The colossal gates of Clan Ordix rose high into the sky, forged from dark stone reinforced with ancient runic formations. Each rune pulsed faintly, releasing waves of elemental pressure that announced the authority of one of the great clans of Zerath.
As Bolan Verdic and his entourage arrived, the gates slowly parted with a thunderous rumble.
Standing at the entrance was Clan Ordix guard.
In front of the Bolan is Gel Ordix, he said.
"Bolan," Gel said with a broad smile, spreading his arms. "Please, follow me. You and your people will stay within my residence."
Bolan chuckled lightly. "Then I will trouble you for a few days."
The place Gel led them to was no ordinary residence, it was a vast complex resembling a royal palace. Towering pillars lined the main path, elemental lamps floated silently in the air, and elite guards stood at every corner.
As the group moved deeper into the clan grounds, Shadow, seated calmly among the convoy, suddenly felt something stir within his senses.
A strange pull.
A faint but sharp ripple of power.
His gaze shifted instinctively to the side.
There, among the many grand shops and training halls, stood a small artifact shop. Compared to its surroundings, it looked old, worn, and almost out of place.
Yet from within it....
There's something there.
Shadow narrowed his eyes slightly.
He turned toward Bolan.
"Father," Shadow said softly, "I would like to walk around for a while and look at the shops over there."
Bolan glanced at him, then followed his line of sight. After a brief pause, he nodded.
"Very well," Bolan replied. "But you must go with a guard so you don't get lost."
He turned his head.
"Cris. You will go with the young master."
Cris immediately stepped forward, placing his fist against his chest.
"Yes, my lord. I will carry out your order."
The Old Artifact Shop
The moment Shadow stood before the shop, the strange aura became clearer fragmented, concealed, as if deliberately suppressed.
He stepped inside.
The interior was dimly lit. Shelves lined the walls, filled with various artifacts, rings, talismans, broken weapons, and armor fragments. Most of them felt ordinary.
Yet Shadow continued walking, his senses scanning every corner.
A raspy voice suddenly broke the silence.
"Hey, kid. Are you looking for something?"
An old man stood behind the counter, his back slightly bent, his white hair messy. Despite his appearance, his eyes were sharp, far too sharp for an ordinary shopkeeper.
Shadow answered calmly,"I'm just looking at the artifacts in your shop."
The old man chuckled.
"Are you perhaps searching for something… with a strong aura?"
Shadow's eyes widened slightly.
"You know I'm searching for that aura?"
The old man laughed loudly.
"Hahahahaha! Boy, you are truly special."
Before Shadow could respond, Cris stepped forward, his expression darkening.
BOOM!
The oppressive heat of Lava Element – Ascension Cycle exploded outward as Cris released his aura. His sword slid halfway out of its sheath.
"Who are you, old man?" Cris demanded. "Do you not know who stands before you? This is the young master of Clan Verdic!"
The old man waved his hand lazily.
"Do not worry, young one," he replied calmly. "I merely found this child interesting. He can sense that aura… while you cannot. Isn't that right?"
Cris clenched his teeth.
"Don't try to change the topic," he snapped. "I have already been merciful by speaking instead of acting."
The temperature in the shop suddenly plummeted.
A terrifying chill swept through the air.
Elemental Blizzard Aura erupted without warning.
Cris's body trembled violently as the pressure slammed into him. His knees crashed against the floor.
"Guh....!"
His vision blurred, blood rushing to his head. He nearly lost consciousness under the overwhelming force.
"Stop."
Shadow stepped forward instantly.
"Enough, Cris."
He turned toward the old man and bowed deeply.
"Senior, please forgive my subordinate. He was rude. He does not understand your status."
The pressure vanished.
Cris collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath, his face pale with shock.
The old man stared at Shadow, his lips curling into a wide grin.
"Hahahaha… impressive," he said. "You're not even twelve, yet your courage and manners resemble those of a seasoned warrior."
He straightened his posture slightly.
"My name is Zouyu. I am an artifact forger, the owner of this shop."
Shadow nodded politely.
"So you are Zouyu. Yes… I came here because I sensed a strong aura."
Zouyu's eyes gleamed.
"That aura belongs to my greatest creation. Would you like to see it?"
Shadow nodded without hesitation.
Before moving, Zouyu withdrew his aura completely. The pressure on Cris disappeared, allowing him to stand again....though his face remained pale.
To think such power was hidden in a rundown shop…
The Gold Rank Sword
Zouyu led them into a hidden forging chamber at the back of the shop.
The moment they entered, a powerful pressure washed over them.
