Many years have went by as William was trained by Mia and other instructors, and now on a specific island that is infested by beasts only, There lies an beautiful forest.
The forest was a picture of quiet beauty, where ancient trees stood tall, their leaves painted in hues of gold and deep red. Sunlight streamed through the canopy, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor, where a carpet of fallen leaves crunched softly underfoot. A gentle breeze carried the fresh, earthy scent of moss and damp soil, weaving through the branches like a whispered secret. Above, the sky was a brilliant expanse of blue, dotted with a few stray clouds drifting lazily. Birds sang their songs, a harmonious chorus that blended perfectly with the rustling leaves, crafting a serene symphony of nature.
But as one ventured deeper into this tranquil haven, the scene shifted, revealing a stark and jarring contrast. In a secluded clearing, the serenity was shattered. The ground was strewn with the lifeless bodies of monsters and beasts, their grotesque forms slowly dissolving into motes of light that floated upwards before disappearing into the ether.
Amidst this aftermath sat a striking young man, his presence commanding yet calm. His skin was a rich, warm brown, and his hair, the color of deep chestnut, framed his face in soft waves. His eyes, a sharp amber, glowed with a quiet but intense focus, capturing the remnants of the fading light around him.
He was lean yet muscular, his bare upper body revealing the toned strength honed through relentless training. Despite the chaos surrounding him, he sat in a serene, meditative posture, his breath steady and controlled. It was as if he was one with the forest, an extension of the natural world, blending effortlessly with his surroundings.
Yet, the scene was a paradox. This peaceful young man, seemingly at one with the forest, was at the center of a battlefield. The once-mighty beasts that had roamed this serene land now lay defeated at his feet, their bodies fading into nothingness. The air was thick with the remnants of a fierce battle, but the young man remained untroubled, meditating calmly amid the vanishing carnage, as if the violence that had erupted moments before was merely a passing storm in the stillness of the forest.
William remained in his meditative position, focused as he channeled the cultivation art of his family. He continued to circulate the energy, drawing in Sila from the atmosphere and the disintegrating bodies of the beasts around him. The energy flowed through him, strengthening his body and spirit.
Now 14 years old, William knew that tomorrow would be a special day in his life. His thoughts briefly flickered to what lay ahead, but he quickly refocused, deepening his concentration.
Suddenly, the serenity of the forest was interrupted by a voice. "Young master, we should return," a young man's voice cut through the stillness, calling out to William.
"Yes, young master, this time I agree with this timid fool," another voice, this one belonging to a young girl, chimed in with a hint of impatience.
The young man, Ryan, didn't retreat but simply looked at William, concern evident in his expression.
"Emily, Ryan, what's the rush?" William called out softly as he opened his eyes. He stood up, revealing a physique that radiated strength and charisma. His presence was commanding, his face exuding a quiet, confident power that had been forged through years of rigorous training.
As he faced his companions, Emily and Ryan, there was a calm assurance in his voice, as if he was in complete control of both his surroundings and the path that lay before him.
"Young Master, His Highness Lumia will be furious if you don't return now. After all, we're leaving tomorrow," Ryan said, his tone filled with concern. Ryan, who was the same age as William, had been the one to summon the Wolf Beast that William had taken a liking to. Over time, Ryan had joined William in his training, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.
"Yes, Young Master, I think Her Highness would like to spend some time with you before we all leave," Emily added, nodding in agreement. Emily, the cute and assertive girl chosen by her mother to accompany William, was gifted with the Wings of Archangel talent—a powerful Emperor-grade healing ability that had proven invaluable during their time together.
Both of them, loyal and protective, stood by William's side, urging him to return home, knowing how important the upcoming journey was.
William looked at them and said Lazily,"Its okay, Mother won't say anything to me"
Ryan and Emily exchanged a knowing glance, shaking their heads in unison. They had expected this response from William, having tried to rush him along for the past few hours without much success.
"Hmm, still, it's almost afternoon. We should head back," William finally conceded. With a casual wave of his hand, all the loot dropped by the beasts was swiftly collected into the storage ring on his finger.
This was no ordinary ring; it was a high-grade storage ring capable of storing anything within a 1-kilometer radius. The items vanished into the ring, safely tucked away for later use.
William then nodded to Ryan, who returned the gesture before placing his hands on the ground. "Summon World Traveler," Ryan murmured, and a portal formed before them. From it emerged a massive serpent, its scales a shimmering silver and its eyes a piercing grey.
"Young Master, let's go," Ryan said as he climbed atop the serpent, followed closely by Emily and William.
Ryan's talent, Overlord Summoner, allowed him to summon a variety of beasts, as long as he had knowledge of them. It was a low-grade Divine talent, but its potential was vast. His first summon, the Moon Wolf, had come from a folktale in his hometown. The story told of a Moon-marked wolf that protected the village, and during the activation of his talent, Ryan had subconsciously imagined this very wolf—and it had appeared before him, a testament to his unique ability.