The next morning, Danial woke up with a heavy mind. The previous day's events, the revelations about his father, the mesmerizing jade ring, and the message from the projection weighed heavily on his thoughts. As he lay in bed, he stared at the ceiling, lost in contemplation. His father's words echoed in his mind: "Embrace your destiny, and always remember that I am with you in spirit. You carry the legacy of this world, and I am proud to call you my son."The weight of those words tugged at Danial's heart, igniting a fire of determination within him. For the first time in a long while, Danial felt a sense of purpose, a path to follow that was uniquely his own. He had spent so much time feeling lost and adrift, but now, with the legacy of his father and the Golden Emperor Dragon and the power within the ring, he had found his calling.He always thought he would have to follow the path that the System gave him. Although he followed the path and tried to complete it he followed it in fea
The System gave a cold reply " The Host's Cultivation is insufficient" Danial thought to himeself "what do you mean my Cultivation is inufficient?" The System didnt reply as if it was non existing. Danial than began to think about the technique as he started reading the book he held. The more he read the Tecniques name the more he felt famailir with the name " The Sword Drawing Technique" Danial stared at the System's response, baffled and slightly frustrated. "The Host's Cultivation is insufficient." Those words echoed in his mind, gnawing at his curiosity. What did it mean by "insufficient"? He was already at the Peak Third Stage Mortal cultivation level, and he possessed a variety of skills and abilities. There had to be more to this "Sword Drawing Technique" than met the eye. As he delved into the book he held, the Technique's name, "The Sword Drawing Technique," seemed to resonate with something deep within him. It was as if he had heard of it before, perhaps from his Master Y
Eamon sighed slightly and retreated into the library. After Danial exited the Academy he reached home. Danial entered his home to the warm and familiar sight of his mother, Sophie, and Natasha engaged in a lively conversation. They both looked up and greeted him with smiles as he walked in. Natasha, who had been assigned to protect Sophie, had become much more than just a bodyguard. She had become a trusted friend and confidante to Sophie, and her presence had brought a sense of comfort to their household. Seeing his mother's radiant smile instantly filled Danial with happiness and relief. But now, as he looked at Sophie's face lit up with joy, he knew that she was in good hands with Natasha by her side. Natasha, with her unwavering dedication to her duty, had also managed to form a genuine bond with Sophie. She had become someone Sophie could talk to, share her worries with, and lean on for support. It was a friendship that had blossomed unexpectedly but had brought immeasurable c
Pearl comes and bows to him and says " Yes Master Danial you called?"Danial waved his hand and said " Drop the pleasantries I have something that needs your help.Pearl looked up at and saw Danial staring at her intensely. Pearl thought that Danial needed her 'Help' which surprised Pearl. Pearl has always maintained her body and she looked fabulous. She had always hated the idea of using her body to climb through the ranks and achieve success. When Pearl was about to say something Danial abruptly stopped her and said " Pearl listen I want you to keep an eye on a group that is about to enter the hotel. " Pearl straightened her back and asked " What do you mean?Pearl, still somewhat bewildered by Danial's abrupt request, tried to process the information she had just received. She adjusted her posture and leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Danial," she began cautiously, "why do you want me to keep an eye on this group of tourists? Is there something specific you're concerned about?"Da
As Danial, disguised as John, led the group of tourists and the scarred man toward the 6th floor, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his double life. He maintained his friendly and professional demeanor, hiding the urgency he felt inside. The scarred man's group, intrigued by the lavishness of the 6th floor and their exclusive treatment, began to settle into their designated rooms. Danial, knowing that time was of the essence, continued to assist them with their needs. With Pearl's efficient coordination, the 6th floor had been emptied of all guests and staff, creating a mysteriously empty environment. The other hotel guests, thanks to the efforts of the hotel's secretary, had left the premises, believing the temporary maintenance story provided by the staff. Once the tourists were settled into their rooms, the scarred man summoned Danial. "John," he said with a hint of command in his voice, "you've been a great help to us. Stay nearby; we might need further assistance later."