At the center of the room stood a single sword, embedded within a stone pedestal. Golden patterns flowed across its blade, and its aura was so sharp that it felt alive.....predatory, hostile, as if it wished to devour anyone who came too close.
Zouyu spoke with pride.
"This is a Gold Rank Artifact, Class One. I forged it with all my strength and exhausted countless precious materials."
Shadow stared at it, his eyes shining.
"I'm interested," Shadow said calmly. "How much does it cost?"
Zouyu burst into laughter.
"Hahahahaha! I apologize, but this treasure is not for sale."
Shadow was startled.
"Then…?"
"This sword," Zouyu continued, "will be the grand prize for a competition ten years from now."
Shadow's eyes widened.
"You mean… the Verdic Clan Leader Selection Competition?"
Zouyu nodded.
"Yes. Ten years from now, the winner will obtain this sword. You are Bolan Verdic's son. You will participate, won't you? With your five elemental affinities."
The room fell silent.
Shadow froze.
Cris froze even more.
No one should know this secret....except Bolan, Gale, a few elite guards, the Verdic Clan Ancestor who sealed Shadow's aura, and several elders from Bolan's faction. Even the Grand Elder Oyang did not know.
Shadow slowly opened his mouth.
"How do you...."
Zouyu interrupted him.
"Do not worry," he said calmly. "I will not tell anyone."
His expression turned serious.
"Focus on your cultivation. Train diligently. Do not let outsiders—especially other great clans—discover your true strength. Otherwise, terrible things will happen. Use it only when you are truly desperate."
He looked directly at Shadow.
"And remember, focus on Dark Element. You are from Clan Verdic."
Shadow bowed slightly.
"I understand. I will remember your advice. However, I will cultivate all my elements equally. That way, I can diversify my strategies when facing opponents stronger than me."
Zouyu's eyes trembled.
Five years old… Convergence Cycle… almost breaking into Ascension…
What a monster.
Inwardly, Zouyu whispered, Perhaps his multiple elements are accelerating the evolution of his Dark Element…
Outwardly, he spoke calmly.
"Good. Now that you know of this artifact, cultivate even harder. I will wait for your strength… ten years from now."
He waved his hand lazily.
"I'm tired. I want to sleep. Hahahaha! You and your subordinate may leave now."
Shadow and Cris exchanged awkward glances before leaving the shop.
Back at the Ordix Residence
After leaving Zouyu's shop, Shadow returned to Gel Ordix's palace.
The scene shifted.
Gel looked at Bolan with a complicated expression.
"Bolan… is your son really only five years old?"
Bolan laughed proudly.
"Hahahaha! Of course. Would I lie to you? Besides, my son was born a year earlier than yours. Have you forgotten? You were the one who gave me a Silver Rank Artifact as Shadow's birth gift."
Gel sighed.
"You're right. But his growth speed is terrifying. I thought my own child was fast, having awakened two out of three elements and now stabilizing his foundation in Foundation Cycle."
At that moment, Floryn appeared. She wore white cultivator robes, her long white hair flowing freely, and held a paper fan.
"Is Mervis currently staying here?" she asked Gel. "I would like to meet him."
Gel nodded.
"Yes. He is training Mey downstairs, helping her stabilize her foundation after awakening. You may find them in the lower training hall."
Bolan smiled.
"Go ahead. Gel and I have matters to discuss."
The Fortress Plan
After several minutes, Bolan spoke again.
"When can the construction of the fortress begin?"
Gel replied calmly.
"I have discussed it with our specialist. He estimates that it will take five years to complete."
Bolan was shocked.
"Five years? Wasn't it supposed to take nearly ten?"
Gel nodded.
"He calculated everything. However, there are several critical issues."
He raised one finger.
"First-our funds are insufficient."
A second finger.
"Second-beasts have become increasingly violent. We need elemental cultivators to guard the construction."
A third finger.
"Third-the Lightning Clan has begun preparing troops near the border. I don't know their intentions, but I sense something bad is coming."
Bolan sighed heavily.
"These matters cannot be ignored. The biggest problem is funding. Do you have any ideas?"
Gel nodded.
"There are several methods. The fastest is hunting high-rank beasts, extracting their Mana Cores, and selling them to artifact merchants or forgers."
Bolan paused.
"When you mentioned artifact forgers… I remembered something. Where is the Ordix Clan Ancestor? Still wandering around?"
Gel grimaced.
"You know his personality. He goes wherever he pleases."
Bolan laughed.
"Hahaha! But he has already reached Elemental Tier Three – Half-Step Transcendent Early Stage. That alone strengthens both Clan Ordix and Clan Verdic."
