Mira: You’re not aware? How did you manage to pass the test?

  Liora: How is Lucen doing?

  Rowan: Test? What test? I don’t know anything… wait, I’m getting confused.

  Alden: He wasn’t informed about the test. It’s all Lucen’s arrangement; I recently got his message saying he’s bringing his disciple to our academy and asked me to set this up.

  Mira and Liora: So you both planned and kept this from us.

  Liora: What? You old rascal Alden, you didn’t tell us at all.

  Lucen: Ha ha ha, stop it Rowan, go and get acquainted with the academy; I’ll join you after I finish here.

  Alden: Hold on! I’ll call Finn, and he can show you around.

  So Alden called Finn to show Rowan around while Lucen and the others reminisced about old times, and Lucen filled Rowan in on the situation.

  Finn: Hey! What’s your name?

  Rowan: Hmm. My name is Rowan Vale; just call me Rowan.

  Finn: Oh!

  Why didn’t you ask for my name?

  Rowan: Hmm. I don’t think we’ll see each other again, so there’s no need to get close.

  Finn: Ahh! You’ve got some attitude; no wonder my old friend Darin is mad at you.

  Rowan: What? Who are you? Why is Darin angry with me? Wait… Darin. Why does everyone keep bringing him up?

  Finn: Who mentioned him?

  Rowan: Earlier, in the room, they were asking me about him.

  Finn: Oh!

  Rowan: What do you mean, oh? Tell me about this!

  Finn: Why should I tell you? We’re not close, and we won’t see each other again (sarcastically).

  Rowan: (Blank face)

  Finn: Okay, I’ll tell you. But remember, I’m not someone who holds grudges.

  Listen, Darin is my friend; the Dean asked him to test you, so we created the scenario where Darin would play a negative role.

  Rowan: So it was all an act, and that arrogant person is Darin?

  Finn: Hmm! Now you get it.

  Rowan: Is this all part of the master’s plan?

  Finn: What you guessed is correct; it’s your master.

  Rowan: Can I meet your friend Darin so I can apologize to him?

  Finn: Hmm, it’s like that. My friend is upset right now because he lost to you. I don’t think it’s a good time for you to see him, but you can catch him in class tomorrow.

  Rowan: Oh, alright then! Thanks for telling me this and for showing me around the campus. I’ll head out now and see you later.

  Finn: Didn’t you say you wouldn’t see me again?

  Rowan: Just being chatty (mumbling while smiling).

  Finn: Hmmm, maybe you really need to go to the bathroom!

  Rowan went outside the room and waited for Lucen.

  After a bit, Lucen approached and asked Rowan, “Hey, what are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you to explore the academy?” Rowan replied, “I’m done, and I’m waiting for you here, Master.”

  Lucen: Alright then, let’s go. Starting tomorrow, we'll have classes and training, so be prepared.

  Rowan: Okay.

  Rowan: Master? Before I almost fainted, I thought I saw a beast that binds both of you. Is what I saw true?

  Lucen: Oh, you mean “Lorie.” It’s a beast and the mount of Liora.

  Rowan: Is that so? Will everyone get their own beast?

  Lucen: The thing is, Rowan, a human can tame or choose a beast or be recognized by one. This happens when you reach the Essence refining realm, and you get the chance only once in your life. I’ll explain this in detail later.

  Rowan: Okay, Master.

  The following day in the classroom, all students of the same age gathered for a class, and Rowan was asked to join this group despite being a year younger than the others.

  Alden: Listen up, class! Today we are forming teams of six members each. Each group must have all attributes represented. Decide on your own and create your team with a name. You will also learn under a specific teacher.

  Everyone: Yes, sir!

  Alden: One teacher will be joining us today—this is Lucen Hallow, who possesses water and fire attributes and is in the Soul Ascension realm. From now on, he will be your classroom head teacher, and you must respect and follow his teachings until you graduate.

  Everyone in the class: Yes, sir!

  Alden: Now, you can continue, old Lucen (slowly saying).

  Lucen: Hi everyone. Since you all know my name, I won’t waste any time. Form your groups now, and I will give you only 20 minutes. When I get back, you should be ready and appear in your groups.

  Everyone in the classroom: Yes, sir.

  Lucen: I didn't catch that. Did you say you skipped breakfast?

