The Sky Demon Sect's grand hall was once again alive with tension as Ravihiro stood at the center, his commanding aura silencing the murmurs of the gathered elders, disciples, and key sect members. The air was thick with anticipation as the sect waited for their leader's decision. Arav, the stranger from Earth, stood by his side, his eyes reflecting both urgency and desperation.
The Decision
Ravihiro's voice was cold and decisive. "We prepare for war. The Viroshis are no ordinary threat, and if we charge into battle unprepared, we will be annihilated. We need one year. One year to sharpen our blades, strengthen our formations, and ensure that every sect member is ready to face the unknown."
The crowd murmured, some nodding in agreement, while others exchanged uneasy glances. It was Arav who broke the silence, his tone filled with frustration. "One year? That's too long! Do you know what's happening on Earth? The chaos, the destruction? Every second counts, and you're talking about waiting an entire year?"
Ravihiro's gaze turned sharp, his Ryugan flaring briefly. "And you think rushing headfirst into war will save anyone? We are not dealing with mere mortals or beasts, Arav. The Viroshis are ancient beings who have existed beyond time. If we fail, there will be no second chance."
Arav stepped forward, defiant. "We don't have the luxury of time. Earth needs help now. If we delay, there might not be an Earth left to save."
The Temporal Revelation
Ravihiro's lips curved into a faint, humorless smirk. "Tell me, Arav. According to you, which year is it on Earth?"
Caught off guard, Arav hesitated before replying, "2035."
The hall grew silent. Ravihiro took a deep breath, his voice dropping to a somber tone. "And yet, I've been here for more than 30 years… yet only 5 years have passed on Earth."
The realization hit like a thunderclap. Gasps echoed through the hall as the crowd processed what this meant. Even Arav looked stunned. "That's… impossible. How could time move so differently?"
Ravihiro's expression darkened. "This realm is not bound by Earth's time. The flow of time here is slower. What feels like years here may only be days or weeks there. But this isn't about time—it's about preparation. If we leave now, unready, we are marching to our deaths."
The Sect's Resolve
Rumina stepped forward, her fiery determination cutting through the tension. "Ravihiro is right. If we want to win, we need time to prepare. Arav, I understand your urgency, but do not underestimate the Viroshis or the forces that back them."
Arav clenched his fists, but the logic was undeniable. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Fine. One year. But we need to make sure every moment counts."
Ravihiro turned to the gathered sect members, his Ryugan glowing faintly as he addressed them. "From this moment on, the Sky Demon Sect will operate with one goal: war. Every disciple, elder, and ally will train relentlessly. We will forge weapons capable of piercing the heavens, strengthen formations that can withstand the end of the world, and awaken powers within ourselves we never thought possible.
The Preparations Begin
The hall erupted into cheers and affirmations as Ravihiro's words ignited a spark of determination. The sect began to mobilize immediately, elders assigning tasks, disciples heading to training grounds, and smiths readying their forges. The once peaceful sect transformed into a hive of activity.
Meanwhile, Ravihiro stood apart, his thoughts racing. Rumina approached, her teasing demeanor momentarily replaced with sincerity. "Are you sure about this, Ravihiro? A year isn't a lot of time."
"It's all we have," Ravihiro replied, his voice quiet but firm. "And it will have to be enough."
A New Threat
As the crowd dispersed to begin their preparations, Arav approached Ravihiro. "There's something else I haven't told you."
Ravihiro raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Arav hesitated before continuing. "Before I ended up here, there were reports on Earth… sightings of massive portals in the sky. Beings—monsters—were pouring out of them. Some looked like shadows given form, others like amalgamations of flesh and metal. They called themselves the 'Heralds of the Viroshis.' I think… I think they're testing humanity. Preparing us for something worse."
Ravihiro's expression darkened. "So, the Viroshis have already begun their campaign."
Arav nodded. "And they're looking for something—or someone. Every major attack has been focused on ancient sites, places of power. They're searching for keys, just like you said."
Ravihiro's grip tightened around his sword. "Then we'll make sure they don't find what they're looking for. The Sky Demon Sect will stand between them and their goal."
The Shattered Night
As the sect settled into its preparations, a sudden rumble shook the mountain. Alarms blared as disciples scrambled to their positions. Ravihiro, Rumina, and Arav rushed outside to see the source of the disturbance.
Above them, the sky split open, revealing a massive, writhing shadow. From within the void, monstrous figures began to emerge, their forms twisting and shifting as they descended toward the sect. A booming voice echoed across the land.
"The Heralds of the Viroshis have arrived. Surrender the shard, or face annihilation."
Ravihiro's eyes burned with fury. "It seems they're impatient."
Rumina smirked, her fiery aura igniting around her. "Good. I've been wanting to test myself."
Arav drew a weapon he had salvaged from the crashed spaceship, determination replacing his earlier hesitation. "Let's show them what we're made of."
Ravihiro stepped forward, his Ryugan glowing with an ominous light. "Sky Demon Sect… prepare for battle!"
End of Chapter