Gel frowned slightly.
"Hasn't the Verdic Clan Ancestor Kinlin reached that stage long ago? Is his cultivation stagnant?"
Bolan shook his head.
"Five years ago, when Shadow was born, I asked him. He said he was only one step away from breaking through to Half-Step Transcendent Mid Stage."
Gel nodded seriously.
"That's good news. Other clans already have Mid Stage Half-Step Transcendent. We cannot afford to fall behind."
The Revelation
Suddenly, guards entered, carrying a yellow-green Mana Core.
"This is the report and Mana Core obtained from the High Rank Beast," one of them said.
Gel accepted it.
"Good. You may leave."
As Gel read the report, his expression changed dramatically.
"Bolan," he said slowly. "What are you hiding from me?"
Bolan frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"The report states that the final attack contained Water, Fire, Lightning, and Darkness," Gel said. "You only possess three elements. So tell me, where did the Lightning come from?"
Bolan exhaled deeply.
"It was Shadow," he admitted. "He possesses five elements."
Gel's eyes widened.
"Five… elements?"
Bolan nodded solemnly.
"Only a few in Clan Verdic know this. Gel, I ask you to keep this secret. His elements are Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning, and Darkness."
Gel burst into laughter.
"Hahahahaha! A genius beyond comparison! Even the ancient Verdic Ancestor possessed only four elements! Bolan, our future is secured!"
Bolan smiled, but worry lingered in his eyes.
"That's true. But what about the old monsters of other clans? What will happen if they find out? That's why Ancestor Kinlin sealed Shadow's aura. However, he warned me....if someone stronger than him detects Shadow, they will know the truth."
Gel nodded solemnly.
"This is no small matter. The fate of our clans and countless lives are at stake."
The towering estate of Clan Ordix stood bathed in golden light as dusk approached, its grand structures carved from ancient stone and reinforced with layered elemental arrays. Massive pillars etched with runes of protection lined the courtyard, while floating lanterns illuminated the training grounds below.
Shadow and Cris finally arrived at the Ordix residence after leaving Zouyu's artifact shop.
The moment their feet crossed the boundary of the inner grounds.....
BOOM!
A violent ripple of elemental pressure exploded through the air.
The ground trembled.
Sparks of lightning crackled overhead, followed by waves of scorching heat.
Shadow's eyes narrowed.
"…That aura," he muttered.
Cris stiffened beside him. "Young Master, that's a battle aura."
Before Cris could stop him, Shadow had already dashed forward.
"Young Master.....wait!"
But the boy had vanished.
A Battle Unseen
Shadow rushed toward the source of the disturbance, his senses stretched to their limits.
At the far end of the training field, two figures clashed violently.
One was a woman dressed in flowing white cultivator robes, her long silver-white hair fluttering like flames in the wind. A paper fan rested in her hand, glowing faintly with molten patterns.
Floryn.
His mother.
She was locked in fierce combat against a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a dignified aura. Arcs of lightning spiraled around his body like living serpents.
Elemental Arcstorm — Convergence Cycle.
Floryn countered with explosive waves of heat.
Elemental Lava — Convergence Cycle.
BOOOOM!
Fire and lightning collided, tearing the ground apart.
Shadow's heart clenched.
"She's… being pushed back."
Floryn slid several meters across the stone floor, barely stabilizing herself.
The man stepped forward calmly, lightning gathering around his palm.
Shadow's breathing grew shallow.
Mother… is in danger.
Without hesitation—
Shadow activated his skill.
Shadow Camouflage.
His presence dissolved into the darkness.
Cris arrived moments later, but froze when he lost sight of Shadow.
"Damn it… Young Master!"
Hidden within the shadows, Shadow moved silently behind the middle-aged man.
His small hands clenched.
He channeled his elements.
Fire.Water.
The two fused instantly.
A dense mist erupted across the battlefield.
SHHHHHHH—
Thick vapor swallowed the area.
"What.....?" Floryn gasped.
The man frowned. "Fog?"
The mist grew heavier, visibility dropping to zero.
Shadow's eyes glowed faintly crimson beneath the camouflage.
Darkness… Fire…
The elements intertwined.
Shadow Flame Fragmentation.
A sudden explosion of shadowy fire burst from within the fog.
BOOOOM!
"Agh!"
The man staggered back, his shoulder scorched, blood seeping through his robes.
He immediately retreated several steps, lightning surging violently around him.
"An intruder?!"
His aura exploded outward.
Elemental Blizzard — Ascension Late Stage.