One of the groups of under the scarred men went to the reception area hoping to gain control of the area and effectively use the people and tourists to blackmail the police The leader of the group, gripping his assault rifle, pushed open the doors to the grand reception hall. The sight that greeted them was perplexing. The lavish space meant to be bustling with guests and staff was eerily empty. Not a single soul occupied the plush sofas, and the polished marble floor reflected only the dim emergency lighting. Confused, the group leader approached the scarred man, who was now standing in the centre of the deserted reception hall. "Boss," the leader hesitated, "there's no one here. The whole place is empty." The scarred man's forehead creased with a deep frown. "Empty? How is that possible? Did they evacuate everyone?" The group leader shook his head, "I don't know, sir. It's like everyone vanished. Even the receptionist is gone." The scarred man, a man accustomed to control and pr
Danial, observing the lackeys scattered on the floor, knew that they wouldn't be getting up anytime soon. Their bodies lay limp, a testament to the efficiency of his martial prowess. The once chaotic corridor, filled with the echoes of gunfire and struggle, now resonated with the haunting silence.His attention shifted towards the groaning team leader, who, in a desperate attempt to escape the approaching masked man, was dragging his battered body across the cold floor. Fear etched the leader's face as he tried to put distance between himself and the relentless figure in the white mask.With each calculated step, Danial closed the gap, his movements deliberate and menacing. The team leader, panting heavily, mustered the little strength he had left to plead for mercy."Please spare me! I don't know anything. Please, spare me!" the team leader begged, his voice filled with desperation and fear."Danial was stunned.He was expecting some resistance from the leader but a few moves and he
As the doors of the helicopter swung open, Danial and Lily watched in awe as several figures leapt out with precision, landing on the rooftop with remarkable steadiness. Lily's eyes widened in shock at the seemingly gravity-defying feat. "How could they jump from that height and still be okay? Are their legs made out of iron?" she wondered, her mind reeling with disbelief. The newcomers, clad in tactical uniforms and armed to the teeth, wasted no time in assuming a defensive stance. Their guns trained on Danial, they barked orders with a commanding authority that left no room for negotiation. "Put your hands up in the air and kneel, or else we will shoot," one of them commanded, his voice sharp and threatening. Danial froze on the spot, his mind racing with confusion and disbelief. "Why are they pointing guns at me? Aren't they from the law enforcement headquarters and the Special Ops team?" he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. Glancing up at the hovering helicopter, he caug
Crystal descended into the rocky arena, her icy-blue eyes scanning the terrain. The environment was filled with jagged hills, uneven terrain, and rocky outcroppings—an arena that would test movement and adaptability. Danial leaned against the railing, watching her with a small smile, fully confident in her victory.Just as the match was about to begin, Leonard approached from behind, patting Danial’s shoulder with a smug grin."Danial, did you see my match just now? The tricks I used had him completely baffled—haha!"Danial turned to look at him, blinking. "That was your match?"Leonard’s face fell. The excitement in his eyes flickered. "Yeah… you didn’t see it?"Danial quickly realized his mistake and tried to salvage the situation. "Leonard, I didn’t know your match was happening. I’m sorry."Leonard forced a smile, waving it off. "Alright, no worries." He turned and walked away, but as he did, the forced smile gradually faded.Danial sighed, feeling a little guilty, but his attenti
As the tournament progressed, the excitement in the air reached its peak. The crowd roared in anticipation as each match brought forth new surprises, showcasing the sheer talent and determination of the academy's young warriors. Danial sat with Crystal, both observing the ongoing battles with quiet interest.Crystal turned to him and asked, "You already won two matches. This guarantees your spot in the Final Stage tomorrow. Who do you think your final opponent will be?"Danial shrugged, his expression calm. "I don't know," he replied simply.Just as he finished speaking, movement from the side caught his attention. Pavan had returned from the infirmary, his head and shoulders wrapped in fresh bandages. His steps were steady, but the slight wince as he moved revealed that his injuries hadn’t fully healed.Danial immediately got up and walked over to him, his brows furrowed in concern. "Why are you out of the infirmary? Your body needs rest."Pavan groaned, waving his hand dismissively.
