## Chapter 6: The Call of the West
The golden light of dawn spilled through the window blinds as Sylvan slowly opened his eyes. For a brief moment, the world was quiet.
He stretched and rose from bed, his muscles slightly sore from the street battle the day before. As he stepped out into the hallway, his nose caught the faint aroma of brewed tea. Following it, he walked into the parlor—and paused.
His father was seated on the leather couch, arms crossed, his golden eyes unreadable.
"Father?"
"Sit," his father said simply.
Sylvan obeyed, curiosity spiking.
The man studied his son for a long moment before finally speaking.
"I know you want to protect people, Sylvan," he began, his voice calm but firm. "But this world... it doesn't always allow you to save everyone. Even heroes fall when they reach too far."
Sylvan listened, silent.
"You must learn to act when it's time. Know your limits. Know who can be saved—and who will only drag you into the abyss if you try. Focus on what you can protect."
Sylvan nodded slowly. The words weighed heavy but resonated deeply.
Then his father stood.
"We're going back to the West tomorrow."
Sylvan's eyes widened. "The West?"
"Yes. It's where the dragons came from. The birthplace of true power. The energy density there is unmatched. You'll need to be stronger, smarter, faster. Because the strongest races and the most ruthless warriors reside there. If you want to survive, let alone thrive—you must evolve."
Sylvan's heartbeat quickened. He bowed slightly. "Then I need to be ready."
Without another word, he turned and dashed toward the training wing of the mansion.
---
The doors slid open, revealing the high-tech training chamber. Crystals pulsed on the walls, and multiple platforms shimmered with dormant energy.
"System," he commanded. "Activate Training Sequence."
**\[Training Chamber – Activated]**
He stepped into the center of the room and drew his katana.
"Fiery Sword Arts. Begin sequence."
He launched into a flurry of movements, his blade slashing, spinning, and slicing through the air. Flames burst from the edge of the sword with every swing.
Hours passed.
He continued training, sweat pouring, muscles straining. Midday came and went.
"System, initiate simulation. Duration: 4 hours."
**\[Simulation Room – Initiated]**
**\[Time: 4 Hours]**
Virtual enemies materialized—phantom beasts, armored warriors, constructs of fire and shadow. Sylvan engaged them relentlessly, adapting and refining every motion.
After the session, he stumbled out, body aching.
He dropped to the ground and sat cross-legged.
"System. Skill: Energy Control. Activate."
**\[Energy Control – Activated]**
**\[+1 EP per 30 minutes while meditating]**
He closed his eyes. Breathing slowed. His core simmered with building heat.
**\[Energy Accumulation – In Progress...]**
Time slipped by. The energy within him coalesced.
**\[Collection Plane – Mastered]**
**\[Arcane Plane – Achieved]**
**\[Earthly Plane – Achieved]**
**\[Sky Plane – Achieved]**
**\[Overlord Plane – Achieved]**
**\[Sage Plane – Achieved]**
**\[Current Plane: Sage Plane, Mid Stage]**
He opened his eyes, pupils now glowing faint red.
His power had evolved—six entire planes surpassed in a single day.
"System. Status."
**\[Status]**
**Name: Sylvan Crimson**
**Age: 17**
**Race: Dragonborn/Chaos Heir**
**Level: 7**
**EXP: 93/100**
**Strength: 36**
**Agility: 36**
**Endurance: 36**
**Intelligence: 36**
**Energy Points: 24,000**
**Luck: 5**
He sheathed his blade.
"Fiery Sword Arts. Unlock."
The air around him shimmered.
**\[Fiery Sword Arts – Fifth Form: Flame Crescents – Unlocked]**
**\[Fiery Sword Arts – Sixth Form: Horizon Break – Unlocked]**
**\[Fiery Sword Arts – Flame Storm – Unlocked]**
His heart beat faster.
Seven total forms now.
"Tomorrow\... begins a new chapter."
And as dusk fell over the city, Sylvan Crimson continued his silent training, preparing to face the blazing storm awaiting in the West.