  Everyone in the classroom: Understood, sir.

  Darin: Hey, Rowan, do you still remember me?

  Rowan: Ha. I recall you, and I apologize for being rude earlier.

  Darin: No worries, that was just an act, and you don’t even realize it.

  Rowan: Anyway, I appreciate your understanding.

  Darin: Have you decided to join any group?

  Rowan: Not yet. I don’t know anyone here.

  Finn: Hey, Old Darin, can you hear me? Come over here for a moment.

  Darin: Coming! If you’d like, you can join my team; we have one spot available, and if you decide to come, I’ll head over there.

  Darin and his friends formed a team, and after a while, Rowan approached Darin’s group.

  Rowan: Hey! Can I join you?

  Finn: Oh, it’s you.

  Rowan: Yes.

  Finn: But I don’t remember you, and we don’t have space for you, so you can leave.

  Rowan: Is that so? Alright, I’m leaving then.

  Darin: Wait... Finn.

  Finn: Old Darin, what are you doing?

  Darin: I invited him to join us.

  Finn: What? Aren’t you upset?

  Darin: Why should I be? It’s just a loss in a fight.

  Finn: Ahhh (slyly), I think I hear someone calling me, so I’ll go help.

  Lena: Wait... how come I can't hear anyone's voice?

  Finn: Old Darin, it's because I only spoke to him that way out of anger...

  Taron: You don’t know Old Darin; he’s devised a revenge plan for you to confront Rowan.

  Darin and Rowan (in shock): What? A revenge plan?

  Rowan: I’m leaving.

  Darin: Hold on, Rowan. Hey Finn, what are you plotting?

  Finn: I’m really sorry, truly sorry, and you, Rowan, excuse me for going too far.

  Rowan: I can’t accept your apology, and what if you even seek revenge for it...

  Finn: You... whatever, I apologized—it's up to you whether to accept it or not. You're not innocent either; when I asked for your name, you said it wasn't necessary and that we wouldn't meet again, which was pretty rude, don't you think?

  Darina and the others: (Looking at Rowan in shock)

  Rowan: That... that was my fault, and I didn't truly mean it. I'm sorry about that.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Finn: Are you?

  Rowan: Yes, really!

  Darin: Well, everything is cleared up now, and welcome to Team Rowan!

  Everyone: Welcome to the team!

  “In the end, I've integrated myself with them, and maybe in the future, they'll assist me in seeking revenge, just like the master said,” Rowan thought to himself.

  Lucen: Has everyone formed their teams? (noticing Rowan is part of one) Listen up, everyone—these teams may become true comrades in the future, or even more than that, so strive to overcome any challenges together.

  Everyone in class: Yes, sir!

  Later, Rowan shared the tasks and the competition details among the teams.

  In the evening, Rowan and Lucen were having a conversation when Darin and the others arrived.

  Lucen: Hey, kids, what brings you here? Isn’t it supposed to be rest time?

  Darin: Well, we came to see Rowan, but...

  Finn: But did you really expect Rowan to be with you?

  Suddenly, Lucen's friends arrived as well.

  Alden: Is that so?

  Finn: Dean? How did you... I mean...

  Mira: It seems like you're still in the dark about this! Rowan, you didn’t mention anything about yourself to your friends.

  Finn: He? He only talks rudely most of the time; what else is there?

  Taron: Quiet! He's a talkative person!

  Rowan: I agree.

  Finn: What? You agree?

  Everyone present: (smiling)

  Lucen: Then let me fill you in since you're now a team.

  I am his master, and I'm personally instructing him. Alden and the others are my friends, and we are a team that was once known as the Spirit Team.

  Alden: Since you’re a group, we will instruct you just like Rowan.

  Finn: Are you saying that you all will personally teach him?

  Alden: Yes! Do you want to join too?

  Finn: Yes, isn’t that against the rules?

  Alden: Well, you do have to pay extra; if you pay, it’s considered personal instruction and not against the rules.

  Liora: Stop it! This is a setup we created to encourage you to form a team.

  Lucen: Here, everyone is seeking power and fame, but you all are different, so we evaluated all students and selected some to train personally, and you are part of the team that includes my disciple.

  Lena: That makes sense, sir.

  Silas: Now, introduce your abilities and start your training.

  Sera: Sir and madams, why don’t you all go first?

