Culvary Council of the Eighth.
The eight ruling clans had once again gathered.
Rebecca (Trinity Tower Sect Master): How did that happen? An army of Arachnids and Insectman Spiders has suddenly eradicated all the beast hordes across Tevera. Entire beast regions were wiped out just like that. And not only that—millions of them are at the Legendary Rank.
Demeter (Sky Cloud Palace Sect Master): Relax, Rebecca. This might actually be a good thing. With such a massive force appearing out of nowhere and eradicating billions of beasts in one sweep, they'll surely draw the Empire's attention. Most nations are now terrified by this event. Borders are being closed, national security tightened. With all this commotion, we can carry out our plans without interference.
Wilson (Archedus Clan Patriarch): The Ursemia Queendom has already pulled back their spies from Culvary, forcing their agents to return to their own territory. They've stopped probing into the peculiarities of our Culvary Nation's activities. Even the Empire's forces are retreating back to the heartlands.
Ulysses (Everlast Clan): But this event has had a huge effect on amassing essence stones from other nations. With borders closed, our Everlast Companies are struggling to transport the stones we've purchased and accumulated into Culvary. I'll need permission to use spatial transfer for the collection.
Sebastian (Redilla Clan Patriarch): The collection of essence stones is important, yes—but we can't afford to use teleportation devices. Their signatures are already known, ever since the sudden beast hordes incident. And Culvary is not supposed to have access to such technology. If we use it now, it would be like announcing to the continent that we are connected to the ones behind the beast hordes. We need to avoid all eyes and suspicion from the other nations. We're already at a critical juncture in our plans—we can't afford any missteps.
Escobar (Black Hammer Sect Master): Sebastian is right. Our massive recruitment efforts, along with the stockpiling of resources—spiritual stones, food supplies, cultivation treasures, weapons—have already attracted unwanted attention from our neighboring nations. Reports from our representative confirm that even the Empire has noticed this peculiarity. But now the Empire is overwhelmed, being blamed by all nations for failing to respond during the beast horde crisis. Some nations have already defected, breaking away from the Empire. Three of them have openly declared war, and they've been joined by eight more defectors forming an alliance.
Vander (Eisien Clan Patriarch): The Northern Nations.
Escobar: Exactly. The Empire isn't only dealing with their defection, but also with civil unrest—its own citizens are starting to revolt against the monarchy. To make things worse, there's a new rising force: the Avalon Churches, which have appeared across Tevera. Even here in Culvary, small branches have begun to take root. One of my men personally investigated them. This religion claims to heal all sickness and curses simply by praying to their God and drinking the water from beneath their statues.
Vander (in thought): Avalon Churches? Lyrus was part of a sect called Avalon, but that wasn't a church… Could there be a connection? No—it's not likely. That sect is too weak. Sharing names with other forces isn't uncommon—it happens often enough.
Rebecca: These churches are spreading rapidly, gathering countless followers across all nations. Unlike the Church of Moonlit Radiance, which only accepts nobles and powerful cultivators, the Church of Avalon welcomes everyone—especially the common people. This inclusiveness has swelled their numbers drastically. And the so-called miraculous water… it truly works, but only with genuine faith. One of my spies tested it. We cursed her, then had her drink the water. Nothing happened, since she wasn't praying or praising the God of Avalon. But when the curse nearly killed her, she finally succumbed and gave her faith. At that moment, she was healed. Yet something else happened—two of her bound beasts were severed, and she received a revelation: to abandon crude taming methods. She was then recruited as a nun of the Avalon Church. I lost a valuable talent that day—now she serves their god.
Belerick (Nebelius Clan Patriarch): Let's not trouble ourselves over these churches. Our priority is amassing more resources for the cross-dimensional travel. The Nebelius Clan is ready to depart at any moment. With the Empire in disarray, the surrounding nations distracted, and this army of Arachnids and Insectman Spiders keeping everyone on edge, we have all the time we need. I propose we excavate every essence stone mine in the Southern and Western Wildlands.
Wilson: But how do you expect to locate the essence stone reserves buried underground? We don't have the technology to detect them, and purchasing such devices is out of the question—they're too expensive, and we need every essence stone for the cross-dimensional journey. We also lack experts to operate such devices. Unless… you already have a way to detect the reserves.
Belerick only smiled.
Wilson: Don't tell me… you really did.
Belerick: What do you think?
Demeter: That would be an incredible advantage. Let's move forward with this plan.
Sebastian: I agree. Vander, what's the news about Thomas?
Vander: My mother recently visited the sect established by my son Lyrus—Thomas's nephew, from my union with Veronica. But Thomas wasn't there. She left him a letter, but Thomas declined her request. He said he isn't proficient in long-distance spatial travel, only places he's already visited. Moreover, he's injured, and his Leviathan is beyond recovery. He can't help us. Still, in his most recent reply, he mentioned that my son Lyrus might have a way. My mother is currently headed there. He's demanding something from us in return, but it isn't an issue. I've been in contact with Thomas through phone.
