Astral Epoch

The first light of morning barely touched the horizon, casting a pale golden glow over the Starborn Ruins. Majestic and mysterious, the site perched atop the mountain peaks, encircled by ancient Four Symbols stone pillars. At the center stood a council platform, intricately engraved with Starborn runes. The air hummed with faint spiritual energy, and every breeze made the runes shimmer as if they still whispered the grand tales of the past. Yet the ruins no longer held the glory of bygone days—parts of the structures had collapsed, and scattered stone fragments littered the ground. The wear and tear, the result of years without restoration, bore testament to the decline of the Four Symbols Guardians. Today, however, this place would host a gathering that would shape the future—the first meeting of the Four Symbols Guardians.

Adrian followed Seth into the ruins, his gaze sweeping over the decaying but still towering structures. A mixture of familiarity and unfamiliarity stirred within him, an overwhelming pressure weighing on his chest. He knew this was no mere meeting—it was a trial. He had to prove himself worthy in the eyes of the Starborn Guardians. In that moment, the weight of the ruins seemed not only to oppress him but to amplify a brewing tension in the air, as though an unspoken confrontation was already unfolding.

As Adrian stepped onto the central council platform, faint light coursed through the veins of the runes. Beams of radiant energy crisscrossed in the air, seeming to ignite the long-silent Starborn Ruins. He stood still, his eyes scanning the scene, noting four figures standing solemnly before the Four Symbols pillars, waiting.

The first to speak was Vital, draped in a black cloak. The wind tugged at the edges of his garment, revealing eyes sharp as blades. He regarded Adrian for a moment, his voice flat, without any hint of emotion. "The Azure Dragon's legacy? All I see is an untested youth." He snorted lightly, folding his arms, clearly skeptical.

Cayne stood beneath the Black Tortoise pillar, as unmovable as the mountain itself. Clad in dark gold battle armor, he held a massive bronze war spear with both hands. His gaze was calm, his eyes deep with years of experience. Unlike Vital's sharp tone, his voice was steady and measured: "The bloodline of the Starborn will return eventually, but whether it can bear such power... that, only time will tell."

Cassius stood beneath the White Tiger pillar, his silver battle armor gleaming. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he stepped forward, his voice casual but biting. "No matter your bloodline, strength alone determines the outcome." He paused, letting the words linger before delivering them with a cutting finality: "Adrian, we don't need another fool who can only boast about family honor."

Leah stood beside the Azure Dragon pillar, her expression calm, though the slight furrow of her brows betrayed her inner emotions. She said nothing at first, silently observing Adrian's reaction, her gaze laced with a hint of concern.

The atmosphere in the council hall was taut, as if the very air were stretched thin by the tension. Each person's attitude toward Adrian differed, but one thing was clear—his arrival had not been met with unanimous acceptance.

Adrian stood quietly at the center of the council platform, the invisible pressure of four piercing gazes weaving around him. His fingers tightened ever so slightly beneath his sleeve, but his expression remained calm, betraying no sign of his inner thoughts. He knew that whether they were skeptical, observant, or dismissive, they were all waiting for him to speak.

He took a deep breath and slowly began: "It is natural for you to doubt me. But I am not here to prove my bloodline. I am here because of a common enemy—the Legion of Dusk." His eyes locked with Vital's, his voice firm. "If you think the power of the Starborn is merely a legacy of blood, continue doubting. But if you wish to see the truth, understand this—we no longer have the luxury of division."

Vital narrowed his eyes, a sneer twisting his lips. His gaze was sharp, his tone dripping with contempt: "Ridiculous." He scoffed, his voice light yet scornful. "The true Azure Dragon Guardian would never wait for his family to be destroyed before awakening. If you're as reliable as you claim, why couldn't you save your own family?"

The words hung in the air, freezing the moment.

Adrian's heart clenched, but he didn't flinch. Instead, he returned Vital's gaze with cold determination, a spark of battle intent lighting in his eyes. He wouldn't shy away from the truth—he hadn't been able to save his family. But that didn't mean it would break him.

"I couldn't save my family," he said, his voice low, like distant thunder rolling beneath dark clouds, slowly gathering strength. "But I survived." He took a step forward, his tone steady, unwavering. His gaze swept across the group, one by one. "Surviving means I still have a chance." His voice carried, resonating through the ruins, imbued with an undeniable resolve. "The Legion of Dusk won't wait for us to agree. If you can't accept me, then step forward and let me convince you—with victory."

