"If you choose to keep that technique," Garran said coldly, "then you should be prepared to witness the destruction of the Creed Mountain Order."
His words sent a ripple through the hall.
Several elders bristled, anger flashing across their faces. But before anyone could speak, Aurelius raised a hand, signaling for silence.
"Oh?" he said dismissively. "Such confidence."
Garran stepped forward.
In the next instant, the air changed.
A terrifying pressure burst forth from him, like a dormant beast finally opening its eyes. The invisible force swept through the hall, crashing down upon the elders and Aurelius alike.
The room groaned.
It felt as if the very air had solidified, pressing down on bone, flesh, and spirit. Several elders gasped, their faces draining of color as the pressure clawed at their cores.
"I could kill every one of you," Garran said calmly, his voice devoid of emotion, "if I wished."
Silence followed.
Absolute silence.
The pressure was overwhelming, cold and suffocating, like death itself looming just a breath away.
Aurelius's expression darkened.
Even he felt it.
Despite standing at the sixth tier of the Golden Core stage, the weight bearing down on him was undeniable. It was oppressive, unmistakable.
Stronger than him.
His gaze flicked toward the elders. Many were struggling just to remain standing, their faces twisted in pain as the pressure crushed down on their spirits.
"Enough," Aurelius said quickly. "I will not take the technique."
The words came out faster than he intended.
Garran extended his hand.
"Then return it."
Without hesitation, Aurelius tossed the scroll toward him.
The moment Garran caught it, the oppressive pressure vanished as if it had never existed. The air lightened instantly, and several elders staggered back, gasping for breath.
Aurelius steadied himself, then looked at Garran intently.
"Who are you?" he asked solemnly. "An elder?"
"I am merely his bodyguard," Garran replied evenly.
The hall fell silent once more.
Aurelius's eyes widened in disbelief.
A bodyguard.
With power like that?
If this was merely a personal guard, then what kind of monsters did the Drakebane elders hide in their shadows?
He exhaled slowly.
No wonder they were considered an ancient family.
"So," Lucas said calmly, breaking the silence, a faint smile on his lips. "What about my offer, High Master?"
Aurelius's gaze sharpened. "And if I refuse?"
Lucas's smile widened slightly.
"No hard feelings," Lucas added calmly.
"I'll just offer it to the Abyssal Dominion Order instead."
The color drained from Aurelius's face.
"You wouldn't!" he said grimly.
"If it benefits me," Lucas replied with a shrug, "I don't care whether they're saints or demons."
The Abyssal Dominion.
The Order's polar opposite, an organization that flourished through forbidden arts and relentless expansion.
For generations, it had stood as the Creed Mountain Order's oldest and most dangerous enemy.
If they obtained the Soul Imprint technique, their strength would skyrocket, especially how they going to use it against humanity. The balance between powers would shatter.
Aurelius clenched his fists.
Agreeing meant handing over one of the Order's greatest legacies.
Refusing meant empowering an enemy that could one day wipe them out.
A trap.
Set by a boy barely old enough to stand among elders.
"What's your decision, High Master Aurelius?" Lucas asked calmly.
Aurelius closed his eyes and let out a slow breath.
Before anyone could react, he opened them again, his gaze sharp and penetrating.
"Before we go any further," he said calmly, "tell me this. How do you even know about the Grand Astral Method?"
His voice hardened slightly.
"And more importantly, do you understand what you're asking for?"
He rose from his seat, his presence pressing down on the hall.
"For centuries," Aurelius continued, "countless individuals have attempted to cultivate that method. Not one succeeded. Not a single one."
His eyes locked onto Lucas.
"And now an outsider walks in and demands it as if it were a common manual?"
The hall remained silent.
Lucas didn't flinch.
"You don't need to concern yourself with that, High Master," he replied lightly. "I have my own way of using it."
Aurelius studied him for a long moment.
No arrogance.
No hesitation.
Only quiet certainty.
At last, he closed his eyes once more.
"…Very well," Aurelius said, opening them again. "I accept."
"We will exchange the Grand Astral Method for the Soul Imprint."
The decision had been made.
The reaction was immediate.
"High Master, have you lost your mind?"
"That method is our foundation!"
"No technique is worth the Grand Astral!"
Voices erupted throughout the hall.
"Silence!" Aurelius roared.
A domineering aura burst forth from him, crushing the protests instantly.
"My decision is final," he said coldly. "There will be no further debate."
Lucas smiled.
The Grand Astral was finally within reach.
"But," Aurelius added, his gaze locking onto Lucas, "I have one condition."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Name it."
"Once again, join the Creed Mountain Order," Aurelius said. "You will be granted core status immediately. No trials. Full access to resources. Accept this, and the exchange stands."
Lucas shook his head, still smiling.
"You know I can't do that," he said. "My family ties with the High Heaven Order make that impossible. But I can promise this, our relationship will remain… friendly."
Aurelius sighed heavily.
He had almost forgotten.
Lucas's grandfather was one of the High Heaven Order's supreme elders.
Of course this was impossible.
"…Very well," Aurelius said at last. "I accept your terms."
"That's the wisest decision you've made today," Lucas replied pleasantly.
"We'll see," Aurelius muttered. "Elder Hawthorne. Bring the Grand Astral."
Hawthorne nodded and departed.
---
Moments later, he returned carrying a wooden case carved with intricate celestial symbols.
He handed it to Lucas.
Lucas opened the case, revealing an ancient tome radiating a faint, star-like glow.
Authentic.
He closed the lid and turned to Garran.
"Uncle Garran," he said calmly. "We have what we came for. Give them the scroll."
Garran nodded and passed the Soul Imprint scroll to Hawthorne.
Lucas inclined his head slightly toward Aurelius.
"A pleasure doing business with you, High Master," he said. "We'll be taking our leave."
And with that, the Drakebane heir turned away,
leaving behind a hall of elders who would remember this day for the rest of their lives.