Iron Sky Sect — Inner Courtyard of Ascension
The day began with a ceremony.
A tradition — where Outer Disciples were evaluated, and worthy ones chosen by Sect Elders for personal training.
The elders sat upon their high seats, robes gleaming with spiritual authority.
Hundreds of disciples lined the courtyard.
And when Kaelen's group stepped forward, whispers rose like wildfire.
"Here they are. The outsiders."
"Let's see who gets picked — besides him."
The Elder Selection
Elder Yan — master of spirit healing, selected Selina Dawnweaver.
Elder Xian Lei — aerial specialist, handpicked Lyra Windrider.
Elder Vess — known for formation arrays, chose Lyanna Starborn.
Elder Qian — illusionist and tactician, claimed Mira Nightshade.
Elder Suzan — one of the most revered, claimed Aria Valen.
Even Valessia Auren, though a foreigner, was offered temporary mentorship by Elder Jin-Rho, a visiting sovereign-tier guest.
Kaelen?
Nothing.
Not a single elder spoke his name.
One of them even chuckled.
"A bodyguard's role is to stand behind brilliance, not seek it."
Another added softly:
"A shame. Looks like his usefulness ended at the gate."
The Girls' Reactions
Aria
Her eyes narrowed.
Fury simmered behind her calm face.
Selina
She looked at Kaelen like she wanted to scream.
Mira
She was already planning how to embarrass a few elders when the time was right.
Valessia
Her hands clenched.
"Fools. Blind, arrogant fools."
Kaelen's Response
He said nothing.
Not to the elders.
Not to the whispers.
Instead, he turned to the girls — all now standing awkwardly under the weight of expectations and guilt — and smiled.
"Don't worry."
"I told you…"
"This world will know your names."
He turned slightly —
eyes sharp, aura low and steady.
"And mine."
The Challenge — From Above
Laughter rang out.
Jin Rokan, heir to one of the sect's richest sponsors, leapt down from the observer balcony, cloak fluttering.
"A beautiful speech, outsider."
"Since the elders won't give you attention—"
He unsheathed a radiant curved blade.
"Why don't you earn it in the arena?"
Gasps echoed.
Disciples parted.
Kaelen looked up, eyes hard.
"You sure you want that?"
Jin smirked.
"A dog at the feet of six women? I want to see if you even have a bark."
Arena Set — The Fight Begins
The Iron Sky Arena glowed with spiritual runes.
Disciples lined the stone tiers.
The girls stood at the edge, silent and tense.
The elders watched casually — expecting an amusing display.
Kaelen stepped into the center.
The runes around the arena flared.
The Fight
Jin moved first — fast, refined, overconfident.
Kaelen blocked the first strike barehanded.
Then the second.
Then shattered the blade with his palm.
Jin's eyes went wide—
Too late.
Kaelen spun, elbowed him in the chest, and sent him flying into the wall.
Silence.
Final Lines
Kaelen didn't even look back as he left the arena.
He walked past the stunned elders.
Past the gaping disciples.
And as he passed his companions, he said quietly:
"I don't need a master."
"I'll be the one they all kneel to."