  Alden: Good idea. Let me introduce myself:

  I am Alden Vire, with the earth attribute.

  Lucen: I’m Lucen Hallow, with fire and water attributes.

  Silas: Silas Vire, with a water attribute.

  Liora: Liora Ashenbloom, with an air attribute.

  Mira: Mira Sable, with a fire attribute.

  Alden: One more is missing; that’s Orrick Sereth, with water and air attributes, and we are all at the peak of the Soul Ascension realm; among us, Liora is the strongest.

  Now, kids, it’s your turn.

  Darin: Darin Halt, with fire and air attributes.

  Finn: Finn Wren, with an air attribute, at the Essence Refining Realm.

  Lena: Lena Ember, with a water attribute, at the initial stage of the Essence Refining Realm.

  Sera: Sera Thorn, with an earth attribute, at the initial stage of the Essence Refining Realm.

  Taron: Taron Vex, with a fire attribute, at the initial stage of the Essence Refining Realm.

  Everyone is staring at Rowan.

  Rowan: Rowan Vale, with an earth attribute, at the peak of the Spirit Foundation realm.

  Darin: Even though Rowan is in the Spirit Building Realm, his strength is far greater.

  Lucen: I know you have doubts, but instead of voicing them, let me demonstrate directly.

  Now, Rowan, you will spar with each other just like before, using the same techniques.

  Finn, Taron, Lena, Sera: Why?

  Lucen: Go ahead?

  Both of them unleashed their techniques, yet Rowan had the advantage.

  Lucen: How do you feel now?

  Darin: It feels like I blanked out for a moment, and I can’t breathe.

  Lucen: Exactly.

  That's due to a secret technique used by earth cultivators known as the “Stone Heart Sealing Array.”

  Sera: What? Why wasn't I aware of this?

  Alden: That’s enough for today; you’ll understand more in the future.

  Lucen: Yes, and when the time arrives, Rowan will explain to you (glancing at Rowan). Now, let’s head to your rooms and get some rest.

  Liora: If anyone looks tired or sleepy in class tomorrow, they will face consequences, especially you, Finn.

  Finn: Why is it always me?

  Finn, Taro, Lena, and Sera: Alright, teacher.

  Even though no one comprehended it fully, no one inquired further; however, Darin seemed to have an inkling, so he decided to visit Lucen later, and Lucen was expecting him.

  Lucen: You made it?

  Darin: Sir? Were you waiting…

  Lucen: Yes, for you; I knew you would come.

  Darin: Is Rowan truly an earth cultivator? That Stone Heart Sealing technique has multiple components.

  Lucen: Wait. Since you guessed correctly, why are you inquiring?

  Darin: So,

  Lucen: Listen! As I mentioned before, in the future, Rowan will share it with you; ultimately, I’m not the one to determine someone’s life. When he trusts you, he will be open with you. Okay?

  Darin: Understood, sir!

  Lucen: Go and rest without worrying. Starting tomorrow, he’ll share a room with you, Taron, and Finn.

  Darin: (Joyfully) Is that true?

  Lucen: Yes.

  While returning, Darin encountered Taron.

  Taron: Is what I heard true?

  Darin: What are you doing out here at this hour, Taron?

  Taron: That should be my question!

  I couldn't sleep, so I came outside for some fresh air, and I noticed you going somewhere, so I followed you.

  Darin: Hmm.

  Taron: Please tell me if what I heard is true or not.

  Darin: According to Lucen's sir words, it’s true.

  Taron: Do you believe it's possible to have multiple... in one body?

  Darin: I’m not even sure.

  Alright, let’s go; we’ll find out in the future.

  Taron: Do you think we can go that far with him? I hope so. Alright then, let’s go.

  The following day in the classroom,

  Lucen was explaining the tasks to be completed in the essence refining realm.

  In the evening,

  Finn: Oh Rowan! What are you doing here? What's with all this luggage? Don’t tell me you plan to stay here from now on.

  Rowan: That’s right! I’m going to stay here.

  Finn: Haha! Am I dreaming?

  Taron: Shut up and welcome him in. You’re too chatty.

  Rowan: Exactly.

  Taron: Rowan, make yourself at home, and if you need anything, just ask, okay?

  Rowan: Sure, thanks!

  They began to grow closer while living together, and they were getting along well. The academy competition among them unfolded over three months.