His words reverberated through the ruins, filled with a determination that brooked no argument.

At that moment, Cassius let out a mocking laugh, slowly drawing his longsword from his waist. The blade gleamed sharply in the morning light, the killing intent rising subtly. "Convince us with victory? Sounds interesting." He raised the tip of his sword, pointing it directly at Adrian, a dangerous smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "Since you're eager to prove yourself through force, why don't we settle this right now?"

The air thickened instantly, the tension on the verge of erupting.

Adrian's gaze fixed on the unsheathed longsword, its blade razor-sharp, catching the faint light and exuding a cold, murderous aura. He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he slowly raised his head, locking eyes with Cassius. The blue lightning in his gaze flickered, like a storm on the brink of breaking.

"What kind of trial do you want?" Adrian's voice was calm—neither fearful nor in a rush to prove himself.

Cassius smirked, taking slow, deliberate steps forward. The sound of his silver boots striking the ancient stone echoed sharply, each step heavy with intent. His fingers traced the edge of his sword, and his eyes gleamed with mockery. "Quite simple. A one-on-one duel. No external interference, no retreat, and no one else should get involved." He stopped just in front of Adrian, his gaze as sharp as his blade. "If you win, I'll take back my words. If you lose, you'll admit you're unworthy."

Kane furrowed his brows, concern clouding his features. "With the enemy at our doorstep, we should be discussing how to unite against the Legion of Dusk, not engaging in petty infighting." He turned his gaze on Cassius, his expression stern, tinged with warning. "Are you testing his strength, or is there something more to this?"

"Testing?" Cassius scoffed, flicking his wrist. The blade sliced through the air with a low hum, its power barely contained. "This is no test. I want to see if this Azure Dragon-blooded genius truly has what it takes to stand with us. We don't have time for a fool to grow into something worthwhile."

Vital sneered, crossing his arms and leaning back in his seat. "If even Cassius can't defeat him, then how could he inherit the Starborn power?" A mocking smile twisted his lips. "Adrian, you're not afraid, are you?"

Adrian's fists clenched slowly, the joints turning white. Though his body wasn't fully recovered, the trials in the Star Soul Ruins had solidified his resolve. He knew that backing down now would cost him more than just the fight—it would cost him their respect. He couldn't afford that. Not now.

He exhaled slowly, loosening his grip, and reached out. The Thunder Spear materialized in his hand, its shaft crackling with azure lightning, like a dragon stirring within his grasp.

With a steady, determined look, he raised the spear and pointed its tip directly at Cassius. "If you want a trial, then come."

The tension in the air escalated, as if the very ruins themselves could feel the forces about to clash. Two opposing powers—Azure Dragon and White Tiger—ready to collide. The ground beneath them seemed to tremble, waiting for the storm that was about to break.

The air froze in that moment at that moment, with all the onlookers holding their breath, their eyes fixed on the impending battle. A faint smile curved Cassius's lips as he stepped forward, his figure vanishing in a blur. His sword, sharp and cold, descended with a cutting intent that sliced through the air before the blade even reached its target.

Adrian's pupils contracted. With a swift motion, he raised his Thunder Spear, its shaft crackling with blue lightning as it arced toward the descending sword. The clash of metal sent sparks flying, the collision igniting a violent gust that tore up the ground beneath them. The ancient stones of the Four Symbols Ruins groaned under the pressure, cracking with the shockwaves.

Cassius's swordplay was like a relentless storm, each strike coming faster than the last. The sword light became a silver torrent, continuously pressing forward, testing Adrian's defense. With every clash, the blade came dangerously close to Adrian's vital points, precise and deadly. It was clear now that Cassius was not merely "testing" Adrian—he was intent on crushing him.

Adrian's teeth gritted together as he struggled to keep up. The Thunder Spear flipped in his hands, barely managing to parry the relentless onslaught. His hands were growing numb, and his arms trembled with the force of each blow. While he had awakened the Azure Dragon's Might, his combat experience was still far behind Cassius's seasoned expertise.

"You can't win with just strength," Cassius remarked coldly, his sword shifting with a sudden change of pace. He slid sideways, his body moving like a shadow, reappearing beside Adrian. His sword flashed in a horizontal cut, as fast as lightning.

