Chapter 3: The Next Generation

Five Years Later

The 135th floor of the Tower had changed, but the echoes of its past remained. Where once there were remnants of chaos, a training ground now flourished, brimming with the energy of those determined to carve their own destinies.

Jahad stood in the center of a wide clearing, the air thick with Shinsoo. He had dedicated the past five years to mastering this energy, pushing himself to the limits of his potential. The once-impulsive king had transformed, focusing on honing his skills to ensure the safety of those he now cared for.

As he released a powerful wave of Shinsoo, it rippled through the air, creating a shimmering effect. He closed his eyes, feeling the energy swirl around him, a testament to his growing strength.

But his thoughts were often drawn to the little girl he had adopted—Ariel. Now five years old, she had begun to show signs of her extraordinary heritage. Her white hair cascaded down her back, and though she looked like a normal child, there was an otherworldly aura surrounding her.

Ariel had begun to awaken to her abilities, albeit slowly. The powers of the Soul King coursed through her veins, waiting for the moment when she would fully unlock her potential at the age of one thousand. For now, she seemed to absorb the world around her, her wide eyes filled with curiosity.

Jahad glanced over at her, watching as she played with the small bursts of Shinsoo he had summoned. She giggled, her laughter ringing through the clearing, and for a moment, the weight of his responsibilities lifted.

"Focus, Jahad!" he scolded himself, shaking off the distraction. He had to ensure that she would be safe in this tumultuous world.

Meanwhile, news had spread through the Tower about the growing tensions among the Great Families. With Arline, Grace, and V forming their own rebel alliance, the power dynamics were shifting. The other Family Heads were busy consolidating their power, each determined to maintain control over their factions.

Jahad felt the pressure mounting. He couldn't afford to let Ariel be caught in the crossfire of the brewing conflict. Training was not just about him; it was for her, too.

As he resumed his training, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Ariel had summoned a small orb of Shinsoo, her eyes narrowed in concentration. The orb shimmered before her, fluctuating in size as she struggled to maintain control.

"Ariel!" Jahad called, concern creeping into his voice. He hurried to her side, kneeling down to her level. "You need to focus on the flow, not just the output. Let it guide you."

She looked up at him, her expression serious as she nodded. Jahad's heart swelled with pride; she was trying so hard. He placed a hand gently over hers, guiding her as they worked together to stabilize the orb. With a flick of her wrist, the Shinsoo swirled into a dazzling display of light.

"Good! You're getting better," he encouraged, his voice warm.

As they trained, Jahad couldn't shake the feeling that Ariel was destined for greatness. Her potential was immense, and he sensed that her awakening would come with challenges that could test the very fabric of their existence in the Tower.

Just then, the ground trembled slightly beneath them. Jahad straightened, alert. "Did you feel that?"

Ariel looked up, her expression suddenly serious. Although she couldn't yet comprehend the dangers of the Tower, there was an instinctual understanding that something was amiss.

"Stay close," Jahad instructed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they both scanned their surroundings.

In the distance, shadows loomed—figures emerging from the remnants of the chaos that had once engulfed the floor. Jahad's heart raced. This was a reminder that the Tower was a place of constant conflict, and the peace they had cultivated could easily shatter.

"Get ready, Ariel," he said, determination flooding his veins. "We'll face whatever comes next together."

As the shadows approached, Jahad braced himself, ready to protect Ariel at all costs. The future was uncertain, but with her by his side, he felt a flicker of hope amid the darkness.