“So… does it mean the Young Master’s pendant can protect one’s conscious realm? What grade of artifact could it possibly be? How much would it even cost?” Venak thought to himself, his eyes fixed on the phoenix claw pendant now resting on Daku’s chest.The artifact glimmered faintly, threads of unseen power coiling around Daku like a guardian spirit.“Such an important treasure was in the Young Master’s hands all this time, concealing his cultivation. For him to give it away so casually… it shows how serious the Young Master is about recruiting Daku.”"But he said temporarily."Venak straightened, his tone steady. “Welcome to the Blood Roses, Daku Maris.”Du Shiye gave a sharp nod, his voice low but genuine as he added, “Welcome, brother.”Daku was taken aback.For the first time in years, he didn’t know how to react.His lips trembled, his mind a storm of gratitude and disbelief.All he could manage was a stiff nod, his fingers brushing the pendant as if to make sure this wasn’t some

Emberfall – Starfall Consortium GuildThe chamber was dimly lit, its walls lined with towering shelves of scrolls and maps, the scent of parchment and ink thick in the air.A round obsidian table sat in the center, its polished surface reflecting the faint glow of lantern-light.Within it, three figures were gathered, their voices low, murmurs echoing against the stone walls.“What is this hushed meeting about from the Guild Master? What happened? Did we find a new treasure location, or is an ancient ruin about to open?” one of them said, his tone laced with excitement.This was Mando Zhang, leader of the Daylight Reapers. His broad shoulders shook as he leaned forward, eager like a predator catching the scent of prey.His grin betrayed his hunger for glory.Another figure spoke, his voice low but tinged with irritation.“Who knows? Let’s get this over with already. I have research to do.” This was Akuma Muramasa, leader of the Dawn Reapers.His expression was grave, brows furrowed as

About a day after the meeting of the Reapers, word began to leak.Information spread like wildfire in Verdantia, whispers carried first through House of Whispers guild halls and messenger hawks, then shouted across bustling marketplaces.By noon, it was no longer rumor but proclamation: Rex Veidros was dead—killed by Oasis of Lunaris.The news was staggering, not confined to Verdantia alone.Even the neighboring Kingdom of Ironhold, the frozen bastion of Frostguard, and distant regions beyond the western and eastern seas heard the tale within few hours.Couriers, merchants, wandering cultivators, and bardic singers carried the shocking tidings on restless tongues.In every inn, tavern, and roadside gathering hall, people pointed to the posters nailed to doors and wooden posts.The parchment was stamped with guild seals, declaring the official word: Rex Veidros has fallen. Slain by the young elder of Lunaris.The atmosphere in Verdantia was thick.Tankards froze midway to lips as commo

Next day— Verdantia, Elderrest, Ginsenbark GuildOne of the courtyard of the Ginsenbark Guild stretched vast and solemn, lined with stone pavilions etched with wards that shimmered faintly under the noonday light.At its heart lay a wide training field where two disciples clashed fiercely, their spells streaking across the air in arcs of power that occasionally cracked against the barrier wards set along the perimeter.Sweat poured down their brows, their robes clinging to their frames, as they exchanged strikes with the desperation of those determined to prove themselves under watchful eyes.Beneath the shade of a towering oak, its bark dark and grooved with centuries of life, sat two elders upon carved wooden chairs.Between them rested a polished board of Go, the black and white stones glinting faintly with a hint of energy — this was no ordinary game, but one infused with mana, each move carrying ripples that could subtly attune the players’ minds to strategy and balance.The two

“So that’s what the Guild Master said, huh,” arius muttered to the servant as the go stones clicked beneath Elder Harrick’s steady fingers in the courtyard.“Yes,” the servant replied, voice thin in the cool air."We shall heed the guild master s word, you can take your leave now," he said to the servant, his expression not satisfied with this way of doing things — a tightness around the mouth, a flicker of impatience in his eyes.He let the man go; the servant bowed and slipped away through the stone pathway, footfalls swallowed by stone.“Mm. It seems you are not pleased with the decision of the Guild Master,”Elder Harrick observed, pausing his play.He looked up, the faint smile of a man who loved a good contest still clinging to him even as he spoke of politics."The decision is firm and wise from the guild master," Darius said, voice cool as a blade. "And remember, the kid in question is no ordinary scrap — made an elder so young, war-hero laurels beside his name.""The chances t