In a secluded part of the Battle Maiden Sect deep underground, a secret chamber was activated. As runes lit up the room, a circular formation appeared on the ground—the formation connected to different locations, allowing communication across vast distances.
Aelina stepped onto the formation, her heart calm but anticipation evident in her gaze.
The formation buzzed to life, and before her, three translucent figures appeared. These figures were projected from different continents, each representing powerful sects.
The first was an elegant woman draped in emerald robes, her black hair flailing wildly. She had sharp, feline-like eyes that betrayed her reddish-brown skin. She was known as Lysandra, the head of the Jade Serpent Sect from the Southern Continent.
Beside her was a stoic, heavily armored man with a dark beard, standing tall and imposing. His aura was like a mountain, immovable and unyielding. He was Boric, leader of the Steel Fortress Sect from the Western Continent.
Lastly, a pale, young-looking man with a mischievous smirk. Dressed in rich blue robes and adorned with golden accessories, he was the secluded Soren, chief of the Mirage Temple from the Northern Continent.
Although Aelina was the Sect Master, that didn't mean she sat around doing nothing but training or cultivating. Imagine living for thousands of years doing the same thing every day with little progress! So boring and useless!
So, instead, she traveled to the other continents, save for the Central one, and made some connections. They hardly talked, but they got along fine, and that's all she needed.
'Though, they were certainly a pain in the ass about it.' Aelina chuckled, remembering how much trouble she went through trying to get on their good sides.
While they may not be the strongest, they were all powerful in their own right. To put it simply, before Aelina entered the Secret Realm, she would've thought twice before invading their Sects, but now?
Heh~!
Pushing those needless thoughts away, she focused on the people in front of her.
Aelina nodded in greeting, "Lysandra, Boric, Soren. It's good to finally speak."
Lysandra's lips curled into a slight smile. "Aelina, it's been a while. You've grown in power."
Soren chuckled, "And reputation. I heard you caused a bit of a ruckus recently."
Boric simply nodded, ever the stoic. "It is good to see you again."
Aelina's gaze was sharp. She didn't expect word to spread that quickly, but on second thought, it made sense. The Mercenary Association distributed information to all the continents. "Thank you for your words, but pleasantries can wait. I've made contact to discuss potential alliances."
Soren leaned forward, interest evident, "Straight to the point. I like it."
Lysandra's eyes shimmered, "What do you have to offer?"
"An opportunity," Aelina said with a smirk. "Back me up when my Sect and I are in trouble. Do that, and I'll help you into the Central Continent."
"..."
The three Sect Masters froze, their expressions turning somber.
Aelina let those words settle in, as she knew it was a big claim. She would give the same offer to the other Sect Masters on the Western Continent, but…
'In the next 18 years or so, I will squeeze this Continent dry of everything it has! Everyone else can either accept it or die!' She thought, her smile widening.
Boric's gaze turned thoughtful. "That's quite the claim, Aelina. What can you do to prove the sincerity of your words?"
Aelina's smile remained as if she expected that question. However, all she did was raise her hand, point her finger at Boric, and shoot out a bolt of Qi.
A void portal opened up before his translucent figure. Then, on the projection, a projectile whizzed past Boric's face before it fizzled out.
"...I see. I agree. Contact me later for more information." Boric declared before leaving, his figure disappearing. That show of power was more than enough for him. Attacking across Continents so quickly was unprecedented. Although they could all launch an intercontinental attack, it would consume way too much Qi and effort for it to be worthwhile.
However, Aelina did it with a simple point of her finger.
The other two were clearly shaken as well, given the shock on their faces. They instantly understood that this wasn't a negotiation. It was as Aelina said–an opportunity.
After a few moments of thought, Lysandra nodded. "...Very well. Count me in."
"...Me too." Soren chimed in.
The three of them then went on to talk a bit about the specifics.
After what felt like hours of discussion, tentative agreements were formed. The details would be worked out later, but for now, the foundation was laid.
As the communication formation dimmed, Aelina let out a deep breath. The first steps had been taken, but there was still a long way to go.
In the silence of her study, she mulled over the conversations, considering the implications. Each of these sect leaders had their own motives, and she would have to be careful.
But for now, it was a start—a start to an alliance that could change the fate of continents.
***
Outside her residence, Mira watched the night sky, her senses sharp. She couldn't hear the conversations within, but she felt the ripple of energy. However, since she could also feel Aelina's aura in that direction, she dismissed this and returned her attention to the girl in her arms.
The little blood-red fox in her embrace squirmed a bit, finding a comfortable spot before she practically purred in satisfaction like a cat.
Sighing, Mira gave her a few pats on the head. "Did anything happen while I was away?"
Dominique looked up and shook her head. "No. I just trained with Hana. Since everyone was gone, there wasn't anything to do."
Mira nodded, not surprised.
"How was your trip, Mother?" Dominique suddenly asked, sitting up in her lap. "You seem a lot stronger and even have another tail! I bet the Secret Realm was amazing!"
Mira thought for a second, then nodded. "It was useful."
"..."
Hana and Dominique stared at her with blank expressions.
"Tell me more about it! What sort of things did you do? Why do you have ten tails? What was in there!?" Dominique exclaimed.
Mira sighed again but relented. 'Haaa… I really have gotten soft-hearted.' She thought.
"Very well, I'll start from the beginning. When we left, Aelina led the charge straight into the heart of the mountains…"
Mira proceeded to narrate her time in the Secret Realm.
At some point during the story, Rhydian and Elenei gathered around to listen, making Mira feel exacerbated. She really didn't want to talk so much.
The night was filled with tales of Mira's adventures, captivating everyone around her.
Dominique hung onto every word, her eyes wide with wonder. Hana was equally enchanted. Elenei and Rhydian, who were initially eavesdropping from a distance, had moved closer, becoming engrossed in the tales.
They, too, were curious about what Mira went through despite having similar experiences early on.
"...and then, in a temple, there was this profound energy that allowed me to evolve and breakthrough. Afterward, I was thrown out, and we returned," Mira said, her mouth almost dry from talking so much.
Dominique's mouth was agape. "That sounds so magical! I wish I could have been there with you."
Mira chuckled softly. "You're too weak. You would've died as soon as you stepped foot in that place. Even for someone like Aelina, there was no short of challenges."
Dominique pouted but nodded. She would find her own opportunities when she got stronger. For now, training under Mira was more than enough for her.
As the hours went by and the night deepened, Mira realized just how exhausted she was. Her time in the Secret Realm might have strengthened her, but it had also drained her mentally and physically.
"Alright, everyone, it's late. Let's get some rest." She declared, to which everyone nodded.
However, what she didn't expect was for everyone to follow her back to her room. But she didn't say anything and just let it be.
Laying on her bed, Hana and Dominique crawled to either side of her and snuggled against her tails. Elenei transformed into a small bird and hopped onto the edge of the bed.
Meanwhile, Rhydian curled up at the foot of the bed.
Mira sighed, but a slight smile played at her lips.
'Hmm~ This isn't so bad.' She thought, feeling pleased. It was nice to have someone waiting for her to come home, someone who cared for her unconditionally.
Mira shut her eyes and soon was able to drift off to sleep.
The next day, Mira woke up feeling rejuvenated. She decided to take the day off from training and instead spent time with her family, bonding and sharing stories. It was a simple pleasure but one she cherished deeply.
The following two days mirrored the same, with Mira enjoying a rare break from her intense training and responsibilities. It was a time of peace and contentment, a brief pause from the challenges that lay ahead. But for now, Mira was content, surrounded by love and the warmth of her family.
