Chapter 45: The Ancient Text

"Frost-Bite."

Liana reached out and grasped the silver blade.

The weapon trembled lightly. It radiated unmistakable joy.

Without sparing a glance at the other weapons, Liana cradled the blade and strode out. Passing Theo, she gave a slight nod. A small gesture of encouragement.

Theo sighed. That was way too fast.

When he looked again, the Crimson Edge had vanished back into the depths of the vault.

It seemed he’d have to take the conventional route and undergo the Crimson Edge’s trial.

"I believe you will also obtain a supreme weapon," Kaelen said, patting Theo’s shoulder.

"Let’s go."

Theo smiled and stepped forward.

Deep beneath the Armory Peak, the Crucible of Genesis still called to him. The same pull he felt during the earthquake lingered.

If he could only take one weapon. Crucible or blade?

Theo hesitated for three seconds before choosing the Crucible.

No question about it. That thing was the father of all supreme weapons.

Of course, even if he wanted it and could lift it, Elder Silas might not approve. The Crucible was the lifeblood of the peak’s forge.

"Let’s check the Crimson Edge first," he mused.

Theo and Kaelen descended to the third level of the vault.

Kaelen’s gaze swept over the array of named weapons.

A voice echoed in his mind. The spirit of an ancient Venerable.

"That girl truly has great fortune clinging to her, just as I said."

"Master, are you referring to her gaining a supreme weapon’s recognition?" Kaelen asked silently.

"For a supreme weapon to become her blade is its own blessing," the Venerable chuckled at his disciple’s limited perspective. "I speak of the legacy she obtained."

"The radiant phenomenon a few days ago?"

Kaelen’s curiosity was piqued. A spectacle of light had stretched across the sky. One theory was that Liana acquired an immensely powerful legacy.

Now, it seemed that was indeed the case. His master’s words were never wrong.

"I read of it in an ancient text," the aged voice confirmed.

"So the inheritance is powerful?"

"More than just powerful."

A trace of nostalgia tinged the Venerable’s tone.

"The Thunder Emperor’s path holds boundless mysteries. Obtaining even a fraction allows one to dominate the domains."

"If she gathers the remaining pieces, she may ascend to the legendary realm."

Kaelen frowned. He shook his head.

"I still think Theo is no less remarkable. His future achievements won’t fall short of Liana’s."

"You stubborn brat. A wager?" The Venerable laughed dryly.

Kaelen’s obstinacy was his only flaw.

"Fine, Master. What’s the bet?"

"If Theo can withstand ten moves from that girl in the upcoming tournament, I lose. I will gift you a grand technique. If I win... we discuss terms later."

Amusement laced the Venerable’s voice. His confidence remained unshaken.

Kaelen agreed without hesitation. He began selecting a weapon.

...

Theo remained blissfully unaware.

Had he known, he would have asked Kaelen where he found such blind faith.

He reached the fourth level.

His gaze fixed solemnly on the Crimson Edge resting on an obsidian pedestal.

Hum.

The blade vibrated faintly.

It vibrated with far less intensity than when it flew to Liana’s side.

It was as if Theo simply wasn’t enticing enough.

Theo smirked. A competitive fire ignited in his eyes.

Today, he would conquer it without fail.