At the clan hall, the elders recounted the full story of the dark Phenomenon to Zar. All eyes were on him, awaiting his conclusion. Zar's expression darkened as he absorbed the information. Deep down, he wondered if Kaelvir was connected to this—but he said nothing aloud.
He only shared what he felt before entering Kaelvir's courtyard, prompting the elders to inhale sharply.
"I think the dark cloud could be related to the Title Holder," Morvain speculated. The others nodded in agreement.
But Morvain wasn't finished. Worry lined his face. "Patriarch… my only concern now is that the Title Holder isn't from our enemies, right?"
A heavy silence fell over the hall—until a sudden crackle broke it. Lightning arcs danced around Elder Eldran, his eyes ablaze with fighting intent.
"So what?! This is the Veydrak clan! Over the years, how have any of our enemies survived?"
The tense atmosphere trembled as countless powerful auras surged through the hall. Zar sneered from his throne, roaring, "Eldran is right! So tell me, who dares challenge the Veydrak?" His voice was a challenge in itself.
Almost every clan member heard the proud roar. As if answering, the entire clan erupted with energy; even ancient auras surged from forbidden grounds, rippling across Dreamtide City. Citizens and clans alike shivered, gazing toward the Veydrak Clan and whispering, "Who provoked the Dreamtide Overlord?"
In the Zaryth Clan, the aura's burst left the Patriarch pale. "Was the Title Holder among them? Or have they discovered our plan?" he muttered, confused, calling for a clan meeting.
Far away, in the Obren Clan, Thalos stood beside his father, Patriarch Ravyn, both pale as they sensed the Veydrak Clan's power.
"Father… are we really going to fight them?" Thalos asked.
Ravyn's eyes gleamed with battle intent. "Yes. The stronger they are, the more worthy the fight."
Meanwhile, in the Kaevor Clan hall, elders Torvak and Meyra sensed the same aura. They abruptly halted their meeting. Torvak's gaze pierced toward the Veydraks.
"Don't tell me some fools attacked those battle maniacs?" he muttered.
Excitement flickered on some elders' faces. "Patriarch… should we join the fun?"
Torvak nearly toppled from his throne in shock. Meyra who was beside him couldn't help but chuckle out brightly.
"Uncles you shouldn't. If it was really an attack, our spies would have informed us"
On hearing this, some elders sigh in disappointment. Torvak fumed in anger as he saw their expression.
"Seems you've grown bored with nothing to do. Perhaps I'll give you something worthwhile instead."
At his words, the elders bolted out of the hall without so much as a bow. Within seconds, only Meyra and her father remained.
Torvak, incensed, turned to his daughter. "Did you see those lazy fools…?"
Meyra smiled gently. "Father, let them be. Deep down, you know they'd die for the clan if needed."
Torvak sighed, tension easing slightly. "I know… I know them all. I'm just trying not to waste their lives carelessly."
Meyra's smile deepened. "I know. And they know, too. Don't worry too much."
---
Back in Kaelvir's courtyard, he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling and recalling the tender moment with Fay. Her soft body against his, the fragility, the way she hugged him back—it brought a gentle smile to his face.
"Oh my… why do you smile like an idiot?"
Kaelvir's thoughts shattered. He recognized that voice. He turned to see it was Nythra, draped in silver moonlight from the window. Every curve, carved with shadow and grace, drew his gaze. Her breath carried a quiet, dangerous rhythm. Darkness clung to her like a lover. She was no longer terrifying—she was temptation incarnate, a dream Kaelvir couldn't look away from.
"Master… do you like what you see?" she asked with a victorious smile.
Kaelvir looked away, coughing to mask his awkwardness.
"Why are you out here? Don't you like the Dream Sea?" (The Dream Sea is a soul space within cultivators, where seedbounds, familiars, and soul-related things reside.)
Nythra's eyes glimmered with faux sadness. "You don't want me outside?" Her voice trembled pitifully. Kaelvir recognized the act—she'd always been mischievous, but he couldn't be strict with her now.
Before he could respond, a golden light flashed. Solune appeared, her mask concealing all but her dark eyes, seated beside him.
"Young Lord, you shouldn't condone her behavior. She could cause real trouble if left unchecked," she warned warmly.
Nythra's eyes glowed gold, hissing like an offended cat.
"Bitch! How dare you interfere in my business?"
Solune hissed back, unflinching. "Your business? You must be blind. The Young Lord's business is my business. Since when is it only yours?"
Kaelvir stepped between them. "Enough! For G*D's sake, you're not kids!"
Nythra smirked. "Actually… we are. We were just born."
Kaelvir stared at her, then glanced at Solune, who nodded.
"She's right, Young Lord."
He exhaled, incredulous. "Alright. That's it. Nythra, Solune… you can only come out when we're alone. Understood?"
Nythra made a huffing sound; Solune nodded silently. Kaelvir finally sank into bed, relief washing over him.
---
As he tried to rest, Solune spoke again.
"Young Lord… I have something important to tell you."
Kaelvir, half-asleep, yawned. "Tell me. I'm all ears."
Solune regarded his nonchalance but continued.
"About the title you've attained… be careful who you tell. In fact, it's best to keep it secret until you're strong enough to wield it."
Kaelvir slowly turned prompting her to continue
Nythra smiled at his reaction. "Is it really that dangerous to reveal the title?" he asked
Solune nodded. "Yes. We had no idea before, but information about it recently poured into us."
Kaelvir sat up. "What information?"
Solune sighed. "In the cultivation world, Title Holders are geniuses whose abilities have mutated, granting them terrifying power beyond ordinary norms. They cannot be judged by conventional standards."
Kaelvir listened intently.
"And because of their strength," Solune continued, "various powers will pursue them. Accept one, and you gain enemies. Refuse, and death is inevitable."
Kaelvir's breath caught.
"That's why every Title Holder keeps a low profile until strong enough to face anyone. Some never even live to see that day. Their energy is traced back to them… and they're killed."
Kaelvir's heart sank. "What about mine? Does that mean someone's tracking me?"
Solune shook her head. "No. We cut your fluctuations the moment you declared your Title name. No one can track you."
Nythra, thoughtful, sneered. "Are you sure? What about his aura scent? Mythic or Primordial beasts could trace it, right?"
A chill ran down Kaelvir's spine.
And Solune speechless.
---