After the gruelling trials of Chapter Nine, Solomon finally reached his moment of triumph. For countless days, he had toiled in the secluded cave behind the family's estate, pouring himself into the teachings of the Sacred Codex of Law. He had endured endless pain and fatigue, and now, at long last, his perseverance bore fruit.
As a surge of mighty, unrestrained energy coursed through his veins, Solomon could hardly believe what he felt. He had succeeded in harmonising the Codex's unique cultivation methods with his own energy flow. The bottleneck that had long restrained his growth shattered like fragile glass beneath the torrent of newfound power. Solomon had ascended to an entirely new realm, his body and mind imbued with strength and clarity unlike anything he had known before.
Tears pricked his eyes as the realisation of his breakthrough settled in. He understood the profound significance of this moment. It wasn't just a personal victory; it was a decisive step toward protecting his family and Lianna, a step toward realising his purpose. Yet, he also knew this was only the beginning. The road ahead remained veiled in challenges, like the mysteries of the Glory Continent hidden in the mists, waiting to be unveiled.
With his breakthrough, Solomon was utterly transformed. His speed was now blisteringly fast, each movement leaving faint shadows in the air. His strength had reached extraordinary levels—a casual punch could rend the air with a thunderous roar. Even his control over energy had become razor-sharp; he could command its flow with the precision of moving his own limbs.
Eager to test his newfound abilities, Solomon made his way to the family's training ground. The midday sun bathed the field in golden light, where a group of family youths sparred and trained. Among them were those who had once mocked Solomon, ridiculing him as mediocre and destined to remain insignificant.
A confident smirk played on Solomon's lips as he approached. His steady gaze exuded a quiet determination, catching the attention of the group. Their expressions quickly shifted from surprise to disdain.
"Well, look who it is! Solomon," sneered one, a wiry youth with a sharp nose. "Come to embarrass yourself again?"
Solomon ignored the taunts, his voice calm but resolute. "I'd like to spar with you."
His request elicited a round of laughter. "You?" mocked a burly youth, crossing his arms. "Don't cry when we knock you flat, Solomon."
But they had no idea who they were facing now.
The sparring match began, and in the blink of an eye, Solomon moved—a blur of motion faster than their eyes could track. Before the burly youth could react, Solomon was in front of him, delivering a light punch to his chest. The impact sent the youth flying across the training ground, landing in a heap.
Gasps echoed among the spectators as the defeated youth struggled to rise. The others, now alert, formed a defensive circle around Solomon. But their confidence was gone, replaced by unease.
Unfazed, Solomon stepped forward. He moved with effortless precision, weaving between his opponents like a dancer, striking with pinpoint accuracy. Each blow was decisive, each dodge flawless. In minutes, the once-mocking youths were sprawled on the ground, staring at him in shock and fear.
"H-how did you become so strong?" one stammered, his voice trembling.
Solomon didn't answer. He simply gazed at them with calm intensity. There was no arrogance in his demeanour, only an unyielding focus. He knew this was just the beginning—far greater challenges awaited.
Watching from the sidelines, Lianna's heart swelled with pride and joy. She approached Solomon, her voice soft with emotion. "Solomon, you've done it. I knew you would."
Solomon turned to her, his expression softening into a warm smile. "This is only the start, Lianna. I'll keep growing stronger—to protect you and our family."
But not all eyes watching Solomon's rise were friendly. Alfred, the family steward, observed the scene from a distance, his sharp mind already working through the implications. He had long suspected Solomon's secretive behaviour, but now, seeing the sudden surge in his strength, his suspicions deepened. "What has Solomon been hiding?" Alfred mused, his brows furrowing. "And what has he gone through to gain such power?"
Elder Claude, too, soon heard of Solomon's feats. His reaction was far less composed. Known for his disdain for Solomon, Claude saw the boy's growing strength as a threat. "This Solomon," Claude muttered darkly, his fists clenched, "is becoming a danger. We cannot allow him to continue unchecked."
Meanwhile, the Shadow Order was also stirring. Reports of Solomon's breakthrough reached the ears of their leader, who sneered coldly. "A small fish with such fortune?" he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "No matter. Prepare our agents. It's time to deal with this Solomon once and for all."
How would Solomon contend with Alfred's suspicions, Claude's hostility, and the Shadow Order's looming threat? Could he protect Lianna and his family while continuing his relentless pursuit of strength? The answers remained veiled in uncertainty, as dark clouds gathered on the horizon of Solomon's fate, their shadows stretching long over the road ahead.