After their conversation and venturing into the dimensional rift, Ades retrieved some food from a space ring.
"Excuse me, Master, what is that ring you are wearing?" Three asked curiously. He had never seen such an object before. The ring gleamed with an emerald crystal embedded in it.
Ades smirked, his eyes glinting with pride. "I suppose you've never seen one before. This is a space ring, and I crafted it myself. It has a storage capacity of 500 cubic meters, and it took me a hundred and fifty years to perfect. Even now, it continues to grow, slowly absorbing the universe's energy. I used an emerald crystal as the storage medium because it has the highest affinity for universal energy. It's a masterpiece, a feat of craftsmanship beyond anything common. If not for its unique features, I could have made it in a few days after mastering space manipulation. The best part? It aids in understanding the nature of space, making it invaluable for beginners. I'll never sell this one. However, I did make others with lesser storage capacity and sold them for a hefty price."
They continued their journey deeper into the rift. Ades effortlessly dispatched several beasts with a single move, harvesting crystal shards from their remains.
"If I may ask, Master, why do you collect these crystal shards?" Three inquired.
Ades examined one of the shimmering shards before replying. "These are Soul Crystals, unique to the beasts in this area. Each shard carries different forms of energy, benefiting anyone who absorbs them by increasing their soul force and enhancing their affinity to certain abilities. They are invaluable for growth."
After some time, they exited the rift and emerged from a hidden cave, teleporting back home.
"Why didn't you just teleport directly out of the rift?" Three asked.
Ades chuckled. "A direct teleportation attempt would destabilize space and collapse it, killing us instantly. The rift operates on unstable spatial laws, and reckless teleportation can have dire consequences."
Over the following days, Three diligently absorbed all the theoretical knowledge Ades imparted. Once the theoretical phase ended, the real training began. Ades took him back to the rift, subjecting him to relentless physical conditioning that left his muscles aching beyond belief. Three endured brutal underwater endurance exercises—starting with an hour, then three, until he managed to stay submerged for half a day.
"Why am I able to hold my breath for so long, even without using abilities?" Three asked, panting after a grueling session.
"That is the power of our bloodline," Ades explained. "No other race can compare. I told you I'd push your body to its peak. By the time I'm done, your physical strength will rival that of a warrior-level fighter. Now, stop whining and keep training!"
Ades released a fraction of his aura to further train Three's body, but the overwhelming pressure caused Three to collapse instantly, his sweat soaking the ground. Ades sighed, cleansing him with a spell.
"Perhaps I overdid it... but his body is adapting well. By the time I leave, he won't be defenseless. I only hope his abilities awaken soon; otherwise, he'll be at a serious disadvantage."
Two Years Later
Three had completed his training regimen. Though he had yet to awaken, his physical capabilities had reached the level of an Artisan. He had mastered numerous combat techniques that relied purely on physical strength. Ades had also taught him TOUCH, a breathing technique to absorb soul essence, but even with all this, he remained unawakened.
The reason? He lacked a soul core.
No records in history had ever mentioned someone being born without a soul core. It was an anomaly that rendered his awakening impossible. Despite this devastating truth, Three remained grateful to be alive.
On his fourteenth birthday, his grandfather decided to celebrate with a grand feast, inviting the entire family. That night, after the festivities, Ades called Shin aside.
"Son, the voices are getting clearer. I must set out on my journey next week."
Shin's expression darkened. "Must you go? I'm a high-level Warden, but if you leave, we'll be vulnerable to attack. Please, reconsider."
Ades laughed. "If I don't go, I may never transcend to the next level. I trust you to lead our people. Don't worry—I'll return eventually. It's not as though I'm heading to my death."
The next day, Ades summoned Three privately. "Three, I am leaving next week, and before I go, I want to give you something precious." He removed his space ring. "I crafted this when I had a vision—a terrible one. I cannot share the details, as it would disrupt the flow of fate, potentially causing millions of deaths. The burden of this knowledge is mine alone to bear. But I will give you this ring. It grants direct access to the rift, bypassing all security measures. I cannot see your future, but I have faith in you. Promise me you will not reveal what we've discussed."
As Three accepted the ring, its color shifted from emerald to a dull black.
The Following Week
Ades gathered his bloodline, delivering a farewell speech. "I embark on a perilous journey from which I may never return. Protect our people."
With those final words, he vanished into thin air.
Three Months Later
In a distant, grand auditorium, an assembly of powerhouses reveled in fine liquor.
"Finally, Ades has foolishly abandoned his people," sneered a green-haired man in a regal purple robe. "The rift is unguarded. Shin is too preoccupied with leadership to properly protect it. The monarchy will fall, and we shall take our rightful place as rulers."
Another man, seated at the high table, spoke with authority. "My men are ready. We will show them no mercy."
"No one shall take sides with the enemy. This will be a genocide—necessary for the greater good. Their prideful race shall fall. Any who oppose us will perish."
The sheer release of his aura caused weaker servants to collapse. The remaining leaders bowed their heads in submission.
"Raise your hands if you stand with me. There is no turning back. The spoils of war will be ours."
Every hand shot up.
"Then prepare. We strike when they least expect it. Meeting adjourned."
The man stood, opened a dimensional gate, and vanished.
One Month Later
As Three practiced his combat techniques, a colossal silver dome enveloped the island, sealing it off.
A battle horn blared. Warp gates materialized across the battlefield.
"We are under attack! Battle formation—this is not a drill!" Shin roared. "Women and children, flee to the forests and hide!"
