Chapter 44: A New Banner

As Xavier returned to the palace, his friends gathered in the grand hall, eager to hear what he had to share. With a commanding presence, Xavier began, "We have three months to prepare for the Battle of the Realms. I won't sugarcoat it—this will be the most grueling challenge we've ever faced. The competition is designed to test not only our strength but also our unity as a clan."

He proceeded to reveal every detail Lord Cedric had shared about the tournament, from its intricate stages to the coveted rewards. The room grew tense as the gravity of the situation set in.

After a moment of silence, Xavier stood tall. "Here's the plan: I want each of you to recruit promising outer disciples—those with potential, discipline, and a hunger to grow. They will be the foundation of our clan's future. Train them and yourselves. Cultivate harder than you ever have before. We'll regroup in three months, stronger and ready to claim victory."

The group nodded with unwavering determination, their trust in Xavier evident. As the others began to prepare for their missions, Xavier turned to Jessica and Liana, gesturing for them to stay behind.

Once the others had departed, the three sat at the dining table, the air between them filled with purpose. Xavier looked at them both with a rare softness. "I need you two by my side for the next step. We have to meet with the elders who've been vying to recruit me and deliver the news of the Soul Clan."

Jessica, ever supportive, placed her hand over Xavier's. "We'll stand with you, no matter what. Let them see the strength of the Soul Clan."

Liana leaned back with a smirk. "I'd love to see the looks on their faces when they realize they've lost their chance to claim you. Let's make it clear the Soul Clan isn't just another faction—they're looking at the future of this realm."

Xavier smiled at their unwavering support. "Then let's go. It's time to address the elders and show them the resolve of the Soul Clan."

The three stood, their confidence unshaken, and left the palace together, their steps steady and their minds focused on the monumental task ahead.

Xavier strode confidently into the courtyard, his posture exuding purpose as Jessica and Liana flanked him, both radiating elegance and determination. The five elders, standing in a semi-circle, straightened at his approach, their eyes scrutinizing the young man who had become the talk of the academy.

One by one, the elders introduced themselves and their factions, presenting their offers with a mix of pride and ambition:

• Elder Thalos of the Iron Veil Sect extolled their unmatched defensive techniques and the opportunity to train in their impenetrable Iron Fortress.

• Elder Selena Ardent of the Whispering Gale Clan offered mastery of wind-based techniques and unparalleled speed cultivation.

• Elder Magnus Vale of the Flameborn Order promised access to the legendary Infernal Peaks, where only the strongest flames were born.

• Elder Eliana Frost of the Glacial Blossom Pavilion described the serene yet powerful cultivation arts of ice and serenity, promising Xavier the keys to profound stillness in combat.

• Elder Kain Draydon of the Skybreaker Alliance boasted of their aerial dominance and unparalleled resources for combat and strategy.

When the elders had finished, silence filled the courtyard. All eyes turned to Xavier, their anticipation palpable.

Taking a step forward, Xavier raised his chin, his voice steady and filled with conviction. "I've listened to your offers, and I appreciate the honor of your invitations. However, I've made my decision. I will not join any of your factions."

A ripple of murmurs ran through the elders, but Xavier's voice rose above them. "I will be starting my own clan—the Soul Clan. I may be young, but under my banner, I will rise above all factions and reign supreme in this realm. Mark my words, the Soul Clan will lead for the next ten years and beyond."

Four of the elders visibly bristled, their expressions turning from disappointment to anger. Elder Magnus Vale's voice boomed first, "You arrogant whelp! The Flameborn Order will crush your so-called Soul Clan. We'll ensure your flame burns out before it even ignites!"

Elder Selena Ardent narrowed her eyes, her voice icy. "You've made a dangerous enemy in the Whispering Gale Clan, boy. We'll see if your bravado holds when the winds turn against you."

Elders Thalos and Eliana also voiced their disapproval, swearing to challenge Xavier's clan at every opportunity.

Only Elder Kain Draydon remained silent, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized Xavier. After the others had finished venting, he stepped forward and spoke calmly, "Xavier York, your confidence is rare, and your ambition even rarer. Our Skybreaker Alliance may be fading, but I see the spark of greatness in you. If you truly rise to claim victory in the Battle of the Realms, then we will pledge our loyalty to your Soul Clan."

