Death... and me

There were no failures during the breakthroughs, which was expected considering the resources available for everyone. Once they were done with it, Roan looked at Burio's group and said, "Alright, that's how it goes. If there are any other kids ready for a breakthrough, you can explain it to them yourselves. It will also be useful for you. After all, your aptitudes might be lower, but you have a much better environment to work towards it."

Burio and the other adults nodded in response. They knew that Roan was right. "Don't worry, Roan. Leave the kids to us. Malo and the other older kids will be able to help as well, so it's fine."

Roan nodded before turning around to head back to his room. 

Rean also watched the breakthroughs, but in the end, his presence wasn't necessary. 

Following that, the twins passed the next few days cultivating. However, they weren't able to keep at it for too long. 

*Tremble!*

Out of nowhere, the protection formation of the valley began to shake as if someone was attacking it. In fact, that was actually the case. It's just that the strength used to do that was quite small, far from enough to break through it.

Rean, Roan, and Kentucky then rushed outside just to see that it was Gulan who was doing that. "Oh, you finally appeared. Couldn't you at least leave a way for me to communicate with you from the outside? This formation blocks both vision and Spiritual Sense, so I could only attack the formation to catch your attention."

Roan and Kentucky looked at Rean, who couldn't help but scratch the back of his head after hearing that. With an awkward chuckle, he said, "Ahem...I forgot about this detail."

Roan shook his head after hearing that, refusing to comment about it. Following that, he looked back at Gulan and said, "I believe this is the first time we've met, right? At least, this is the first time we've met while I'm not pretending to be a slave."

Gulan agreed with Roan, saying, "That's true. Well, I heard about you already, and I believe you know about me as well. With that said, let's leave the self-introductions aside. I came here with the first mission you guys will take as part of the Demon Beast Alliance."

Rean and the others narrowed their eyes in response as Rean asked, "So, the war is finally starting?"

Gulan nodded, replying, "Yes. It's still not out in the open, but several small skirmishes are already happening in some isolated territories. It won't take long before it escalates." Gulan then used his Spiritual Energy to send a jade slip to Rean's group, telling them, "Your mission is described inside. As for how you will deal with it, that's your problem."

Before Rean and the others could say anything, Gulan already turned around and shot into the distance while saying, "My duty is done. I'm leaving."

Rean, Roan, and Kentucky looked in the direction where Gulan left before looking at the jade slip in their hands. Soon, Rean said, "Well, I guess he had nothing to do with it. Let's take a look at the mission."

Surprisingly, not only was the mission explained there. The Demon Beast Alliance also created a merit point system, aiming to attract more help. 

"That's to be expected," Roan said. "You can be sure that the Soul Rulers will use the same system, considering that they haven't done it already."

Rean and Kentucky nodded in agreement with Roan's words as Rean said soon after, "Alright, let's leave that aside and check the mission out."

-Demon Beast in charge: Phex-

-Participants: Minokawa, Rean, Roan-

-The Soul Rulers are starting to build Demon Beast Aura Repression Formations. The territories where these formations are being placed are also considered the points our Alliance has its eyes on. At the moment, both sides are holding back their main experts, so no one above Stage Six or Soul Transformation Realm is being allowed to take part.-

-Mission: This is just the start of the war. All groups who have received this mission are required to destroy at least 10 of those formations. Considering the amount of materials necessary and the timespan, this is the minimum number in case we don't want to fall back in this run.-

-Each group's attacking area has been decided based on their own affinities and the location of their homes. You can find the specific area designed for your group down below.-

-Minokawa and its group's target: Celesgal Volcano Region, southwest side. It's close to the Perfiq Demon Beast Abyss, one of the demon beast areas outside the Demon Beast Continent. Reports show that 70 to 90 Demon Beast Aura Repression Formations are being built in this area. The means to achieve success will not be considered, only results.-

-We have our eyes in the area, so there's no need to worry about reporting how many formations you destroyed.-

-Mission Reward upon success: 10 Merit Points. One extra point for any additional destroyed formation during the mission.-

Rean couldn't help but ask, "What do they mean by having their eyes in the area? From what I can see on the map, that area is enormous. Also, what if some of the stronger Zasfins decide to come out in the end?"

Roan pondered over it for a bit before answering, "That's probably done by the demon beasts at Stage Seven and above. They did say that no one above Stage Six or the Soul Transformation Realm is allowed to take part, right? It probably means that those experts are there only to look. If any side decides to make a move first, the others won't stay quiet. They are repressing each other."

Roan then gave them a warning, continuing, "However, you never know what could happen, so you two better be careful. Also, Soul Transformation Realm experts are allowed. That being said, it's still pretty dangerous if a Middle Stage one or above appears."

Rean and Kentucky nodded in response as Rean replied, "In any case, that's still okay. We did want to test our powers more often, right? Now we'll have that chance."

"It's good that you understand," Roan said as he looked into the distance. "Let's head back inside and prepare to leave."