"A sword earns you power. A name earns you war."— Elder Vashten of the Ironroot Sect
The Flamewind trials had ended, but the real fight was about to begin.
Kai sat in the recovery quarters—bandaged, bruised, but conscious.
The Spirit Core pulsed beside him, wrapped in a silken pouch. Even now, he could feel the heat of its energy soaking into his veins. Every breath felt heavier… more awake.
But something was different now.
[System Notice:]Core Saturation 34%Passive Regeneration EnabledNew Trait Unlocked:— Flamebody (Lesser): Fire Resistance +10%, Heat Ki Recovery Enhanced
Power grew. And so did the attention.
The door creaked open.
A woman in long violet robes stepped inside. Her presence was calm, but her aura was like a coiled viper.
[Perception Check – Success]Identity: Envoy of the Serpent Thorn SectRank: Inner Circle InitiateHidden Ki Trait: Paralytic Mist (Dormant)Intent: Recruitment / Containment
"Greetings, Kai," she said with a measured smile. "You may call me Mistress Sarei. I represent the Serpent Thorn Sect. We've reviewed your performance."
She placed a sealed scroll on the table between them.
"A formal invitation."
Kai didn't move to touch it.
"What's the catch?"
Sarei raised an elegant brow. "No catch. Merely terms."
[System Update:]You have received a Sect Invitation – Tier A
Faction: Serpent Thorn Sect
Terms:— Binding for two years— Access to Inner Library (Restricted)— Required Participation in 3 External Conflicts— Loyalty Branding Optional (Tier 1)— Monthly Pay: 1200 Spirit Coins— Personal Mentor: Initiate Class or Above
It wasn't a bad offer.
But something in her voice…
"You want to brand me," Kai said quietly.
Sarei's smile deepened.
"It's only a safeguard. Nothing permanent."
Before Kai could answer, a new voice cut through the room like a blade.
"Touch that scroll and lose your spine."
A tall figure in charcoal-gray robes stepped into the room. His aura was colder—steeled and sharp.
[Perception: Failure]Identity: UnknownStatus: SuppressedThreat Level: Obscured
[Passive Skill Activated: Pressure Veil – Your system cannot fully scan this entity.]
"Who are you?" Kai asked, eyes narrowing.
The figure tossed an obsidian token onto the table beside the scroll. Its surface bore a sigil: a hand gripping lightning.
Faction: The Azure GraspStatus: Unlisted SectAllegiance: UnknownPower Ranking: ???
Note: This token supersedes all local offers.
"Consider this your second invitation," the man said. "No chains. No brands. Just power. Real power."
Sarei glared at him. "That sect isn't recognized by the Council."
"And yet," he replied, "we've survived longer than most of your precious towers."
He turned to Kai.
"You want freedom? Take our token. You want a leash and a cage? Take hers."
Then he left.
Kai stared at both items in front of him.
A scroll, velvet and blood-bound.
A token, dark and wordless.
Two paths. Both dangerous.
[System Prompt: Major Choice Incoming]
Accept the Serpent Thorn Sect
Accept the Azure Grasp
Refuse both and walk alone
But before he could decide—
[New Notice – Priority Override]
❗ A third party is attempting contact…
Incoming Message: "Kai… if you're reading this, then you're still alive. It's time you knew the truth about your father."
Origin: Unregistered System Frequency
His father?