The Ancient Lord regarded Nero, his ancient eyes seeming to peer into the very core of his soul. "Yes, tell me."
Nero gestured between himself and Eri, who was observing nearby. "If the influx of power is so corrupting... then why didn't our souls shatter? We were just ordinary humans once. What made us different?"
A faint, approving smile touched the Ancient Lord's lips. "That is where true worthiness comes into play. It is not about being 'good' or 'evil.' It is about being recognized. Your spirits, through sheer will, struggle, or perhaps a destiny written in the stars, were deemed worthy by the cosmos itself—by the Great God, if you will. You earned the key, you did not steal it. Those who try to take this power through greed or trickery... their own hunger becomes a poison that consumes them."
He placed a hand on Nero's shoulder, his touch surprisingly gentle. "It is a simple, universal law, child: What you have not earned, you cannot truly hold."
With that final, profound lesson, Nero's intensive training concluded. He could feel the difference not as a surge of new power, but as a profound deepening of control. The chaotic ocean within him was now a disciplined, mighty river.
"Now, for one final question," the Ancient Lord said, his tone turning Socratic. "What do you think? Is a Gate 7 User more powerful than a Gate 1 User?"
Nero grinned, unable to resist the obvious bait. "Well, Gate 7, obviously. Too easy a question..." he replied, trolling his master.
THWACK!
A stunning, lightning-fast strike connected with the back of Nero's head, making him see stars.
"Wrong!" the Ancient Lord boomed, though a glint of amusement was in his eyes. "Remember this, Nero. The raw distribution of power to a Gate 1 and a Gate 7 user is nearly equal. The difference lies in application."
He gestured, creating two figures of light in his palm. One swung wildly, the other moved with the precise, lethal grace of a master. "It is the difference between brawling and martial arts. Both are ways to fight, but the mastery of form, technique, and efficiency is what makes one lethal. A master of Gate 1 could theoretically defeat a novice of Gate 7." The light figures vanished.
"But your case... is an anomaly. You do not just walk one path. You wield the power of both Gates simultaneously. In practice, this makes you the most potentially powerful Gate User to have ever existed."
---
Gate Six: The Gateway of Judgment
"Now," the Ancient Lord's voice dropped, becoming grave. "We come to the Sixth Gate. The Gateway of Judgment."
He conjured a swirling, dark vortex in the air. "The training for this is not about accumulation of power, but about invocation. With specific, ancient spells, you can summon an arena—a domain located in a separate, absolute dimension. I do not know its location. I have never witnessed its power firsthand. It is a legend even to me."
The vortex pulsed with a ominous, final energy. "The legends say this much: once you and your foe are within that arena, judgment will be served. There is no escape. No matter how powerful, no being has ever been known to refuse its summons or flee its confines."
He handed Nero a scroll that felt unnervingly cold. "I can give you the spells to summon the arena. But I cannot tell you its rules. I do not know what form the 'judgment' takes. In terms of raw, absolute authority, Gate Six is far, far beyond any of the previous Gates."
The Ancient Lord looked Nero dead in the eyes, his expression utterly serious. "I do not believe you will master this quickly. But if you ever dare to invoke it... be prepared. Within that realm, concepts like life and death are mere suggestions. The arena itself is the judge, jury, and executioner."
---
With that terrifying and awe-inspiring final lesson, Nero's time under the Ancient Lord came to an end. He bowed deeply, a gesture of genuine respect, and departed the secluded grounds.
Mooai was waiting for him outside, her arms crossed as usual.
"Congratulations," she said, her tone neutral. "I heard you learned a great deal. Well, if you are done, then you can leave Anandvana now. Your contract is nearly fulfilled."
Nero put on his most charming, innocent smile. "Well, okay, okay... but can't I stay just a little bit longer? The scenery here is so beautiful. How about this—you let me visit the kids in that village one last time? To say a proper goodbye. Then, I promise, I will leave."
Mooai studied him, searching for a trick. Finding none in his earnest expression, she finally let out a short sigh and nodded. "Fine. But no detours."
Nero's smile became genuine. "No detours."
As they began the journey back, Nero's mind wasn't on the picturesque landscapes. It was on a cold, dark scroll, and the terrifying power of a judgment from which there was no appeal.