Dragging their weary bodies back to the village, Roy, Alice, and Veil were immediately surrounded by the villagers, who had heard of their successful defeat of the magical beast. Gratitude overflowed as the villagers thanked them repeatedly and offered simple meals to show their appreciation.
Veil's adoptive parents stood at the back of the crowd, their expressions complex. Once the villagers dispersed, Veil's adoptive father stepped forward, patting him on the shoulder. In a low voice, he said, "Son, Red Maple Village may be your home, but its former glory is long gone. The future belongs to young people like you."
His adoptive mother nodded in agreement. "That's right. While we still have time, there's something we need to tell you. Not far from the village lies a forgotten minor secret realm. Our guardian family once obtained some precious resources there. We can no longer venture into it, but you might be able to. Perhaps it holds something that can help you in your cultivation."
Veil was silent for a moment before nodding solemnly. "Thank you. I will do my best not to let you down."
Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Alice tilted her head and grinned. "Veil's adoptive parents, don't worry! Even though he looks like a big oaf, with us around, there's no way he'll suffer!"
Veil rolled his eyes. "Alice, can't you give me some respect? I might be a defensive fighter, but I'm a refined warrior, okay?"
"Refined? You didn't even wipe the mud off your face after the fight." Alice smirked, handing him a handkerchief. "Hurry and clean up, or you'll scare off all the spirit beasts in the secret realm with that look."
Roy watched the two bicker, shaking his head. "Alright, let's get going. If you two keep arguing, it'll be dark before we get there."
The trio set off toward the secret realm, with Alice playing the role of mood maker along the way.
"You know, this secret realm sounds so high-level!" Alice said excitedly. "Veil, your adoptive parents are amazing to know about a place like this!"
Veil scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed. "I actually heard my adoptive father mention it when I was a kid. But he said it was too dangerous, and after our family declined, no one went back in."
"Danger just makes it more exciting!" Alice beamed. "And wouldn't it be amazing if we found a big treasure? Like an ancient spiritual artifact or a supreme cultivation technique…"
"Or a pile of gold?" Roy interjected with a teasing tone. "Judging by the way you were eating earlier, I thought food was the only thing you cared about."
Alice put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "Roy, you're underestimating me! I'm equally passionate about adventure, treasure, and desserts!"
Veil burst out laughing. "Desserts count? Alice, I've realized you have a rare talent for connecting adventure with eating."
"That's called loving life!" Alice replied righteously. "You two are just obsessed with training and fighting—you wouldn't understand!"
After hours of trekking, the trio finally arrived at the entrance to the secret realm. A stone monument etched with ancient runes stood amidst a dense forest, emanating a faint spiritual energy.
Alice circled the monument curiously. "Wow, these runes look so complex! Roy, do you recognize them?"
Roy studied them for a moment, then shook his head. "It seems to be an ancient language. I can only make out a few symbols—something about 'trials.'"
"Trials?" Veil raised an eyebrow. "Does that mean this place is meant to test our strength?"
Alice patted Veil on the shoulder with a grin. "Don't worry! Even if it's a test, we've got you, our 'Iron Shield,' leading the charge. What's there to fear?"
Veil sighed. "You say that, but it feels like you just want to use me as a shield."
"Not a shield—a pillar of the team!" Alice's smile was as bright as the moon. "I'm complimenting you!"
Roy shook his head helplessly. "Alright, enough banter. We're here now, so let's see what's inside. Don't forget, places like this often hide danger."
As Roy, Alice, and Veil stepped into the secret realm, their initially tense nerves gradually relaxed. The journey so far was devoid of traps or hidden beasts, and the surroundings were eerily quiet.
"This is way too easy," Alice muttered, crossing her arms as she surveyed the unsettlingly calm environment. "Aren't secret realms supposed to have trials or mechanisms? Did we come to the wrong place?"
"Don't let your guard down," Roy cautioned, gripping his sword tightly and scanning the area. "The quieter a place is, the more likely it hides danger."
Veil chuckled. "If this turns out to be a treasure-filled stroll, I won't complain one bit!"
Just as the trio approached a small hall, a faint apparition suddenly materialized before its entrance. A deep, raspy voice echoed: "Young ones, there's no need to be alarmed. I mean you no harm."
The three immediately tensed, but upon seeing the figure, they froze in surprise. It was the projection of a middle-aged man clad in ancient armor, his expression tinged with sorrow and weariness. The apparition appeared incomplete, almost like a flickering mirage.
"Who are you?" Roy asked, his voice cautious and his gaze vigilant.
The apparition sighed. "I am… or rather, I was the master of this realm."
The figure's gentle gaze swept over them before continuing, "I sensed the kindness in your hearts. You are fated to be here."
Alice blinked and tilted her head, asking curiously, "Fated? Is that because of Veil's big, honest-looking face?"
Veil shot her an exasperated glare. "Alice, can you be serious for once?"
The apparition let out a soft chuckle. "No, what I mean by fate lies in your character. Though young, all three of you possess a pure and noble spirit. Unfortunately…" His voice grew quieter, his gaze turning distant, "I did not have such clarity of heart in my lifetime."
"In your lifetime?" Roy asked sharply, seizing on the key phrase. "You… you've passed on?"
The apparition nodded slightly, his tone tinged with regret. "Yes, I've long since departed from the mortal world. Once, I was a mid-tier Battle God, reaching a power level of over 170. Yet even at such heights, I was defeated by my own emotions."
The trio exchanged glances, their interest piqued.
"I once had a beloved," the apparition continued, his voice trembling with sorrow. "She was an ordinary person, without cultivation or power. But I loved her more than life itself. Unfortunately, fate is cruel. She succumbed to illness, and there was nothing I could do to save her."
