Chapter 10: Embers of the Journey

The soft rustle of leaves echoed underfoot as Reve and Eiran walked the winding path beyond Yarneth Village. The morning sun spilled gold across the landscape, calm and warm. Arel and Mina lay asleep, each gently cradled in their arms. It was a peaceful beginning—but beneath that peace churned the fire of something greater.

"Where are we headed, old man?" Reve asked quietly, respectful as always.

Eiran glanced at him, a knowing look in his eyes. "To the unknown, boy. But with purpose. The world doesn't give second chances often. This one? It's ours."

Reve fell silent, then asked what had been tugging at him for days. "Tell me… what happened to the Draekhara Region? Why do people call it cursed now?"

Eiran's expression grew grim. "Eight years ago, the Drayven Clan—the ruling clan of Draekhara for over a century—was struck by betrayal. Their Clan Head was assassinated by a spy from another region. That man… was the master of Dray, the Abyssal-ranked Dragon Aura Beast."

Reve's breath caught. "Abyssal rank?"

Eiran simply nodded. "Power on a scale most have never seen. When Dray vanished, everything shifted. The Supreme Clan investigated, but the spy disappeared without a trace. Since then, the Draekhara Region fell from being the fourth strongest… to the seventh."

Reve's eyes narrowed. "That's a steep fall."

"Indeed. And now," Eiran continued, "for the first time in decades, the Supreme Clan has permitted a change in leadership. A Grand Gathering has been announced—set to happen in ten years. Every clan in Draekhara, even the vessel clans, have a chance to rise."

"Even us?" Reve asked, his voice quiet but determined.

Eiran gave a crooked grin. "Almost impossible. But not for you. This is your opportunity—your chance to rise in strength, to chase that greatness you spoke of. And it begins with aligning ourselves with the Kaizan Clan. Becoming their vessel."

Reve looked forward, eyes blazing. He didn't know what ties Kaizan held to his past, but he felt it—like a silent pull. "Then let's go," he said. "Ten years. That's all I need."

Eiran looked at the boy with pride swelling quietly in his chest. He had changed. Not just stronger—but sharper. Clearer.

And as the sun climbed higher above them, the journey to greatness

began—one step at a time.