Chapter 24: Return to Disappointment
Percy stood by a tree, staring mockingly at the Shrouded One. "I never thought the day would come when I'd see this awful, weak side of you," he taunted.
As if not hearing him, the Shrouded One merely glanced at him and continued running.
Behind him, Percy spoke up again. "You've gotten better, I presume. It's time to get rid of those scars and make you presentable before the Master. It's been long since he demanded you back."
"I'm very aware of that," the Shrouded One replied gruffly. "You needn't remind me. My powers are still not fully restored, and I don't think the Master would like to see a powerless version of me."
"All he requested was to see you—wounded no more, back to your health. He didn't mention anything about your powers," Percy countered, staring at the weakened man before him. "In fact, I suspect he doesn't even know your powers are gone."
With a flick of his finger, a soft burst of energy enveloped the Shrouded One, healing his scars. The Shrouded One grunted, and within moments, the energy dissipated. He was restored to his usual self—his skin flawless, his body toned, his red eyes gleaming once more.
"My work here is done," Percy declared. "Tomorrow, we head back."
With that, he vanished from sight, leaving the Shrouded One to tend to himself.
The Shrouded One stood and examined his reflection. He couldn't believe how quickly he had returned to his usual form—no scars, no blemishes. "It's been a long time indeed," he muttered to himself. "Little ones, are you ready for me?" He grinned, his smile more sinister than his usual expression. "We shall settle the debts soon enough. Wait for me."
With that, he left for his room, his beasts trailing behind him.
The next day, they departed to meet the Master, who had long summoned the Shrouded One back.
Miles away, in a remote underground stronghold, a castle-like house stood solitary, with a beautiful gate separating the inside from the outside. As they reached the gate, they were met by a group of angry-looking guards.
"Little Seven, what's with this somber mood? Did someone die while I was away?" Percy joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"The Master's been in a foul mood for the past few months, all because of a certain someone who overestimates himself," Little Seven replied, his gaze fixed on the Shrouded One.
"Oops," Percy said with a smirk. "Seems like they're not too happy to see you back, brother. After so many years."
Ever since the Shrouded One had been defeated by the Queens, the family had been forced to stay in hiding to avoid detection. When he had been swallowed by the earth by the Queens, no one from his family had come to save him. He had to wait all those years to be rescued. He hadn't seen the Master in over a hundred years, and no one in the village knew of the existence of the others—except for the Shrouded One himself, as he was the one sent to reclaim their throne.
The Shrouded One chose not to respond to the angry guard and made his way directly to the Master.
His voice echoed across the hall before reaching the Master. "Father, I'm back."
Inside, a figure shifted in his seat, which resembled a throne. On his head, he wore a crown befitting a king.
"Little 9," the Master said, his voice filled with disappointment. "You've really let me down—twice, no less. The first time by those Queens, and now, you've been defeated by mere twelve-year-olds."