Danial struggled to his feet, his body still trembling from the energy he had unleashed, but he accepted Elysia’s steadying hand. He released the shattered remnants of the sword from his grip, letting it clatter to the ground with a dull, hollow sound.Just then, Sara approached, her face creased with worry. “Danial, why were you so frustrated? It was like… like you weren’t satisfied with anything you’d done. The power you showed is beyond impressive—no one at your cultivation level even comes close.” She searched his face for an answer.Danial laughed, but there was no joy in it, only bitterness. He stayed silent, but his frustration was plain. In the realm of Broken Stars, he’d trained relentlessly, pouring his heart into mastering the Sword Drawing Technique. He had thought that training would yield a powerful, undeniable result here. But reality was a harsh teacher; the power he summoned was flawed, lacking control. It stung more deeply than he’d anticipated.Elysia watched him cl
Danial frowned at Elysia’s words. She seemed adamant about him revealing everything he knew, her expression unwavering as if trying to see right through him. He knew, of course, he couldn’t let her get any closer to his secrets—not if he wanted to stay safe. With a steady gaze and a practiced blank expression, he replied, “I’ve told you what I know, Miss Elysia.”For a brief moment, Elysia’s eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing as if attempting to sift through his every word. Danial held his breath under the weight of her stare, wondering if her instincts would lead her to what he was trying to hide. Then, just as suddenly, her look softened, and she gave a small, satisfied smile as if allowing him this bit of mystery.He seized the chance to redirect her attention. “When exactly is this tournament? And what’s its purpose?”Elysia’s expression brightened slightly, a spark of excitement lighting her eyes. “This tournament is unlike anything you’ve seen, Danial. It’s held in preparation for
The day of the tournament had arrived, and Phoenix Academy buzzed with an energy unlike anything before. People poured in from every region of Somerland—high-ranking officials, esteemed warriors, wealthy merchants, and curious civilians—all here to witness the beginning of what was promised to be an unforgettable competition. The academy grounds were fortified with unparalleled security, displaying the gravity of the event. Convoys of military jeeps circled the perimeter, and officers patrolled every corner, ensuring only authorized guests set foot inside.Hmmmm!Security was unmatched; the air practically hummed with a sense of strict order. Military jeeps lined the pathways leading to the academy, each vehicle filled with alert soldiers scanning the area with hawk-like vigilance. Hundreds of officers patrolled with intensity, eyes sharp for any sign of disturbance. It was clear that for an event of this magnitude, nothing was left to chance. This wasn’t merely a tournament—it was a
As the excitement reached a fever pitch at the gates of Phoenix Academy, the arrival of each prominent family escalated the crowd’s frenzy. Reporters and paparazzi pressed against barricades, eager to capture each entry, and the flashes of cameras created a strobe effect around the entrances. Soldiers formed a barrier, restoring the balance amid the chaos with their unwavering presence, their uniformity finally quieting the restless crowd.Just as Rowan and Crystal’s convoy disappeared into the academy, a pair of contrasting convoys approached, catching everyone’s attention. The black convoy exuded a timeless aura of strength and tradition, while the white convoy glistened with an elegance that drew admiring eyes. The crowd's murmur grew, and the flashes intensified as the figures emerged.From the black convoy, a distinguished older man stepped out. Though his face bore the marks of age, his energetic manner and sharp gaze gave him a youthful edge. His eyes, wise and penetrating, mis
The stadium brimmed with spectators, a sea of faces filling every row, eager to witness what was already shaping up to be a historical tournament. Representatives from each of the Greatest Families took their places, cloaked in their family crests and colors, their seats symbolically positioned in the prestigious middle tiers of the stadium. Noble houses, foreign dignitaries, government officials, and even civilians who had secured tickets filled every available seat, from the grandstands to the highest tiers. The air buzzed with anticipation, every whisper, cheer, and murmur echoing through the vast, arched ceilings.Suddenly, a deep rumble reverberated through the streets, drawing everyone’s attention toward the entrance. Journalists and photographers scrambled toward the gates, cameras poised to capture the unfolding scene. What they saw was a spectacle of military precision—a convoy of rugged military jeeps followed by an army of soldiers marching in perfect formation, each step l
Elysia's voice resonated with a commanding power, her tone unwavering and formal as she addressed the packed stadium. "Before we begin this tournament, I have the honor of introducing some very special guests," she announced. “These are the brave souls who remain vigilant day and night, guarding the borders of Somerland with an unbreakable will and a profound sense of duty. They are the warriors whose dedication and sacrifice allow every citizen, official, and dignitary alike to sleep peacefully each night. Please welcome my comrades—the Gods of War of Somerland!"The crowd erupted into a thunderous roar. Murmurs of shock and awe rippled through the stands as the significance of her words took hold."The Gods of War? All of them? Here in one place?""I thought they never gathered like this unless… unless something monumental was happening."Officials exchanged glances, whispering in hushed, nervous tones. Foreign dignitaries leaned forward in their seats, stunned by the revelation, re