Rebecca: Veronica may have left Lyrus some knowledge of long-distance spatial travel. If Thomas is there, that possibility grows stronger.
Ulysses: A child? You're placing your hopes on a child? Absurd.
Vander: I find it hard to believe myself. As a father, I'm only doing this for my son. But I'm not placing my faith entirely in him. For now, all we need to do is keep a low profile, wait out the next eight months, and then depart to the new lands. Until then, let's follow Belerick's plan and excavate the wildlands for essence stone reserves. I'll even have my own territory searched.
Belerick: Then it's decided. Any objections?
No one spoke.
Belerick: Good. The Nebelius Clan will lead the operation, handling detection. The other clans will be responsible for excavation and mining.
---
Meanwhile, Leticia and Bill were once again traveling toward the Avalon Sect. This time, they were aboard a bullet train departing from the capital.
Leticia had brought Lydia with her as well—the beast had now ascended into a true Mythical Beast.
The last time they visited, they had not met Lyrus in person. But through Bill, they had maintained contact with both Lyrus and Thomas via phone.
Leticia: Your latest report is almost nonsensical. How could he possibly be the reason why so many mythical beasts suddenly evolved into royal variants and even ascended to the mythical rank directly? It's too fantastical. Perhaps he stumbled upon some precious resource in the wildlands—something that caused all those beasts to evolve and grow stronger.
Bill: But madam, how do you explain him taming dozens of beasts in just a few days, then evolving them into humanoid forms within mere hours? Not only that—every single one of them became intelligent creatures, capable of speech, and even learning like students. On your first visit—even though you didn't meet Lyrus yourself—you already saw the lineup of beasts he possessed. Even at just Mythical Rank, he had dozens. Forty-one in total. By now, he likely has even more. A human's limit is only a dozen or so beasts at best. You, as an Ancestral Lord powerhouse, have eighteen—but you're special. The Eisien Clan possesses secret techniques to strengthen the soul. Lyrus has no such methods, yet his results are beyond anything we've seen.
Leticia: I understand your point, but remember—he is a Ventouso. Veronica and Thomas may have given him forbidden methods to learn, allowing him to amass such strength in a short time.
Bill: Impossible. I've spoken directly with Thomas. He confirmed that neither he nor Veronica contributed to Lyrus's current power. All Lyrus received were some useful notes from his mother. According to Thomas, Lyrus had already reached norm-defying abilities before Avalon was even established. Only afterward did Thomas grant him access to the Ventouso Clan's knowledge—the archives of the Historians, which Thomas himself safeguarded. But even then, Lyrus had yet to fully receive those tomes. His abilities were already extraordinary.
Leticia: Hm. So you're saying he's a genius? Based on your reports, he surpasses the other young ones of this generation. I'll admit, he is impressive. After all, he's a descendant of powerful clans. Still, it's difficult to believe. Regardless, we're heading there because he requested the return of his mother's fox. And since I have nothing else pressing at the moment, I may as well visit. Oh, these young ones… they're making me run errands for them—Vander's son, and now this boy of Veronica's. Still, we must also confirm whether Lyrus has the ability for cross-dimensional spatial travel, like his mother once achieved despite being only Legendary Rank. It sounds absurd, but I am putting my hopes on him.
Bill: If he says he can do it, then it's as good as guaranteed.
Leticia: You've truly become that boy's biggest supporter in such a short time. And you're even bringing all your beasts to Avalon in hopes that he can evolve them into Mythical Rank.
There were nine of Bill's beasts accompanying them on the train.
Bill: He already agreed. I sent my beasts' blood samples ahead of time, and he told me he has already prepared the serum for their evolution. He's never lied to me—not once. Besides, every single beast under Avalon Sect's members has already been elevated to Mythical Rank. And yet, even now, you still don't fully believe it.
Leticia: Hmph. I'll admit, I'm curious.
Bill: By the way, madam… forgive my boldness, but what is the true reason behind the major Eight Clans of Culvary amassing forces and resources in such excessive numbers? It's affecting both the economy and the common people.
Leticia: That is also one of the reasons I must meet with Lyrus. It's better I explain once we reach Avalon, not here on a train where others may overhear. The matter is of grave importance.
Seeing the serious expression on Leticia's face, Bill realized this was something monumental—something that could affect not only the Culvary Nation but the entire continent. And indeed, it already was. The massive resource movements of the Culvary Council of Eight, the unrest within the Empire, the turmoil spreading across Tevera, the sudden beast hordes that killed billions, the rise of the new Churches of Avalon—bearing the same name as the Avalon Sect co-founded by Lyrus—and now the emergence of millions of Arachnids and Insectman Spiders that swept away every beast horde across the continent. These events were shaking nations to their core.
Bill: I see…
---
Meanwhile, deep in the Western Wildlands, within the Nebelius Clan's aligned territory—
ROAR!
A beast hunted relentlessly, its figure towering atop a mountain of serpent corpses.
Murus.
Murus: I've strayed far from Avalon…
For the past month, he had hunted without pause, devouring prey after prey, growing stronger with each passing day.
