Arion and Liora sprinted far from the sect gate, her grip on his hand firm as they raced forward. But abruptly, Arion pulled his hand away, exasperated by the aimless flight.
"Where exactly are we headed?" he inquired, his voice edged with frustration. Liora simply shrugged, an air of nonchalance about her.
"Anywhere but my father's sect. Do you have a destination in mind? We can go there together!"
Though Arion yearned to meet with his dragon, Rowan, he knew he had to keep his true identity concealed. Thus, he remained silent, striding ahead.
Liora giggled, unfazed by his aloofness.
"Hey, stable worker," she called out playfully, causing Arion to scowl at the derogatory term.
"I am called Arion! Remember it and never call me that name again."
Liora shrugged, her childlike demeanor intact. "You never gave me the chance to know your name, so I am indirectly allowed to call you however I please. But now that I know your name, I promise I won't forget it."
"Whatever," Arion retorted, turning his back to her and resuming his brisk pace. Liora remained several meters behind, her arms outstretched, basking in the surroundings and sporting a wide smile.
"It has been long since I enjoyed outside warmth. It feels so nice!" She grinned, closing her eyes.
Arion sneered at her seemingly childish behavior, his concern growing about potential threats. What if an enemy were to attack her in this carefree state?
"She's far too carefree to be her father's daughter," Arion muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he continued forward.
Liora's eyes snapped open as she sensed someone else's movement. She spotted a figure descending upon Arion, wielding a rune-coated sword while Arion remained oblivious.
"Arion, watch out!" she cried.
In an instant, Arion summoned his dragon-forged sword and engaged the assailant, who bore an uncanny aura of malevolence.
It was a beast-like man who was half-naked. He had scales on his back, had dark eyes and bald head.
"It's a pleasure to be fighting you today, mountain god," the demon cackled wildly, his teeth tinted green.
Arion glanced back in fright, but relieved that Liora hadn't heard the guy's words. He knew the guy was one of the mountain monsters that despise his presence for it limited their magic.
Anyways, he was as well pleased to slay a monster for the first time.
With swift determination, he activated his sword's magic, sending the monster hurtling in the wrong direction.
The monster reeled before Liora, intent on harming her. However, Liora defended herself by conjuring magical barriers. Yet, the monster proved resilient, closing in on her.
"I shouldn't have stroke it in that direction! Shit!" Arion fretted.
With unwavering resolve, Arion reached Liora first, then his sword pierced the monster's heart.
The demon's lifeless hand dropped before Liora, who stood unharmed.
As the monster's body began to burn into ashes, he said, 'Peace can never be your portion because you were born for sorrow from the onset'.
Arion looked away, unscathed and asked Liora, "Are you okay?"
Liora nodded, and Arion's tense shoulders relaxed. Still, frustration bubbled within him, and he couldn't help but voice it. "Aren't you said to be one of the most powerful in Golangane? Why do you seem so vulnerable...?"
Unfazed, Liora retorted, "If you can get trapped inside the fallen rocks of Bloodstream Cave, then you're not exactly a paragon of strength, are you?"
Arion was left agape by her response. He watched Liora walk away, astounded by her ingratitude. "She's truly unbelievable. Where's that 'thank you' missing?" he muttered.
"Are you coming, or are you going to sulk there? We need raspberries to make cookies!" Liora chirped cheerfully, once again adopting her childlike demeanor.
Arion shook his head once more. "It was my mistake to help you and your friends last time, getting myself trapped in those rocks."
Meanwhile, Lysander arrived at the sect, met by Elion's apologetic bow. Elion informed him that Liora had escaped right under his watch.
"It's alright," Lysander patted his shoulder, walking away. Elion saw this as an opportunity to propose his idea in order to get answers to his questions, prompting him to approach Lysander.
"Master, I have a suggestion regarding the next leader of Heka," Elion began. "I believe Liora should be rigorously trained to become the best leader. Or you have already chosen someone else?"
Lysander paused, studying Elion's eager expression. He offered no immediate response, leaving Elion anxious. Meanwhile, consumed by desperation, Elion subtly clutched his sword to his stomach, his feet tensed on the floor
Lysander remained silent and patted Elion's shoulder again before departing for his cultivation room. Fuming, Elion concluded that Lysander had no intention of making him the next leader. He desired the position dearly and had been promised assistance by a man already. Why should he wait?
Within a glassy barrier surrounded by large blue beams, Lysander contemplated Elion's rash approach. He realized that Elion's recent impatience might disqualify him as the chosen leader, despite Lysander's initial inclination.
He was in a cross-legged position and the back of his hands were placed on his knees.
"If he continues down this hasty and desperate path, I may disqualify him as the next leader," Lysander thought, resuming his magical cultivation. Nevertheless, in his heart, he still harbored the belief that Elion would ultimately rise to leadership.
***
The cloudy sky morphed into cloudless one and darkness invaded the land. Silent whispers of the night cut across the realm and everywhere was already silent.
Arion found himself adrift in a boundless, primordial realm. The vast expanse stretched infinitely, and the surface beneath his feet resembled crystalline ice, exuding an eerie coldness.
The moon stood few metres before him and nothing else.
Puzzled, he couldn't recall how he had arrived there. He should have seen the ceilings in his dorm the time he looked up, not stars in the sky.
"Where's this bewildering place? Isn't this place called a spiritual realm?" He pondered.
Suddenly, a colossal shadow loomed overhead, its massive form casting a palpable vibration across the crystalline surface. Arion looked up and was met by the sight of dark scales and blazing wings.
"Rowan?!" He imagined.
The dragon stood before him, majestic and regal. Arion couldn't fathom how Rowan had appeared in his dream.
"How did we end up here? And where is this?" he inquired, his thoughts reaching out to the dragon.
To his astonishment, Rowan replied not with thoughts but with words, speaking as though a person. "I can communicate in this limitless realm, for I created it."
Arion's curiosity surged. "You...you did what? Why?"
Rowan's voice was stern and commanding. "I crafted this place from your dreams because you've strayed from the path you embarked upon. Your reincarnation's purpose is vengeance for your family and yourself. Yet, you've grown soft towards those you should resent."
The dragon's words reverberated with fury. "Immortals excel at one thing—deception. They'll feign warmth and kindness while deceiving you, even to your death."
"You were reborn for one reason, Arion—revenge. Awaken and embrace your true power. With the abilities bestowed upon you, you are unstoppable. Don't succumb to their deceit and forget why you came to Golangane in the first place!"
"But what reason do I have to slaughter them? I have yet to know why that happened ten thousand years ago and whether I am after innocent people!" Arion shouted, panting hardly. He stared at Rowan, his eyes burning with fiery determination.
"Are they really innocent? Perhaps, you should imagine what they would do when they find out your true identity," said Rowan. "They won't wait to attack you after finding out you are the child of the royal astronomer, and was reincarnated to kill them. To survive, you must kill a crocodile before it eats you alive, Arion! You must revenge!"