It took a while, but Three eventually calmed down. The tears stopped first, and the shaking followed. What remained was a quiet heaviness sitting in his chest, one he didn't fully understand yet but couldn't ignore either.
Vexer watched him carefully before speaking.
"There's no need to lose hope," he said, his voice gentler than before. "If I succeed in my breakthrough and reach the level of the guardians, I will return. And when I do, no one will be able to stand against our clan. I'll make sure of it. I'll even find a way to help you awaken something."
The words lingered. For a moment, they almost felt comforting.
Then Three's voice came out quiet.
"Can the guardians give power to anyone? If so, why can't you use your connections to tell them to make me awaken? Why?"
His emotional outburst came once more as Vexer shook his head.
"If they can, then why can't you just ask them? You said you know them, right? So why not tell them to help me awaken? Why not fix this?"
The emotions came rushing back, sharper this time.
"Why?"
Vexer didn't answer immediately because the truth wasn't simple. To him, that connection was nothing more than being recognized by them. He was sure that if they were willing, they could save the clan and stop the battles with just a word. But how those guys operated, he couldn't even explain, especially with their non-interference policy. As long as the world was at peace, they had nothing else to worry about.
Vexer also knew that the reason he even knew them was because of his strength. He remembered a time when one of them appeared to him, asking if he was willing to be a guardian and be granted immense powers. But with his goals, he couldn't accept such an offer. None of the people from the Starborn Clan had ever accepted, and he wasn't ready to do that yet. After all, no power came without responsibilities.
He had seen it himself when one of them appeared before him, offering a place among them and power beyond anything this world could hold. All he had to do was accept and leave everything behind, including his family and his responsibilities.
Vexer's fingers curled slightly. He knew his decision could cause mass destruction to his clan. He was sure that if he accepted the offer, his clan would have been spared from extinction, but his selfishness got the better of him. This was the pain he had to bear, and he had steeled his heart for such a loss.
His mind had already thought of a countermeasure to get strong enough to reverse all the things that happened and restore his clan to its peak state. Vexer also knew that it was a bit delusional of him to think that way. If it were possible, why were there never any earlier descendants of the Starborn Clan willing to come back and save them? This meant that there was something going on out there which made it difficult for them to even concentrate on their world.
He had refused, not because the power wasn't tempting, but because he wasn't ready to abandon everything he had built.
And now, a faint breath escaped him. He knew the cost of that decision, and that was why he was hesitant to ascend before ensuring that he was at his limits and his foundation was strong.
"Listen, grandson. It's hard to believe this, but though the guardians have a connection with me, they are not willing to do such a thing. If only..."
He remained silent as he let Three calm down. The words trailed off.
Three didn't press further this time, feeling that the answer wasn't something he would like.
Vexer looked at him for a moment longer. If only he had more time, but time wasn't something he could bargain with anymore. Vexer knew that if he was stronger or had ten more years, or even five, Sigil would break through and become a powerhouse. He would act as a shield for the clan and maybe get another child who would be talented enough to carry the mantle.
So instead, he made a choice and stood up.
"Enough of that. Quit sulking, child. We have to enter this portal so that you can see what makes us extremely strong."
Vexer waved his hand, and the wooden seats disappeared.
Three's expression brightened, knowing that they were going on a great adventure. Though he had failed in his awakening, he was still a kid, and going on adventures was his favorite occupation.
With him not having siblings, he usually went on small adventures with his father. His grandpa only had one child, his father, and so did his father. It seemed as if their lineage followed a one-child rule.
Luckily, with no siblings or cousins, he had all the love to himself, which was why his grandfather and mother liked spoiling him so much.
He didn't have many friends, as most of them usually treated him as a young master and were scared of offending him. His life was filled with followers who were busy bootlicking him just to curry favor. That was why he liked going on adventures with his mom or dad.
"We didn't come here just to talk," Vexer said. "Come."
He gestured toward the portal.
Three followed his gaze. The red tear in space still pulsed faintly, its glow unnatural and almost alive. For a moment, fear crept back in, but alongside it came curiosity.
"Is it dangerous?" he asked, still a bit terrified of the red portal that looked like a gate to hell rather than an adventure.
Vexer let out a small chuckle.
"Have you forgotten who you're with?"
He straightened slightly, flexing his arms in an exaggerated manner.
"Your grandfather is the strongest in this world. Nothing here can hurt me."
Three couldn't help it and let out a small laugh.
"Alright..."
The fear didn't disappear, but it eased just a little.
"Now, hold onto me when we enter, and there's nothing to worry about," Vexer said as he held Three's shoulders.
Three nodded, this time without hesitation.
The red light from the portal reflected in his eyes as they stepped forward, closer, until the world twisted and the portal swallowed them whole.