them realize how drastic the effect of Kazien's blood was.
Hellius snorted, trying to cover his nervousness. "Really? Looks like your eyes are a bit damaged from lack of sleep! How could our faces become younger overnight. Hahaha!" his laughter exploded, trying to divert the issue.
"Enough! Back to training! Run around the field 50 laps! Quick!" ordered Wexler chiming in, his voice loud and full of energy.
The soldiers dispersed in confusion, still whispering about the miracle that happened to their superiors.
After ensuring the situation was safe, Hellius and Wexler walked quickly to the Commander's private room. As soon as the door closed tight, their mask of calmness collapsed.
Hellius immediately touched his own face, then looked at his hands which were now muscular and the skin tight.
"By the Goddess..." hissed Hellius. "I can't believe my face really became younger. And not just the face, Wexler! I feel my body is light, my knee joints that are usually painful are now completely healed. I feel stronger after drinking Young Master Kazien's blood!"
Wexler nodded in agreement, he massaged his shoulder which used to be stiff. "Not just you, Hellius! I also feel it. At first, I hesitated to drink that red liquid. But after gathering courage, I drank it immediately. And then, my change happened although I had to endure very excruciating pain for a while. It felt like being burned alive."
"Hahaha. You're right. That pain was worth the result." Hellius laughed satisfied, clenching his fist which now felt full of power. "But remember, Wexler. We must keep this a secret from everyone! Don't let anyone know the cause of this change."
Hellius's expression turned serious. "It would be very dangerous for Young Master Kazien if people crazy for power and immortality find out about the terrifying ability of his blood! He could be hunted by the whole world."
Wexler nodded firmly. His gaze was sharp. "I agree with you! Out there, we are just two old men who 'take care of themselves' well. Anyone who tries to find out more about the Young Master, will face my sword."
"And my sword too!" responded Hellius.
The two friends who were now young again looked at each other and exchanged fist bumps, binding a new vow of loyalty under the shade of the Demigod's blood power.