A full year had passed since Aeron began his rigorous training, and the results were strikingly evident.
He was no longer the small child with a frail body, but had become a young man standing at 165 centimeters, possessing a well-proportioned and slender physique, pulsating with strength and agility in every movement he made. His skills in using Mana had reached an astonishing level for a four-year-old. He had learned how to enhance his body with it, how to use it in conjunction with his fighting style, and how to maximize his stats, which made him far superior to his peers.
But more importantly, he had achieved complete adaptation to his innate attributes. They no longer felt like mere abilities he possessed, but had become a part of him, as if they had always been there, waiting for the right moment for him to fully comprehend them.
As for combat, he had become a first-rate fighter for his age. He wasn't just proficient with weapons; he had chosen a style based on martial arts, which made him flexible, fast, and dangerous even without a weapon. However, he didn't mind using weapons when necessary, but he was well aware that despite his competence, he couldn't compare to those who had dedicated their lives to weapon usage, whether they were elite duelists or those who possessed a weapon-related guide.
His personality development was noticeable to everyone. He had become calm, reserved, mysteriously captivating, and his words carried significant weight when he spoke. However, this demeanor wasn't displayed in front of everyone. When he was with his family or close friends, he reverted to his warm nature, smiling slightly and speaking more comfortably.
His friends had grown up alongside him, and they were all now four years old. Two of them had already awakened, Flora and Xander, while the other two were still waiting for their awakening, which might take another month.
Today, the heads of their families gathered at the palace, in an almost monthly meeting, where they discussed some matters related to their joint businesses, leaving the children in the outdoor garden, enjoying the refreshing weather and conversing in a lively atmosphere.
In the back garden of the palace...
Aeron sat on a stone bench, listening silently to his friends' conversation, while Flora spoke enthusiastically about the moment of her awakening, and Xander proudly recounted how he had started learning to use his new abilities.
Aeron smiled slightly as he watched them. Despite the significant change that had occurred in him over the past year, one thing hadn't changed—they were still his close friends, and they would remain so no matter what happened. Although Aeron interacts with his family and close friends in a more relaxed and comfortable manner compared to others, he still prefers tranquility. He wasn't the type to chatter idly, and he chose his words carefully, even when speaking to those he loved.
In the back garden of the palace, where he gathered with his friends, he wasn't the most talkative among them, but he enjoyed observing the conversations and situations that unfolded. Flora spoke enthusiastically about her new ability, and Xander proudly displayed his skills, while Aeron simply listened and responded with a few words when necessary.
Even when he was with his family, he preferred to sit in silence, listening attentively to their conversations, but he wouldn't jump into the conversation unless he had something important to say. It wasn't isolation, but rather a kind of mental clarity he had become accustomed to during a year of intense training.
Quietness became a characteristic that defined him, but that didn't mean he was unsociable or cold-hearted—on the contrary, his presence brought comfort to those around him, and his few words carried weight, making others listen when he spoke.
Aeron and his friends sat in the massive dining hall, where the heads of the great families gathered around a long table adorned with the finest food. The atmosphere was relaxed, but everyone felt the aura of power emanating from those present, for each individual here was not just an ordinary person, but the leaders of the most powerful families in the universe.
And while everyone was eating and talking, Peter, the head of the Everain family, drew everyone's attention by lightly tapping on the table.
The children raised their heads and saw Peter smiling at them, saying in his strong voice: "I want to congratulate the newly awakened, Aeron, Flora, and Xander. Your awakening is the first step on a long path, and as for Mark and Sarah, don't worry, your awakening is only a matter of time."
Mark and Sarah smiled nervously, but Peter's words gave them some reassurance. However, the calm atmosphere didn't last long, as Peter's expression turned serious, and he began to speak in a more stern tone:
"As you know, we don't grant our children power just for a comfortable life, but because power is everything in this universe. And this leads me to what I want to tell you today."
The children looked at each other questioningly, while Peter continued speaking:
"At the age of nine, you will be sent to the planet Pandemon... alone."
Silence filled the hall for a moment. The weight of his words was heavy, even for children who had grown up in the most powerful families.
Xander raised an eyebrow, saying in astonishment, "Planet Pandemon?"
Peter nodded, then began to explain the details:
"This planet is divided into three main zones, each separated by magical barriers that prevent those of a higher rank from entering the lower zones. They are as follows:
🔹 Beginner Zone: Dedicated to newly awakened individuals, limited to those of Spark rank.
🔹 Intermediate Zone: Where those of Spark and Flame rank gather, the rank following Spark.
🔹 Peak Zone: Includes children who have reached Flame and River rank, the rank following Flame."