Another roar thundered out, his power surging violently like a storm unleashed. Suddenly, the skies darkened. Black clouds gathered above.
Murus: So, I've reached the threshold.
Lightning tribulation descended. Bolts rained upon him with destructive intent. Yet Murus was unfazed—excited even, as though a great feast had arrived.
Murus: ROAR!
His jaws opened wide, and he devoured the tribulation lightning head-on.
Murus: More… MORE! Give me more! Hahaha!
With each bolt consumed, his aura skyrocketed further, surging like an unstoppable torrent.
---
Gaban (Watcher): How did a beast like this end up here?
The Watchers had rushed to the site, drawn by the commotion of endless explosions and quakes shaking the land. What they found was astonishing: a colossal, horned wolf-beast, mercilessly slaughtering the serpent population of the region, now standing against heaven's tribulation itself.
Arnold (Watcher): That beast—it's Avalon Sect's! How did it get all the way here? Still… this is convenient. It's clearing the region of dangerous beasts.
Reports had been flooding in from hunters about this beast. Strangely, it never attacked humans. On the contrary, many testified that it saved them from death against stronger monsters. Despite its terrifying presence, it spoke, and could be reasoned with. Some hunters even followed it, profiting from the remains of the prey it left behind.
Gaban: Incredible… A tribulation meant to annihilate, devoured as though it were food. How can such an absurd creature belong to a mere sect newly established?
Carlos (Watcher): They say Avalon was founded by a descendant of the Eisien Clan. This beast must be theirs.
Arnold: That explains its strength.
Sheina (Watcher): (snapping a picture, then searching online) …No way. It's not in the database. Its lineage is completely unknown—unregistered.
Arnold: Perhaps a forged beast, or some rare variant. Such things happen occasionally. Or maybe the result of bloodline experiments…
ROAR!
The tribulation ceased. Murus's enormous body floated upward, radiating silvery light that condensed into a glowing sphere in the sky.
Sheina: It's evolving! A Mythical Beast ascending into an Ancestral Lord… what a sight!
The sphere continued to shrink, converging tighter and tighter.
Gaban: From such a massive form… is it compressing into something smaller?
The sphere stopped at four meters wide. Then, in an instant, an overwhelming aura burst out—an Ancestral Lord's presence. The land below was torn apart, winds howled, and the ground cratered under the sheer pressure.
Carlos: Its power… overwhelming!
Arnold: That's the might of an Ancestral Lord.
Though the Watchers had witnessed many such breakthroughs before, this was different. This beast radiated the might of an Ancestral Lord not just newly ascended, but seasoned and tempered as though it had reigned at that level for years.
Suddenly, the sphere collapsed again. A humanoid figure emerged.
Four meters tall, two white horns, the physique of a beast and a man combined—
The Royal Wolven Beast, Murus, reborn in humanoid form.
Murus: ROAR! Hahaha! This strength! Ahhh—I'm overflowing with power! Master was right… endless hunting, endless devouring, pushing myself to the brink without rest—it has made me evolve beyond limits!
But his eyes narrowed, a spark of rivalry in them.
Murus: Still… this power can't yet compare to Agarez, Yalzar, Kargaren, or Severeno. Those brothers are truly strong. But with this new form—my speed, my combat ability—I can at least stand toe-to-toe with them. Not bad… not bad at all. Hahaha!
And with a thunderous laugh, Murus soared, vanishing deeper into the wildlands.
---
Meanwhile, at the White Domain, Lyrus was with Nigel, Nuxar, Remus, Rester, Tyron, and Rion.
Lyrus smiled faintly.
Lyrus: "Hmm… Murus? Haha. It seems your brother Murus has gone ahead of everyone else and broken through to the Ancestral Lord Rank first."
The group was surprised.
Nuxar: "Now that you mention it, Master… Murus has been gone for quite some time. So, he's been busy making himself stronger all along."
Lyrus: "Exactly. I guided his growth, and it seems I was right. But the six of you have also done your best. Once you undergo this transformation, you might step into the Ancestral Lord Rank as well—especially you, Nigel and Nuxar. As for the four of you, you'll reach the peak of the Mythical Rank, just a step away from becoming Ancestral Lord yourselves."
Tyron: "We will do our very best to meet your expectations, Master."
Rester: "We will not fail you, Master."
Rion: "Nor will I."
Lyrus's eyes lingered on Rion.
Lyrus (thought): This one… he might also reach the Ancestral Lord Rank soon.
Rion had been amassing a massive reserve of energy all this time. But through Lyrus's observation, he noticed a flaw in the beast's cultivation. Now that Rion had reached the Mythical Rank, his body might not be able to withstand the process of evolution required to refine such vast energy. Left unchecked, this could lead him to stagnation—trapped at one realm, unable to advance further.
That was why Lyrus included Rion in this group despite his strength and uniqueness. With careful calculation, Lyrus knew that if things continued as they were, Rion might never reach the true apex. A remedy had to be made now, in the early stages, before the flaw became irreversible.