Chereads / The Beast Sovereign's Eclipse / Chapter 10 - Embers of the Past, Wings of the Future

Chapter 10 - Embers of the Past, Wings of the Future

A few days after his intense training sessions, the morning sun streamed through Zane's window, casting a warm glow across his cluttered room. But today was different. Today, the light carried a special significance. It was his sixteenth birthday—the day he officially became an adult.

A gentle knock sounded on his door, and his uncle entered, a warm smile gracing his weathered face. He carried a small, intricately wrapped package. "Happy birthday, Zane," he said, his voice filled with genuine affection."Thanks, Uncle," Zane replied, a smile mirroring his uncle's."Today is a significant day," his uncle continued, his expression turning serious. "As you become an adult, there are things you need to know—truths about our past, about the Valor Clan, and about the legacy you carry."Zane's heart pounded. He had always sensed a hidden weight in his uncle's silence, a shadow lingering over their lives. Now, it seemed, the time had come to confront it.They sat at the kitchen table, the aroma of freshly brewed tea filling the air. His uncle took a deep breath, his gaze distant as if reliving memories long past."The Valor Clan," he began, his voice low, "was once one of the most respected and powerful clans in the galaxy. We were known for our strength, our honor, and our unique bond with beasts. But that all changed…" His voice trailed off, a flicker of pain crossing his face."What happened?" Zane asked, his voice barely a whisper."We were betrayed," his uncle said, his voice hardening. "By those we trusted. They coveted our power, our influence, and… our bond with the Phoenix."Zane's eyes widened. The Phoenix. A legendary beast, a creature of fire and rebirth, spoken of in hushed whispers and ancient texts. He had only ever heard stories, legends that painted it as a being of immense power and unparalleled beauty."The Phoenix Clan," his uncle explained, "were not merely beasts. They were an ancient race, possessing sentience and immense magical power. They chose the Valor Clan as their partners, granting us the unique right to form contracts with them. This bond made us incredibly powerful, but it also made us a target."He paused, his gaze meeting Zane's. "Our enemies sought to control the Phoenix, to steal its power for themselves. They orchestrated a devastating attack, shattering our clan, scattering its members, and nearly wiping us out entirely."Zane felt a chill run down his spine. The weight of his heritage settled upon him, heavier than he had ever imagined."And it wasn't just the Phoenix's physical power they craved," his uncle continued, a deeper sadness entering his voice. "The Valor Clan possessed a unique affinity, a combination of elements rarely seen in the galaxy: Fire, Void, and Light. These elements were intrinsically linked to the Phoenix Clan. Fire, of course, was their very essence, the fuel of their rebirth. Void represented the ashes from which they rose, the nothingness from which new life springs. And Light… Light was the hope they embodied, the promise of renewal and the illumination of truth."He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "This unique trifecta of elements resonated with the Phoenix's own nature, strengthening our bond and allowing us to draw upon their power in ways no other clan could. It was this connection that made us so formidable, and ultimately, it was this connection that made us a target."His uncle reached into the package he had brought and carefully unwrapped it, revealing a small, intricately carved wooden box. He opened it, revealing a single egg, nestled in a bed of soft, crimson cloth. The egg shimmered with an inner light, faint embers swirling beneath its surface."This," his uncle said, his voice filled with reverence, "is the last legacy of the Valor Clan. A Phoenix egg."Zane gasped, his breath catching in his throat. He reached out, his fingers trembling as he gently touched the smooth surface of the egg. It felt warm to the touch, pulsing with a faint energy."This egg," his uncle continued, "is protected by a powerful seal, one that can only be broken by a true descendant of the Valor Clan. I have kept it safe all these years, but I could never hatch it. I am no Beast Tamer, and even if I was, I lack the specific elemental resonance to break the seal."He looked at Zane, his eyes filled with hope. "Now, I entrust it to you. Keep it safe. Grow it. This is our clan's future."Zane's mind raced. He couldn't believe it. He, Zane Valor, was now the guardian of the last Phoenix egg. The responsibility was immense, but a thrill of excitement also coursed through him.His uncle then reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek, silver ring. It was intricately designed, with small symbols etched into its surface. "There is one more thing," his uncle said, handing the ring to Zane. "This ring contains some of the Valor Clan's most powerful techniques, all that remains of our unique combat style. I give this to you as well… as the future leader of the Valor Clan."Zane's brow furrowed in confusion. "Future leader? But… you're still here, Uncle."His uncle smiled sadly. "Zane, now that you have recovered, a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I no longer need to constantly worry about your well-being. This allows me to finally pursue my own path, to seek the truth of what happened fifteen years ago." His eyes held a distant, haunted look. "I don't know if I will return… or if I will even survive. So I give you everything that remains of our clan. This ring, the Phoenix egg… they are all yours now."Zane's heart sank. He had never considered the possibility of his uncle leaving. "But…" he began, his voice choked with emotion."I know this is difficult to accept," his uncle interrupted gently. "But it is a burden I must carry. You have your own path to walk now, Zane. And you must walk it strong.""There is one more thing," his uncle said, his voice becoming grave. "You must keep the existence of the Phoenix a secret. At least until you are truly strong enough to protect it.""Why?" Zane asked, his brow furrowed."The Phoenix is a legendary beast," his uncle explained. "Its power is coveted by many. If word gets out that you possess a Phoenix egg, you will become a target. Not only that, but the right to partner with the phoenix was only granted to the Valor clan by the Phoenix clan themselves. People rarely have the opportunity to contract a beast of such high calibre. Envy and greed will follow you like shadows."He placed a hand on Zane's shoulder. "And more importantly," he continued, his voice low, "the enemies who destroyed our clan are still out there. They are still searching for any remnants of the Valor bloodline. You cannot reveal your true identity, not yet. Not until you can truly hold your own in this world."Zane nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. He looked at the Phoenix egg, the faint embers within glowing brighter as if in response to his gaze. He understood the weight of his responsibility, the danger that lurked in the shadows. But he also felt a surge of determination. He would protect this egg, this last vestige of his clan's legacy, with his life."I understand, Uncle," he said, his voice firm. "I will keep it safe."His uncle nodded, a look of relief washing over his face. "I know you will, Zane. I have faith in you." He then pulled out a small pouch filled with credits and handed it to Zane. "This should help you get started." He paused, his gaze intense. "Do not seek me out until you are strong, Zane. Stronger than a Champion rank Master. Only then will you be ready." With that, he turned and walked towards the door, not looking back.Zane carefully placed the egg back in its box and slipped the ring onto his finger. He watched his uncle leave, a lump forming in his throat. He had a long road ahead of him, a path filled with danger and uncertainty. But he was no longer just Zane, the weak boy with a broken body. He was Zane Valor, the guardian of the Phoenix, the last hope of a fallen clan, and now, the inheritor of its legacy. And he was ready to face whatever the future held.