Two Days Later at the entrance of the Song Clan manor
A large crowd had gathered before the ornate gates of the Song Clan manor. Carriages lined the road, guards in silver-and-red armor stood at attention, and excited murmurs rippled through the sea of young cultivators.
Every few minutes, someone would step forward, report their name to the servant by the door, and be allowed inside.
"The one who just entered is Leonard Volsung, from the Volsung Clan," someone whispered. "He's only twenty-one, already in the Bone Training Stage. They're grooming him to become their seventh Semi-Elemental."
"Look over there—Dragaris and Drogaris, the twins from the Ygling Clan," another voice said. "Born with the Mirror Physique. I heard they killed a Bone Stage expert while still in the Muscle Stage."
"Fifteen years old and already that terrifying… they're probably the most talented in the Outer Region."
Amid the gossip, Asier turned to his siblings.
"Let's lie about our age," he said quietly. "We're only sixteen and already in the Brain Training Stage. If people realize that, we'll draw too much attention."
"We'll say we're twenty," Ilargia agreed. "And we should suppress our aura. People can see our physique, so we'll claim we just entered the Bone Stage."
"Smart," Nika said. "Strong enough to impress—but not enough to alarm. And no showing off in sparring matches."
"Agreed," Asier nodded. "Ilargia, get the invitations."
They stepped forward.
"Who are those three?" someone in the crowd muttered.
"I saw them at the Song Clan's shop. Elder Bong Song served them personally."
"Must have some serious backing. Bong Song's been stuck in the Brain Stage for twenty years. He's expected to break through soon."
The servant at the gate straightened when the siblings approached.
"Invitations, please?"
Ilargia handed them over.
"Welcome, honored guests," the servant said with a bow. "Lady Penelope is waiting in the main garden."
Song Clan Manor – Main Garden
The siblings were led through wide halls and polished courtyards until they emerged into a sprawling garden. Over thirty cultivators mingled beneath flowering trees, sipping tea and enjoying delicacies served by Song Clan attendants.
As they stepped into the gathering, all eyes turned toward them—some curious, others dismissive or calculating.
A tall young man approached them. His upper body was covered in tribal tattoos, his waist bound by a thick chain, and his bald head gleamed in the sunlight. His frame was even larger than Nika's.
"Greetings," he said cheerfully. "I'm Viktor Wind of the Myriad Waeg Sect. May I ask where you three hail from?"
"We're just travelers," Asier said with a friendly smile. "Vagrants of the Outer Region with no true home."
"Kindred spirits!" Viktor grinned. "I was abandoned as a baby. Raised by monks in the Waeg Sect. 'Wind' is my given name—it's tradition for orphans or illegitimate children to take the name of the major element in their domain. The sect gave me shelter, but not a real home."
He gestured toward a nearby table.
"Come, sit with us."
Seated at the table were the Ygling twins, Dragaris and Drogaris. They wore flowing white gowns, their presence sharp and contrasting—Dragaris radiating warmth, Drogaris cool and unreadable.
"I'm Nika," he introduced. "This is Ilargia, our older sister, and Asier, our younger brother."
"Triplets?" Drogaris asked, her tone flat.
"Yes," Ilargia replied with a polite smile.
Before the conversation could deepen, Lady Penelope stepped into the garden. All chatter ceased as she raised her hand.
"Thank you for attending," Penelope said. Her crimson robe shimmered beneath the sunlight. "In three months, the Bi-Elemental Barrier between the Windy Mountains Domain and the Volcanic Domain will crack open."
Her voice turned serious.
"For over fifty years, the twenty clans of our alliance have been at war with the ten tribes of the Volcanic Domain. Every ten years, when the barrier weakens, they invade—pillaging our resources and wounding our lands."
A ripple of tension moved through the crowd.
"This year, our clans are taking the initiative. We're forming an elite team to infiltrate their territory and strike back. Thomas Beowulf and I will lead this team."
Excitement buzzed in the air.
"All of you have been handpicked to join us. But first, let's deepen our understanding of one another. We will begin by discussing insights into the
With that, she descended from the pavilion—and walked directly toward the siblings' table.
"May I speak with you three alone?" Penelope asked.
Viktor and the twins stood and bowed before excusing themselves.
Penelope sat gracefully.
"You're impressive," she said, studying them. "Very impressive. You've suppressed your strength well, but I can still feel the danger you pose. I doubt I could beat you in a fair fight."
Nika smiled politely. "You're too kind. We've only just entered the Bone Training Stage at twenty. If we seem threatening, it's likely just due to youthful energy."
Penelope raised an eyebrow.
"Don't be modest. I invited you for more than just polite conversation. You heard my speech. There's a second reason I want you here: I need bodyguards."
"Bodyguards?" Asier asked, surprised. "For what?"
Penelope's smile turned bitter.
"The infiltration team isn't my only task. My clan has given me a special mission—one too dangerous to entrust to the others. It involves a Peak Origin Realm beast. I can't do it alone. And I don't trust the other clans."
Asier's eyes narrowed. "What's the pay?"
"One thousand Elemental Stones each. And whatever we find in the beast's lair."
"That's too low," Asier said flatly. "Even with the four of us, facing a Peak Origin beast is a massive risk. And the treasure might be worthless. We want one thousand and five hundred stones each. You'll get any mission-critical materials—but the rest of the loot is ours."
Penelope considered for a moment.
"I can accept the stones—but I take 25% of the lair's treasure."
Asier looked to his siblings. They nodded.
"Agreed. But we want half the Elemental Stones upfront."
Penelope extended her hand.
"Deal."
Asier shook it, sealing the pact.