Two streaks—one black and one white—rushed across the darkened sky, piercing through clouds like twin comets. If one watched closely, they would see two figures gliding through the chilling winds of the Eternal Nox Forest, where daylight never dared to linger.
Lucian and Leviathan—the infamous twin disciples of the old Sect Master—were traveling with rare urgency. Their path led them toward the very heart of the Eternal Nox, a place where bitter cold claimed even the breath of beasts and the air itself seemed laced with frostbite.
Despite the looming danger, they pressed forward. This forest was not only known for its climate—it was home to a strange alliance of predator beasts. Fenrir wolves prowled the icy trails, while purple yetis roamed the deeper caves. Yet both species had been subdued by a single, unseen force for the last six years.
That force now rested quietly in the eye of the storm.
At the summit of a frosted mountain, a circular slab of ice glowed faintly beneath arcane symbols etched into the surrounding terrain. At the center sat a figure in meditation, unmoved by the freezing wind or the whispers of monsters below.
Beside the slab, a colossal creature rested—massive enough to cast a shadow like a tower. Its breathing alone shook the pine trees that surrounded the mountain. Its eyes, closed. Its presence—immense.
As the twins neared the mountain's base, a wave of pressure crashed upon them like an invisible wall. They exchanged a glance.
"We need to hurry," Lucian muttered, sweat beginning to form despite the frigid air.
They were just about to ascend when a voice rumbled in their minds—low, thunderous, and tinged with amusement.
"You came all this way... and now you hesitate? Climb, or I'll bring you up myself."
They obeyed instantly, dashing up the narrow icy path under growing pressure. The beasts along the slope parted in silence, bowing not in submission—but out of awe or fear.
As they entered the upper cave, a massive beast stirred beside the meditation slab. Its eyes remained closed, but its aura flared like an ancient storm.
Lucian and Leviathan froze again. Their feet locked in place by the primal sensation of danger. The very air around them throbbed with power.
Then another voice echoed—not booming, but cool and piercing, like a blade of ice.
"Kurakami, stop playing with them."
The twins exhaled in relief as the pressure around them dissipated.
Kurakami, the massive beast, let out a low chuckle. "Eira, must you always ruin my fun?"
The ice slab melted slightly, mist rising in a faint silver swirl. From it stepped a tall woman with an aura both divine and deadly. Eira had returned.
She moved with grace and a quiet intensity. Her long white hair slowly faded to deep black. Her training robes shimmered in the dim light, and her gaze—cool, observant—swept across the two kneeling disciples.
Lucian bowed low. "Senior Sister Eira… we came to deliver urgent news."
Eira didn't respond immediately. She turned to Kurakami. "Thank you for guarding the ritual."
Kurakami huffed. "It's about time. You soaked up half the leyline's energy."
Eira nodded once, then turned to the twins. "Speak."
Leviathan hesitated, but Lucian stepped forward. "Master has… disappeared. And as expected, Senior Brother Icarus has begun the succession ritual."
A pause.
Eira's expression didn't change. She glanced beyond the mountain ridge. "Then the time has come."
Lucian added cautiously, "But… Master's disappearance… you don't seem surprised."
At that, Eira smirked slightly. "Of course not. I placed a soul mark on him long ago. The mark faded the moment he crossed worlds. Wherever he's gone, he's alive."
The twins blinked in shock. Leviathan asked softly, "But how? You were never near him—unless…"
Eira gave a small smile and pressed a finger to her lips. "That's not your concern."
Then she turned, already walking toward the cave exit. "I'm heading back. There are wings to be clipped."
Kurakami called after her, "And them?"
She didn't look back. "Train them. They'll need it. Especially now."
With a wave, she vanished into the wind.
Lucian and Leviathan stared at the beast, now looming over them again. Kurakami grinned toothily.
"Well, shall we begin?"
Meanwhile, back in the Kingdom of Norma, a royal carriage rolled through the main roads leading to House Sean's estate. Inside, Travis Sean sat beside Vlad, his trusted companion.
"I can't believe your advice worked so well," Vlad said, steering the carriage with a smirk. "She hasn't stopped writing since."
Travis chuckled. "My past life didn't leave me many luxuries. But reading people—that I mastered."
He paused, a strange chill passing over him.
"…Strange," he muttered. "Felt like someone cursed me just now."
Vlad raised a brow. "You okay?"
Travis shook his head, clearing the thought. "Just nerves. My birthday's today, after all."
Outside, a servant called out with formality:
"The Young Lord of House Sean has arrived! Welcome, Lord Travis Sean!"
The gates opened.
And the next chapter in Travis' life began.