Kael returned to the Ardyn estate at dawn.
Not through the gates.
Through the side path servants used when they didn't want to be seen.
The forest released him reluctantly, shadows peeling away as the silver glow in his hand dimmed. His steps were uneven, dragging. Blood soaked through his sleeve, warm and sticky against skin that had already begun to go numb.
Each breath felt borrowed.
By the time the outer wall came into view, Kael could no longer feel his fingers.
He collapsed just inside the threshold.
The world tilted.
Footsteps approached...measured, unhurried.
"Master Kael."
Jenkins' voice.
Calm. Controlled. Exactly as it had always been.
Kael forced his eyes open. The butler stood over him, lantern light casting long shadows behind his polished shoes. His expression held mild concern, nothing more.
"You should not have left the estate in your condition," Jenkins said.
Kael smiled weakly. "I got lost."
Jenkins did not comment on the blood.
He knelt, lifting Kael with practiced ease. "You're running a fever. Try not to speak."
As Kael was carried inside, the System stirred.
"Host vitals unstable."
"External catalyst detected."
Kael's fingers twitched reflexively.
Not yet, he thought. Not here.
His room swallowed them in warmth and dim light. Healers were summoned quickly, spells pressed into his chest, slowing the bleeding, easing the tremors—but not restoring strength.
They stabilized him.
Nothing more.
When the servants finally withdrew, Jenkins remained behind.
He placed a crystal tray on the bedside table.
"Whatever you were holding," Jenkins said, "you never let go of it."
Kael loosened his grip.
Nestled in his palm lay the Moonpetal.
Its silver glow was weaker now, pulsing faintly like a tired heart.
Jenkins' eyes lingered on it for a moment longer than necessary.
"A rare find," he said mildly. "Fortune favored you."
Kael didn't answer.
His chest hurt too much.
Jenkins bowed slightly. "Rest. I'll inform Lord Ardyn of your return."
He left.
The door closed.
Unlocked.
Kael waited.
Only when the silence settled did he exhale.
"System," he whispered internally. "Now."
The air shifted.
The Moonpetal dissolved.
Not burned.
Not consumed.
It unraveled into silver threads of data, lifting from Kael's palm and sinking into his chest like breath returning to lungs that had nearly failed.
Kael gasped.
Pain flared...but this time, it reorganized instead of destroying.
"Moonpetal absorbed.
"Catalyst quality: Adequate."
Light surged through Kael's body, threading through veins, reinforcing weakened channels rather than tearing them open.
"Reward processing."
A new sensation followed...subtle, controlled.
His breathing steadied.
The crushing pressure in his chest loosened slightly.
"Reward Granted."
• Constitution +1
• Mana Tolerance +5%
• Parasite Stabilization: TEMPORARY
Kael swallowed hard.
He wasn't healed.
But he wasn't dying today.
"…Temporary?" he asked.
"Correct," the System replied.
"Moonpetal alone is insufficient."
New text unfolded before his eyes.
INCOMPLETE REMEDY DETECTED
Required Components:
Moonpetal – Acquired
??? – Unknown / High-Risk
??? – Unknown / High-Risk
Condition:
All three components must be integrated within 90 days to prevent systemic failure.
Failure Result:
Soul collapse.
Kael stared.
"So even the cure has a deadline."
"Everything does," the System replied.
Kael closed his eyes briefly.
Two more things.
Unknown.
High-risk.
He didn't ask where they were.
If the Moonpetal was the easiest part…
"…What happens until then?" he asked.
"Survival probability increased from 29% to 41%."
"Degradation slowed."
A thin smile tugged at Kael's lips.
"That's generous of you."
"This is not generosity."
"This is investment."
The interface faded.
Kael lay back against the pillows, exhaustion dragging at his limbs.
A knock sounded.
"Enter," he said quietly.
Jenkins stepped inside, carrying a fresh vial of medicine.
"You should drink," he said. "Your pulse is stabilizing, but barely."
Kael studied him.
"Did my father say anything?"
Jenkins nodded. "Only that you are not to leave the estate again without permission."
"That bad?"
"Worse," Jenkins said mildly. "You survived."
Kael huffed a weak laugh and accepted the vial. The liquid was bitter, but familiar. It settled his breathing without dulling his senses.
"Jenkins," Kael said after a moment, "have I ever been close to… recovering?"
Jenkins considered the question.
"Your body has always resisted decay more than expected," he replied. "That is why resources continue to be spent on you."
Kael nodded.
A careful answer.
A safe one.
"Then I'll keep resisting," Kael said.
Jenkins inclined his head. "I would advise that."
He turned to leave.
At the door, he paused.
"The forest is dangerous," he added. "If you value your life, do not return without preparation."
Kael met his gaze.
"I won't."
Jenkins left.
Kael lay still, staring at the ceiling.
Two more components.
Ninety days.
And an estate filled with people who expected him to fade quietly.
He smiled.
They're going to be disappointed.