Danial and Crystal stood firm as Taoist Hao's disciples surrounded them. Taoist Hao, with his ever-present arrogant smile, stepped forward. "I hope you are enjoying yourself, Danial," he said, his tone both polite and condescending.Danial frowned slightly but forced a neutral expression. "I am, Taoist Hao. I wonder, though, what brings you here?"Taoist Hao adjusted his robes as though his presence alone demanded reverence. "Of course, I am here to witness the tournament," he began, pausing dramatically before adding, "but I have another motive."Raising his chin, he continued with exaggerated self-importance. "I have observed your abilities and potential. You are a remarkable talent, one worthy of greater cultivation. Thus, I seek to recruit you into the Temple of Lumina. If you join us, I will personally ensure that you reach the Master level of cultivation within ten years."The tone of his voice, laden with arrogance, grated on Danial's nerves. Taoist Hao didn’t even wait for Dan
Taoist Hao’s expression darkened as Marvin’s calm yet cutting words echoed through the corridor. "Marvin, why are you protecting Danial? This is a matter of pride and reputation!" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration.Marvin’s demeanor remained steady, his voice calm yet sharp enough to cut through the tension. "Is that so, Hao? Forgive my old-fashioned ways, but attacking someone with a far lower cultivation level than yours? Do you call that pride? I call it arrogance."Taoist Hao’s face tightened, his frustration evident. "That is because he attacked one of my disciples! I was merely returning the favor."Marvin’s faint smile faded as his gaze bore into Taoist Hao. "Fair, you say? Your disciple charged at Danial first, unprovoked. As far as I can see, Danial defended himself. That seems fair to me." His tone grew heavier as he added, "Watch your limits, Hao."Hao gritted his teeth, trying to suppress his irritation. "Why are you so invested in this boy? Don’t you have othe
The match began with the announcer’s enthusiastic cry. The boy, mustering every ounce of courage, charged toward the cloaked figure with a loud yell. His staff spun with surprising speed as he aimed a decisive strike at his opponent.What happened next stunned the entire stadium.The cloaked figure didn’t move—didn’t even flinch. As the boy’s staff came within inches of his chest, the air around the cloaked figure rippled unnaturally. A black, smoky aura surged outward, halting the staff mid-strike. The boy’s expression twisted in shock as he struggled to push forward, but it was as if an invisible wall held him back.Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, a mix of awe and unease.Then, with a flick of his wrist, the cloaked figure sent the boy flying backward. The impact was brutal, and the boy tumbled across the stage before coming to a painful halt. Groans of sympathy echoed through the crowd.The cloaked figure took a single step forward, and the temperature in the arena see
The mocking expression on Santigo’s face deepened as he stepped closer to Kuro, the arrogance in his posture almost tangible. Kuro, fists clenched, met his gaze with barely restrained fury."I see you’re faring well," Santigo drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "After all, you seem to think these… people can offer you more than what the Hale family could provide."Kuro's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. "You have no right to dictate who I choose as my friends or where I belong."Santigo smirked, his expression growing even more condescending. "Ah, perhaps. Maybe when you were still a part of the Hale family—when you basked in the patriarch’s favor The Golden child,—I wouldn’t have dared to tell you anything," he said mockingly. He stomped his foot onto the ground, a sharp thud that seemed to echo louder than it should. "But now? Now you’re nothing more than a bug on the street, Kuro. And a single stomp from me is enough to crush you."Before Kuro could respond, Crystal st
Santigo stormed away, one hand pressed against his cheek, his eyes blazing with anger. The sting of the slap wasn’t just physical—it was a burning humiliation that clawed at his pride.“This slap,” he muttered under his breath, his voice trembling with rage. “This humiliation in public… I will never forget this, and I will never forgive her.”As he stomped through the dimly lit streets, his mind spiraling with revenge, his path was suddenly blocked by a group of shadowy figures. Santigo froze, his bravado momentarily replaced by caution.The tallest of the group stepped forward, his face obscured by a hood. The streetlamp behind him cast his figure in an eerie silhouette. Santigo hesitated, his voice laced with uncertainty. “Who are you? And what do you want from me?”Two of the figures flanking the hooded one stepped closer, revealing themselves as Leo and Diego from Emsgate. Santigo had heard whispers about them—dangerous whispers. He swallowed hard.The hooded figure tilted his hea
