Arthraxius stood in the underground chamber, swallowed by pitch darkness. The only light came from a small pond of milky liquid shimmering faintly before him. Beside him, his brother Xerxius placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
“Go on,” Xerxius said. “Take a sip. Your body will absorb what it can. When I first came here, I managed only three sips. That’s what’s kept me at full strength all these years.”
Origin Mana, the source of the gods themselves. Other beings could absorb it too, drawing closer to divinity. For beasts and dragons, the path was brutal: reach Emperor level, then remake their bodies with Origin Mana while embodying the deep truths and laws of the universe. Of the ten Dragon Kings, most had reached Emperor level, but only two ascended to the godly realm and forged a divine spark.
Yet under the watchful gaze of the Enemy, they were bound to the Dragon Realm. Aetherwing, once a king, had defected and, after eons, clawed his way back with one mission: destroy his old race and burrow through their realm into the Infinite Nest.
Arhtraxius, whose body was immortal thanks to the goddess’s pact, was still at Emperor level. He could not shatter his core to create a divine spark and rebuild his body. His only path forward was to consume Origin Mana, destroy his core within, and mold it into a divine spark, while embodying a universal truth he had yet to discover.
He knelt in his human form, cupped the milky liquid, and drank. One sip… two… three… He kept going, ten, fifteen, twenty. Behind him, Xerxius stared in disbelief.
“Brother,” Xerxius muttered, a flicker of jealousy in his eyes, “your body is an endless abyss.”
Arthraxius’s dry core devoured the Origin Mana greedily. At the twenty-fourth sip, it shimmered deep crimson and shattered, leaving behind a small gem glowing like the heart of a star. The gem seemed to contain all the fire in the universe.
Arthraxius smirked and drank a few more sips to stabilize the transformation. When the gem absorbed no more, he rose and faced his brother.
“So?” Xerxius asked, half in awe, half in frustration. “You just consumed three million years’ worth of mana.”
“My core has birthed a proto-divine spark,” Arthraxius said calmly. “Now I only need to understand what I represent, what my fire rules in this limitless world. When I do, I’ll ascend to the godly realm, but who knows when that will be.”
Xerxius exhaled, shaking his head. “I’ll be damned. You’ll be the first Red Dragon God since our creation. I can’t say I’m not jealous… but I know the price you paid long ago to reach this point. Come, brother. A battle awaits.”
The two left the hidden chamber, the air behind them still humming with divine power.
***
Kai and Nerva returned to the dining hall, where Lucius and the others were waiting.
“So,” Lucius began with an uncharacteristic grin, “what did you want to give me? You’ve already given me quite a laugh today.”
Kai chuckled and summoned a thick, dark-orange book, tossing it into Lucius’s arms. Lucius caught it and stared. “For me? But… why?”
“We wanted to give you a book on Paladin skills,” Kai explained, “but that one was already reserved. Scry thought it’d be a good idea for you to learn some Templar techniques as well.”
Lucius’s eyes widened. “I… I’m honored. This is more than I deserve. I’ll treasure it and hopefully learn enough to show off in our next mission.” He smiled, genuinely and brightly.
“Eh, fine. Since you’ve already ruined the surprise…” Nerva sighed and tossed another book toward him.
Lucius barely managed to catch it, then read the title. “Wait, I can have the Paladin book too?” His voice was full of disbelief.
“It was meant as payment for your completed mission,” Nerva said. “Since we don’t have any Paladins to train you, I wanted to give you something to prepare for the tournament.”
Lucius froze. “Master… you’ll let me participate?”
“Indeed,” Nerva replied, his tone firm. “I think it’ll do you good. But listen, I’ll train you until you bleed for the next two months. You are not allowed to die, you hear me?”
Lucius nodded eagerly, clutching both books to his chest before bowing deeply. His smile said everything.
***
Later that same day. Midday.
On the capital’s main square, a massive stage loomed over a sea of citizens. The crowd pressed close, murmuring in anticipation. At the center stood Theodor, his presence commanding, and kneeling before him was Jacob Sorgaz, a man who had seen far better days.
“People of Fallhaven,” Theodor’s voice thundered across the square, silencing the crowd. “You have heard the news, my brother is dead, and his wife is missing, likely slain as well. Our investigation uncovered the truth: my uncle Jacob conspired with Rond and the Voiceless League to murder them… and me.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
“You all know how that ended,” Theodor continued, his tone sharp as steel. “So here and now, I will show you what it means to betray your nation and your blood. For Fallhaven!”
