Zain started by introducing Lilith to the Miraz plane, the vast and diverse world they inhabited. He painted a picture of the Zinovia Empire, a realm of sprawling cities, ancient forests, and towering mountains. The empire was rich in history and culture, with each of its regions boasting unique traditions and landscapes. He then delved into the illustrious history of the Gremory family, detailing their rise to power and their significant contributions to the empire's stability and prosperity. Finally, he described Vermillion City, the bustling heart of their territory, with its vibrant markets, grand architecture, and the ever-watchful palace standing proudly at its center.

  As Zain spoke, Lilith listened intently, eager to learn more about the place she would now call home. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in the wealth of information. She asked numerous questions, her voice filled with excitement and wonder, to which both Zain and Draig responded enthusiastically, their own spirits lifted by her genuine interest.

  "So, tell us about yourself." Draig prompted, breaking the friendly atmosphere with his curiosity. His golden eyes twinkled with a mix of eagerness and empathy.

  Zain wanted Lilith to feel more comfortable before delving into her past. This whole experience was new for her, and things were moving rapidly. He glanced at her, offering a reassuring smile, hoping to ease any lingering unease.

  "I don't have much of a story." Lilith began hesitantly. "As Azazel mentioned, I was born only a few months ago. I don't know the exact time because we were in the void. Azazel told me he got into an accident and ended up there. While traveling through the void, he found me. I was still a baby. He said he didn't know how I survived or who left me there."

  Her voice was soft, tinged with a mixture of wonder and uncertainty. The void, an endless expanse of nothingness, was a harsh and unforgiving place, yet she had somehow endured.

  "My growth was rapid. Azazel once told me that some powerful creatures reach maturity very quickly while others take much longer." She paused, her eyes reflecting the memories of her unusual upbringing.

  Zain glanced at Draig, understanding that Draig was also one of those powerful creatures, given his own rapid growth. He felt a kinship with Lilith, knowing they both shared extraordinary origins.

  "Why do you say 'born' when you talk about it?" Zain asked curiously, his interest piqued by her choice of words.

  "That's how Azazel puts it. He said since he found me and saved me, he gave me a new life. So, he says 'born' and I picked up the habit from him." She smiled slightly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

  "We were stuck in the void until about a month ago when we ended up in your plane. During our journey, Azazel was my teacher. He taught me all sorts of things: history, plane fundamentals, geometry, and more." Lilith's eyes brightened as she recounted her lessons, the thirst for knowledge evident in her voice.

  Lilith listed countless subjects, many of which Zain hadn't even heard of. Her education had been extensive, her mind a repository of arcane and esoteric knowledge.

  "Okay, okay... Lilith, let's stop for today." Zain said, already tired. Seeing Draig asleep at the table, his head resting on his folded arms, he decided to call it a night. The day's events had taken their toll on them all. After making sure Draig was in bed, Zain and Lilith also went to sleep, their minds buzzing with thoughts of the future.

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  ---

  The next day, Lilith signed the Soul Guard pact with Zain. They were in Izark's study, a grand room lined with shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and ink, a testament to the countless hours of study and governance conducted within these walls. Izark's desk, a massive oak structure, was covered with maps, documents, and artifacts.

  They were preparing for Zain's coming-of-age ceremony, a significant event that would mark his transition into adulthood and his readiness to take on greater responsibilities. Izark wanted to ensure Zain was ready and was also concerned about Draig and Lilith's identities being exposed. To address this, he brought out a special artifact.

  "This is called the 'Veil of Demons.' It was given to me by a noble as a gift. At the time, I didn't think I would ever use it. It senses the presence of demons but is useless after one use. It can even detect the presence of a Greater Demon Lord. So, unless I confronted a Demon King, it wouldn't be very useful." Izark explained, his voice tinged with reverence and caution. He held the artifact with care, its weight and power palpable.

  "It's a powerful artifact, but its function is limited. This is the perfect time to use it. Now, let's try it." His eyes gleamed with determination as he prepared to activate the artifact.

  The artifact was a mirror with red glass and a silver frame patterned with intricate designs of eyes. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the eyes seeming to follow their every move. Izark injected mana into the mirror, causing it to float and glow red. The light it emitted bathed the room in an eerie glow, casting long, shifting shadows.

  Images began to appear in the mirror, showing different places in Gremory Dukedom and some border regions. The images changed for a few minutes before the mirror fell to the ground with a soft thud.

  Izark picked it up. It had cracks, but the glass had returned to normal. Zain, Draig, and Lilith waited nervously for the outcome, their hearts pounding in their chests.

  "Good!" Izark sighed in relief, a smile breaking across his stern features. "If it had detected something, the glass would have stayed red, and the location of the abnormality would have appeared. So, you should be fine. But you two should still be careful. Although this artifact is powerful, Novas can't be underestimated. At least for now, you are good to go."

  The trio's expressions eased, the tension that had gripped them dissipating. They could finally relax a bit after the recent events had kept them on edge.

  "So, how's your training going?" Izark asked Zain, his voice taking on a more fatherly tone.

  "It's going well. After recent events, I had a breakthrough last night. I'm an Acolyte Realm Grade 2 now." Zain said, smiling brightly, a sense of pride evident in his voice.

  "I'm at Acolyte Realm Grade 3." Draig added, his voice steady and confident.

  "Me too." Lilith chimed in, her tone matching Draig's confidence.

  Zain's smile quickly faded, a flicker of insecurity crossing his face. Although he was considered a genius for starting cultivation at thirteen, he couldn't match Draig and Lilith's rapid progress.

  Izark smiled at Zain's reaction, his eyes softening with understanding. "Using a complex technique like Blood-Soul Aria takes much more time and effort. Training both your Inner Force and Mana Forge simultaneously is very difficult. It might be fine at the start, but it will get harder with time. You could fall behind your peers."

  "I know, but my meditation technique focuses on both aspects. It's very powerful, and according to my mother, it's among the best techniques available and best suited for me." Zain replied, his voice filled with determination. He knew the path he had chosen was arduous, but he believed in its ultimate rewards.

  Izark had tried giving Zain many techniques, but none were suitable. He knew Zain's meditation technique was powerful but challenging. He was testing Zain's perseverance, watching to see how his son would rise to the challenge.

  Zain was determined. He could feel the tremendous power hidden in the later stages of his meditation technique and wasn't willing to give up. The vision of his future strength kept him focused and motivated.

  "What about you two?" Izark asked Draig and Lilith, his tone shifting back to curiosity.

  "I don't have any problems." Draig said, his voice steady and confident.

  "Me neither." Lilith added, her tone firm and unwavering.

  "Well, you two are different. One is an Abyssal Dragon, and the other is an anomaly from the void. You have inherited cultivation techniques that are tailor-made for you. Although you're both adepts, your heritage makes it easier to cultivate. Keep up the good work." Izark's words were filled with a mixture of admiration and caution, acknowledging their unique abilities.

  Draig and Lilith, descendants of powerful species, had all the knowledge they needed to progress. Their paths, though unique, were clear and filled with potential.

  "Anyway, there are only two months left until the ceremony. Be well-prepared when the time comes. Don't let me down." Izark said, his voice filled with a mixture of expectation and encouragement.

  The trio nodded, their resolve strengthened by Izark's words. They had a lot to prepare for, but with their determination and newfound bonds, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The weight of their responsibilities loomed large, but so did the promise of their potential. Together, they would forge a future that honored their past and embraced their destiny.