As Elysia’s words echoed across the stadium, a tense silence fell over the crowd. The mere mention of the Grandmasters had left everyone—foreign dignitaries, martial artists, and civilians alike—on the edge of their seats. Grandmasters were revered as gods, figures of immeasurable power who had reached the pinnacle of martial arts. It was said their strength alone could level entire cities, and their presence here struck a mix of awe and reverence in all who knew of them.For a few long moments, nothing happened. The stadium remained quiet, an almost reverent stillness hanging over the crowd, thick and charged with anticipation. Whispers and glances rippled through the spectators, but no figure emerged. Elysia’s gaze drifted subtly toward a shadowed corner of the arena where faint auras lingered, sensed by only the keenest among the crowd. She turned back to the stadium, her voice breaking the quiet, firm yet respectful.“They are here,” she announced, “but they are among us, watching
Red’s eyes sparkled with an uncontrollable fire as he stepped forward, his body still humming with adrenaline. The thrill of the duel hadn’t dimmed in the slightest, and he craved more, his whole being geared toward battle. His gaze fell on Rani, calm as a still pond, her icy demeanor as unwavering as ever. She regarded him coolly, her beautiful eyes half-lidded, catching the light in a mesmerizing, flickering gleam.But just as he took another step forward, a sharp chill ran up his spine. Red’s gaze shifted slightly, meeting Elysia’s narrowed eyes. Her silent glare held him in place as if frozen by some invisible force. He swallowed hard, his fervor dampened by the unspoken command. With a begrudging sigh, he stilled his urge and nodded toward Rani, who returned a slight bow, her expression unchanged. The two then leaped down from the platform with effortless grace, landing before the roaring crowd, who erupted into a storm of cheers and applause.Elysia turned to face the audience,
The hooded figure’s tone was dripping with malice as he slowly advanced on Danial, his crimson aura flaring with every step."You made a mistake, boy. I was offering a painless way to die, but you didn’t appreciate my mercy. Be assured, you will die—but I’ll make sure you beg for it first."Danial didn’t respond, his mind racing as he desperately tried to formulate an escape plan. The hooded figure exuded the power of a Master Level Cultivator—a whole stage above Danial’s abilities. The disparity was immense, and Danial knew it. Running would be futile unless he could create a miracle.The figure chuckled as if reading Danial’s thoughts. “Don’t waste your energy,” he said, his tone mocking. “You won’t escape me.”Danial clenched his fists, his breathing steady despite the rising panic in his chest. Realizing there was no other option, he decided to take the offensive. If he was going down, he’d make sure to leave a mark. He activated his Iron Fist Technique, his arms glowing with a br
Danial’s mind raced as the hooded figure’s words echoed in his ears. “Fine meal? What does that mean?” A chill ran down his spine. There was no time to dwell on fear. His gaze shifted to Kuro, slumped and barely conscious, and a surge of determination coursed through him. No matter what, I’m getting us out of here.He glanced at Crystal and made a subtle hand gesture, signaling her to prepare. She caught his movement, her eyes widening in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. Taking a deep breath, she began circulating her internal energy, her frosty aura intensifying as she prepared for whatever was to come.Danial turned back to the hooded man, mustering every ounce of courage he had. His voice trembled slightly, but he managed to ask, “W-what do you mean? And who are you?”The hooded figure tilted his head, his hidden gaze boring into Danial. “You are not qualified to know,” he said, his voice low and dismissive. Without further ado, he raised his hand, which began to glow a
Santigo leaned back in his chair, the flickering light casting long shadows across the room. His smile stretched wider, full of mockery and malice, as his gaze shifted lazily between Danial, Pavan, and Crystal. "Took you long enough," he drawled, tapping his fingers on the armrest. "I was almost about to start another session with Kuro, but you arrived on time. Tsk tsk, what a pity."Danial’s eyes darted to Kuro, his chest tightening at the sight of his friend slumped over, bruised and barely conscious. Rage bubbled beneath his calm exterior, his fists clenching so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. He knew what "session" meant—and judging by Kuro’s state, it was far worse than he’d imagined.Gritting his teeth, Danial stepped forward, his fists clenching at his sides. “What do you want from us, Santigo?” His voice was low but edged with anger. “We’ve never crossed paths. We have nothing to do with you. So why drag Kuro into this?”Santigo waved his hand dismissively as if bru
