Chapter 6: Blood and Oaths

The full moon hung high above the Darius estate, casting its pale glow over the training grounds. Valerius stood at the highest balcony, his golden eyes watching the movement below. Dozens of warriors, knights, and scholars moved with purpose, working tirelessly under the new doctrine he had set forth.

The fusion of the Magus Path and the Knight Path was no longer just an experiment—it was a revolution.

His loyal brothers stood beside him, each watching with their own thoughts.

Leonidas, always the pragmatist, had his arms crossed. "We've taken the first steps, but the path ahead is dangerous."

Julius, the strategist, smirked. "Danger is what fuels growth. The weak fear it. The strong embrace it."

Cassius, the most silent of them all, simply nodded. "We are on the right course."

Valerius turned to his brothers. "The Darius Clan has lingered in the shadows long enough. We will no longer scrape by, content with survival. From this moment forward, we claim our right to power."

A cold wind swept through the balcony, rustling their cloaks. It was time to take the next step.

The Bond of Blood

Deep within the underground chambers of the estate, an ancient ritual was about to take place. The torches flickered as the gathered warriors knelt before Valerius and his brothers.

In the center of the room was a stone altar, engraved with symbols of loyalty and power. Before it, a silver dagger rested.

Valerius stepped forward, his voice steady. "Today, we stand as warriors not only of blood but of purpose. Each of you has chosen this path, knowing the cost. Strength is not given—it is seized."

He took the dagger and made a shallow cut on his palm, letting the blood drip onto the altar. His brothers did the same, their expressions unwavering.

One by one, the warriors followed.

This was more than an oath.

It was a declaration.

A pact bound not only by blood but by ambition.

Valerius placed his hand over the blood-stained altar. His AI Chip-like assistant processed the ritual, integrating it with an ancient runic sequence. A pulse of energy spread through the room.

The warriors gasped as a faint mark appeared on their skin—a subtle symbol of the Darius Clan's new path.

Not just knights.

Not just Magi.

Something more.

The Trial of the Strong

With the oath complete, the warriors needed to prove themselves.

Leonidas turned to Valerius. "You know words mean little without action. If they are to follow us, they must be tested."

Valerius nodded. "Then let them prove their worth."

The underground chamber opened into a vast, hidden training field. This was where true warriors were forged.

Giant stone constructs, enchanted beasts, and deadly traps lined the battlefield.

The trial was simple—survive and overcome.

Julius called out. "Begin!"

The warriors moved as one, their training guiding them.

Marcus, now enhanced through Valerius's hybrid path, was the first to engage. He dodged a swinging blade trap, using both speed and strength to push forward.

Gareth faced a beast—a massive, mutated direwolf. Instead of fighting head-on, he used his newly learned Magus techniques to reinforce his physical body, crushing the beast with a single strike.

Each warrior found their way through the trial, pushing their bodies and minds beyond their limits.

By the end, only the strongest remained.

Valerius watched, his golden eyes gleaming.

They were ready.

The Silent War Begins

With the warriors tested and the bond sealed, the Darius Clan had taken a leap forward.

But power attracts attention.

Far beyond the Darius lands, in the depths of the Magus World, whispers had begun.

A dying noble clan was rising again.

A force unseen was reshaping the balance of power.

And unknown to them all, Valerius Darius was just getting started.