(A/N
I wanted to take a moment to address a narrative shift that you'll notice from this chapter through to the 20th. During this period, Atticus will make only occasional appearances. This part plays a pivotal role in shaping the story's development.
Once we pass this phase, get ready to dive into a whirlwind of training, growth, and becoming OP.
Your support means the world to me, and I'm grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for choosing to be a part of this exciting tale.
Without further ado, let's continue this action-packed, blood-pumping journey together!
With sincere gratitude,
RealmWeaver)
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Ariel Ravenstein sat in the backseat of a luxurious hover car, heading back to the Ravenstein estate after a few years of being away. Ariel was a genius, already master+ rank at a young age of 30.
He had the signature Ravenstein white hair, which set him apart from others.
Like his daughter Ember, he was quiet and had a subtle presence and could easily go unnoticed if one was not attentive enough.
His expertise lay in assassination and information gathering, but even in close combat, he was still a force to be reckoned with. He couldn't wait to see his children.
"We'll be at the teleportation station soon," said Daven, as though he was listening to Ariel's thoughts.
He was a burly man, with thick arms and a beefy chest hinting that he did a lot of strength training.
"You should also meet young master Atticus," Luna added. "I'm sure Master Avalon is angry you haven't seen him since birth," Luna say at the passenger's seat. She was a striking red-haired woman who had been Ariel's Ravenblade since childhood.
"Well he can't blame me, I've been busy these past few years. I'm glad they finally gave me a break',"Ariel replied, with a sigh.
They were just returning from a long, arduous mission assigned to them by the Sentinel Guardians.
Ariel's mission was to destroy an obsidian order base that was recently discovered in sector 4. The mission had taken a while and they had lost some men, but Ariel and his team had completed the mission, leaving a trail of incapacitated enemies behind.
The road they drove on was lonely and only occasionally would a car pass by. Without warning, a man's voice pierced through the air like a reaper, "Hellblaze!"
Swiftly, Ariel's instincts kicked in. "Get out of the car now!", he shouted with urgency. Without hesitation, they all kicked the door open and jumped out of the car.
A second later, the vehicle burst into flames, blasting into oblivion.
Ariel, Luna and Daven found themselves surrounded by multiple master ranks individuals emanating powerful auras.
"The obsidian order?" Ariel asked. The trio released their aura and Ariel and Luna deployed their Exo Suits instantly.
The suit was like a vessel in itself, with black fabric and delicate blue lines fusing together in a perfect design. The deep black material seemed to absorb and radiate light giving the suit a mirror like look.
The sleek fabric clung to the wearer's form, offering a snug yet flexible fit that felt like a second skin. The intricate blue lines on the suit weren't mere decoration, they served as conduits, channels through which mana flowed like a river of energy.
Every child in the human domain got their Exo suit when they entered the academy, at 15.
"Ariel Ravenstein, right? We finally meet.'' A man exuding an even greater aura than those present walked slowly to the scene.
His jet-black hair was slicked back allowing his brown brows and sharp features to stand out. Each strand seemed to carry a hint of the wind's whisper, an indicator of the element he wielded with mastery.
His emerald eyes shone with a force, a stare that could either captivate or unsettle, depending on who was looking. The other master-rank present bowed in respect simultaneously.
"Master Ronad!"
'Grandmaster-rank!', Luna and Daven thought with fear. They had thought the assailants were master ranks and were confident of escaping even if their lives were threatened.
Having a strong bloodline and being at an Intermediate rank, along with excellent mana control and combat skills, one could somehow overcome an Advanced- rank opponent from a feeble bloodline.
The fight would be insanely tough for the intermediate+ rank, but it was within the realm of
possibilities.
The difference in power levels became more pronounced as one advanced. A Master rank couldn't hope to defeat a Grandmaster rank regardless of how powerful their bloodline was. The difference in power was just that great.
"Communications have been cut off," Luna whispered. "Get ready to run, on my call."Ariel muttered immediately to Luna and Devan, his voice grim with anticipation. "I'm going to use that." They both nodded.
Ronad, who clearly heard Ariel, stood unfazed by Ariel's declaration. His gaze was sharp, his mind a step ahead, already anticipating this move.
A knowing smirk played at the corners of his
lips as he spoke, his words cutting through the tension like a blade.
"Domain"
The air seemed to quiver in response as his power was about to manifest. It all started with a subtle shift as his voice reverberated.
A surge of energy erupted from Ronad's core, radiating outward in a shockwave. He emitted a tangible energy that slowly unfolded, spreading out like the gentle ripples on a calm pond.
It flowed through the vicinity, enveloping everything in its wake. In a matter of moments, the energy had expanded like a soothing wave, covering a wide area of 500 meters, with Ronad at its center.
It was as if a protective cocoon had descended, covering the landscape in a serene and comforting embrace.
Ronad stood, unwavering at the center of it all. The world within his domain seemed to come alive, responding to his mastery over this realm of influence.
"No need to worry," Ronad said coolly, his voice dripping with confidence, "I made sure we
get to fight uninterrupted."
Domain. A remarkable show of power, a level of mastery that only those who had attained a deep and profound understanding of their abilities could achieve.
Within this domain, the laws of reality bend and conform to the individual's will. The heart of a domain mirrors the theme of the person's abilities.
For example, for an individual whose affinity lies with the earth, the domain becomes a symphony of rock and soil, with landscapes of towering cliffs, sprawling valleys, and labyrinthine caverns. The element danced to their tune, creating a realm only they could control.
Achieving a domain was a crucial milestone on the path to becoming a Grandmaster. It represented a full recognition of one's capabilities. Stepping into a domain was like entering a different world, a realm where one's power was the law.
Within this realm, barriers are shattered, and possibilities are limitless.