Xavier nodded, a spark of gratitude flashing in his eyes. "I respect your words, Elder Draydon. If I win, I hope to welcome you into the fold, not as subjects, but as equals."

The elder gave a reluctant but genuine nod, acknowledging the sincerity in Xavier's tone. "We'll see if you're worthy of such an alliance."

With that, the meeting ended, four elders departing in fury while Elder Draydon remained contemplative. Xavier turned back to Jessica and Liana, his determination unwavering. "This is only the beginning. Let's prepare the Soul Clan for the battles ahead."

The trio walked away from the courtyard, the weight of their ambitions heavy yet exhilarating.

Xavier leaned in closer to Jessica and Liana, whispering softly, "I've uncovered the location of a Crimson Cult hideout. We need their resources to strengthen the Soul Clan, but what's the best course of action? Should I go alone due to the unknown dangers, or should I take Raiden Rue to test his fortitude and loyalty?"

Jessica's eyes narrowed as she whispered back, "Going alone is too risky, Xavier. We don't know what traps or threats might be waiting for you. If Raiden is as promising as you say, this could be the perfect opportunity to see his worth. But you can't risk exposing the Soul Clan's name—stealth is vital."

Liana nodded in agreement, her voice low but steady. "Take Raiden. It's a chance to test his loyalty, and you'll have an ally if things go wrong. Keep the group small and your movements quiet. Meanwhile, Jessica and I will remain here to fortify our base and oversee recruitment. That way, the Soul Clan's foundation will stay secure no matter what happens."

Xavier's dragon emblem glowed faintly in his palm as he listened, his expression resolute. He whispered back, "Then it's settled. I'll take Raiden with me. This will be his first mission under the Soul Clan banner. We move tonight—swift and silent. The Crimson Cult's hideout will be a stepping stone for our rise."

Jessica placed her hand gently on his arm, her voice soft but firm. "Promise me you'll be cautious. The Crimson Cult is cunning, and they won't go down easily."

Xavier nodded, meeting her gaze. "I promise. I'll return stronger, for all of us."

Xavier sent a messenger to get Raiden to meet him by the academy entrance. Once Raiden got close to Xavier he motioned for him to follow him.

Xavier and Raiden made their way deeper into the dense forest, the academy's walls fading from sight as they ventured further into unfamiliar territory. Xavier turned to Raiden, filling him in on the plan.

"We'll need to be quick and silent. We're after resources—nothing more. We can't afford to alert them to our presence," Xavier explained.

Raiden nodded, his face resolute. "Understood. I'll handle the distraction. You can pick them off one by one from the rear." His eyes gleamed with confidence.

Xavier was impressed with Raiden's calm demeanor and quick thinking. "I like your plan. You'll be testing your worth tonight." He placed a hand on Raiden's shoulder before they both silently continued onward.

As they approached the encampment, Xavier observed from the shadows, noting the dozen guards standing watch, all of them Earth-ranked warriors at the 2nd level. Their patrols were predictable, their movements sluggish under the dim light of a setting sun.

Raiden whispered, "I'll draw them away from the entrance. I'll keep them occupied for a few minutes. That should give you enough time to take them out quietly."

Xavier nodded, impressed by Raiden's strategic thinking. "Be careful," he warned. "Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. We don't want to alert the entire camp."

Raiden gave him a quick, confident salute before disappearing into the shadows. Xavier watched as Raiden approached the perimeter, his figure barely visible in the darkening woods.

Moments later, the sound of a small distraction rang through the camp—a stone clinking off metal armor. The guards' attention shifted immediately, and they moved toward the noise, unaware that Raiden had already vanished into the trees.

Xavier quickly took advantage of the distraction. Moving like a shadow, he slipped around the back of the camp and eliminated the guards one by one, his blade moving with precision. Each strike was lethal, but silent—just as planned.

By the time Raiden returned, having lured the remaining guards into a false chase, Xavier had already neutralized six of the twelve guards. The two exchanged nods of approval as they moved deeper into the camp.

"We're making good progress," Raiden whispered, his confidence growing.

Xavier smiled, feeling a slight sense of pride in his new recruit. "Let's keep moving. The real test is coming soon."

Together, they continued their stealthy approach, prepared to take the next steps in their mission to infiltrate the Crimson Cult hideout.