Chaos fed Bane some snacks and something to drink as they rode in the carriage back to their Dorm, snacking and sipping himself as well. The journey was leisurely—they didn't have to rush since they had free time until Monday, giving them four days off after today.
Even when their lessons resumed, there would be no rush. With Tian Dao's help, they had already mastered every bit of Knowledge they'd received, so the rest of the year would be laid-back—at least until they transitioned to the Junior Academy.
According to Bane, the Junior Academy was much more intensive. Still, if things kept progressing smoothly, Tian Dao would keep helping them master their Knowledge until they reached maturity. Lessons now felt more like leisure time and a chance to hang out.
Apart from their names, genders, ages, and Clans, none of their other basic info had been made visible by Tian Dao yet. The same was true for their Skills, although they both already knew everything. Their Talent Skills, in particular, were on a whole different level. They were looking forward to the adults discovering those; they could already picture the reactions.
Especially Elder Caine's face—he would definitely start a new round of dramatic wailing and rolling on the floor! Bane and Chaos couldn't stop giggling at the image, already excited for the big reveal.
Their carriage passed through the main gate and slowed to a stop. Disembarking, they strolled toward the pagoda, noticing the changes in the garden—their requests had been approved and were clearly being implemented.
Inside the pagoda, they went straight to the living floor to see their Mammys. Morgana and Morgranna greeted them and asked how they were feeling. They replied honestly, admitting only to a bit of hunger. Morgranna promptly sat them down at the balcony dining table and served them lunch.
Grateful, they ate leisurely, savouring the flavours and textures of Morgranna's cooking. Afterwards, they sipped hot tea and told Morgranna about their plan for her to teach them to cook, since she was simply the best.
After tea, the pair decided to watch TV for the rest of the afternoon. They relocated to the large sofa, Bane nestled between Chaos's legs with his back resting against Chaos's chest. They picked out a documentary and settled in for a cosy afternoon with tea and snacks.
Morgana left to pick up packages, while Morgranna tidied up in the kitchen, likely already planning and prepping for dinner. The pair relished this homey, comfortable warmth; it put them entirely at ease. Slowly, they both drifted off to sleep on the sofa. When Morgranna noticed, she gently draped a blanket over them.
When Morgana returned, she snapped a photo and posted it to Conclave, as Bane and Chaos had agreed—if everyone was already following them, they might as well make them as envious as possible. The comments section exploded.
Original Post (by Morgana): Snapped the cutest pic of Bane and Chaos snuggled up on the sofa, fast asleep with tea and snacks. Just a wholesome afternoon nap vibe!
User1: Aww, this is what peak relaxation looks like. I'm jealous! Where do I sign up for a Morgranna snack platter?
User2: Documentaries, tea, AND snacks? These two know how to spend an afternoon. Also, props to Morgranna for the blanket—true MVP.
User3: No better way to recharge than some cosy downtime. I hope they woke up before their tea went cold!
User4: I love seeing this found family dynamic. Makes me want to nap on a giant sofa, too. What documentary did they pick?
User5: This is my dream afternoon. Also, Morgana, thanks for sharing—feeling all warm and fuzzy now.
User6: Who else wants to be part of this household? I come with my own snacks and blanket!
Around five o'clock, the duo slowly woke, amazed they'd fallen asleep on the sofa, and thanked Morgranna for the blanket. They also thanked Morgana for capturing the moment and sharing it online. Bane grinned from ear to ear, thoroughly enjoying the envious comments.
Chaos, Morgana, and Morgranna could only shake their heads at his antics. He truly relished fanning the flames whenever he could—truly the embodiment of the Bane of all existence.
The pair slowly and leisurely went upstairs to shower and soak in the bathing pool until it was time for dinner, with both Mammys helping them wash as they unsuccessfully tried to help each other. Afterwards, they slipped into the hot water of the bathing pool and soaked for a while, floating side by side. Eventually, Chaos pulled Bane onto his chest, and they floated together like that for the rest of the time.
When Morgranna summoned them for dinner, they left the bathing pool, dried off, put on clean sleeping robes, and sat down at the dressing table to groom themselves, finishing by brushing their hair. Then they headed downstairs for a leisurely candle-lit dinner on the balcony.
When they finished eating, they slowly sipped their favourite hot chocolate and sat on the balcony, gazing out over the view of the garden and beyond the walls. When it was time for bed, they went upstairs, brushed their teeth, and lay down together. Bane once again nestled within Chaos's four arms, and they fell into a contented sleep that lasted until morning.
They were woken at eight in the morning by Morgranna, who informed them that they had an hour before the Nursery Elders would arrive. Their basic information, skills, and other data had just been made visible by Tian Dao, so a discussion on how to handle this was needed.
Both quickly got up, washed, dressed, brushed and tied their hair, then headed downstairs to eat breakfast. While they did, Morgranna asked on which floor they wanted to meet with the Elders. They replied that they'd meet them on the living floor balcony.
Morgranna nodded and began preparing as Bane and Chaos sipped their first coffee of the day. Once they finished, they moved to the sitting area balcony to continue drinking coffee, with less than fifteen minutes left before the Elders' arrival. Morgana had just left the pagoda to lead the guests in, as they wouldn't be able to enter otherwise.
They were halfway through their second cup of coffee when the Elders arrived at the gate and were escorted upstairs by Morgana. Bane and Chaos greeted the Elders, who responded in kind, then sat down and were served a fresh pot of chocolate salted caramel coffee, courtesy of Morgranna. The Elders thanked her and sipped their coffee, enjoying the flavours alongside the Children.