The trio made their way through the desolate industrial district, their steps echoing faintly against the cracked asphalt and rusted pipes that sprawled across the ground. The Lapanzo Foundry loomed in the distance—a massive husk of steel and concrete, its faded name barely visible on the old factory’s rust-eaten board. Broken windows and gaping holes in the walls stared back at them like the hollow eyes of a corpse, and the air was heavy with a metallic tang mixed with an unexplainable decay that clung to their senses.There were no birds, no stray dogs, not even insects. The silence was unnatural, almost suffocating. Each breath they took felt too loud as if the factory itself might hear them.Pavan looked around, his face pale and his voice just above a whisper. "Yeah, this is the place where I’m going to die."Danial shot him a sideways glare. "No one is going to die." His voice was steady, but his jaw was clenched.Ahead, the board with “Lapanzo” scrawled in faded letters jutted
Danial sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers interlocked and his face stoic, though his mind churned with conflicting thoughts. Pavan, pacing back and forth like a caged animal, threw his arms up in frustration. "Danial!" Pavan snapped, his voice rising. "Are you even listening to me? How can you sit there so calmly when Kuro’s life is on the line? And Crystal—she’s a target too!" Danial finally looked up, his eyes sharp and cold. "Calm? Do I look calm to you, Pavan? I’m just not panicking like you are. If we lose focus now, Kuro’s as good as dead. And if Crystal gets caught in this... it’ll be worse." Pavan stopped pacing, running a hand through his hair. "Then tell me, what’s the plan? What are we doing? Because I can’t just stand here waiting for them to kill Kuro." Danial leaned back, exhaling deeply. "We can’t afford to act recklessly. Whoever this is, they’re not some common thug. They know Kuro’s strength, and they still managed to take him down. That tells me this is pers
Santigo paced around Kuro, his leather boots thudding against the cold, damp concrete floor. The dim overhead light flickered sporadically, casting ominous shadows across the room. The sharp edges of Santigo's features seemed exaggerated in the erratic glow, giving him an almost predatory appearance."Ah, cousin," Santigo drawled, his tone mockingly sweet as he circled Kuro. You look so pitifully tied up like this. I must say, it suits you—a star brought down to earth, groveling in the dirt."Kuro's wrists were bound tightly behind his back, and his legs were shackled to the chair he was forced to sit on. His clothes were torn, and his breath was ragged, but his eyes burned with a fiery defiance that refused to be extinguished.Santigo crouched down to meet Kuro’s glare, his grotesque grin widening. "Tell me, cousin," he whispered, his voice laced with venom, "how does it feel to have the tables turned for once? To be... insignificant?"Kuro’s chest heaved, his breath shallow but stead
Pavan’s hands shook uncontrollably as he processed the words he had just heard. His friend’s life was hanging by a thread, and the weight of the situation bore down heavily on him. His normally composed demeanor was in tatters, replaced by fear and anxiety.Danial, though visibly calmer, felt a storm brewing within. His sharp mind worked through the possibilities, piecing together how this could have happened. Kuro is strong, far stronger than most people realize. For someone to have captured him, this isn’t just about strength—it’s planning, manipulation… or something far worse.Pavan’s voice broke through Danial’s thoughts. “D-Danial, we can’t handle this on our own. We need to go to the authorities, to someone who can—”Danial interrupted, his tone firm but low. “We can’t.” His eyes locked onto Pavan’s. “You heard him. If we go to the authorities, Kuro’s life is the first thing he’ll take.”Pavan clenched his fists, frustration, and helplessness written all over his face. “But… wha
The emissaries from Emsgate couldn’t hide their broad smiles as Tanya descended the arena steps. Their demeanor was almost triumphant, as though Tanya’s victory over Viktor was a personal affront to Somerland. Tanya, however, walked with a quiet pride, ignoring the subtle gloating. Behind her, the terrain of the arena shifted and morphed back to its original flat state, the transformation accompanied by a low rumble.Viktor, meanwhile, trudged down the steps on the opposite side, his head hung low. The sting of defeat gnawed at him, and the weight of representing Somerland felt heavier with each step. In his heart, he felt as though he had disgraced his homeland.Waiting for him near the entrance was his master, a tall man with graying hair. The master’s sharp eyes softened as Viktor approached, clearly burdened. Placing a hand on Viktor’s shoulder, he spoke firmly yet kindly:“Viktor, just because you lost does not mean you failed to prove your worth. Your worth is measured by how ha
Elyisa put her hand into the ballot and took out two folded paper slips. She unfolded the slips with an air of authority. “Tanya from Emsgate and Viktor from Somerland,” she announced, her voice echoing throughout the stadium. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the audience as she reached into the twist and terrain ballot. Unfurling the next slip, she declared, “They will be fighting in a mountainous area. They will have to complete the fight in under four minutes, or both participants will be disqualified.”The crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers and startled whispers.“Four minutes? Is that even enough time for a proper fight in such rugged terrain?” one spectator exclaimed.“And they’ll both be disqualified if no winner emerges? That’s brutal,” another muttered, shaking their head.The tension was palpable as Tanya, seated among the participants, felt a pang of nervousness grip her chest. Her hands balled into fists on her lap as she stared at the giant screen displaying her name