Mist rolled down the mountainside as morning light broke through the clouds, casting a golden hue over the Demonic Sword Sect.
At the heart of the outer courtyard, hundreds of disciples gathered in silence. Before them stood a tall black monolith—carved with strange runes and humming with suppressed energy.
This was the Awakening Altar.
Today, a new batch of outer disciples would attempt to break through their limits—to abandon mortality and take the first step into the path of cultivation.
Among them stood a seventeen-year-old boy with a calm expression and sharp, observant eyes.
Jin Ryu.
He adjusted the collar of his training robes, trying not to look nervous.
"Breathe, Ryu," said a familiar voice.
Turning, he saw Jin Tao, his father, standing beside him. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, experienced—like a blade hidden in a sheath.
Ryu nodded. "I am."
Tao smiled. "You've trained well. Whatever comes next, remember—what you awaken doesn't define your destiny. It's what you do with it."
Ryu exhaled. "You always say that."
"And it's always true." Tao replied to his son, Jin Ryu.
---
The Path of Cultivation
In this world, power was life—and power began with cultivation.
There were twelve main stages, each divided into six levels:
Beginner, Skilled, Champion, Master, Grandmaster, Pinnacle.
Each step meant greater strength, sharper technique, deeper understanding—and more respect.
But none of that was possible without awakening an element.
When a person stepped onto the path of cultivation, they were granted an elemental affinity, chosen based on their body, spirit, and fate.
The Nine Elements were:
Light, Darkness, Water, Wind, Fire, Earth, Thunder, Ice, and Shadow.
And each element came in three grades:
• Low Grade – Common, easier to train but Weaker.
• Mid Grade – Balanced, ideal for steady growth
• High Grade – Rare, powerful, and extremely hard to control
Only one in Thousands ever awakened a High Grade.
---
"Tian Mura," an elder called.
The tall girl stepped forward. Her hand hovered over the altar. Moments later, a faint breeze swirled around her and the altar glowed sky-blue.
> "Wind. Mid Grade."
Scattered applause followed.
Next came Cho Yuin, who touched the altar with a shaking hand. He had dark-gray hair and looked pretty shy.
A bubble of water floated over his palm.
"Water. Low Grade."
Still, the crowd clapped. To awaken anything was a blessing.
Several others went after him—most receiving Low or Mid Grade Fire, Earth, or Wind. The crowd remained polite, murmuring now and then.
Then came the name everyone had been waiting for.
"Jin Ryu."
Silence fell.
Even the breeze stilled.
Jin Ryu stepped forward, keeping his breathing steady. He passed his fellow disciples and knelt before the altar, his hand hovering over its surface.
Behind him, his father stood quietly among the elders.
Ryu placed his hand on the cold, rune-marked stone.
The altar stayed silent for a heartbeat. Then two.
Whispers began.
"…Maybe he's a late bloomer?"
"…He's Jin Tao's son, no way he fails…"
"…What if he's a no-element?"
Then—
Boom.
The altar erupted in shadowy mist. A sudden gust swept across the courtyard. Dark clouds swirled overhead, glowing faintly purple. Lightning flashed far above.
The crowd gasped.
Ryu's hand trembled. His eyes widened.
He could feel it. A deep, cold pulse—not terrifying, but commanding—wrapped around his soul.
And then…
A single line of golden light carved itself into the altar, and a voice only Ryu could hear whispered:
You have Awakened.... Shadow (High Grade) and Darkness (High Grade)