Chapter 7 – The First Clash in the City
Just then, a calm but steady voice came from the entrance as a handsome young man stepped inside the shop.
"Elder Dubral… are you preparing to send someone to that dangerous Manasarovar again?"
All eyes turned to the newcomer.
The boy looked about sixteen. Tall, clean features, eyes sharp with confidence. His clothes screamed city nobility—black suit, a slender sword at his waist, a small bag slung over his shoulder. His smile carried a mix of friendliness and hidden danger.
At the sudden arrival, the old shopkeeper (Dubral) smiled slyly.
"Ah, young representative of the Vajra Division, Vikram… what brings someone as busy as you to this old man's humble shop today?"
Vikram returned a light smile.
"I don't have time to spare. I was just passing by. But when I heard Elder Dubral is once again preparing to push someone into the jaws of death, I had no choice but to stop in."
Hearing Vikram's words, Elder Dubral chuckled with cunning.
"But from what I've heard, you yourself are heading to Manasarovar to obtain an Ice Lotus, aren't you?"
Vikram ignored the jab. His gaze shifted to Alaric Thorne and the group. He studied them for a few moments, as if recalling an old memory. Then, smiling, he said,
"So… this boy is at the eighth phase of the Zero Realm and very close to the ninth."
"And you just told him about that dangerous place so he could break through."
Alaric Thorne's breathing quickened slightly. He looked at Vikram in surprise. Garrick, Samara, Tarun, and Anika were equally stunned.
Vikram stepped forward, looking at Alaric Thorne and the others with a smile.
"No need to be so tense. My name is Vikram. I'm the young representative of the Vajra Division, and I'm participating in this year's Sapphire Pavilion entrance competition."
Then he looked at the group and asked,
"Who are you all, and where are you from?"
Alaric Thorne replied in a calm but cautious voice,
"Alaric Thorne. That's my name. I'm here with my friends to take part in the outer division entrance competition of the Sapphire Pavilion."
At Alaric Thorne's answer, Vikram's eyes gleamed faintly. Smiling, he said,
"Alaric Thorne… nice name. Listen, there's no need to be so nervous. What Elder Dubral said is true—Manasarovar is genuinely extremely dangerous.
But… do you know that long ago, there was an ancient agreement between humans and spirit beasts? Only a handful of people know about it.
According to that agreement, if a warrior who hasn't yet awakened has already crossed the fifth phase of the Zero Realm, they are permitted to enter Manasarovar.
And if trained properly there, one can easily reach the final phase of the Zero Realm.
And if your luck is truly exceptional and you obtain an Ice Lotus… you could even break through from the Zero Realm straight into the Awakened Realm."
At Vikram's words, a spark lit in Alaric Thorne's eyes, but he quickly controlled his excitement and glanced calmly at Garrick.
Garrick immediately understood the look and protested,
"This is impossible! Crossing from eighth to ninth phase in such little time? And in a place like Manasarovar?
And obtaining an Ice Lotus there is even harder."
Vikram laughed lightly.
"In this world, nothing is truly impossible… if you have the right companion."
He ignored Garrick and looked directly at Alaric Thorne, smiling.
"Do you think you're ready for this? Or do you think you're foolish enough to let such a golden opportunity slip away?
Chances like this don't come often. And in this world, nothing is gained without taking risks."
Vikram's tempting words made Alaric Thorne fall silent for a long moment.
Two emotions warred inside him:
One side—the excitement of possibly reaching the ninth phase, and perhaps even obtaining an Ice Lotus if luck favored him.
The other side—caution. He had just left the forest. He wasn't skilled at reading people's faces yet.
He clearly remembered his master's words:
"Never blindly trust anyone. But never miss an opportunity either."
On the other side, Samara, Tarun, and Anika exchanged glances.
After a long internal struggle, Alaric Thorne finally made up his mind.
"Fine. I choose to trust you."
At Alaric Thorne's words, Vikram smiled immediately.
"Then shall we become friends? I'm heading that way too. Traveling together would be better."
Garrick thought for a moment, then nodded reluctantly.
"Alright… but with caution."
Hearing them agree, Elder Dubral smiled and pulled out an old map, handing it to Alaric Thorne.
"Take this map. It shows Manasarovar and the surrounding area. I'm giving it to you for free. But remember—surviving there requires not just strength, but also a sharp mind."
Alaric Thorne accepted the map. The moment he touched it, a faint warmth spread through his palm.
Afterward, the group stepped out of the shop.
As they left, Vikram said quietly,
"One more important thing: you won't be alone. Right now, many other groups and individuals are heading to Manasarovar. Everyone wants to become stronger as quickly as possible.
So we need to leave soon—otherwise, by the time we arrive, everything might already be taken."
Alaric Thorne looked toward the distant horizon.
Then Vikram smiled and said,
"If you're ready, meet me in one hour at the main gate outside Horizon City. I'll be there with my companions."
Alaric Thorne paused for a moment. His master's words echoed again:
"Never blindly trust anyone. But never miss an opportunity either."
He nodded slowly.
"Alright."
Garrick thought for a moment, then added,
"We need to be extremely careful. But if what this boy says is true, this could be a huge opportunity for all of us."
Samara said excitedly,
"I think it's a good chance. We shouldn't let it slip."
Tarun nodded.
"Let's see what happens."
Anika looked at her brother Garrick and said softly,
"Brother… whatever you decide."
Vikram gave a light smile, looked at everyone, and said,
"Then we meet in one hour."
As he left, his gaze lingered on Anika for a single moment—but no one noticed.
Then he turned and walked away.
The group and Vikram parted ways.
They headed back toward the inn. Alaric Thorne walked in silence. Many questions swirled in his mind—
What exactly is Manasarovar?
Can one really reach the ninth phase so quickly?
And Vikram… can he be trusted?
Back at the inn, Garrick said,
"Pack quickly. Time is short."
Everyone gathered their belongings—herbs, weapons, water bottles, some food.
Alaric Thorne stood by the window. Outside, the city bustled—people laughing, shops open, children playing.
He had never seen such a large city. A strange restlessness stirred in his heart.
Anika came to his side. Her voice was soft.
"Brother Alaric… are you scared?"
Alaric Thorne smiled lightly, teasingly.
"A little. It's all… new."
Anika took his hand and smiled.
"We're all with you. You don't need to be afraid."
Then Garrick gathered everyone.
"Come on, it's time to leave."
They slowly stepped out of the inn
and headed toward the main gate of Horizon City.
As they approached the gate, Alaric Thorne's eyes widened.
A huge crowd had already gathered there.
Many groups, lone warriors, even some families—all heading toward Manasarovar.
Some were checking weapons. Others buying herbs. Some talking with companions.
Alaric Thorne thought to himself,
"It seems the news has spread everywhere. Finding a spot there will be truly difficult.
So many people… all wanting to become stronger."
Garrick said,
"Because of the competition, everyone wants to become powerful quickly. Opportunities for training in Manasarovar don't come often."
They were waiting for Vikram when suddenly a boy came running and collided with Anika.