The day after the divine messenger's decree, the entire world had changed.
Across the five great continents, armies moved like rivers of steel. Patrols covered every road, city, and mountain pass. The skies were patrolled by spirit beasts carrying armored riders. Even the hidden valleys and remote villages whispered of the gods' summons.
The Auralis Continent, Kael's homeland, had never been so tense. Its borders bristled with guards, sect disciples stood ready, and elders carried out patrols with solemn faces. The fear was not of a mortal army—it was of a shadow they could not see. Every whisper said the same thing: a being who could rival gods now walks among us.
Kael had returned quietly to the academy after his brief time at home. Despite the turmoil of the world, his heart was steady. He wanted only one thing: to see his master Sylara and prepare for what lay ahead.
When he entered her courtyard, the moonlight spilled across the tiles, and Master Sylara sat there as though she had been waiting. Her robes fluttered in the gentle wind, her presence calm but sharp as always.
"You're back so early," Sylara said, her gaze lifting to meet his. A faint smile touched her lips. "I expected you to rest longer at home, but perhaps I should not be surprised. You never linger where it is safe."
Kael bowed respectfully. "Master, I came to learn of the next trial."
Sylara nodded. "The final trial—the Fourth—has been set. This time, it will not be like the others where you fought alone against obstacles. You will have to form a team."
Kael blinked. "A team?"
"Yes," she said, her voice carrying both weight and warning. "You and the other chosen students will travel to the Mystical Continent. There lies a land drenched in ancient danger. Beasts older than sects roam there, and remnants of forgotten battles still breathe killing intent. You must pass through it, together, and survive. Only then will the trial be complete."
Kael absorbed her words in silence. A dangerous land, teamwork, survival… it was not only a test of strength but of trust.
Sylara's expression softened slightly. "Kael, this is not something you can win with strength alone. Be careful out there. And remember—your path is yours alone, but sometimes… one must learn to walk alongside others."
Kael nodded firmly. "I understand, Master."
Sylara's eyes flickered with something unsaid, but she waved her hand instead. "Before I forget—before you set out for the Mystical Continent, you must first go to Azura. The King has summoned you."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "The King?"
"Yes." She studied him a moment, then added with a faint smirk, "No doubt it has something to do with your… engagement."
Kael groaned inwardly but bowed once more. "Then I will depart at once."
---
By evening, Kael had reached Azura's capital. The city glowed under lantern light, its walls alive with guards and banners. As he entered the royal palace, the pressure of spirit arrays weighed heavy on the air, every stone and corridor layered with defenses.
Inside the throne hall, King Aldros of Azura sat upon his golden seat, his presence majestic yet warm. His crown glimmered under torchlight, and his sharp eyes softened slightly as he regarded Kael.
"Kael Veynar," the King said, his voice carrying through the hall. "You are soon to be my son-in-law, so there is no need for excessive formality. Rise."
Kael bowed nonetheless. "Your Majesty."
The King chuckled. "I am sure you know why I called you here. The gods have spoken. The messengers brought word, and now every continent prepares. You, too, must prepare—not only as a cultivator but as one tied to my royal family."
Kael straightened, meeting the King's gaze. "I will not falter, Your Majesty."
"Good," the King replied, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "The path ahead is dangerous. But… I see a flame in you. It reminds me of when I was young. Perhaps fate was not wrong to tie you to Azura."
Before Kael could answer, the throne hall doors opened, and a familiar figure swept in. The Princess of Azura, Elira, her presence as bold as ever. Her robes trailed behind her like flowing fire, and her eyes lit up the moment they fell on Kael.
"Father," she said lightly, "you've finished speaking, yes?" Without waiting for a reply, she crossed the hall and—much to Kael's dismay—dragged him right out of the chamber by the arm.
"Wait—what are you—" Kael tried, but she ignored him.
The moment they were alone in one of the palace gardens, Elira turned to him, eyes gleaming. "So, you're going to the Mystical Continent for the final trial."
Kael sighed. "Word travels fast."
"Of course it does." She tilted her head, stepping closer. "Do you think I wouldn't care? You're going to one of the most dangerous lands alive. Of course I would be worried."
Kael blinked at her, then frowned. "Why do you care so much?"
Her lips curved into a smile. "Because you are going to be my husband in just two months."
Kael's jaw dropped. "You—what—must you remind me of that every time we meet?"
"Of course," she said sweetly, tilting her head like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "If I don't remind you, you might forget and run off. And then what would I do? Chase you across continents?"
Kael groaned, covering his face with one hand. "Heavens save me…"
Elira giggled at his reaction. "You're amusing, you know. Everyone else trembles in front of me, but you look like you'd rather fight a dragon than deal with me."
"I would rather fight a dragon," Kael muttered under his breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
Her eyes softened, and for a moment her playful air faded. "Kael… just come back alive, all right? Trials, gods, clans, none of that matters if you don't return."
Kael looked at her, surprised by the seriousness in her tone. He gave a small nod. "I will."
Elira smiled again, light returning to her eyes. "Good. Now—since you'll be my husband soon, don't go making me look bad, hm? Defeat everyone, shine brighter than anyone else. That's my order."
Kael could only shake his head, both exasperated and strangely comforted.
As the night deepened, the stars stretched across the Azura sky. Somewhere beyond them, gods conspired and fate trembled. But in that quiet garden, Kael stood with the princess, the weight of destiny on his shoulders and the strange warmth of human ties anchoring his heart.
Tomorrow, he would leave for the Mystical Continent.
Tomorrow, the Fourth Trial would begin.