After receiving the summons, the siblings, along with Jest, made their way to the throne room. The atmosphere was tense, but familiar. Upon entering, they exchanged smiles and greetings with their parents. The usual warmth of family was there, but today, the weight of the situation made it feel heavier than ever. After the pleasantries, they stood shoulder to shoulder, awaiting their father's command.
Vaerion, sitting upon his throne, observed them carefully. His mind was filled with a dozen questions, particularly regarding his youngest son. As a man who valued results above all else, he had always been impressed by his children's potential. But Ash… Ash's sudden rise in power was beyond even his expectations.
How could someone with elite talent—someone who possessed the lowest talent of his children—already be at the Spiritual Foundation Realm? Not only that, but Ash had already mastered the sword fundamentals and achieved aura, and from what he could sense, the aura was denser than his own at the same cultivation level. That was something few could boast of.
"Ash," Vaerion's voice broke the silence, drawing all eyes to his youngest son. "We haven't had time to talk about it before, but tell me... how did you achieve this power?"
All eyes shifted to Ash. There was a moment of stillness as Ash stood, his posture casual, but there was no denying the weight of the moment. He was no longer the young boy they remembered—he had transformed into someone formidable.
Ash stepped forward nonchalantly and began his story.
"Well," he began, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "After I left home a few years ago, I immediately went into seclusion. I trained in a forest, focusing on body tempering. For about a year, I did manual labor—carrying boulders up hills, exhausting myself. It was all about pushing my limits."
He paused for a moment, watching the faces of his family. They were all listening intently.
"After a year, I broke into the Body Tempering Realm. I continued cultivating until I reached the Core Formation Realm. At that point, I stopped and decided to explore the world. But that's when I ended up in the Land of Eternity." He took a deep breath, continuing. "I spent two years there, facing trial after trial. After each trial, I was rewarded with pills—some to enhance my physique, others to perfect my core. By the time I finished the 13th trial, I met a man."
Ash took a pause, letting the weight of the moment settle. The room was silent, and he could feel his family's curiosity rising.
"The man's name was Kelton—the Endless Swordsman. He offered to train me in basic swordsmanship, and here I am now. After leaving the Forbidden Land, I saw my sisters fighting, so I dove in to help."
Vaerion took a moment to process the information. He had never heard of this 'Endless Swordsman' before, but Ash's journey was remarkable. However, the way he casually recounted it was almost unnerving. After a few seconds, Vaerion nodded, his face unreadable.
"Alright," he said. "The next thing you'll focus on is reaching the Domain Forging Realm. I'll arrange for someone to bring you the necessary resources." He paused, his eyes sharpening. "Now we have more important matters to discuss."
Vaerion's gaze hardened as he shifted his attention. "Years ago, your mother and I made an agreement, one bonded by our souls. The agreement was that you, Ash, would be married."
The room went still. Everyone exchanged confused glances, but Ash—ever the calm one—did not flinch. He simply stared at his father, waiting for an explanation.
"What?!" Nyssari blurted out, clearly shocked.
"Father, what do you mean, he's married?" Ary questioned, her voice filled with disbelief.
Selyra, ever composed, sighed deeply. "Yes, he's married. His wife is and will be the sole princess of the Vampires."
Silence.
The word "Vampires" seemed to hang in the air, almost too heavy to process.
"Vampires?" Velric asked, incredulous.
"Yes," Selyra said softly but firmly. "The Vampire Empress contacted us, and we saw it as an opportunity to unite two powerful factions.
Ary's eyes narrowed, her voice tight with unease. "Mother… you know an alliance like this is nearly taboo. Two races—two powers—joining forces like this? The outside galaxy won't sit by quietly."
"Indeed," Velric added. "It's not about the Vampires. It's the precedent this sets—no one wants to see two ancient factions growing closer."
Selyra nodded but remained resolute. "We knew the risks. But our decision was made with the long-term vision of stability—and strength."
"Enough," Vaerion's voice rang out, sharp and final. "Let the galaxy talk. Let them scheme. We are warriors—we make decisions for our survival, not for their approval. The marriage is set in stone. Ash, in three years, your union will be announced to the entire galaxy. Use this time to cultivate. You will not embarrass us again."
He dismissed the rest of the room, signaling that the meeting was over.
The room emptied except for Jest. Vaerion turned his gaze to the young boy, observing him with a keen eye.
"Good!" Vaerion said, his tone shifting to one of approval. "You will train directly under me, boy."
The words surprised Jest, and a smile crept onto his face. But Selyra frowned, sensing the weight of her husband's decision.