CHAPTER 6

Inside the castle of the Creation sect, the hall radiated a new grandeur.

The dark marble reflected the silvery gleams of the twelve thrones lining the sides, six on each side of the room, polished as if they were liquid gold.

The central throne dominated the room with its imposing majesty, as if claiming absolute power over anyone who dared to look at it for too long.

Roxan was jumping up and down, unable to contain her excitement. Her eyes roamed over every corner in childlike wonder.

—How beautiful, I want one too! —he exclaimed, in a sparkling voice—.

With a mischievous grin, he approached Luis and grabbed his hand, shaking it with almost desperate energy.

—Please, oh great and majestic master, teach me how to create these things. Please!

Luis watched her silently for a moment. He knew he should impose discipline, but something in her spirit was familiar.

Roxan was a whirlwind of curiosity, an irrepressible force, just like someone he had once known. Memories came like a cold breeze, bringing with them echoes of the past.

A childhood friend. Her laughter echoing in forgotten corridors. Her insistence on learning everything. Her unwavering confidence in him.

And then, the absence.

The pain seeped in like a silent shadow.

The power he had amassed had not been enough to save them all. No matter how strong he became, tragedy remained a two-sided coin: a promise of greatness and a price that always demanded to be paid.

A tug pulled him out of his thoughts before he could dive too deep.

Hernan and Reimond, with a stern gesture, had taken Roxan by the arms and led her away from the throne, forcing her to her knees.

—Brother, why do you always bother me so much? —complained Roxan, crossing her arms indignantly—, Can't you see the master was about to teach me how to create things here.

Despite his protest, he didn't resist any longer.

—Master, excuse my sister—said Hernan, bowing his head—, Understand that she doesn't know the manners of a cult. It has always been just us in here. She hasn't learned beyond these walls.

Luis let out a sudden burst of laughter, throwing everyone off balance.

—Don't worry, I like it—he finally said, with a wave of his hand for them to get up—, But let's get to the main issue. The sect will have changes. To improve, I need everyone to push their limits. I've already helped Reimond with that. Now it's your turn.

He waved his hands and, as if the air obeyed his will, two majestic books appeared and floated towards their recipients: one for Hernan, one for Roxan.

—Hernan, this book will help you raise your cultivation. It also contains several wind style techniques. They will be very useful to you.

—Thank you, master.

He murmured, still in disbelief. Not only by the appearance of the book, but by the certainty that this knowledge was what he needed. In the sect, the cultivation and technique books had disappeared years ago, stolen or destroyed. And now, for the first time, he had in his hands a real opportunity to grow.

—For you, Roxan, the same, but with one difference: they are water techniques—Luis paused, a faint smile on his lips—, Since you asked me to teach you my techniques... Although you're not suited for them, these water techniques have a similar style. I'm sure you'll like them.

Roxan's eyes lit up with a flash of excitement.

—Really?! Great! I'll learn everything. I'll be able to make flowers, trees, thrones... Ah! I'll also be able to make people kneel. Let's see, what else...? Umm...

Before he went on with his fanciful monologue, Reimond quickly covered his mouth. Again he was raving and talking nonsense. It was better to stop him from continuing.

—Sorry, master.

Hernan intervened, although his attention was still on the book he was holding. He wanted to leave as soon as possible to study it in depth.

—Once you learn everything in these books and reach the Unique level, I will give you others to surpass that limit. And at that time, you will also receive a gift.

The atmosphere became tense for a moment. Luis' words echoed like an impossible echo.

Not only would they be able to improve their cultivation, but they would have access to even more advanced techniques. Something they had never imagined they could achieve. So far, reaching the Medium level already seemed like a miracle.

—Also, take this.

In front of the three appeared cult insignia and a set of keys.

—These keys are to your new houses, assigned according to your status in the cult. The badges will allow you to enter and leave without restriction. I have placed a shield on the sect, and without them, no one will be able to pass through except with my permission. Do not lose them.

They took the objects with excitement, their minds already projecting the new future of the sect.

Of course, except for Roxan, who barely put them away before diving back into reading. Apparently, creating things interested her more than listening.

—In a few days we will go to the city to buy what we need.

Luis looked around at those present before continuing.

—This time only Hernan will accompany me. The others will stay behind to look after the sect while I'm away.

The decision was not arbitrary. The warehouse needed restocking, expansion demanded resources, and though he had built the sect from the ground up, he could not create everything from nothing.

Besides, his journey had another purpose. The kingdom was to be assessed, the sects observed, and above all he was to seek out new members to strengthen his influence.

Roxan puffed out her cheeks and raised her voice.

—I want to go! I've never been out of here, why is it that Hernan has and I haven't? I want to see what it's like outside, please take me too!

Her overflowing energy filled the room, as always. Restless, tireless.

Luis exhaled calmly before responding.

—I promise I will take you in the future. But for now I prefer to go alone with Hernan. Besides... if you come, how can I buy you a secret gift without you seeing it first?

Roxan's eyes immediately sparkled.

—Gift? Then I'll stay, but next time I want to go.

Luis smiled. It was always the same: he wanted everything he saw, but he calmed down as soon as he was promised something that captured his interest. He couldn't help but remember her... that person who had been so much like Roxan. Full of life. Full of dreams.

He shook his head, pushing the thoughts away before they sank too deep. Remembering brought happiness, but also sadness.

Those faces were no longer in this world.

He straightened his posture.

—If I need anything, I'll let you know.

They all bowed before leaving, except for Roxan, who came bounding out with the book in her arms, shouting that she would create things endlessly.

The room was empty.

And then, her expression changed.

The air seemed to grow thicker, as if the space recognised the shadow emerging on her countenance.

The mask of understanding and joy dissolved, revealing its true nature.

Bloodthirsty. Vindictive. Unyielding.

Ten thousand years of recovery. Locked away. Sealed. His body, soul and spirit shattered.

As he tried to pull himself together, traitors took advantage of his weakness to bury him in oblivion, condemning him to disappear without a trace.

His sect, built from his fallen comrades, had been all but annihilated.

The continent that once proclaimed him absolute ruler had forgotten him.

Now, all was fragmented. Seven parts at war, fighting for power without unity, without purpose.

Luis took a deep breath, feeling the weight of years on his back.

He had a long road ahead of him.

He would have his revenge.

He would take back what was his.

But this time, he would not make the same mistake.

He would not again act with a soft heart, seeking loyalty, offering mercy.

The world would know his fury.

"Whoever stood in his way would die."

"Whoever betrayed him would die."

"If anyone displeased him, he would die."

And this time, there would be no exceptions.

A river of blood would accompany his ascent.

He was also to visit the Crimson Sect.

He had made a promise.

And he needed to know what had happened to his friend after his disappearance.

Had he been murdered?

Had he been betrayed?

If anyone had hurt him... he would avenge him without mercy.

His eyes, charged with silent rage, burned with a deep red glow.

The pressure in the atmosphere became suffocating, as if space itself recognised the imminence of his new path.

And then, a dark drop fell on his cheek.

A tear of blood.

Remorse. Pain. Resolution.

Nothing would go unpunished.