Tyler staggered slightly as he stepped down from the arena, his legs trembling, his face pale. The match had been brief—too brief—but the experience had left a lasting impression on him. No, it wasn’t just the match itself; it was the gaze. That chilling, soul-crushing gaze that had locked onto him as if stripping away every ounce of his being. It was unlike anything he had ever faced before.His master approached, his eyes filled with concern as he placed a firm hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”Tyler did not answer immediately. He walked in silence, each step feeling heavier than the last. His master was about to repeat the question when Tyler finally spoke, his voice hollow.“I want to withdraw from the tournament.”The words were so unexpected that his master was momentarily stunned. Tyler was not one to give up easily. He had trained relentlessly, fought fiercely, and had dreams of proving himself. Yet now, standing before him, was not the same student who had entered thi
As Kyle Drakon stepped into the light, an almost ethereal presence seemed to radiate from him. For someone so young, he was nothing short of stunning—majestic in a way that defied mere good looks. His face, strikingly symmetrical with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline, carried an air of effortless majesty. His nose was straight and refined, giving him a noble appearance, while his lips, neither too thin nor too full, were naturally set in a calm, unreadable expression. His skin was smooth, almost flawless, as if sculpted by the finest artisan, carrying a faint glow under the arena’s illumination.His jet-black hair, slightly messy yet undeniably stylish, fell in layered waves around his forehead and temples, enhancing the intensity of his features. Each step he took exuded confidence, his strides measured, unhurried—he moved like a sovereign who did not need to prove himself, yet commanded attention wherever he went.But it was his eyes that truly held everyone captive.A deep crims
The air inside the arena buzzed with excitement as the next match was announced. The announcer’s voice boomed across the coliseum.“Next match! Crystal Kirk of Somerland versus Zaria Dvornik of Krolea! The battle conditions—desert environment, no elemental abilities allowed!”Danial's expression hardened. He understood the gravity of this situation. Crystal’s greatest strength lay in her ice element, and now, she was being forced to fight in the most unfavourable terrain possible. A desert battlefield? There was no moisture in the air, no chance of manipulating frost, and worst of all—sweltering heat sapping her stamina.As Crystal stepped forward, she caught Danial’s expression and smirked. “Worried about me?”Danial folded his arms. “Just assessing the conditions. This isn’t exactly in your favour.”Crystal chuckled. “It never is.” With that, she strode toward the arena entrance, her icy confidence unwavering.Danial exhaled sharply, watching as she disappeared into the tunnel leadi
Danial and Crystal lingered in the infirmary for a while longer, chatting with Pavan, who continued to grumble about his forced diet while sneaking glances at the nurses, hoping one of them would take pity on him. When it became clear that none of them were willing to defy Abby’s orders, he slumped back onto the bed with a defeated sigh.“You guys better eat well while you still can,” Pavan muttered dramatically. “I might never taste good food again.”Danial rolled his eyes while Crystal smirked. “You’re acting like you’re being sent to prison,” she said. “It’s just a diet.”Pavan sat up and pointed at her with a solemn expression. “For a man like me, a diet is worse than prison.”Crystal laughed while Danial shook his head. “Just rest, Pavan. You’ll need your strength for the next rounds.”With that, Danial and Crystal left the infirmary, walking side by side through the long corridors. The scent of antiseptics and medicine slowly faded, replaced by the crisp air of the academy halls
Abby rushed into the arena, her heart pounding as she sprinted toward the fallen Pavan. She knelt beside him, her sharp eyes scanning his battered body. Blood dripped from his wounds, staining the ground beneath him. But even in his injured state, Pavan had not lost his spirit."Pavan, you have done well," Abby said softly, her voice filled with both pride and concern.Pavan, barely conscious, managed a small hum in response before his body went completely limp. Abby’s expression darkened as she turned her gaze toward Egbert, who stood proudly in the arena, basking in the cheers of the crowd. His arrogance was evident as he waved at the audience as if he had just achieved a great victory. Abby scoffed, her grip on Pavan tightening as she walked away without sparing Egbert another glance.Egbert simply snorted, unimpressed by her reaction, before continuing to soak in the adoration of the spectators. Meanwhile, among the crowd, Danial frowned heavily. He had seen the entire match unfol
Egbert vanished from his position, appearing instantly before Pavan like a crimson blur. His sword whistled through the air as he delivered a deceptively simple horizontal slash, its force enough to ripple the atmosphere around them.Pavan barely had time to process what was happening. Instinctively, he raised his sword to defend himself, the blade trembling in his grip.CLANG!The clash reverberated through the arena like a thunderclap. The sheer force of the impact sent Pavan skidding back, his boots carving deep grooves into the arena floor as he was pushed a full ten meters before managing to stop. His arms trembled uncontrollably as he looked down, his face pale.His fingers tightened around his blade, but the sight before him made his stomach drop—his sword, forged from the academy's renowned ore, now bore a jagged chip near the centre. How is this possible? He thought. These swords weren’t ordinary; they were designed to withstand the harshest of battles. And yet, a single stri
The announcer’s voice echoed through the massive arena, amplifying the excitement of the crowd. “The next match is between Pavan from Somerland and Egbert Ray from Xeria!”The crowd erupted into a deafening roar, their enthusiasm palpable. Flags bearing the symbols of both academies waved in the air, and cheers filled every corner of the stadium. Pavan took a deep breath, trying to steel his nerves as the noise washed over him.Danial stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. His voice was calm but firm. “It’s alright, Pavan. You’ve got this.”Pavan turned to Danial, his lips forming a faint smile. “Thanks, Danial.” With a quick nod, he turned and made his way toward the arena, his footsteps steady but deliberate.As Pavan’s figure disappeared into the crowd, Crystal, who had been uncharacteristically silent, suddenly broke the quiet. “This is bad,” she said, her tone grave.Danial frowned, sensing the seriousness in her voice. “What do you mean?”Crystal’s eyes na