Theodor roared, and Pyris flickered into his grasp, the golden greatsword blazing with aura. The crowd erupted in cheers and cries for Jacob’s end.
Jacob lifted his head, eyes burning with hatred. “Goodbye, uncle!” Theodor declared as his aura surged like a storm.
“I hope you all rot in the Nine Hells, scum!” Jacob spat, his voice venomous. “I should have killed you when you were a child!”
The golden blade descended in a single, merciless stroke. It cleaved through Jacob’s body, burning aura, incinerating flesh and bone until nothing remained but ash scattered on the wind.
Theodor turned to the crowd, his voice cold and resolute. “Let this be a reminder: we do not tolerate traitors.”
With that, he stepped down from the stage, leaving behind a square filled with awe and fear.
***
After the execution, Theodor made his way toward the teleportation circle. He wanted to check on Therry and clear his mind. The old man had been a despicable bastard, but in the end, he was still his father’s brother. Ending his life pained Theodor, yet the man had crossed the line too many times. This last transgression could not be ignored.
With a sigh, Theodor leaped over the city. His Grand Master body sliced through the air like an arrow. Moments later, he landed in a meadow near the teleportation circle, his impact carving a shallow crater into the earth.
Startled guards rushed to investigate, but when they saw their king dusting himself off, they quickly retreated. They knew he was often in a foul mood, but today was different. None of them dared provoke him today.
Brushing dirt from his clothes, Theodor strode toward the newly completed circle. Therry was darting around it, muttering under his breath.
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“Therry! This looks good. You work fast; I like that!” Theodor called out.
Therry jumped at the sound of his king’s voice, then offered an awkward smile. “Thank you, my king. The circle is finished. I only need to link it to the one in Rond, and we can start transferring goods and men into Fallhaven.”
“I like the sound of that. When can we start?” Theodor asked eagerly.
“Well… if my gyro works, we can start soon. I’ve already added the coordinates for the other circle.” Therry replied honestly.
“Great! You’re coming with me, let’s test it.” Theodor clapped his hands and stepped into the circle.
Therry paled. “What? Right now?”
“Yes, now. Nothing will happen to you. Even if it fails, I can protect you. Now, let’s go!” Theodor ordered.
Therry sighed, wiped the sweat from his brow, and nodded. He hurried around the circle, placing four ultra mana crystals into the slots at each cardinal point before powering up his artifact.
“Here goes everything!” he shouted, pressing the button on the gyro. Light flared, swallowing both men whole.
***
The teleportation circle in Le Colma, the heart of Rond, flared to life as two figures materialized.
The Ember Guard, stationed to protect the circle from any suspicious activity, immediately sprang into action. Weapons raised, they prepared to strike, until recognition dawned.
“We greet the Sun of Fallhaven! Ember Guard at your disposal, our lord!” they chorused, saluting sharply.
“At ease, men. How are things here?” Theodor asked, his voice calm but commanding.
Meanwhile, Therry dropped to his knees and kissed the glowing runes. “Oh, thank you for working, you beautiful thing!” he muttered reverently.
One of the guards chuckled at the sight before stepping forward to report. “Everything proceeds as planned, my lord. The crafters’ district is packed; some chose to stay, but most are ready to move once the circle is active. Which, judging by this, is now. The nobles have been cooperative, and the Rond family hasn’t made any trouble.”
Theodor nodded. “Good. Thank you.” He turned to Therry. “Make sure everything is ready for transfer. Once you’re done, you’re free to do as you wish. Be here in two hours.”
Without waiting for a reply, Theodor strode toward the Rond estate, his presence radiating authority.
***
Anton sat behind Francis’s old desk, his now, ever since he was assigned to manage Rond’s affairs under Pius’s watchful eye.
Theodor entered silently and closed the doors behind him. His gaze was cold, his voice colder. “I hear you’ve been doing as ordered. What are you planning?” Doubt lingered in his tone; sudden loyalty was never without suspicion.
Anton looked up calmly. “Oh, hello, Lord Theodor. I’m doing as agreed. Even if I wanted to rebel, I’d die. So, there’s no point.”
