Rovan watched Zarek for a moment after the training ended, then turned away as if the matter was already decided.
"Enough for today," he said. "You're coming with me."
Zarek didn't question it. "…Where?"
Rovan paused briefly before answering.
"To a place where people like you belong."
They left the courtyard not long after.
The streets of the lower district slowly faded behind them as they moved toward the outer edges of the city. The buildings grew fewer, the paths less crowded, and the atmosphere noticeably quieter.
Zarek walked beside Rovan in silence, his eyes constantly observing his surroundings.
After some time, he finally spoke.
"…Who are you?"
Rovan glanced at him. "I told you. My name is Rovan."
"That's not what I meant."
Rovan gave a faint smile. "I figured."
They continued walking for a few more moments before he answered.
"I'm part of a sect."
Zarek's gaze sharpened slightly. "…A sect?"
"Yes. An organization of cultivators. People who pursue strength beyond ordinary limits."
Zarek absorbed the words quietly.
"…And you?"
"I'm an instructor," Rovan said. "I train new disciples."
They soon reached a narrow mountain path.
Zarek's steps slowed slightly as he noticed the change in environment.
The air felt different here.
Heavier.
Richer.
The system reacted.
[Energy Density Increased]
[Environment Suitable for Cultivation]
Zarek's eyes flickered slightly.
"…So this is what you meant."
Rovan nodded. "This is where real growth begins."
As they climbed higher, the outline of a large structure began to appear through the mist.
Stone gates.
Tall walls.
And beyond them—
A vast compound built into the mountainside.
Zarek stopped for a brief moment.
"…This is a sect?"
Rovan followed his gaze.
"Yes."
He paused before adding—
"The Abyssal Devour Sect."
The name lingered in the air.
Zarek felt something stir within him.
Not fear.
Not excitement.
Something deeper.
Recognition.
The gates stood tall before them, guarded by two disciples dressed in dark robes. Their presence alone carried a quiet pressure.
They glanced at Rovan and immediately stepped aside.
"Elder Rovan."
Zarek's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Elder."
Rovan didn't react to the title. "Open the gate."
The guards complied without hesitation.
As Zarek stepped inside—
Everything changed.
The sect was vast.
Training grounds stretched across the open space. Disciples moved in groups, some sparring, others meditating. The air was filled with controlled energy, far more refined than anything Zarek had experienced before.
And as they walked in—
People began to notice.
Their gazes shifted.
Curious.
Evaluating.
Suspicious.
"…A newcomer?" one whispered.
"He doesn't look like much."
"Why is Elder Rovan bringing him in personally?"
Zarek ignored them.
But he heard everything.
Rovan stopped in the center of the courtyard.
"From this point on," he said calmly, "your life changes."
Zarek's eyes remained steady.
"…Good."
Rovan glanced at him.
"You're not a disciple yet," he continued. "You'll need to prove your worth."
Zarek didn't hesitate.
"…Then I will."
At that moment, a voice called out from behind.
"Elder Rovan."
Both of them turned.
Another disciple approached, his presence noticeably stronger than the others.
His gaze landed directly on Zarek.
"…Is this the one?"
Rovan's expression didn't change.
"Yes."
The disciple studied Zarek for a moment.
Then smiled faintly.
"…He won't last."
Zarek met his gaze without hesitation.
"…We'll see."
The tension in the air tightened.
And for the first time—
Zarek wasn't just fighting to survive.
He had entered a world where only the strong remained.