As the portal's last remnants faded away, those who'd entered found themselves standing on a floating island in the midst of an endless expanse of clouds. The sky was painted with hues of purple and gold, studded with unfamiliar constellations. It felt like a dreamscape, both beautiful and eerie at the same time.
The island was a tapestry of varied terrains – from dense forests with trees bearing iridescent fruits to serene lakes with water so clear that it looked like glass. There were mountains that gleamed like gemstones and valleys echoing with the whispers of ancient times.
But what caught everyone's attention were the myriad floating pathways connecting various islands. Each path was made of a luminescent material, shining in the ambient light, guiding the way.
Alexander looked around, a frown forming on his face. "This is unlike anything I've ever seen. It doesn't match any descriptions of known secret realms."
Flora nodded, her eyes darting around, trying to make sense of the scenery. "It's as if this place is...alive."
The beasts that had entered with them seemed to be in various states of emotion. Some looked reverent, bowing their heads in prayer, while others seemed overwhelmed, their bodies trembling. It was clear that, even for them, this realm was awe-inspiring.
Suddenly, a melodious voice echoed through the vast expanse. "Welcome to the Primal Ascendance Convergence, a realm of trials, evolution, and discovery. Here, strength and wisdom will be tested, and only those worthy will ascend to a higher existence."
Rhydian felt her bloodline thrumming with excitement. The voice's resonance with her very being was undeniable. "This realm... It's meant to evolve us," she murmured, her eyes gleaming. Her ability to speak had improved greatly over the last few months, and she was now able to talk almost like a normal person.
Mira frowned, glancing at her. "What do you mean?"
"The realm's energy is resonating with our bloodlines. It's like a call, beckoning us to grow, to transform," Rhydian explained, her predatory gaze fixed on the distant islands.
At the same time, Mira felt a stir from within her Sub-Zero 9-Tailed Fox Progenitor Bloodline. It was as if it was trying to drag her in a certain direction.
'Hmm? What the hell?' Her eyes narrowed in apprehension.
The 'Progenitor' part of her bloodline seemed to be what was roused the most. To this day, Mira still wasn't quite sure what that title meant or what sort of abilities she'd gain from being a progenitor.
For every species, there was a first of their kind, or in other words, a Progenitor. From them, their long lineage then trickled down over time, creating the vast array of races that are found today all from that singular being.
However, at the same time, not all Dragons, Phoenixes, etc., are the progenitors of their species. They are merely the closest related offspring of the original.
This was what confused Mira. 9-Tailed Foxes already existed. So, why did she also gain the title of Progenitor? Was it because of what she did in the trial for the bloodline? Or was there something more?
'Seems like this place might really be of some use.' A subtle smile crept up on Mira's face, only to be replaced by indifference when she noticed all sorts of eyes on her.
'Back to being public enemy number one, I suppose.'
While she looked around, the words about exploring her beastly origins from the 'trickster beast' resonated in her mind. For some reason, she felt like she might be able to better explore that untapped part of herself here.
Meanwhile, Damon frowned, adjusting his robes. "Strength and wisdom? How is that fair to everyone else? Can't we just destroy everyone here and take all the loot for ourselves?"
In fact, looking around, he finally noticed that most of the beasts who entered had varying degrees of strength. However, although they looked at everything in awe and wonder, it was quite clear that this wasn't what they expected.
'Either the Realm changes every time, or those who already entered don't share their stories with the younger generations.' The Sect Masters speculated, leaning toward the former.
This was a place for them to gain strength. Of course, they'd want their descendants to know as much as possible.
As if on cue, the voice spoke again. "Each island holds a trial tailored to challenge your abilities and help you grow. To ascend, one must overcome a set number of trials. However, be warned: some trials are deadlier than others. Choose wisely."
The islands in the distance started to emit a soft glow, each radiating a unique aura. Some seemed peaceful, emanating a calming presence, while others pulsated with raw, untamed energy.
Mira pointed at an island covered in dense mist. "That one seems... interesting."
Rhydian, on the other hand, looked in a different direction toward an island filled with massive, ancient trees, tons of fruit dangling from those trees, and vibrant flora.
"It's… leading me over there." She said, her heart thumping in her chest.
Meanwhile, Elenei felt a similar call to the island Mira planned on heading to.
Aelina shook her head, chuckling. "Seems like we all have our own paths to follow." She eyed a distant island that was surrounded by lightning. "I'll head there."
The Sect Masters and their disciples began to choose their paths. Some teamed up, while others decided to venture alone. The floating pathways lit up under their feet as they embarked on their journeys, each stepping into the unknown.
Rhydian, knowing that Mira would be fine by herself, left without hesitation.
Understanding that her instincts seemed to have taken over, Mira just shook her head and walked in the direction of the island filled with mist.
However, before she could god, a few hundred disciples decided to block her path with weapons drawn.
"Sorry, Mira," The woman in front apologized, "It's nothing personal, but defeating you is our best chance at attaining the Prime Disciple position."
Mira gave them a deep, indifferent look, causing some of the weaker-willed disciples to turn away. However, they all seemed to be in agreement that they'd defeat Mira first and deal with the aftermath later.
Not one to waste words on a few randoms, she sighed and gestured for them to come. "Let's get this over with."
The disciples charged forward with fervor, believing that their combined strength would easily overcome Mira's singular might. Swords clashed, arrows were let loose, and Qi was unleashed.
Mira's movements were fluid, each motion perfectly timed and executed. A swift side step, and she dodged a barrage of arrows. With a simple flick of her wrist, an incoming attack was deflected. She used her hands to their full potential – one moment forming them into fists that delivered crushing blows, the next spreading them out to catch a blade in mid-air or redirect an opponent's charge.
It was a masterclass of combat, with Mira looking as if she was dancing rather than fighting. Her foes, who had approached her with such confidence, now found themselves being tossed aside like ragdolls or rendered immobile with a precise pressure point strike.
As the battle progressed, a few of the disciples tried to regroup and strategize, but Mira was relentless. Within a few breaths, another wave would fall, their bodies colliding with the luminescent paths, causing ripples to cascade outward.
The final opponent, the woman who had spoken before, stood trembling, her bravado completely shattered. With a swift leap, Mira closed the distance between them. The disciple tried to raise her weapon in defense, but before she could make a move, Mira's hand met her chest, driving her to the ground.
It was over. The entire confrontation had lasted no longer than a minute.
Mira stood amidst the fallen, her breathing even, not a single hair out of place. She looked down at the woman who had instigated the challenge and shook her head in disappointment. "Weak." She muttered, then turned around and walked toward her destination, a few hundred new tokens in her possession, which somehow entered her own token and showcased a number on it.
The girls all looked trembled at her words, feeling more hurt mentally than emotionally by the fact that they were destroyed so easily by Mira. The woman never made an appearance, so even though they'd seen the footage and heard stories of her strength, they didn't believe the difference would be this overwhelming.
What was even worse was that Mira left their bodies in good condition so they could continue without any issues.
***
Walking to the mist-covered island, Mira already forgot about what had happened.
She took a deep breath, feeling the subtle tug of the island's energy urging her closer. The mist outside the island was cool and refreshing, with a subtle, tantalizing scent, which seemed to have traces of a memory she couldn't quite grasp. Each step brought forth sensations that were both foreign and eerily familiar.
It wasn't long before she eventually crossed the 'bridge', which, after she stepped onto the island, disappeared.