"And after that?" Alice couldn't help but ask, her eyes brimming with sympathy.
."After that…" The apparition's voice faltered, and his projection flickered. "I was consumed by grief and regret, unable to focus on my cultivation. No matter how powerful I became, I could not bring her back. I grew weak, resentful, and closed off my heart to the world."
"But why blame yourself?" Veil frowned, struggling to understand. "You did everything you could, didn't you?"
The apparition let out a bitter laugh. "Because I had countless chances to be with her, yet I always used cultivation as an excuse to neglect her. It was only after she was gone that I realized all the time I'd devoted to training could never bring back her smile."
Silence fell over the group. Alice, her voice soft, said, "She wouldn't have blamed you… I'm sure of it."
"Perhaps," the apparition murmured, shaking his head with a wistful sigh. "Over the years, I've thought deeply and come to understand one truth: the purpose of cultivation is not to surpass others, but to protect what you hold dear. I hope you three will remember that."
His tone shifted, becoming calm and steady. "There are no treasures in this secret realm. However, I left behind a portion of my legacy before I passed. Since you are fated to be here, I will grant each of you a technique."
As the apparition's voice faded, a subtle yet profound energy rippled through the air. A sense of majesty and gravity enveloped the group, filling them with an instinctive awe, as if they were standing before an unyielding mountain.
The apparition raised his hand, and with a flick of his palm, a sudden flash of lightning erupted, striking toward Roy. Startled, Roy instinctively drew his sword to defend himself. Yet as the lightning approached, it softened into a gentle thunder dragon that coiled around him protectively.
"This technique is called Hidden Thunder," the apparition explained in a resonant voice that echoed through the realm like thunder. "It is an advanced Earth-tier sword technique that I comprehended in my youth. It conceals the power of lightning within sword energy, making it nearly undetectable to opponents until the moment of its explosive release."
Roy's eyes gleamed with excitement as he felt the resonance between the sword's aura and the lightning's energy.
"You have already grasped the basics of sword intent," the apparition continued, his tone filled with expectation. "With Hidden Thunder, you will unleash attacks beyond your current level. However, this technique consumes immense energy. Use it wisely, only in moments of critical need."
As the apparition finished speaking, the thunderlight melded into Roy's sword. The blade hummed softly in his hand, as if acknowledging its newfound power. The energy of the lightning seeped into Roy's spirit, leaving a subtle mark within.
Roy took a deep breath and bowed deeply. "Thank you, master, for granting me this technique! I will not let your expectations go to waste."
The apparition nodded and then turned his gaze toward Alice.
"Alice," he began, his voice softening. "You specialize in spiritual energy and healing arts, serving as a cornerstone of your team. For you, I will bestow the technique Wind of Restoration, an advanced Earth-tier healing ability. It allows for swift recovery of injuries and enhances your allies' regenerative powers."
With a wave of his hand, a gentle green light drifted toward Alice. The warm and soothing light surrounded her like a spring breeze, filling her with tranquility. As she closed her eyes, she felt her spiritual energy harmonize with the nurturing glow.
"Wind of Restoration is not merely a healing spell," the apparition explained, "but also a means to dispel mental disturbances and negative effects. However, it demands exceptional mastery of spiritual energy to wield effectively. Your foundation is solid, but you have a long journey ahead before mastering this art."
Alice opened her eyes, a joyful smile lighting up her face. "Thank you, master! This technique is amazing! From now on, my team can count on me to keep them safe!"
Veil chuckled, unable to resist teasing. "Don't get too full of yourself, Alice."
Alice smirked and retorted, "Hmph, this is all about teamwork, Veil! I'm just thinking about everyone's well-being!"
The apparition watched their banter with a faint smile before turning to Veil.
"Veil," the apparition began, his tone more solemn. "Your physical strength and Giant's Bloodline make you an exceptional defensive warrior. To you, I will impart the technique Mountain Shatter Fist, an upper Earth-tier skill. It harnesses the power of the earth, allowing you to deliver devastating blows with overwhelming force."
As he spoke, the ground beneath Veil trembled slightly. A surge of power rose from the earth, coursing through his legs and into his entire body. Clenching his fists, he felt an unprecedented strength within him, as if he could shatter a mountain with a single punch.
"In addition," the apparition continued, "I will grant you a sliver of insight. This is not a direct increase in your strength but an enhancement to your understanding of defensive techniques. Remember, true defense is not merely about enduring attacks—it is about seizing the right moment to turn defense into offense. I hope this wisdom will guide you."
A newfound clarity filled Veil's mind. It was as if the principles of battle, especially those of defense and offense, became more instinctual and vivid. He knelt on one knee, his voice firm and resolute: "Master, I will honor your teachings and use these gifts to protect my comrades!"
The apparition nodded with satisfaction. "Good. The bond of trust between you three is your greatest strength. But no matter what challenges lie ahead, never lose sight of your true selves."
As his final words echoed through the air, the apparition's form began to dissolve, transforming into countless points of starlight that scattered across the realm.
The trio stood silently, their hearts heavy yet inspired.
Once outside the secret realm, Alice stretched with a satisfied sigh. "Finally, it's over! But wow, these techniques are incredible! Does this mean I'll become the best support ever?"
Roy chuckled and shook his head. "Don't get too carried away. The master said we've got a long way to go."
Veil grinned and teased, "Alice, why don't you try out your Wind of Restoration on me? Maybe it'll restore me to my peak condition."
Alice rolled her eyes dramatically. "Don't even think about it! I need to save my energy for when you actually get into trouble!"
Roy sighed helplessly, "Alright, enough bickering. Let's head back to the academy. The mission is complete, and we need to focus on training when we return."
The three of them continued their playful banter as they made their way back to the academy.