Adrian's reflexes were a fraction too slow. He twisted his body in an attempt to evade, but the sword still sliced across his shoulder, blood immediately soaking his sleeve.

"Nice reaction, but still not enough," Cassius said, his eyes cold. His sword rose once again, ready for the next attack.

In that instant, Adrian's gaze sharpened, his expression hardening. The Thunder Spear dropped slightly, its shaft lowering, as though he had intentionally left an opening.

Cassius's brow furrowed, but his instincts took over. He lunged forward, the sword tip aimed directly at Adrian's chest.

"Thunder Spear... Break!" Adrian growled, his voice low but filled with determination.

In the next instant, the Thunder Spear shot upward with explosive speed, its blade erupting in blinding lightning. Electric arcs surged along its length, tearing through the air like wild serpents. The spear collided directly with Cassius's sword, and the resulting explosion of energy shattered the ground beneath them.

The shockwave rippled outwards, sending both combatants stumbling back. The air crackled with residual energy, and for a moment, the dust and debris obscured the scene, leaving the outcome of their clash uncertain.

As the dust slowly settled, two figures remained standing. Adrian was half-kneeling on the ground, his grip on the Thunder Spear steady despite the slight tremor in his arm. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead, but the weapon still crackled with arcs of blue lightning, refusing to fade. Across from him, Cassius stood unmoved, his sword hanging loosely at his side. A faint burn marked the blade, the only sign of the battle's toll on him.

For a moment, the arena was silent. The air felt thick, almost suffocating, as the remnants of their clash dissipated. Then, Cassius raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting slightly, a hint of mild surprise flashing in his eyes. He had expected to overwhelm Adrian with ease, to crush the youth's spirit. Instead, Adrian had turned the tide at the last moment, using the Thunder Spear's explosive power to neutralize Cassius's strike. Adrian was still inferior in raw strength, but his battle instincts were something Cassius hadn't anticipated.

"Your reflexes are faster than I expected," Cassius said, sheathing his sword with an almost lazy motion. His gaze lingered on Adrian, now tinged with a subtle but unmistakable hint of appraisal. "But that's still not enough to make you the true Azure Dragon Guardian."

Adrian's breath came slow and measured as he pushed himself upright, his shoulder still bleeding, but his eyes unwavering. Despite the pain, there was no hint of defeat in his stance. His journey was far from over. The battle had shown him just how much he still had to grow, but he had come a long way from the desperate man who had been cornered by the Legion of Dusk mere days ago.

"My journey hasn't reached its end yet," Adrian's voice was calm, deeper than before, with an edge of determination. He touched the tip of the Thunder Spear to the ground, extinguishing the surging blue lightning in an instant. The weapon settled into stillness, like the calm after a storm.

At that moment, a cold voice pierced the air, dripping with doubt. "But the real question is, can you even make it to the end?"

The group turned as one, their eyes falling on Vital. He stepped forward, his gaze shifting between Adrian and Seth. There was no emotion in his tone, only sharp, calculating logic. "Do you truly believe he has the qualifications to inherit the power of House Jiao?"

Seth met his gaze steadily, his expression impassive, the weight of his years showing in the steady calm that radiated from him. "It's not a matter of belief; it's a matter of fact."

Vital scoffed, crossing his arms. His eyes glinted with a keen scrutiny, as if assessing every inch of Adrian's being. "Then let the facts speak for themselves."

The atmosphere thickened, tension hanging in the air like a storm cloud waiting to burst. The meeting of the Four Symbols Guardians had reached its true test, the subtle power struggles between them now laid bare for all to see.

The hall fell into a heavy silence, the tension palpable. It was Vital who broke it, his voice cutting through the stillness, dripping with skepticism. "So, this is the Azure Dragon's heir? A half-baked individual who can't even control his own power?" His eyes swept over Adrian with open contempt. "Seth, is this truly your idea of a successor, or are you only pushing him forward because of his bloodline?"

Adrian's fingers tightened around the Thunder Spear, the cold light in his eyes reflecting the chill in the air. He held his ground, unflinching, while Seth remained composed, his voice steady and calm. "Bloodline alone does not define worth. The battlefield does."