He paused for a moment, then added:
"On this planet, you can find extremely rare treasures, some of which don't even exist in the universe, and it also contains secret realms full of opportunities, but don't forget..."
He looked at the children with cold eyes before continuing slowly: "It is an extremely dangerous planet, full of monsters... but the most dangerous things there are not the monsters, but the humans and other races."
Mark trembled slightly while Sarah whispered, "Why?"
Peter laughed sarcastically, "Because on this planet... there are no laws. There are no eyes watching. You can do whatever you want, kill, betray, ally, and steal... and what happens in the dark, stays in the dark."
The impact of these words was enough to make the children feel the essence of this place. It wasn't just a training planet, but a test of life and death.
Then Peter looked at them and said firmly:
"When you enter this planet, I don't want you to stay together."
Flora's eyes widened, and she said worriedly, "Why? Isn't staying together safer?"
Peter answered coldly, "This is your own journey, each of you must face this world alone. You will make friends, and you may also make enemies, but most importantly... you will discover yourselves."
Everyone looked towards the other family heads, who all nodded in silent agreement. This was the tradition followed by the powerful families for generations, and it was the reason for producing the strongest warriors in the universe.
After that, many conversations began among the adults, while the children exchanged glances. Some felt excited, and others felt fear, but Aeron?
He was calm as usual, his eyes sparkling with a faint flicker of shadows reflecting something different... he wasn't worried, and he wasn't excited... he was waiting. Peter looked at the children's excited and worried faces, then continued in a quiet but awe-inspiring voice:
"I know you realize how dangerous the Planet of the Ancients is, but do you realize its actual size?"
Xander raised an eyebrow and said, "Isn't it just a big planet?"
Peter smiled, but it was a smile that carried a hidden meaning, before saying:
"It's not just a planet... it's an entire world. Its size is equivalent to thousands of galaxies, and it contains multiple environments, from arid deserts to towering mountains, dark forests, and deep oceans. It's a place that can accommodate quadrillions of children without anyone noticing the presence of another."
The children's eyes widened in shock.
"Quadrillions?!" Flora exclaimed in astonishment.
Peter nodded confidently, "Yes, and this number increases every year, as children from all over the universe are sent there. You might think that meeting someone you know there is easy, but the truth is that the probability of that is extremely low."
"What about the spatial gates?" Aeron asked, trying to analyze the situation with his calm mind.
One of those present, the head of the Lysandra family, answered him in a quiet voice full of wisdom: "The spatial gate transports you randomly to any location in the Beginner Zone. You might find yourself alone in a barren desert, or in the middle of a forest full of savage creatures, or even on an icy mountaintop. No one knows exactly where you will appear."
Silence reigned for a moment before another head spoke, this time it was Oscar, Aeron's grandfather from his father's side, in his deep, strong voice:
"The first thing you must do when you arrive... is to find shelter. You cannot stay in the open for long, as the dangers there are not limited to monsters, but even the climate itself can be your enemy."
Vincent, Aeron's grandfather from his mother's side, nodded and added:
"Secondly, don't trust anyone easily. Some may seem friendly, but the truth is that there are those who will exploit your kindness to stab you in the back the moment you let your guard down."
Mark asked hesitantly, "But... wouldn't it be better to form alliances?"
Auberon, Aeron's father, laughed and said:
"Of course, alliances are necessary, but don't form them with just anyone you meet. Test people, make sure they deserve your trust before you give it to them."
Lumin, Xander's mother, sighed and said gently but seriously:
"Thirdly, learn how to conceal your strength. Don't show all your cards at once, as deception is an essential part of survival there."
Then she looked directly at Aeron and said, "And this applies to you more than anyone else."
Aeron raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, while Lumin continued:
"Your anomaly makes you unique, but it also makes you a target. No one knows how your guide will work, and the best thing you can do is hide your true potential until the right time comes."
Aeron nodded slowly, realizing the truth of her words.
Then Mona, his grandmother from his father's side, spoke with a slight but powerful smile:
"Finally, don't forget that this planet is not just a test... it's an opportunity. You may find rare treasures there, or powerful weapons, or even secret ways to increase your strength quickly. Make good use of this opportunity."
After these words, a short silence fell, as the children absorbed the enormous amount of information they had received.
Then Peter smiled and said in a lighter tone, "Of course, I'm not saying this to scare you, but to prepare you. You are all children of the great families, and I know you will succeed... but only if you are truly ready."
Flora sighed and said, "This... will be the biggest challenge we've faced in our lives."
Xander laughed and said excitedly, "But it will be fun too!"
As for Aeron, he sat silently, his eyes gleaming with a cold flicker as he thought about everything...
This new planet... will be his true gateway to ascension.