" What do you mean everything you've built will be destroyed?" Three asked. His voice carried the bright curiosity of a child, though his eyes reflected the seriousness of the moment.
" After I ascend," Lucas began, his tone heavy, " everyone in this clan will be attacked. And I'm afraid… no one will survive once I leave."
The words hung in the air, cold and sharp. The faint hum of energy in the cave seemed to fade, replaced by an eerie stillness.
" Three," Lucas continued, " the path to strength is soaked in blood, danger, and loss. Do you know how many enemies I've made over my lifetime? Naturally, while I remain here as the strongest, they dare not act. But once I'm gone, the leash that holds them back will snap—and they will come for what I've protected."
He paused for a long moment, his gaze softening as he looked at his grandson.
" I've told only your father… and now you. I don't want the clan to panic—or worse, demand that I stay, even if it means ending their own lives in despair. Your father is wise. He'll do what needs to be done. I've also prepared barriers and protections for the clan, in case the worst comes to pass."
Lucas sighed deeply, the weight of centuries in his breath.
" I've spoken with the guardians as well. They said that no matter what I do, destruction will come. Yet, at the same time, they spoke of hope—a single spark that might rise from the ashes of our clan. They said that spark would come from you."
He fell silent for a moment, his expression unreadable.
" But seeing that you couldn't awaken…" His words trailed off, and his eyes dimmed with quiet sorrow. " I fear, this time, they might be wrong."
Three clenched his fists, his small hands trembling with frustration. The future of his clan—his family—was supposed to rest on his shoulders. Yet, he had failed them before he could even begin.
Lucas continued, his voice grave." And that isn't even the main reason they want to destroy our clan. The true reason lies here—in this cave. What's hidden beneath us is something they crave beyond measure, and they'll stop at nothing to claim it."
Three looked up, confusion and anger mixing in his eyes.
" Once the Starborn Clan falls," Lucas went on, his gaze distant, " the guardians said the entire world will change. Something new will be born from that destruction—something that could either bring prosperity or chaos, depending on how mankind handles it. And unfortunately, I already know which path humans are most likely to choose."
" Then why can't these so-called guardians stop it?" Three snapped, his voice rising with raw emotion. " Why call themselves guardians if they can't even guard a single clan from extinction?"
Lucas sighed, a weary sound that seemed to carry the weight of centuries." I wish I could answer that, Three. But their minds work in ways far beyond our understanding. Blaming them is pointless. The guardians do what they believe benefits the world, even if their choices seem cruel to us."
Three's jaw tightened. " So you mean destroying our clan benefits the world? That's cheap! We can't just accept that. Grandpa, you're strong—can't you force them to protect us? To give us their shield, even once?"
Lucas couldn't help but smile faintly, not out of amusement but out of deep affection for the boy's fiery determination." If only it were that simple," he said softly. " Even a million—no, a trillion of me wouldn't stand a chance against a single guardian. They are beings who have existed since before this world even became what it is today. If they wished it, they could erase me, this mountain, and everything you know with a mere thought."
He looked at Three for a long, quiet moment before adding, his tone tinged with sorrow," And if I could… I would force them to grant you a decent awakening. But some things, even I cannot change."
" So you mean they can not only protect but also grant awakenings? Who are they, and why are they that powerful?" Three asked, his small fists trembling with frustration. The unfairness of the world pressed on his heart — he had nearly died trying to awaken, while others could casually bestow such gifts as if they were mere trinkets.
" As I said earlier," Lucas replied calmly, "trying to understand how those beings think will only lead to despair. Their thoughts move on paths far beyond ours. Let them be. Otherwise, as I was saying — if they were wrong about your awakening, perhaps they were wrong about the fate of our clan too. Maybe, just maybe, there's still hope."
Three looked down, his eyes dim but listening. Lucas smiled softly, trying to lift the boy's spirit.
" Enough sulking, kid. I want to show you why this cave is special."
Lucas took a deep breath. His aura flared with controlled might, shaking the air around them. He raised his hand and made a gentle slashing motion.
The temperature dropped in an instant as space itself rippled and tore open, revealing a gash in reality that pulsed with eerie light. Three staggered back, eyes wide.
" Wh–what is that?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
" This," Lucas said with quiet pride, "is what I wanted to show you. What you see now is a tear through space — a gateway to where our true strength is forged. Beyond it lies a realm filled with trials and blessings, where even the weakest can grow stronger if they endure."
The light from the rift reflected in Three's eyes, awe slowly replacing fear.
Lucas placed a comforting hand on his grandson's shoulder. "Speaking of strength, I should tell you about the ranks that define one's path in this world. Right now, I stand at the level of Ethereal Warden. But before reaching here, one must pass through several stages of weaving their soul into power."
He paused, then spoke each rank with a measured tone, as if reciting a sacred truth.
" They are as follows: Frayed Thread, Bound Strand, Spindle Adept, Pattern Weaver, Soul Loomer, Ethereal Warden, and finally, Sovereign Weaver — the pinnacle, or what I think the name of the final cultivation is. Of course, there is a higher realm, like that for the guardians but I am yet to realize its name as they normally keep it a secret.
So the rank I am about to enter now is Sovereign Weaver. Let's not waste time and enter this gate and there, I will show you how the Starborns became strong."
Lucas said as he held Three's hand, and entered the gate that had opened up.