The two Iron Flame Sect disciples walked slowly through the forest
Their robes fluttered in the wind, and each carried a sword at their waist
Even from a distance, Kael could feel their presence
It was different from beasts
More controlled
More refined
"Cultivators…" Kael whispered internally
These were the people he had heard about his entire life
Warriors who had awakened Aether
People capable of destroying monsters with ease
The taller disciple stopped suddenly
"There."
He pointed forward
The corpse of the Stonefang Alpha
Both disciples froze
"That's impossible…"
The second disciple approached the body carefully
"This is a Stonefang Alpha."
His eyes widened
"And it's dead."
The first disciple frowned
"Look at the wounds."
They inspected the corpse
"No sword cuts."
"No spear wounds."
The second disciple looked confused
"This thing was beaten to death."
They looked around cautiously
"Something strong killed it."
Kael remained perfectly still behind the trees
His heartbeat slowed
If they discovered the truth, they might start asking questions
The first disciple spoke again
"Maybe another beast killed it."
The second nodded slowly
"Possible."
Then he sighed
"Too bad we didn't get here earlier. The beast core is gone.
Kael almost laughed
He had unknowingly absorbed the energy already
The taller disciple shrugged
"Let's go back. Elder Taron wants us to return before sunset."
They turned and began walking away
Kael waited several minutes before moving again
When he finally stepped out from hiding, he exhaled deeply
"That was close."
Seeing real cultivators had made something clear to him
He still had a long way to go.
Even though he was stronger than before, those disciples likely stood at Energy Awakening Realm
A realm beyond Mortal Body
Kael looked toward the distant mountains again
Somewhere up there stood the Iron Flame Sect
Where thousands of disciples trained
Where true power existed
Kael clenched his fist slowly
"I'll get there."
But he would not enter as a servant
Or as an outsider
He would enter as a cultivator.
And one day…
Even the elders of that sect would know his name
The wind rustled through the forest
Kael turned and began walking deeper into the wilderness
The path of power had opened
And he had only taken the first steps.