"One, two, five..."
"Faster, go faster..."
Ignaz pursued the fleeing fallen ones with mechanical precision, each kill bringing a familiar rush of blood energy that surged through his veins like liquid fire. The torrential sea of crimson mist filled the sky, transforming into power that replenished his spirit reserves alongside the steady pulse from his soul bones.
"Spare me! I was forced into this!" A fallen one stumbled, desperation cracking his voice.
"THUNK—"
The Blood Thunder War Spear pierced straight through his chest. Flesh dissolved into crimson energy, drawn inexorably toward Ignaz's waiting form. The plea hung in the air for a heartbeat before steel sang through bone. Another head separated from its body, joining the growing collection of fallen ones whose fear had driven them to beg for mercy they would never receive.
Throughout Slaughter City, panicked screams and wails echoed off blood-stained walls. Countless figures fled through narrow streets, only to fall beneath Ignaz's relentless soul skills and precise footwork. Each death fed the growing storm of power within him.
---
Unknown to Ignaz, his display of ruthless efficiency had not gone unnoticed. High above the mortal realm, in the ethereal halls of the Divine Realm Committee, three pairs of ancient eyes watched every strike, every kill, every moment of calculated violence.
The Asura God gripped his legendary blade tighter, his scarred features twisting into a satisfied grin as he observed the Lower Realm Mirror. "Look at that technique, that raw killing intent! Even before obtaining the Slaughter Domain, this child has already embraced what it means to be a predator."
His voice carried the weight of eons spent in combat. "Destruction, observe how that blood spear responds to his will—under his killing intent, it pulses with murderous aura. This boy doesn't just wield power; he *becomes* it. Too perfect for my god position."
The God of Destruction studied the scenes below with calculating eyes, his expression grave. "The child's skill is undeniable, Asura, but I sense something troubling." He gestured toward the mirror where Ignaz paused momentarily over a fallen opponent. "His heart carries too many attachments, too much... humanity. The Asura God position demands absolute ruthlessness."
"Asura, Destruction speaks wisdom," the Goddess of Kindness interjected, her melodic voice carrying an edge of distaste. The cruel scenes below twisted her divine features with disgust—the same expression she had once worn when watching the current Asura God's own bloody ascension. "This child surpasses even your past brutality. Should he inherit your position, who can say whether he'll become the Divine Realm's protector... or its destroyer?"
She gestured gracefully toward the mirror. "There remains much goodness in existence. Between mortals and gods alike, surely harmony through understanding surpasses endless slaughter?"
The Asura God's laughter echoed through the divine chamber, neither mocking nor dismissive, but filled with hard-won knowledge. "You both mistake sentiment for weakness." His ancient eyes held depths of memory—faces of long-dead friends, moments of joy buried beneath millennia of duty. "Ruthlessness and compassion are separated by but a single choice, not by their absence."
He turned to face his fellow deities fully. "When I walked the mortal path, I too had bonds I treasured. Even now, those connections rest within my divine heart—buried, but not destroyed. They didn't weaken me; they reminded me what I fought to protect." His grip on the Asura Demon Sword tightened. "If that child below still harbors emotions he cannot release before inheriting my position, then I will personally ensure he learns to master them."
Destruction raised an eyebrow at his colleague's conviction. "Don't celebrate prematurely, old friend. The Hell Road you designed has claimed countless souls. Whether this promising child can survive your trials and earn the right to ascension—these remain mysteries yet to unfold."
Before Asura could respond, an exuberantly joyful voice rang through the divine realm: "Hahaha! But this child is a Sea Spirit Master with profound ocean affinity! Clearly, he's destined for my Sea God inheritance!"
The temperature in the chamber seemed to drop as Asura's eyes blazed with fury. "Poseidon, you ancient fool! Must you always—"
"The ocean calls to him," Poseidon continued with infuriating calm, completely ignoring Asura's mounting rage. "When fate brings him to my domain, he will naturally accept my inheritance. The sea remembers its own."
Asura's sword point rose to aim directly at his rival god. "Your shameless thievery knows no bounds! This child's path leads through blood and battle, not your placid waters!"
The tension between the two gods crackled like lightning, while Destruction and Kindness exchanged knowing looks. This rivalry had lasted millennia, and showed no signs of ending soon.
---
Meanwhile, far below in the mortal realm, a different kind of conflict was brewing in a crowded tavern. The scent of roasted meat and fermented grain filled the air, mixing with the excited chatter of various spirit master teams celebrating recent victories.
Ma Hongjun tore into a chicken leg with enthusiasm, his round face glistening with grease, when his wandering gaze fell upon a newly arrived group. "Boss Dai," he said with a lewd grin, "feast your eyes on that beauty in the spirit master team over there."
Dai Mubai lifted his wine cup, amber liquid sloshing as he studied the newcomers with predatory assessment. His dual-colored eyes narrowed in recognition and contempt. "Canghui Academy? What are those weaklings posturing about?"
The dismissive comment carried clearly across the tavern, causing heads to turn. The leader of Canghui Academy, Ye Zhiqiu, felt his face flush with indignation. His team had just returned from a successful soul hunt, and this disrespect before their celebration was intolerable.
"Which academy spawned such ill-mannered children?" Ye Zhiqiu demanded, leading his six teammates toward the Shrek Academy table. Other patrons quickly cleared a path, recognizing the brewing confrontation. "Did your instructors never teach you basic courtesy? Apologize!"
Oscar perked up with obvious excitement, practically bouncing in his seat. "Oh, this is perfect!" He turned to address his newer teammates with the enthusiasm of someone sharing sacred knowledge. "This is our Shrek Academy's finest tradition—part of every spirit master's essential development! As our Dean says: 'A spirit master who doesn't dare cause trouble isn't worthy of the title.'"
Tang San had noticed Canghui Academy's earlier behavior—knocking down a server without offering assistance, speaking loudly about their 'superiority' over other academies. Perhaps they needed a lesson in humility.
Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she cracked her knuckles. "Finally! I haven't had a proper fight in months!" The prospect of action made her practically vibrate with contained energy.
Ning Rongrong clapped her hands together delicately, though her smile held a sharp edge. "How entertaining! Though I do hope they provide adequate challenge."
Only Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, her cat-like eyes reflecting inner turmoil. She watched Dai Mubai's confident posture with growing disappointment.
As Ye Zhiqiu approached with growing menace, Oscar couldn't resist adding with mock solemnity, "You know, our Dean's quotes are becoming so numerous, we might need to publish a monster manual just to contain them all." He paused theatrically. "Tell me, are you truly from a senior academy? Because your manners suggest otherwise."
"We are!" Ye Zhiqiu's voice rose with wounded pride.
The standoff stretched taut as a bowstring. Dai Mubai and his six companions rose as one, showing no trace of fear or intimidation. Seven against seven—the numbers were even, but the attitudes vastly different.
After a full minute of tense silence, with Dai Mubai offering no sign of apology, Ye Zhiqiu's patience finally snapped. His fists clenched as killing intent began radiating from his form. "You children have gone too far! Since words mean nothing to you, perhaps pain will teach better lessons!"
He pointed directly at Dai Mubai, his voice carrying the promise of violence. "We'll beat you until you learn proper respect! Attack!"
The tavern erupted as both teams prepared for battle, the air crackling with spirit power and the promise of chaos. Unknown to any of them, their small conflict was about to become part of a much larger tapestry of power, ambition, and divine attention—one that would reshape the very foundations of their world.
۞۞۞۞
~ Push the story forward with your Power Stones