For a moment, Rui was frozen.
He had rushed to the Royal Palace when he heard of his father's awakening, yet the moment he saw his father, he had been rendered frozen.
What unfolded before him was surreal.
His father, awake, gazed at him with a gentle smile.
"My son."
"…Father."
The Emperor's powerful gaze peered into his son's eyes as he studied him, noting the many differences and changes he had undergone since their last conversation. It didn't take him more than a moment to understand the significance of how much his son had changed.
He had many things he wanted to say.
Yet, he held his tongue.
He dared not say them out loud in the presence of the medical staff that swarmed him for check-ups.
"You've…grown, my son," Emperor Rael's rich and melodic voice contained a hint of pride and sympathy. "…To think you would grow to reach the Master Realm at your age. Truly, you are an exceptional Martial Artist."