The command fell like a blade.
"Kill him."
Elder Varyn didn't even bother looking at Kael anymore. To him, this was already over.
Three disciples stepped forward, their expressions tense but resolute. They were all Tier 1 cultivators—once Kael's equals.
Once.
Now, everything had changed.
Kael didn't move.
He stood in silence, his blood-soaked robes clinging to his body, his eyes calm—too calm.
Inside his mind, the system pulsed.
[Absorption ready.]
The first disciple lunged.
Fast. Clean. A killing strike aimed at Kael's throat.
Too predictable.
Kael stepped forward.
His hand shot out and caught the man's wrist mid-strike.
The disciple froze.
"What—"
Crack.
Bone shattered instantly.
A scream echoed through the hall.
Kael didn't hesitate.
He twisted, dragging the man forward, then slammed him into the ground with terrifying force.
The impact shook the stone beneath them.
Before anyone could react—
Kael's hand plunged into the man's chest.
Silence.
Then—
[Target eliminated.]
A violent surge of energy flooded Kael's body.
His breath caught.
Warmth spread through his limbs, filling every broken corner of his body.
[Absorption successful.]
+5 Power
+1 Skill Point
Kael exhaled slowly.
This power… was real.
The remaining two disciples staggered back, fear flooding their faces.
"He… he killed him with his bare hands—"
"Run!"
They turned.
Kael moved.
Faster than thought.
He appeared beside one of them, his hand closing around the man's throat.
Snap.
The body went limp.
The last disciple ran, stumbling in panic.
"Please! I won't—"
Kael stepped in front of him.
Blocking his path.
His expression didn't change.
"Too late."
One strike.
The body dropped.
[Targets eliminated.]
+8 Power
+2 Skill Points
Kael stood among the corpses.
The hall was silent.
Terrified.
No one dared speak.
Slowly, Kael lifted his head.
His gaze locked onto Elder Varyn.
Cold.
Sharp.
Unforgiving.
"…Now," Kael said quietly.
"It's your turn."