Lad was out for two days after that golem test. He awoke refreshed and immediately cultivated, trained, and forged. He would insert time for alchemy and creating chi spells studying from an inscription book Raijin gave him. He read the book twice before making his own spells. He was able to keep the book in his dimensional belt. He spent time making poisons from nature. For fun he would fish during which he was able to draw his favorite pastime. He sketched the water of the lake waiting for a bite. He stared at the purple sky seeing endless clusters of stars. This peace felt was something that was not meant to last and it was unearned. The pole flicked and pulled the big fish in. It was a mystical catfish that was the size of a big dog. He yanked it out. He manifested a crimson curved dagger with his forge ability. Began to dress the catfish.
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This is how his last days remained. He was nearing the rank three before the year was even up. He could feel he was on the cusp of evolving. Soon he would be a rank three cultivator and then the King's Test was to begin. He added studying Mystical Beasts studies to his routine as well and was give a guide that would inform him of what creatures to look out for in each realm. The book was an inscribed tool that was powered by chi.
He was ready said book when he was graced with a visit from Dreymond "The World wishes to test you one final time young master" Dreymond said with a bow. Lad nodded at this. "Tell them I'll be ready for departure shortly after the test. I feel an evolution coming should be this week" he told the puppet. Dreymond nodded, bowed and left.
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Lad stood at the ready wearing a bodysuit made from a special material made by Raijin. It was tight, its colors were red and black. He had his half mask up over his mouth and nose. He stared forward at Dreymond and Raijin, "You have come a long way, you are at rank 3 and the World wishes to see you after your last test. They wish to make this last test more challenging; you will face three golems at once. Use all you have learned and trained to defeat them my student" Raijin said with a blunt tone. Lad nodded as he could feel three presences behind him. He turned to see three golems. Two wore the same demonic armor from the last one and the middle one had a demonic mask on its face, black armor, and sheathed on its hips was two katanas on each side. Lad's face twisted into pure anger, "This truly is a test" he said bitterly. 'Son of a bitch is playing with me. Really had to make a replica of my father' he thought. He manifested a field of blades spreading around him and the golem. He kept his anger in check and shot at them like a bullet. The blades rose from the ground and then began to fire at the golems coming from all sides and angles. While one of the soldiers started hitting blades away. He turned to swipe at Lad who then dodged a sword swipe then slashed through the armor like butter as the blade erupted in flame glowing hot.
He moved like a blur attacking the next one dodging a hammer. He kept his distance as the demonic armor swung the hammer around in a three sixty diameter covering all sides. But was then swarmed with blades as he tried to swipe his hammer at them. He was then skewered with hundreds of blades. He collapsed to the ground with a loud boom. The demon king golem made his move during this attacking Lad with two blades. Shadows danced around him becoming solid like tentacles. Lad thrust his hand out as the blades above swirled into a gust and then a swarm of blades coming at the demon king. The golem turned and defended himself, cutting down blades, shattering them. He made a wall of shadow blocking the blades and expanding the wall to encircle the two. Lad stared at the golem with cold bloodlust. 'I know this isn't him. But seeing him…just fills me with absolute rage!' He shot forward as the two met with a clash. They became locked in a battle of sword slashes and parries. They fought furiously, the golem was relentlessly attacking Lad furiously. Lad kept pushing, keeping up with the attacks, gaining the upper hand on the golem. Spikes started coming from the wall trying to skewer Lad. He flipped and waved his hand, slashing the spikes with a blade of shadow. He then swiped his sword forward sending the same attack at the golem. It sliced through his chest killing it. The wall disappeared. Lad was left standing alone. Raijin and Dreymond stood silent and did not show any emotions. "You have finally passed the tests set on you. You are ready to begin the King's Test. May you find what you're looking for and if you need anything from me as discussed…" he handed Lad a gem encased in metal artwork. "I have this same common gem. Call anytime" he handed Lad the gem. He took it and then shook Raijin's hand, "Thank you for everything" he then stepped back and bowed to Raijin. "Make me proud and keep your eyes set on your goal. Celestial Step can be yours" he told him, patting him on the shoulder.
The surroundings around Lad changed and he was now standing before the World sitting on its throne. "I know that bit was tough, but I needed to see you show control" it said plainly. Lad was reluctant, but he nodded at this. "I understood. I lost control of the golem wearing demon armor. I didn't expect that reaction either" Lad explained. "Well glad we can get past that. You fulfilled your obligation to me to train and learn. Even got it done before a year was up! Exceeded my expectations greatly; bravo!" it said with a clap of his hands. "So you wish to set out now I'm told?" Lad merely nodded, "Well I won't argue with that. Where to start?" it asked. Lad was silent before answering. "Heavenly Realm is my first destination," Lad said. The World scratched his chin surprised, "If that is where you wish to go first I won't ask questions" it said standing. It snapped its fingers and a gate appeared not far from the throne. It was a gold ring with two half circles on the sides. It was bigger than the throne and towered over the two. The circle swirled with green energy and then formed a fiery face. That smiled with a jagged mouth and fiery eyes. "Hello master. Who is this?" the Gate asked talking to Lad.