Chapter 2:Challenge
The land of Avalonia is a place filled with mysteries and oddities. No man was ordinary here, Strength alone decided worth. From the stories of the first Man, everything began with him. His name was known across worlds and continents. His name Val Tempest. A man born to be prey, born from the dirt of Avalonia. The one molded by Qi itself, The All Father.
He was born weak compared to the colossal beings of his era, the masquerades and the demons. He was nothing, but defeat was never part of his nature. As a man, fear did not make him retreat. In rage, he broke every chain placed on him. In battle, he rose in defiance, claiming the seat as the number one primordial being.
During his era in Avalonia, he created a power system, one forged for his children. A foundation for all who would come after him. A legacy that shaped the world itself.
The first step, Body Unity Realm, where every human began. Flesh gathered power, forming the foundation for those who sought the peak of cultivation.
The second, Baptism Realm, was where a man aligned his five senses with the source of heaven and earth, with Qi itself. It was called the Leap of Faith, a step where one's soul and body merged with the world.
The third, Yomi Realm, was where one transcended ordinary strength, breaking beyond human limits. A practitioner here could shatter boulders to dust with a single breath and wield skills infused with the properties of heaven and earth.
The fourth stage, kai, the Colossal Realm, This is where man's true nature awakens. Bloodlines stirred to their full potential, fulfilling Val's vision that no human was meant to remain small.
The fifth stage the Hindu Realm, also called the Realm of Kings. Here, one crafts a dual being, gaining mastery over territories and space according to their attributes. This is where man learns the law of conquerors.
The sixth stage the Azura Realm. Here, one completes the six cycles of cultivation, ascending beyond mortal limitations. This stage marks the third doorway of heaven and the path to a new foundation.
Since the moment the Damon awoken, the Void territory was at unrest. One who wasnt ment to live stood before a mirror as two maids dressed him in black robes. His eyes stayed fixed on his reflection, yet his mind drifted, rage filling his mind "Dabaraof chaos, Yunku of time". He smiled like a mad man.
"I am back" Damon spoke "I like this new realm, since birth I have enjoyed the air of endless battles even if it affected my sanity it gave me a purpose " He pulling divinity form the firmament of this new world.
Then like the prince of the end he stepped into the hallway. Each step firm and filled with pride, everyone he passed bowed, but he ignored them. Soon he arrived before a massive door.
"My boy, come in", a deep voice called from within.
Without hesitation, the guards opened the way. Damon entered with light steps his eyes scanning the hall. Soon he saw Old man thomas sitting within, along with twelve commanders and the two heads of the Void Territory. Each one revealed the strength of the Kai walker realm yet two stayed calm not revealing there strength.
Damon's lips curved slightly. "Interesting Is fun truly achievable in this realm." He muttered under his breath.
Before anyone could speak, a man named Alfie rose. "Why do we gather here, Is it for that madman." He said with rage. This man was Damon's uncle, the second head of the Void family. Soon three others chimed in supporting him with their own outbursts.
Old man Thomas didn't react, he simply watched in silence his gaze carrying strong intent as he watched Damon's deminor around them, then Damon spoke. "Greetings, uncles and platoon commanders. I know it feels odd for you all to gather for this occasion." His voice was filled with aloofness.
The words shocked Alfie and everyone in the hall. Some whispered to themselves in shock, "Isn't he the madman who stayed within the void mansion for fifteen years? Why does he speak with no delay now?" They questioned everything, because all his life he had spoken with delay. The madness caused it.
Without hesitation, Damon continued."For fifteen years, I have watched you all. The two heads, Alfie and Abel, fighting for the sit of lords. And you commanders falling deep into your greed and lust, splitting the family into two factions." Damon spoke in anger.
"Yet you all leave my father's to sit in the hands of our enemies, your true Lord!"
Damon released killing intent. The pressure stunned the platoon Commanders and the heads.
"Child, what makes you so bold?"Abel spoke calmly.
"The attack fifteen years ago it was all your fault. And you speak of going to save your father."Alfie laughed and placed his hand on his face.
"Do you know who holds your father?" Alfie said. His eyes locked onto Damon's eyes.
"The House of Mambas, the one who worshipped the Dark Lord "Anubis". By now, your father should be in the belly of the darkness." Alfie said to Damon.
"Who doesn't know of the House of Mabas." Damon said to himself, "We are no different
from the house of Mambas, as we sterm from something greater ." Damon said out making Alfie and abel go silent.
"Grandfather, I would like to make an announcement before everyone. I hope this venerable one approves." Damon said to Old Man Thomas, a confused look crossed the old man's face, but he still gestured for Damon to speak.
Damon stood in place his face unsmiling his gaze firm.
"On this same day next year, I will challenge one of the twelve commanders for there sit and access to all armies and weaponry."
The hall went silent as they all had stunned looks on there face.
Then laughter erupted from the gathered commanders and heads.
Some mocked him for his boldness. Others laughed at him for his stupidity.
"Did you hear that? He challenged us." A platoon commander of Squad four spoke his leg raised on the table. "Boy, you are bold I like that." He spoke. Two distinct scars crossed his face, and several marked his muscular build. His name was "Gilgamesh". Immediately another then spoke with a gentle expression, his facial features handsome and sharp. A large shuriken sat on his back. His build was slender, his eyes sharp like a viper everythingabout him screammed of his cunning nature.
"Are you sure you are up to such feats? he asked." His name Vabun.
The Commanders cursed Damon for his negligence, they felt he looked down on them.
Old Man Thomas looked at his grandson. Excitement filled his gaze.
"This child can not cultivate bis elemental talents stolen, his primodial bones broke. His veins ruptured, yet he claims he would take the sut of a commander. Each general stood at the Kai walker realm, lords of various lands.How will he pull such a feat?" Old Man Thomas wondered.
"My boy, are you sure about this? this decision?" Old Man Thomas asked.
Damon looked into his grandfather's eyes with confidence. Then he spoke with absolute certainty.
"What I said will be done. On this day next year, I will take the sit of one of these platoon commanders." Damon said this time calmly the room heard his voice the pride behind it and strangely they felt like what he said was achievable .
On the second repetition of his words, all the commanders gazes fell upon him. Each released the aura of the kai walker realm. The air became heavy his muscles tensed every hair on his body stood, but he refused to bend. He released killing intent that rivaled there strength. There hair stood as several commanders unsheated there weapons, even the other two commanders which stayed silent opened there eyes to see who this child was, to Damon, they were nothing but ants. He knew if he held enough resolve, he could take one of thems head clean damon smiled.
Catching the attention of one of the twelve, "Yunna" she reacted holding her neck.
"That boy, he is not normal." She thought to herself, withdrawing her weapon.
Almost immediately, Old Man Thomas raised his hand, calming the whole atmosphere down.
"My child, a direct challenge cannot be offered, as there are processes to be followed"
Old Man Thomas spoke, then took a sip of white wine. His voice stayed calm.
" trully today my heart has been glad"
Then Old Man Thomas stood "There is a path for you my boy. One year before your challenge, you will join a platoon.You will fight.You will earn merit. You will gain recognition. When you return with real glory, no one will oppose you."
Old Man Thomas knew the rules of the Void family, and he could not break them. But he could bend them through will and influence.