"The battlefield?" Vital scoffed, his derision clear. "Are you referring to the fact that he nearly succumbed to a simple illusion trial?" He shifted his gaze to the others in the room. "Kane, do you also recognize this immature successor?"

Kane's hand lingered over the rough stone table, his expression unreadable. "I won't deny that his awakening surprised me. But it's not the start that matters—it's the speed of growth. In the history of the Starborn, we've seen countless prodigies who perished before reaching their potential." He paused, his piercing eyes meeting Adrian's. "If he has the time, I'm willing to wait and see." 

The atmosphere shifted, a subtle but noticeable tension thickening the air. After a beat, Vital scoffed again, this time louder, as if savoring the moment. "I hope you won't regret that decision."

Adrian's gaze swept the room, meeting the cold scorn of Vital, the intense scrutiny of Kane, the disdain of Cassius, and the silent support from Seth and Lia. It felt like every set of eyes weighed him, urging him to declare his stance. Drawing in a deep breath, he raised his head, his voice steady and unyielding. "I'm not here for the honor of House Jiao, nor for a title that means nothing. I'm here to grow stronger because I have no other choice."

His fingers tightened around the Thunder Spear, its weight grounding him in the present. "The Legion of Dusk destroyed my family. I watched my loved ones fall in their blood, forced to flee for my life. You may question my abilities, but I won't stop. No matter the path I must walk, even if it leads into the Abyss, I will walk it. I will become strong enough to protect the Starborn power—not just watch it drown in darkness."

As his words echoed in the hall, Cassius sneered, his lips curling into a cold, mocking smirk. Leaning against a stone pillar, his gaze gleamed with derision. "Strong enough to protect? You phrase it well, but too bad, this world isn't as simple as you think." He crossed his arms, eyes sharp as a blade. "Do you really believe light and darkness are just opposites? How naïve. There's no such thing as pure justice or absolute evil. Only differing perspectives. Only the victors get to define the rules. If you can't accept that, then you're destined to fail."

Adrian's gaze locked with his, a silent battle of wills between them. The air seemed to thicken, charged with unspoken defiance. At the far side of the hall, Lia stood quietly, her eyes watching Adrian with something deeper than mere curiosity. In that moment, she realized his resolve was far stronger than she had imagined. It wasn't just the raw determination to protect—there was something more, something that burned in the depths of his soul. Something unshakable.

The silence in the grand hall grew heavy, all eyes fixed on Adrian. Vital crossed his arms, a sneer twisting his lips. "Bold words," he scoffed. "But empty talk means nothing. The battlefield will prove everything, and right now... you're nowhere near enough." With a dismissive glance, he turned and walked away, his steps echoing the disdain in his voice.

But Kane was different. His gaze was deep, thoughtful. Slowly rising from his seat, he stepped in front of Adrian, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable weight. "You seek strength, and I hope you find it," he said, his tone quiet but firm. "If, one day, you can truly wield the Azure Dragon's power on the battlefield, I will recognize you as one of us. Until then... don't speak of guardianship."

Cassius, rising lazily from the stone pillar, still wore that amused smile, as if Adrian's words were a mere entertainment. "So," he said, stepping forward with a slow, deliberate pace, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Of the four of us, you're the only one who hasn't truly established your place yet, Adrian." He leaned in just slightly, his eyes gleaming with condescension. "I do hope you don't die along the way."

Adrian's gaze remained unwavering, his expression betraying no emotion. He didn't respond to Cassius's mockery. Instead, he scanned the room, his eyes finally settling on Seth. Their gazes locked, and Seth gave a subtle nod. No words were needed; the message was clear. In that moment, Adrian understood that Seth's belief in him was steadfast, even if the others still doubted.

In the far corner, Lia stood in the shadows, her eyes never leaving Adrian. Her fingers brushed the strings of her harp absentmindedly, as if lost in thought. There was something in her gaze—a quiet understanding, perhaps even a silent encouragement—though she said nothing.

The meeting came to an end, but it couldn't be called a resolution. It wasn't an alliance, nor was it a declaration of support. It was merely the calm before the storm. The four guardians stood divided, each holding their own stance, and the path ahead remained shrouded in uncertainty.

For Adrian, this was only the beginning. He had just stepped into a world where power was everything—a world where the stakes were higher than anything he had ever known. The game had changed, and now he was playing for keeps.