"What?!" Helbram exclaimed in shock.
At the sound of his raised voice, the ministers rushed out of the hall, eager to learn what had happened.
"Is it true, what you're saying?! How could she have escaped that place? It's been a week since the time limit passed for the young Adventurers to return from the Mystic Treasure Realm!" Helbram demanded, unable to keep his voice down.
"Yes, Lord Helbram. Sect Master Noah himself confirmed it," the soldier replied respectfully, still standing stiffly at salute.
"If Ashe Vermillion managed to return alive, then could it be…?" Helbram whispered under his breath.
A moment later, his expression grew serious, and he raised his voice again.
"Prepare the fastest Wind Sparrow! I must pay a visit to the Cloud Soaring Sect!"
If Ashe truly survived, there was still a chance—no matter how slim—that Finn was alive as well.
Finn's talent was too precious, both to Helbram and to the entire Sacred Dragon Kingdom. Even the faintest hope of his survival was worth pursuing. After all, Finn had the potential to reach the power of a Legend Rank one day. No one in their right mind could simply abandon a prodigy like him.
Helbram was about to leave, but the soldier hastily spoke again.
"But—Lord Helbram—Sect Master Noah also instructed us to tell you… Aside from Ashe Vermillion, no other survivor has emerged. He also wished to inform you that, for now, they will not receive visitors. He asked only that the Royal Clan be aware Ashe Vermillion returned alive and appeared within the Cloud Soaring Sect without warning."
The soldier kept his salute but avoided meeting Helbram's eyes, his voice respectful but tense. He felt trapped between Noah's orders and Helbram's authority and did not know what to do.
He had served the Royal Clan for many years and understood better than most what kind of man Noah truly was.
Helbram's stare was so cold it made the soldier's entire body seize up. Sweat poured down his back despite the chill of the hall.
After several moments, Helbram exhaled heavily and shook his head.
"If that is his decision, I will not force the matter. The girl is fortunate to have survived the Mystic Treasure Realm… If she needs time to rest, I will grant it. Even so… she will not be able to avoid the Royal Clan's questions forever."
He turned to face the ministers gathered nearby, his eyes hard as iron.
"Listen to me well. None of you will disturb Ashe Vermillion. If she wishes to rest and gather her thoughts, you will let her. Should any of you disobey this order, you will face the full consequences of defying your superior. Is that understood?!"
"Understood, Lord Helbram!"
--
Cloud Soaring Sect
In a small room, a young woman sat curled up on a soft bed, her face buried against her knees.
She had finally returned to the place she called home. But no matter how hard she tried, she could not feel any joy. A crushing sadness still weighed on her heart.
For nearly two weeks in Sierra's domain, she had done nothing but train—struggling with all her strength to master the new power Sierra had granted her. Sierra had also taught her a powerful Divine Beast Art and several advanced skills connected to the might of the Fire Phoenix.
More than that, she had received a rare weapon—a sword whose strength, according to Sierra, would grow alongside her own.
But before they parted, Sierra made one thing clear: Ashe could never reveal what she had witnessed in the Mystic Treasure Realm. Such knowledge could trigger disaster.
Ashe understood—and so, when Noah questioned her, she said nothing.
Though she had returned with a fragment of the Fire Phoenix's power—enough to raise her cultivation to the 3rd Level Profound Rank—her spirit remained hollow.
According to Sierra, that was as much power as her body could safely contain. If she tried to advance too quickly, the violent energy would tear her apart.
Still hiding her face against her knees, Ashe didn't look up even as the door swung open and Noah stepped inside.
His expression was tight with concern, though relief shone in his eyes.
He had spent two weeks believing the child he thought of as a daughter had died. Now that she was here, alive, he couldn't help but feel grateful beyond words.
Moreover, her cultivation had surpassed every other young adventurer in the Sacred Dragon Kingdom. Even Diana, once considered the most promising, was now behind her.
"Ashe, my child… how are you feeling?" Noah asked gently.
Ashe lifted her gaze to meet his. But she said nothing. After a moment, she lowered her head again, silent tears glistening in her eyes.
Seeing that heartbreak struck Noah like a blade to the chest.
He, too, mourned Finn's death, and in the end, there was nothing he could do to bring the boy back. He could only blame himself for being unable to protect everyone around him.
"…I know you aren't ready to speak about what happened in that place," he said softly. "But when the time comes—and you need someone to listen—I'll be here. Not as a Sect Master… but as your father."
Ashe peeked at him again, tears pooling faster than before.
A moment later, they began to fall.
Quickly, she wiped them away, then turned over and pulled the thick blanket—made from the pelt of a Vicious Beast—over her head.
Noah let out a long sigh. He watched her for a few quiet minutes before he finally stepped out of the room.
He had barely made it a few steps when Marcus appeared, his expression tight with urgency.
Marcus leaned in and whispered something into Noah's ear.
As the words sank in, Noah's eyes widened. Shock and confusion flashed across his face—then were replaced by a dark, unreadable calm.
Without a word, he continued walking.
He soon reached an opulent chamber. Inside stood a man in a golden robe and a gleaming golden crown. At his side waited a figure wrapped head to toe in a black cloak.
The man in the golden robe didn't look particularly old; he had striking features—long, jet-black hair flowing down to his waist, skin like polished porcelain, and eyebrows as sharp as blades.
He smiled widely at Noah.