Yet, no enemies emerged from the gates.
"A trick?" Shin wondered. "And... I can't manipulate space? This dome must be sealing our abilities. We're like sitting—"
Before he could finish, countless blades, fireballs, and ice spikes erupted from the gates. Explosions thundered. Warriors scrambled to defend, but without their spatial abilities, they were overwhelmed.
Cries of agony filled the air. Blood soaked the earth, flowing toward the ocean.
Despite the massacre, Shin fought relentlessly, slashing through the enemy ranks.
Who said the Starborn were weak?
" Charge" the soldiers went to fight the enemies but they were outnumbered one ' AARGH' 'somebody help' 'Spare me' 'Have mercy on my children' cries were heard all over. The ground was painted red as blood flowed towards the ocean like a river. Shin managed to hold his ground amidst the enemies and even killed some. Who said that the Starborn were weak. Although they were ambushed while unprepared, they were still veterans. Shin was a battle machine, slaughtering the enemy like chicken. His aura alone intimidated some of the enemies and some passed out while Shin tore through their heads, laughing like a maniac.
" Those who sent you to attack us sent you to you grave. You are privileged to even fight with me. You are all weak. HAHAHAHA." Shin said hysterically. Just then, he felt immense pressure which made him be cautious. " Shin ooh Shin. Just look at you. You are weaker than I thought, even though you had an advantage over us. You had all the resources but you are a let down. Come my boy and let us Dance", spoke the green haired man. " It's you. I had my suspicions that only you were stupid and coward to only attack after Sir Ades had left. How naïve. You are the let down. I remember the last time we crossed swords I beat you and you still dare to show your face here again, Ryne." said Shin as the green haired man frowned after hearing the remarks given by Shin.
"While you were busy learning how to rule, I was busy growing my strength. Even though I can not compare to Ades, God curse his soul, you can not beat me." Ryne said, releasing all of his aura, revealing that he was at the peak stage Warden and made Shin tremble but still stood his ground. " Then, face me like a man Shin." he said as he lunged forward, trying to attack Shin who countered it with his sword. After that quick exchange, Shin also released his full aura which was crimson in nature. 'Elemental Sword Purge' Shin released his first skill as countless swords formed from the elements of nature present and the swords flew towards Ryne.
' Nature's Pride' exclaimed Ryne as his skill hijacked Shin's sword and dispelled them. " As you see, after reaching this level of power, I have become Nature's own. Any attack of any element will not affect me. You can not manipulate space as I have sealed it. It is my win. Accept your defeat and I will give you a swift death." mocked Ryne. " I guess you are still naïve Ryne. Tell me, why do you think that we are called Starborns. It's because we can manipulate and use the power of the stars to our own benefit. There are two suns and a sun is still a star. So whether day or night, I am mighty." said Shin as he entered his ethereal form as his body shone in a silver colour. The sky darkened as most of it's energy was concentrated in the dome. "In this world, I am supreme. In this dome, it is your cage, your deathbed Ryne. Please, entertain me more" mocked Shin as he looked down at the enemies as if he were a god.
'Star's Divinity, purify' he said as a white blinding light shone throughout the entire battle field. Those with Starborn bloodline felt rejuvenated while the enemies melted under the divine light that judged them, not sparing them after being found guilty. Ryne had to conjure shield after shield as he also used his aura to protect himself from the punishing light. " Dammit, I have used up most of my energy reserves on that spell and still Ryne survived. But I guess that he is weakened from the attack just now." thought Shin "As I told you, you will die today Shin." exclaimed Ryne who after the attack dispelled, healed his injuries at a speed visible to the naked eye. " I was planning on swiftly killing you but I will make you suffer." Just then, the dead people arose and the gates opened again, releasing other powerful foes in the battle field. " It is ready, Ryne. No one will escape alive. All forces are ready for your word." exclaimed a soldier who had the same density of aura as Shin." Fine, all of you who are alive should leave for I am going all out." said Ryne as all those alive got out. The animated people he had raised fought with their might . not afraid of death anymore.
It was massacre. Three who was hiding in his grandfather's home was found out by an enemy soldier. " Well ,a kid should not be here. Let me take you to join the rest of your kind." said the soldier as he released his warrior's aura and was surprised that three was not fainting. "It seems that you are a special one, yet I do not sense any aura or ability in you." I will have fun decimating you and knowing what ability you are hiding." he said as he unleashed his full aura. " Light strike" he unleashed his light skill which hit three, making holes through his body. He tried using the fighting skills he had learnt but he could not even land a hit on the man. " You have some decent skills, but all skills and power to a powerful man is a joke." he said as he laughed at three. Just then, a white wave of light passed through the building. It was the skill Shin had released. The man burned to death as some of three's wound healed. He then heard a voice inside his mind saying" Three, we have lost. But I am opening a portal gate which will lead you to the sea. Please live on and forget about revenging for us. I am sorry for not being there for you but you are my son and I love you. Both your brothers and mother have died and I can loose you to"
A portal opened and sucked the severely injured three inside. In the battlefield, Shin was at least smiling. He was kneeling down after he had overused all of his energy reserve to parry the full brunt attack of Ryne. " You are still smiling even at the face of death. You were a worthy opponent Shin but I was mightier. Any last words." said Ryne as he conjured a light sword and placed it at Shin's neck. "Not even one of you have survived. The Starborn inheritance is mine. " said Ryne as he gave Shin a mocking side eye. " Victory is mine" He said as his light sword passed through Shin's neck like a hot knife cutting through butter. And the Starborns are no more.