Crystal stood silently on the sidewalk, her gaze lingering on Danial as he followed Sophie into the distance. She tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a faint smile. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.“Bring the car,” she said softly before ending the call.A few moments later, a sleek black sedan glided through the quiet street. The vehicle came to a smooth halt beside her, and an elderly butler stepped out, bowing respectfully before opening the door.“Miss Crystal,” he greeted, his voice warm yet formal.Crystal stepped into the car, and the door closed with a gentle thud.As the car pulled away, the night’s events played through her mind. Her lips quirked again as she thought of Danial’s frantic attempt to appease his mother and Sophie’s witty jabs.The butler, whose name was Harold, had been serving the Kirk family for decades. Rowan Kirk, Crystal’s father, trusted Harold implicitly, and he was more than just an employee—he was a sil
The figure loomed in the dimly lit chamber, his black robe swaying unnaturally as if moved by an invisible wind. The strange star symbol etched on his chest seemed to pulse with dark energy, radiating an unsettling aura that filled the room. Maria and Nina exchanged a tense glance, their bodies taut with anticipation. Maria's fingers moved subtly, forming precise gestures that Nina immediately understood: Secure the evidence. No mistakes.Nina nodded slightly, sliding the gathered documents and camera into her satchel. Her movements were swift but deliberate, ensuring nothing would be left behind.The figure’s voice was a guttural growl, each word dripping with menace. “How did you find this place?” he demanded.Maria’s expression remained calm, her tone steady. “We have our ways.”The figure chuckled darkly. “Since you came here on your own accord, you will stay here for the rest of your lives.” His gaze shifted, his eyes roaming over Maria and Nina with a lecherous gleam. “You will
Nina’s breath hitched as the green rot crept further up her arm, black veins snaking outward like invasive roots. Her skin grew clammy, and each shallow breath rattled in her chest. She clenched her jaw, her teeth chattering despite the humid air. A wave of cold sweat ran down her face, mingling with her tears.“Maria… It’s no use,” she murmured, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. Her hand twitched, weakly grasping at Maria’s arm. “I’ve survived impossible odds before, but this…”Maria gritted her teeth, blinking away tears that threatened to spill. “You don’t get to give up, Nina. Not like this.” She tightened her grip on Nina’s shoulders, her eyes blazing with determination. “You’re tougher than this. I’ve seen you take down assassins with a broken leg, remember?”Nina’s lips curled into a faint, pained smile. “Yeah… but those assassins didn’t have… whatever this is.” Her gaze fell on her arm, the rot creeping ever upward. “If I don’t make it… promise me—”“Sto
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
As the first rays of sunlight graced the sprawling Capital, a vibrant energy filled the air. The second day of the Tournament of Sovereign Might had arrived, and the anticipation was palpable. Crowds thronged the streets, surging toward the massive stadium like waves, eager to secure their seats. Yesterday's attendance had been monumental, but today, it seemed to have doubled. Vendors called out, selling snacks and memorabilia, while children tugged at their parents, buzzing with excitement. The tournament fever had gripped the Capital, and all eyes were on the arena.Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. Spectators filled the stands, the din of their chatter building into a crescendo. The VIP sections gleamed with luxury, reserved for the most influential figures in society: the Greatest Families. Clad in their signature styles, representatives from these families arrived in a display of opulence and prestige, each taking their place in the exclusive area.In the Kirk fami
Maria’s fingers gripped the arms of the chair tightly as she stared at her grandfather. Her usual composure wavered, replaced by a mix of shock and unease. It was rare for her to confront Quintan like this, but the stakes had grown too high. She needed clarity, not half-truths or vague reassurances.Quintan tapped his fingers rhythmically against the polished wood of the desk, his expression unreadable as he studied her. Finally, he leaned forward, his gray eyes sharp and piercing.“What questions do you want to ask, Maria?” he asked, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of weariness.Maria didn’t hesitate. She had been holding this in since the mission’s disastrous conclusion. “Grandfather, I want to know what’s going on with the Demonic Cult. Why are we conducting reconnaissance missions on them instead of mobilizing the Gods of War? They would annihilate the cult without a second thought. Why hold back? What is the status of Rowan and Lysandra? And what about Nina?" Her fis