"What brings you here, Sec—ah, no, you're no longer merely the Second Prince. You're the Crown Prince now," Noah said coldly.
The Crown Prince's smile widened further.
"There's something I need from you, Sect Master Noah. Or… should I call you my dear younger brother—Third Prince?"
Noah's expression turned even darker. His gaze was sharp enough to cut.
"If you have something important to say, say it. Don't waste my time."
"My, you're as short-tempered as ever, Prince Noah," the Crown Prince chuckled. He gave Noah a look filled with quiet menace.
"Consider this a warning. No matter what happens… stay out of my affairs. I have my own plans regarding the secrets of the Azure Wood Family. I won't tolerate anyone interfering."
"Do you think I'll be intimidated by your threats?" Noah growled.
"Hahaha… of course not," the Crown Prince said lightly. "But what if I told you that your little sister might get caught in the crossfire? Would you still be so defiant?"
Noah's fist trembled with rage.
"You! If you even think of harming Diana—Crown Prince or not—I will tear you to pieces!"
Years ago, Noah had renounced his place in the Royal Clan, disgusted by the Sacred Dragon Family's corruption. He chose instead to follow in the footsteps of his teacher, the previous Sect Master of the Cloud Soaring Sect—a man respected by every adventurer in the kingdom.
Noah had only two full siblings: Princess Diana and the late First Prince.
Long ago, the First Prince had died in an ambush on his return to the palace. Everyone blamed the Crimson Blood Kingdom.
The Crown Prince laughed softly.
"Ah… looks like we understand each other. When you left the kingdom and refused to compete for the throne, I was quite pleased. But now… you should remember, little brother: your decisions could cost Diana her life."
He stepped closer, tapping Noah lightly on the shoulder.
"Think carefully. Her fate is in your hands."
Noah's jaw clenched as he glared at his brother, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white.
--
BANG!
BANG!!
BANG!!!
In a desolate landscape of burning rivers and jagged stone, explosions echoed across the plains.
A young man—his body battered and streaked with burns—stood locked in combat with a massive tiger.
Though blood oozed from a dozen wounds, he didn't relent. Again and again, he struck at the Scarlet Fire Tiger with his weapon, finally knocking it sprawling.
He drew in a breath, his chest and throat expanding—
Heavenly Dragon Roar!
The blast of sound split the air like a hurricane.
The Scarlet Fire Tiger dissolved into motes of light.
Rich natural energy poured into Finn, flowing through his soulforce pathways and settling in the coil at his core.
Eyes closed, he savored that power, a faint smile on his lips.
[You've Leveled Up.]
For a moment, he simply stared, stunned. Then joy burst across his face.
At last, he had advanced again.
8th Level Profound Rank.
He sank down cross-legged, letting the rich energy saturate his flesh and spirit.
Three months had passed since the start of this training. He'd fought without pause, challenging vicious beasts conjured by Sierra's treasure. Though Sierra rarely appeared in person, Finn knew she was always watching.
The second phase of his training had ended: defeating three Scarlet Fire Tigers comparable to 8th Level Profound Rank. It had taken him nearly a month of continuous battle.
If not for the Excellent Armament Sierra allowed him to wield in this phase, he never would have succeeded.
During the first phase, he had slain ten 7th Level Profound Rank beasts over another month, advancing from the 5th Level to the 7th Level Profound Rank.
And now… having bested the three tigers, he had grown stronger still.
Excitement burned in his chest—he could almost taste the Sky Rank.
"I'm pleased by your progress," Sierra's voice spoke softly.
Finn flinched, startled by the sudden appearance of her pale light beside him.
"Thank you, Lady Sierra," he said with a respectful nod. He managed a small smile. "How is Miss Ashe?"
"She has already returned to your kingdom," Sierra answered simply.
Finn froze.
"She's… she's been sent back…?"
"Lady Sierra—why didn't you tell me?! She never knew I was alive—she must think I'm dead!"
"What purpose would that serve? You must focus on your training," Sierra said gently. "Your little sweetheart is already a 3rd Level Profound Rank. If you don't give your utmost, she will surpass you in no time. With the Heart of the Fire Phoenix, her growth will be far faster than yours."
Finn swallowed hard, stunned.
From the 6th Level Scarlet Gold Rank to the 3rd Level Profound Rank—no wonder the power of a Divine Beast was so revered.
"But I still have three months here," he said, his voice tightening with resolve. "I will become much stronger before I return. Lady Sierra, I'm ready for the next training phase!"
Determination blazed in his eyes.
Three months had transformed him. His knowledge, his experience, his strategies—everything had evolved.
"Finn Doria," Sierra said gravely, her glow pulsing. "I have come to tell you something important."
Finn blinked in confusion.
"…Important?"
"I am changing the conditions."
Finn's eyes widened.
"…Changing? Why?"
Though she did not say so, the truth was that another being had ordered her to make this change.
"You no longer need to remain here for six months. Once you complete my final trial… you may return to your kingdom."
Finn's heart leapt.
"I can go home after the last trial? Lady Sierra—I'm ready!"
He couldn't wait to stand again before his clan. To repay all the blood the Nine Ice Family had spilled.
"Very well. But know this—your final trial will not be easy."
Finn smiled fiercely.
"If it will make me stronger, I welcome any hardship."
"We shall see. Because this time…"
"…your opponent will not be a Profound Rank beast."
"…You will face a 1st Level Sky Rank."