Within the Acies continent there existed multiple forces that controlled their own respective territories and maintained the balance of power in the continent. These powers where split between a few categories those being; the nine sects, the seven kingdoms and the one empire. When considering the three categories the nine sects stood out as a special existence. They are special entities that exist outside of the jurisdiction of any sovereign nation. However, they had members that hailed from all of the varying nations which by definition placed them in a controversial political position.
Furthermore, among these nine sects there was one that stood out amongst the rest as being especially controversial. That sect was named the Sage's Valley, and the reason for its controversy was the fact that it was the only that decided to enforce its own influence within the sovereign borders of the seven kingdoms and one empire. They did this through the creation of an entity known as the Peace Force. The Peace Force as an organization existed to ensure peace around the continent by; deescalating/deterring conflict among the nations. As well as, protecting the rights and freedoms of the continents citizens by punishing corrupt officials and rulers.
Doing this made the Sage's Valley the most beloved as well as the most hated force on the continent. they were beloved by the commoners for their continued protection, but where hated by the rulers for undermining their authority. However, no ruler has ever acted to remove the Sage's Valley from their territory.
The reason the Sage's Valley was able to do all this without repercussion was because of its powerful backing. That being two of the Four Ascending Kings, the husband and wife pair of; Zander the 'Ocean of The West' and Charlotte the 'Guardian of The South.' It was said that these two had been inseparable since they were children and had survived and came out the victors of some of the bloodiest battles in the continent's history.
*
The Sage's Valley was just welcoming a new day with the first rays of sunshine just starting to make themselves known over the horizon. The birds were singing and the sky was clear, it was shaping up to be another beautiful day in the valley.
"Huah! Clack! Huah! Clack!"
Within a small courtyard in the new disciples' region of the Sage's Valley a young boy who looked to be around thirteen years old was training his martial arts with a wooden dummy. He had a taller than average frame, a slender and toned body with short wavy black hair and olive skin. He possessed attractive features the most distinctive of which were his emerald colored eyes that sparkled like gem stones.
The boy's name was Lucas. He was a new disciple of the Sage's Valley who joined the sect at the start of the year during the sect's decennial recruitment event. He was originally discovered by the sect during the previous recruitment phase but due to his young age he was told to wait until the next opportunity.
At this moment he was covered in sweat clearly, he had been training for a while before the sunrise. As he began his cool down routine he was greeted by his roommate. A similarly aged stocky blond boy who was clearly the antitheist to Lucas' diligent character.
"Yawn, morning Lucas how long have you been out here training?" Said the boy.
"Not too long it's been about an hour since I started. What about you Jesse, did you just wake up? Replied Lucas as he stared at Jesse's unkempt bedhead.
"Yeah yeah I know, it's just my bed was so comfy that I couldn't bare to leave it" muttered Jesse.
"Well anyway we need to start getting ready breakfast is going to be served soon." Said Lucas as he walked back towards his room. After taking a quick shower Lucas donned himself in the red robes that demarcated him as a low-level disciple in the valley.
In the Sage's Valley the disciples were split into three groups based on the progression of their cultivation. Those being; low, mid and high-level disciples. The cultivation realms of the Acies continent were (in ascending order); Refining the body, integration, expansion, manifestation, reintegration, ancestor, sage, ascendant and finally transcendent. (The Four Ascending Kings are at the ascendant level). The groups in the Sage's Valley had a distinction for every two levels of cultivation with all individuals at the sage level and above being considered elders in the sect.
Both Lucas and Jesse were in the integration realm and were well on track to breaking the sect's record for fastest progression from low to mid-level disciples they were amongst the three most talented disciples of this newest batch. While most in the sect expected as much from Lucas, what with his diligent hard-working nature. Many were at a loss when looking a Jesse, the biggest slacker of this newest batch of disciples that for some reason never fell behind its hardest worker. "this makes no sense, it's like he can cultivate in his sleep or something" many would say to themselves in exasperation.
With things as they were, it would be safe to say that Lucas and Jesse were both quite famous within the sect albeit for opposite reasons. With one being lauded as a role model while the other was a perfect example of what not to do. As the two of them traversed their way to the dining hall they were greeted with stares and whispers from their fellow disciples.
"I don't get why Lucas hangs out with that slacker isn't he worried that his performance will slip due to the bad influence?" said a bystander.
"Oh my god Lucas just looked at me, I could die right now and be content" said a young girl.
"What are you talking about, Lucas was clearly looking at me" rebutted another girl.
"You two can keep fighting over Lucas he's too rigid, Jesse is by far the better option" said a different girl who was passing by.
"I don't know what all you girls see in those two they're just slightly better looking" grumbled a teenage boy.
"…"
Lucas didn't know whether to laugh or cry when he heard their comments. Jesse on the other hand reveled in it. He was constantly flirting with the girls around him and it seemed he was untrack to building a harem for himself.
As the two boys entered the dining hall, they were greeted by the scene of hundreds of teenagers merrily chatting away with their friends and roommates as they enjoyed their morning meal. The dining hall was an enormous room which contained five massive dining tables each with the ability to seat a hundred people. There was a line up at the counter as the disciples waited to be served. The two boys quickly joined the line and after a couple minutes both had food trays in their hands as they went off in search of seating.
As the two sat to eat they were greeted cheerfully by a young girl around the same age of the two boys. She was a petite curly haired redhead with pale skin and freckles. Her features were beautiful and almost doll like. This girl was Susana and she was the final member of the three stars of the new generation.
"Hey guys did you hear that there's going to be a special announcement today? I wonder what going to happen?" exclaimed Susana in excitement.
However, just as Lucas was about to respond to her question the dining hall descended into silence as the elder in charge of the new disciples sauntered into the room.