Chapter 12: Preparing for the Subsect Competition.
One month and three weeks had passed since the battle against the demonic goblins and the formidable Varric. During this time, Elton had trained relentlessly, pushing his limits to refine his techniques. Despite his growth, the memories of that battle still lingered in his mind. He could not shake the strange feeling of losing control, nor could he fully recall the moments when his inner voice seemed to have taken over. However, as time passed and his training consumed him, he found himself less concerned about the mystery. What mattered most was his continuous progress.
His dedication bore fruit. He could feel it—his body and energy responding more sharply than ever before. He was at the precipice of a breakthrough. Silver Tier 3 was within reach, and even he found it astonishing how quickly he had advanced.
Just two weeks prior, Zoro had shocked the subsect by breaking through to Silver Tier 2. The accomplishment had been unexpected, even for Elton, who already knew Zoro was incredibly talented. The rapid growth of his friend further ignited his own motivation.
With the upcoming sect competition approaching, Elton, Zoro, Christy, and a few of their closer comrades decided to take a brief respite from their rigorous training. The sect permitted them a short leave, allowing them to visit the nearby city for a well-earned night of celebration.
The city was bustling with activity, filled with cultivators, merchants, and common folk alike. The group navigated through the streets, enjoying the sights and the rare chance to relax. Stalls lined the roads, selling rare herbs, enchanted trinkets, and delicious street food. The atmosphere was vibrant and lively.
As they walked, they encountered a figure they hadn't expected to see—Prince Hunter Helmsley. The fourth prince, dressed in a refined but unassuming outfit, carried an air of quiet confidence. He was accompanied by a single guest, a man whose presence was just as enigmatic as the prince himself.
Hunter's eyes briefly met Elton's, and he gave a polite nod of acknowledgment before passing by. Elton, Zoro, and the others couldn't help but find the prince increasingly mysterious.
Christy, however, seemed particularly intrigued. Though brief, a subtle exchange of glances passed between her and the prince. Something about that moment puzzled her, though she chose to say nothing. No one else had noticed the silent exchange.
After the unexpected encounter, the group found themselves at a well-known inn, where they enjoyed food, drinks, and laughter. Stories were shared, boasts were made, and for the first time in a while, they allowed themselves to simply be young cultivators without the weight of their ambitions pressing down on them.
At one point in the evening, Elton jokingly brought up a wild notion, one that had lingered in his thoughts for some time.
"You know," he said, smirking as he sipped from his cup, "one day, I should just start my own sect."
Zoro nearly choked on his drink, bursting into laughter. "Ha! You? A sect leader?"
Christy chuckled as well, shaking her head. "That's bold, even for you."
The others joined in the laughter, amused by the ridiculous idea. But despite their amusement, there was something strangely compelling about the thought. Even if they saw it as a joke now, deep down, a part of them wondered—what if?
What they did not know was that this conversation, spoken in jest, would one day become the foundation of a legend. Years from now, this moment would be remembered as the spark that ignited the rise of a sect that would shake the world.
For now, however, they were simply young warriors enjoying the fleeting freedom of a single night in the city before returning to the path of cultivation and destiny that awaited them.