The transport lifted off without fanfare, slicing through Vandor's skies. Kaleo sat alone in the cockpit, the city shrinking beneath him like a forgotten memory. The sunlight glinted off the edge of his sword—fully restored, humming faintly with the Aether Core's partial resonance.
[Kaleo Status: Vessel Secure. Location: Vandor Orbit. Core Stage: Awakened (Partial). Divine Treasure Access: Limited. S-Rank ID Active.]
He didn't look back. Vandor had been a stop, a training ground, nothing more. Two months had turned into four years of silent battle in the pocket world, and now the realms beyond awaited.
[Halburn Cultivation Update: Earth Stage Complete. Spirit Awakening Realm Progress: 42%. Core Manifestation Stage — Pending.]
The ring on his finger pulsed lightly, sensing his departure. Even in semi-dormancy, the Aether Core responded to his movement, mapping potential paths, evaluating dangers, and marking celestial anomalies in the universe.
[Kaleo System Update: Navigation Matrix — Operational. Celestial Energy Scan — Active. Threat Assessment — Low (Current Sector).]
He had left Vandor in order. Resources hidden, Lyra provided with enough to stabilize her holdings and rebuild, the S-Rank ID secure. No one could trace him—not even the Dark Elves—without revealing themselves.
The silence of space pressed against him, a familiar companion. He studied the readouts: neighboring worlds, trade lanes, and abandoned star routes. Every signal, every flicker of energy was cataloged in the Core.
[Core Log: Universe Awareness Module — Partial Access Granted. Data Acquisition — Ongoing. Edicts Pending Activation.]
His memory crystal glowed faintly. The Halburn cultivation manual awaited him, and though the Earth Stage was complete, the next stage beckoned.
[Kaleo Cultivation Update: Heaven Stage — Early. Vitality +8%, Spirit Force +12%, Resonance +5%.]
The journey would be solitary. No Lyra, no companions, no distractions. Only him, the Aether Core, and the universe.
A soft alert chimed from the Core:
[Core Message: Potential Anomaly Detected — Celestial Signature Proximity. Probability: High. Recommended Observation.]
Kaleo didn't flinch. He had faced worse. Four years of near-death trials, mythical beasts, and legendary opponents had honed his instincts beyond the measure of most mortals.
He gripped his sword.
[Kaleo Combat Status: Ready. Reflexes +15%, Enhanced Senses +20%. Battle Protocols — Active.]
Ahead, a tiny glimmer of a system world appeared. Part machine, part organic—an abandoned Mechanis outpost orbiting a barren moon. Energy readings suggested active divinity flux, perhaps a leftover from the Halburn war.
[Core Log: Scan Complete. Energy Source — Fragmented Celestial Tech Detected. Risk Level: Moderate.]
Kaleo didn't hesitate. He maneuvered toward the outpost, the ring securing his personal cargo and supplies. The ship cut through the void, silent and precise.
[System Update: Resource Allocation Complete. Artifact Monitoring — Active. Cultivation Synchronization — In Progress.]
He knew the path forward would not be easy. The universe was vast, full of danger, and the Aether Core was only partially awake. But the Halburn way demanded mastery, not comfort.
[Kaleo Mental Status: Focused. Resolve: Absolute. Will to Live — Confirmed.]
And so, leaving Vandor behind, Kaleo stepped into the infinite, carrying only the fragments of his past, the pulse of the Core in his chest, and the silent promise of Halburn destiny.