Theodor’s eyes narrowed. “Aren’t you upset I killed your father? Wouldn’t you want revenge?”
Anton cut him off with a sharp glare. “He was a piece of shit who only cared about money. He was never a father to us.”
Theodor paused, then nodded slightly. “Fine. I’ll stop. Listen, I hear you’re doing well. Keep it up, and we might make something of this situation. Some crafters will stay here; others will move to Fallhaven. Resources will be split so they can forge as many weapons and artifacts as possible. From now on, we won’t sell raw materials, only finished products. What do you think?”
Anton leaned back, considering. “Hmm… That should raise profits and make weapons cheaper to produce. I agree with that proposition.”
“Good. The teleportation circle is complete, so you can come and go to Fallhaven as you wish. For now, I’ll take your two brothers as agreed, but they’ll live freely there.” Theodor turned and headed for the door.
“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Anton replied with a nod. His expression remained neutral, but his thoughts burned cold: Like anyone can do anything against your wishes, you monster.
***
In the following days, the artificers, researchers, and crafters relocated to a specially designed district near the palace, an area chosen for constant protection. Housing rose quickly, and the streets stretched wider thanks to the crafters and their ingenious artifacts. Some even brought transportable forges and laboratories, rare and costly artifacts that could shrink down for easy transport.
Thus, Fallhaven gained its own production district. Steam and smoke began to curl into the sky, a sign that the fires of creation had been lit.
***
“Are you sure you want to do the trial now? We could have your equipment made first, the forgers are here,” Nerva warned, his tone cautious.
Kai smiled. “It’s fine. I don’t need any rewards from the trial. I just want to test myself… and visit an old friend.”
Nerva led him into the closed courtyard, where a shimmering mana portal hovered above a console etched with glowing runes. Umbra, Scry, Liliya, and Lisa followed, eager to see what would happen. Xarion and Zara were absent, busy hunting for a home in Fallhaven. After earning a hefty sum of crystals from the last mission, Zara had decided they should settle down for a few years.
“Do we need to wait for Theodor?” Liliya asked.
“No need. He’s meeting with the crafters’ guild; the bastards went and formed a guild.” Nerva exhaled sharply. “He’s negotiating terms now. Even that snake Anton showed up.”
“He’ll check the results later. Well then, Mister Nameless, let’s see what ranking you achieve this time.” Nerva smirked.
Kai grinned and placed his hand on the console. The system scanned him, runes flickering as his stats appeared:
***
Age: 18 years
? Rank: Early Master Knight / Three-Circle Magus / Late Divine Beast
? Position: First Place – Adept/Apprentice Trial
? Next Trial: Knight/Magus Trial – Power set to Late Knight Realm
***
Kai blinked. “This didn’t show up the first time…”
“It’s a new console,” Nerva explained. “You probably used an older one. This one also links to the tournament system, but we’ll talk about that later. Tell me… why does it say you’re a Divine Beast rank?” His voice carried genuine confusion.
Kai frowned. “I have no idea what that even means.”
“Makes no sense. He’s human,” Scry muttered.
“I knew it! He’s a monster after all!” Liliya chuckled.
“Maybe because of his soul?” Umbra suggested.
“Oh, that could be it! Good thinking, birdy!” Scry grinned with approval.
Nerva waved it off. “Don’t stress about it. It changes nothing, right?” He patted Kai’s shoulder.
Kai nodded and scrolled through the Knight/Magus rankings:
Kaila D’Sa Vant, Elric Crimsonwing, Pyrex, Alura Solarius, Eledin Aelrin… and The Strider.
Kai’s eyes narrowed. “I see some new names and some missing. But why is this Strider person in red?”
Nerva’s expression hardened, eyes blazing with respect. “He’s the only one who completed the trial and then won the tournament in the same year. Nobody comes close to his genius with the sword.”
“Is he still around?” Kai asked, excitement flickering.
“That was three hundred thousand years ago. Last we heard, he reached Seraph, but what’s he doing now? Nobody knows.”
Kai stared at the crimson name, then nodded. “Okay… I’m going in. Wish me luck.”
With a flicker, his consciousness plunged into the world of trials.?
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[Cultivation] [Crafting] [Smart MC]
Synopsis (Click to Expand)
To transcend the heavens, one must first forge the ladder.
He is a Cultivator who values volume over speed.
He is a Chronicler who will not stop at the sky.