A full year passed since Ash had ventured into the wilderness. While the Devils marched toward Neyru and the Princes continued their long journey home, Ash remained in the same secluded spot he'd chosen for his self-imposed cultivation. Time had stretched on, but for him, it felt like a blur of endless effort.
His focus was unyielding—always on growth, always on the future. He had dedicated himself completely to reaching Core Formation, seeking mastery over his body and mind. Yet, in his typically self-driven fashion, Ash had outdone even his own expectations.
In the span of just 10 months, Ash had completed the arduous journey to Early Core Formation—and to his surprise, his Recursion ability evolved once more.
The evolution didn't just refine his abilities. His body itself began to change, adapt, and accelerate. The strain of breaking through the core formation was lessened. His heart beat with more precision, his internal flow of energy smoother and faster. The internal clockwork of his cultivation clicked into place, and in the two months following his breakthrough into Early Core Formation, Ash reached the Middle Core Formation stage—a feat that would have taken others years.
---
Ash stood up from his cross-legged meditation. His body cracked as he stretched, releasing the tension that had built up over his months of unbroken focus. Sweat beaded on his brow, but a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment washed over him.
"Phew!" he exhaled, wiping his face with a cloth.
He took a moment, staring into the cave around him. His belongings were packed. He reached into his storage pouch and pulled out some ink and cloth. Writing a short message to his family, he sealed the note using a magical artifact that would deliver it directly to them. This artifact allowed communication over shorter distances—ideal for someone like him, living in isolation.
[Master, now that you have reached the Core Formation realm, what's next?] Riya's voice echoed in his mind, soft and inquisitive.
"Well, it's time to leave this cave for starters," Ash muttered. "I need battle and experience. There's no better way to get stronger than through trial and conflict." He paused before continuing, his eyes glinting with determination. "I read about the forbidden lands in Neyru. There are three of them, and I intend to venture into all of them."
Riya hesitated, the concern in her tone clear.
"...Isn't that a bit too dangerous for you right now?" she asked, her voice filled with caution. "Even the powerhouses of this world have avoided the forbidden lands. What you're talking about could lead to disaster."
Ash smirked, unbothered by the warnings. He had made his decision.
"It is risky, but I've also read that these lands hold great treasures—magical artifacts, powerful techniques, and rare resources. A challenge and some loot? Why not?" he said, a grin spreading across his face. "At this point, the world of Neyru will become my training ground."
He gathered his things, checked his sword, and prepared to leave. At 12 years old, Ash had already reached the Middle Core Formation realm, and his journey was only just beginning.
--
Meanwhile, in the heart of the Imperial Castle, the royal family was in the midst of a crucial meeting. Vaerion and Selyra were seated at the grand table, discussing the political future of the empire. Around them, Ary, Selvira, Nyssari, and various nobles from different clans were also present.
"We need to make sure the empire stays unified," Vaerion said, his tone grave. "With the Era of Monarchs approaching, I fear we'll have to face more than just internal challenges."
The nobles exchanged murmurs, but no one dared to speak until the door suddenly slammed open.
A figure rushed into the room—a familiar face, but one that immediately raised the tension.
"Your Majesty!" the Imperial Seer said, trembling with fear, his eyes wide. "We have a huge problem!"
Vaerion's gaze hardened.
"Speak," he ordered coldly.
The Seer hesitated, his body shaking.
"I've received new divinations... and..." He stammered, clearly struggling to get the words out.
"Spit it out already, old man!" Selvira snapped, her temper flaring as she glared at the Seer.
"The world of Neyru is about to experience an invasion! The Devils are moving!" he blurted out, nearly collapsing from the stress.
Before anyone could respond, a massive BOOM reverberated through the castle, shaking the very walls. The ground beneath their feet trembled as though the world itself was shuddering.
---
Everyone in the room shot to their feet, their expressions hardened. The Imperial Family and the nobles rushed to the windows, looking out over the horizon. In the skies, beyond the clouds of Neyru and outside of the world's barrier. They could see massive dark black fleets of warships.
Vaerion's eyes widened in shock. He turned to Selyra and the others.
"Call for all the military corps! We are being invaded by the Devils!" Vaerion shouted, his voice cold with fury.
A chill ran through the nobles and the family alike. The words "Devils" struck fear into everyone's hearts.
"The barrier won't hold for long," Selyra said, her voice urgent. She turned to Ary. "Gather your troops and take the first line of defense. We can't let them breach the barrier just yet."
Ary nodded quickly and, with a swift motion, activated a communication token. She spoke into it for a few moments, then vanished in a blur of motion, leaving behind only a faint ripple in the air.