"I can see why you enjoy Morgranna's coffee so much—it really does taste wonderful!" Elder Soleil remarked, still savouring the flavours.
"I know, right!" Bane replied, nodding emphatically.
"Okay, while the coffee is truly delicious, we're here for serious matters today. Morgranna informed you?" Elder Lucius asked.
Both Bane and Chaos nodded. "Yeah, everything that Tian Dao had previously kept hidden after the Awakening has been made visible," Chaos responded calmly.
The Children's calm reactions caused the Elders and Mammys to raise their eyebrows in surprise.
"You don't seem to be excited … Your reactions are too flat. You already knew everything, didn't you?!" Elder Kyle said, his tone certain.
Bane and Chaos nodded. "We've known all along, but weren't allowed to say anything."
"Figures!" Elder Caine muttered, leaning back with crossed arms and eyeing the Children with a scowl.
"Tian Dao has already helped us learn all of the new Knowledge—and will probably continue until we reach maturity," Bane shrugged.
"So, those Talent Skills—what are they exactly?" Elder Soleil asked.
"The Skill descriptions are literal," Bane replied calmly, sipping his coffee.
Elder Caine's face fell, and he sagged in his seat, looking like he was seconds away from a dramatic meltdown, but Morgranna shot him a scathing look. He instantly sat up straight, not daring to get on her bad side after surviving her summoning.
"Are you okay with the Council's posting your information online so everyone can see it?" Elder Lucius asked cautiously.
"As long as it's nothing private, like likes, dislikes, or bonds, we're fine," Chaos shrugged.
"Of course, that kind of information would never be posted," Elder Lucius assured them.
"Let's continue. What exactly is going on with the Classes?" Elder Kyle asked.
"It means that we will be the strongest of our Class ever. Tian Dao said the first Twin Demon and Slayer were just like us," Bane replied. "What sets us apart from them is that we have become Heaven's Guardians, which strengthens us further."
"According to Tian Dao, we are expected to become twice as strong as our predecessors, the first Twin Demon and Slayer. Our lifespans have also increased greatly, from one million years to ten million years."
"That's a lot to take in. By the way, we recorded this conversation, and it may be posted to give everyone further explanation," Elder Soleil exclaimed, slapping his forehead.
"It's okay, we understand. And we're fine with it!" Chaos and Bane both shrugged, blasé in their attitude.
"By the way, your Bloodlines?" Elder Lucius asked.
"The same as the first Twin Demon and Slayer," Bane replied.
"And the Oath?" Elder Kyle asked.
"At the moment, all we know is that it allows us to be linked, enabling us to communicate mentally and spiritually—even with Er when Chaos is merged. Tian Dao said we would be given more information every time we receive new Knowledge," Bane answered.
"Oh, and the flames we have of each other—the deep violet flames on Chaos's horn tips and the silver flames on my halo—indicate the vitality of the person they represent." He added.
"And what about the clothing changes?" Elder Lucius asked.
"They represent the change in our Classes," Bane replied.
"And the colour changes?" Elder Lucius pressed.
"They represent that we're Oath-bound," Chaos answered.
"Okay, that's all for now. We'll take our leave and let you two enjoy your time off," Elder Kyle concluded, ending the recording as well.
"Enjoy yourselves, kids. I hope you'll have fun even as you carry a heavy burden on your shoulders," Elder Soleil added gently.
"The burden doesn't feel heavy as long as we're together," Bane replied, as Chaos embraced him.
The Elders smiled at that and left. They sent the recording to the Councils, and fifteen minutes later, the Councils posted it, nearly causing Conclave to lag.
Original Post (Announcement): The Councils have just posted the full transcript of the Elders' conversation with Bane and Chaos regarding the newly revealed information about their Classes, Skills, Bloodlines, and more. Here's a place to share your thoughts!
UserA: I can't believe we're actually reading this. So, Bane and Chaos have known everything for a while? That's wild. Also, ten million years of lifespan?!
UserB: Elder Caine's reaction is killing me—poor guy, always on edge. Morgranna's coffee must have been a lifesaver.
UserC: Love the transparency from Bane and Chaos. True blasé vibes!
UserD: So their skills are literal? That's both reassuring and scary, considering how talented they already are.
UserE: I want more info on this Oath thing! Mental and spiritual links? Silver and violet flames? Anyone else curious about how deep this goes?
UserF: Respect for the Elders for respecting their privacy regarding personal preferences and bonds. The balance between openness and privacy makes me hopeful about future announcements.
UserG: Recording conversations for clarity is a great idea, honestly. Glad they're letting the public in on these changes instead of keeping it all secret.
UserH: LOL, imagining Elder Caine's face! I bet the outtakes from these meetings would be comedy gold. Bane and Chaos must have nerves of steel—so calm!
UserI: Anyone else feeling better knowing we have Heaven's Guardians in this generation? Twice as strong as their predecessors... I guess we're in good hands!
UserJ: They really are Children carrying a huge responsibility and still managing to enjoy snacks, coffee, and downtime. Love seeing them so well-supported by their Mammys and the Councils and Nursery.
UserB: Conclave lagging from all the hits, lol. Never seen a post blow up this fast. Is this what history feels like in real time?
UserC: Absolutely! So much support in the comments. Hope Bane and Chaos get to read these and feel the love!
Moderator: Thanks for keeping the discussion positive! Please use thread replies for questions about Talent Skills, the Oath, or anything you want the Councils to clarify in future updates.