Night fell over the Iron Flame Sect.
Torches illuminated the mountain paths as disciples continued training across the vast grounds.
Inside the outer disciple residence, Kael sat cross-legged in his room.
His eyes were closed.
Inside his body, the Origin Core rotated slowly.
Energy flowed from it like ripples in a calm lake.
The system interface appeared again.
Host: Kael Veyron
Realm: Origin Initiate Stage 1
Abilities
• Origin Strike
• Origin Rush
• Origin Body
• Origin Pulse (New)
Kael focused on the new ability.
Immediately, information appeared in his mind.
Origin Pulse
A technique that releases condensed Origin Energy in a powerful shockwave capable of disrupting enemy energy flows.
Kael opened his eyes.
"Let's try it."
He stood up and walked outside toward a quiet training field behind the residence.
The moon illuminated the empty courtyard.
Kael raised his hand slowly.
Inside his chest, the Origin Core spun faster.
Energy gathered in his palm.
The sensation felt powerful… yet unstable.
"Origin Pulse."
A burst of invisible energy exploded outward.
BOOM!
Dust shot into the air as a circular shockwave spread across the ground.
Nearby training dummies shattered instantly.
Stone tiles cracked under the pressure.
Kael stared at the damage.
"…That's stronger than I expected."
But suddenly
Clap.
Clap.
Clap.
Slow applause echoed from the shadows.
Kael turned quickly.
Standing near the courtyard gate was a tall young man wearing black inner disciple robes.
His presence was heavy.
Oppressive.
Unlike Seraphine's calm confidence, this man radiated pure arrogance.
"So you're the one causing all the rumors."
The man stepped forward.
Several outer disciples nearby immediately bowed their heads.
"Senior Brother!"
Kael looked at him carefully.
"Who are you?"
The man smirked.
"I'm Darius Valen."
"Ranked Third among the Inner Disciples."
Kael remained calm.
"Nice to meet you."
Darius's smile turned colder.
"I heard you plan to enter the Sect Tournament."
Kael shrugged.
"Maybe."
Darius stopped a few meters away.
His aura pressed down heavily.
"If you do…"
His voice became quiet.
"…you'll face me eventually."
The courtyard became silent.
Even the wind seemed to pause.
Kael met his gaze directly.
Then he smiled slightly.
"I look forward to it."
Darius stared at him for a few seconds.
Then he laughed.
"A mortal with courage."
He turned and began walking away.
"But courage alone won't save you."
Kael watched him leave.
Inside his chest, the Origin Core pulsed steadily.
The coming tournament would not be simple.
But Kael wasn't afraid.
In fact…
He was excited.
The stronger his opponents were
The faster he would grow.
And somewhere deep beneath the ruins…
The ancient presence that had awakened earlier continued watching.
Waiting.
Observing the rise of the Last Mortal.