Chapter 12: Entry into the Lion’s Den

The grand gates of Forgaze City loomed ahead, carved from obsidian stone and etched with glowing sigils. It was the stronghold of the Kaizan Clan—a place soaked in pride and prejudice. As Reve, Eiran, Arel, and Mina stepped across the threshold, the bustling city streets seemed to slow, eyes turning toward the strangers with curiosity and contempt.

"Halt," barked one of the armored Kaizan guards, blocking their path with a halberd. "State your purpose. Outsiders aren't welcomed without cause."

The soldiers—gruff, clad in ornate armor with crimson sashes—were as rude as they were arrogant. They scanned the group with disdain, sneering at the worn robes and simple gear.

Eiran stepped forward calmly. "We've come to register as a vessel clan under Kaizan."

The guards exchanged mocking looks. One chuckled. "A vessel clan? With only four people? And two of them are children?"

Still, they took the group through the massive stone halls toward the internal city district—straight into the official hall where the Chief of Internal Affairs awaited.

Zaza sat atop a raised dais, robes black and lined with gold, his expression bored and his tone sharpened by arrogance. "Names. Purpose. And who dares call themselves a clan?"

Eiran, unshaken, gestured subtly. Reve understood. He gave Arel a light push forward.

With a confident voice belying his years, Reve said clearly, "We are the Arclight Clan. And our Clan Head…" he paused, then proudly pointed to the boy beside him. "...is Arel Arclight."

Zaza blinked, then burst into a short laugh. "A child? Your Clan Head is a ten-year-old? And your members are… what? A geezer, a teenager, and a girl?"

"Meets the minimum," Eiran said coolly.

Zaza scoffed. "Barely. This is laughable."

But as he rose to dismiss them, his eyes landed on the blade sheathed at Reve's hip—the faint hum of aura energy emanating from it.

He stopped.

Walked forward.

"Unsheath it," he ordered, voice now taut.

Reve did. The second the aura surged from the sword's core, Zaza stepped back slightly, the air shifting.

"An Aura Sword," he murmured. "At your age?"

Silence hung in the air.

Zaza cleared his throat, face twisting from ridicule to forced courtesy. "Congratulations. You are now officially registered as a vessel clan of Kaizan. We will monitor your progress."

As they turned to leave, Eiran couldn't help but smirk. The lion's den hadn't 

devoured them—it had opened its gate.

---