The temperature plummeted instantly.
CRACK—CRACK—CRACK!
The vapor froze midair, shattering into countless ice particles.
Shadow's eyes widened.
"T–Tier Three…!"
Cold pierced his skin.
He's strong… very strong.
Shadow clenched his teeth.
"I'll use it…"
His aura began to surge.
"Void Requiem"
"STOP!"
Two powerful presences descended instantly.
The pressure vanished.
Shadow froze.
Bolan and Gel appeared between the combatants.
Gel rubbed his forehead, deeply embarrassed.
"Enough, Father. Please stop. He's just a five-year-old child. Don't disgrace yourself."
The middle-aged man stared in disbelief.
"What?! Five years old? Don't be ridiculous! Didn't you see that child use elemental fusion with such precision?!"
Bolan stepped forward quickly.
"My apologies, Elder Suyun. That is my son—Shadow. He arrived with me and Floryn."
Floryn turned sharply.
"Shadow! Why did you do that to Elder Suyun?!"
Shadow blinked, stunned.
"I… I didn't know he was Elder Suyun. I thought Mother was being attacked by a bad person… so I tried to stop him."
Floryn covered her face in embarrassment.
"Sigh… you child. Go apologize properly. We were training."
Shadow bowed deeply.
"I'm sorry, Elder Suyun. I didn't know you were training with my mother."
Thoughts of a Giant
Elder Suyun stared at Shadow silently.
Five years old… and I was forced to release my Tier Three aura.
Is this the genius the Ancestor mentioned?
Interesting…
A faint smile appeared.
"Hahaha… it's fine, it's fine."
Then he looked amused.
"So you are Shadow… Bolan's son…who is engaged to my granddaughter in the future?"
A sharp voice interrupted.
"Grandfather! Why are you saying such things?! We're still children! I'm not thinking about marriage!"
A young girl stepped forward.
She had delicate features, fiery eyes, and long hair tied neatly behind her.
Mey.
Daughter of Gel.
"I want to train seriously and defeat the new geniuses of Clan Fire and Clan Velrose!"
Mervis laughed warmly as she approached.
"Shadow, you've grown so much."
She pinched his cheek gently.
"Floryn, you didn't tell me Shadow has awakened already. And he can use fusion techniques? Were you trying to hide it from me?"
Floryn waved her hand quickly.
"It's not like that. I planned to tell you after training with Elder Suyun ended. I didn't expect Shadow to attack him."
Elder Suyun coughed awkwardly.
"Ehem…"
Being nearly injured by a five-year-old was not something he wished to remember.
Then.....
"I've decided," he said firmly.
"Bolan. Your son and my granddaughter will marry after twenty years. When Shadow reaches twenty-five, it will be appropriate."
Mey stomped her foot.
"Grandfather! I already said I want to focus on cultivation! I don't want to think about marriage! Right, Shadow?!"
She glared at him angrily.
Shadow felt cold sweat trickle down his back.
"I… y-yes. We should focus first…"
Elder Suyun laughed loudly.
"Cultivation is important, yes. But cultivating together with a partner accelerates growth."
Then his gaze sharpened.
"As for the geniuses of Clan Fire and Clan Velrose.... Mey, you cannot defeat them. They possess four elements, while you have only three. The gap is too wide."
Mey clenched her fists.
"But…"
Elder Suyun continued calmly.
"However… I can sense that Shadow may stand equal to them or even surpass them."
Shadow lowered his head.
"Thank you, Elder."
Elder Suyun laughed harder.
"Hahaha! Well answered! As my future grandson-in-law, you choose your words wisely!"
Bolan frowned.
"Is it confirmed that they truly have four elements?"
Gel nodded grimly.
"I've investigated thoroughly. It's true. Each of them awakened four elemental powers. The world is in upheaval."
Bolan sighed.
"But we have not been enemies for centuries. There's no need to worry for now."
Mervis clapped her hands.
"Enough talk! Come to the dining hall and taste my cooking. I prepared everything to welcome you all."
Mey turned to Shadow.
"After this, do you have plans?"
"I plan to enter closed cultivation for a while after eating."
She nodded.
"Then… can we meet briefly after your training?"
Shadow hesitated, then nodded.
"Alright. After I finish my matters."
After dinner, Shadow entered the meditation chamber alone.
The doors sealed behind him.
He sat cross-legged.
His breathing slowed.
Elements stirred within him.
Fire.Water.Wind.Lightning.Darkness.
They resonated together.
I must grow stronger…
Outside....
Beasts roared in the distance.
Clans moved in silence.
And unseen forces began to stir.