6th Realm, Rock caves…
The space inside the closed rock cave filled with the echoing growls of ferocious beasts, their shadows flickering menacingly against the rugged stone walls.
In the heart of the chaos stood Jean, her eyes narrowed with determination, her hands gripping the long staff that bore a moon-shaped crystal head. Her hair fluttered wildly in the charged atmosphere, a reflection of her growing power.
Hundreds of savage beasts lunged toward her from all directions, their eyes glowing with an untamed hunger, their claws swiping the air, eager to tear her apart.
But Jean stood firm. She twirled her staff and summoned powerful waves of sorcery. With each movement, shimmering lines of ancient runes spread across the ground, forming barriers that repelled the advancing creatures.
Her mother, Supreme Staff Magus Shika of 6th realm, watched intently from behind, her piercing eyes not missing a single detail. “Now, push them back!” Shika commanded in a sharp, yet proud voice.
Jean’s lips parted as she muttered several incantations under her breath. The moon-shaped crystal atop her staff pulsed with a silvery light, and moments later, an iridescent dome of magic expanded outward from her body.
The beasts, despite their rage, found themselves being forced back, clawing and howling in frustration as the dome pressed them into the farthest corners of the cave.
“That’s it!” Shika encouraged, her voice echoing through the cave as the dome grew stronger. The beasts, unable to resist the overwhelming force of Jean’s magic, were searching for a gap to escape.
Satisfied with her daughter’s flawless execution, Shika waved her hand, opening a small portal at the far side of the cave. With one last roar, the beasts fled through the opening, disappearing into the void beyond.
Jean let out a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing as she lowered her staff. The dome of magic dissipated, and the cave fell silent.
Shika approached her daughter, a rare, approving smile on her lips. “You’ve trained well for the Spirit World, Jean,” she said, her voice softening with pride. “These last six months have been grueling, but you’ve surpassed my expectations. Your hard work paid off well.”
Jean turned to face her mother, wiping the sweat from her brow. “Thank you, Mother. All this is because of you.”
Shika’s expression shifted slightly, her brows furrowing as she studied her daughter’s face. There was something more behind Jean’s determination—something deeply personal. “Is all this effort for that young man?” Shika asked, her voice laced with concern. “After all these days, do you still remember his face?”
Jean’s grip tightened on her staff. Her eyes flickered with a mixture of longing and fierce determination. “Yes, Mother,” she replied, her voice unwavering. “I only saw him for a few seconds, but I can never forget those moments. His image is seared into my heart. If I don’t find him in this life, he will become my heart’s poison. My cultivation will crumble.”
Shika sighed, her heart heavy with both pride and worry for her daughter. “You believe he will come to the Spirit World?” Shika asked softly, her gaze never leaving Jean’s face.
Jean nodded, her expression resolute. “I know he will. The Spirit World is my only chance to meet him. I’ve pushed myself harder than I ever thought possible because I can feel it, Mother. He’ll be there.”
For a long moment, Shika said nothing, her thoughts clouded by memories. The name Kent rolled on her lips, and she remember the moment, offering him the Beast Veil Mask. She had never expected her daughter to fall for his charm.
With a deep sigh, Shika patted Jean’s shoulder gently. “If this is your heart’s desire, I won’t stand in your way. But remember who you are, Jean. You are the daughter of the 6th realm’s head. Your pride and strength should never falter before anyone—not even him.”
Jean looked into her mother’s eyes. “I won’t, Mother. But I must find him.”
Shika, still conflicted, reached into her robes and pulled out a small, weathered book. It was the Book of Spirit world Paths, filled with details about the Spirit World and its hidden dangers.
“Tomorrow,” Shika said, handing the book to Jean, “you’ll travel to the stronghold of the 9 Realms Association to meet with the other participants. Perhaps you’ll find him there. But you must be cautious, Jean. The Spirit World is treacherous.”
Jean took the book, her heart pounding with anticipation. She nodded. “Thank you, Mother. I won’t let you down.”
With a final nod, Shika watched as her daughter left the cave, her thoughts swirling with both hope and dread for the journey ahead.
—
7th realm… dead Island City…
On the Dead island city, the final touches were being made to the newly constructed Teleportation Gate. The structure shimmered with a soft, otherworldly glow, its runes humming with ancient power. Kent stood before it, watching as the last incantations were completed by the group of magi he had appointed to the task.
As the glowing lines faded into the stone platform, one of the magi approached Kent, bowing deeply. “It’s done, my lord. The gate is fully operational. We even tested by sending back and forth a few people to different realms and distant places.”
Kent nodded, his sharp gaze sweeping over the intricate design. He had no intention of leaving any loose ends. “Good,” he said, his voice steady but filled with authority. “Now, send everyone away. I’ll test it myself.”
The magi exchanged glances but obeyed without hesitation. One by one, they departed, leaving Kent alone before the shimmering gate. Once he was certain no one was watching, Kent’s eyes darkened with a quiet intensity.
He raised his hand and summoned a communication crystal, its surface flickering to life with a soft blue light.
“Mother,” Kent spoke into the crystal.
A moment later, Madam Clark’s image appeared within the crystal, her expression calm but curious. “Has the gate been completed?”
Kent nodded. “Yes, it’s ready. I’m sending the Titan Crystal Tree to the Blue Planet’s Diety Sect as we discussed.”
Madam Clark’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “I will be waiting.”
With a wave of his hand, Kent summoned the *Titan Crystal Tree, a towering, crystalline structure that radiated pure power. It materialized before the teleportation gate, its roots shimmering with raw energy.
The teleportation gate flared to life, its runes glowing brighter as the Titan Crystal Tree began to dematerialize, its immense form slowly vanishing into the portal. As it disappeared, Kent watched closely, ensuring the process went smoothly.
On the other side, within the heart of the Diety Sect, Madam Clark stood alongside seven powerful witches, their eyes widening in awe as the Titan Crystal Tree appeared before them. Its sheer size and beauty left them momentarily speechless.
“This… this will turn the tide of the future war,” one of the witches whispered, her voice filled with reverence.
Madam Clark stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with determination. “We have to secure it immediately. Anjan!” she called out, summoning her sworn brother.
Anjan, a towering figure, stepped forward, bowing his head in respect. “My lady.”
“Transport the Titan Crystal to the designated place,” Madam Clark commanded. “And make sure the core of the crystal is preserved. We’ll need it to forge a suitable weapon for Kent.”
Anjan’s eyes flickered with understanding. “It will be done, my lady.”
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Tq 😉