The ceremony had ended, but the real work was just beginning.
Kafu stood in a private chamber within the RVC headquarters, surrounded by his ten top students. They had just received their Arcana, their training assignments, and their futures.
But before they could depart, there was one more matter to address.
The door opened, and ten figures entered—the First Legends who had begged to become disciples of Kafu's students.
[THE TEN FIRST LEGENDS — ASSEMBLED]
Legend Domain Student
Primus (First Sword Legend) Sword Makena
Shadowmist (First Shadow Legend) Shadow Nyx
Venomheart (First Poison Legend) Poison Tovin (Poison)
Ironhide (First Warrior Legend) Warrior Brutus
Rageborn (First Berserker Legend) Berserker Ragnar
Spaceweaver (First Dimension Legend) Dimension Darius
Bodymaster (First Martial Legend) Martial Lin
Soulkeeper (First Soul Legend) Soul Mira
Deathwalker (First Necromancer Legend) Death Tovin (Necro)
Spiritcaller (First Spirit Legend) Spirit Kael
Primus stepped forward, his ancient eyes meeting Kafu's gold-red gaze.
"Kafu of the Ashari. We come before you with a formal request."
Kafu inclined his head. "Speak."
"We have watched your students with wonder. They are extraordinary—perhaps the most gifted generation in history. We wish to take them to our sect realms, to train them in the deepest mysteries of our arts."
The other nine legends nodded in agreement.
"We ask your permission as their master. We will not take them without your blessing."
Kafu was silent for a long moment, studying each legend in turn. He saw no deception in their eyes—only genuine respect and a desire to teach.
"Tell me about these sect realms."
---
THE SECT REALMS
One by one, the legends described their domains.
[THE TEN SECT REALMS]
Legend Sect Realm Location Training Focus
Primus Sword Heaven Universe of Swords Ultimate blade mastery
Shadowmist Shadow Void Universe of Shadows Absolute shadow control
Venomheart Poison Garden Universe of Elements (Poison Zone) Primordial toxins
Ironhide Warrior's Forge Universe of Elements (Earth Zone) Unbreakable body
Rageborn Berserker's Pit Universe of Elements (Fire Zone) Infinite rage control
Spaceweaver Dimension Loom Universe of Swords (Dimensional Rift) Reality manipulation
Bodymaster Perfection Palace Universe of Elements (Convergence) Body transcendence
Soulkeeper Soul Sanctum Universe of Souls Soul empire mastery
Deathwalker Death's Domain Universe of Souls (Death Zone) Death absolute
Spiritcaller Spirit Court Universe of Souls (Spirit Zone) Spirit kingdom
Primus continued. "Each realm has existed for billions of years. They contain knowledge and power that cannot be found anywhere else. Your students would train there for... some time."
"How long?"
"Time flows differently in each realm. A year outside could be a millennium inside. Or a day. It depends on the student and the training."
Kafu considered this. Then he nodded slowly.
"You may take them. But on one condition."
"Name it."
---
THE SOUL LINK NETWORK
Kafu reached into his storage and produced a set of ten crystalline pendants, each one pulsing with faint light.
[SOUL LINK PENDANTS — CREATED]
Aspect Value
Type Soul-bound communication device
Range Infinite (across all dimensions)
Function Instant teleportation to any pendant holder
Function Real-time communication
Function Emergency beacon
Cost 10,000,000 CP
"These are Soul Link Pendants," Kafu explained. "They connect to my soul directly. If any of my students is in danger, I will know instantly. If they need me, I can teleport to their side immediately."
He distributed them to his ten students.
"Wear these always. They will keep you connected to me—and to each other."
Makena clasped her pendant around her neck, feeling its warmth against her skin.
"Thank you, Master."
Kafu turned back to the legends. "They are your students now, in matters of technique. But they are still my family. If any harm comes to them..."
Primus raised a hand. "No harm will come to them under our watch. You have our word."
"Good. Then take them. Teach them well."
---
THE FAREWELL
One by one, the students approached Kafu to say goodbye.
Makena was last. She stood before him, her golden eyes bright with unshed tears.
"I don't know how long we'll be gone."
"I know."
"When I come back... I want to make you proud."
Kafu placed a hand on her shoulder. "You already have. Every day. Every moment. Every breath."
She embraced him fiercely. "Thank you, Master. For everything."
He held her for a long moment, then released her.
"Go. Become what you were meant to be."
She nodded, then turned and walked toward Primus. The First Sword Legend opened a portal to Sword Heaven, and one by one, the students stepped through.
When the last portal closed, Kafu stood alone.
Clone 1 appeared beside him. "They're gone."
Clone 2 materialized on his other side. "But they'll be back."
Kafu nodded slowly. "I know. And when they do, they'll be unstoppable