  After three months:

  Lucen: Listen, students! We are on a mission to rescue villagers from demons. So, we teachers will lead everyone to the nearby village, and we will fight the demons while you need to be ready for our signals to rescue the villagers at any moment.

  Alden: But I’m warning you ahead of time, danger can strike at any moment for anyone, so everyone must be cautious.

  Lucen: If anyone doesn’t want to take risks, you can remain at the academy.

  Finn: Old Taron and Old Darin, do you think it’s necessary? Should we stay…?

  Rowan: (Loudly) Master, in my view, anyone who is afraid of danger is useless and doesn’t need to stay at the academy either.

  Finn: Hey, you brat! How dare you…

  Rowan: What? I wasn’t speaking to you; I was just sharing my opinion. It seems like you’re planning to stick around at the academy.

  Finn: I’m not useless, you know.

  Taron: Yes, you’re not useless, but you are trash, a burden to everyone.

  Lena and Sera: (Laughing)

  Darin: Stop mocking each other and pay attention to the master.

  Lucen: We will depart tonight, so prepare with your teammates.

  That night, they traveled to the Abandoned Village by the lake. The village appeared normal, and nothing seemed out of place until they entered, when the scent of blood overwhelmed them. Lucen and the other teachers ventured deeper into the village, leaving the students to guard and rescue any survivors to send back to the academy at any cost.

  As they went further, the odor of blood intensified, and in the center of the village, they found a formation that resembled a “Soul Devouring Formation.” To confirm, Liora approached, and the moment she got closer, the formation activated, slowly draining her spiritual energy and soul, prompting her beast out for support. As soon as Liora, the beast with air attributes at the peak of the Soul Ascension Realm, unleashed a powerful air pressure technique named “Gravity Control,” the technique could stop things from rising but couldn’t break the formation's core. Seizing the opportunity, Lucen and Alden sprang into action.

  Lucen: Alden, cover her!

  Alden: Ha.

  Alden employed his strongest defense to shield Liora and Liore, a technique called “Mountain Shield Manifestation” (it deflects heavy spiritual attacks and absorbs less damage), while Lucen unleashed “Bursting Flame,” engulfing nearly the entire formation in fire, yet the formation remained intact. Thus, Alden formed a spear using condensed earth law, and Lucen infused it with his water law, while Mira contributed her fire law, creating an indestructible spear through the fusion of the three laws, named the Fusion Spear. They hurled it into the center of the formation, and the energy emitted from the spear was sufficient to obliterate the formation. Though Liora sustained some injuries due to that spear despite the assistance of the “Mountain Shield,” ultimately, the formation was destroyed, and they believed it was over. Lucen was using his water healing techniques to mend Liora and Liore's wounds.

  Alden: I apologize, Lioria sister; it’s my mistake.

  Liora: This isn’t the first time, and sometimes I question why I teamed up with you.

  Mira: You understand that this is our unspoken agreement.

  Liora: Of course, I realize I'm merely a bait. At least now I can express my frustration.

  Lucen: Stop talking and concentrate on healing.

  Suddenly, the scent of blood becomes more intense, and figures emerge from the formation. But they're not people; they are corpses. Their life essence has been drained, transforming them into slaves of desire, no longer human. They continue to multiply.

  Outside the Village:

  Though they're unaware of what's truly unfolding inside, all they can hear are the sounds of battle and the flashes of lightning from their elemental abilities. Suddenly, villagers begin to emerge, appearing more like they are in a trance than alive, drawing closer and closer. They are unsure of what to do. In an instant, they gain strength and launch attacks against the groups and making everyone team to shattered into multiple places, despite being mere undead; their touch and wounds gradually sap away the others' energy. The corpses grow stronger with each kill.

  Darin, Taron, Lena, and Sare also engage the corpse slaves, but Finn hesitates to fight due to his fear. As the corpses assault Finn, he remains indecisive, and Rowan shields him, dispatching one of the corpses. However, that corpse revives, now even stronger than before. Rowan realizes it may be the formation that fuels their desire, enhancing their vitality. He attempts his Stoneheart sealing array, and it proves effective. Rowan urges everyone to cease fighting and employ their defensive techniques, but no one is paying attention amidst the chaos. Sera, attacked by a slave, suffers an injury, leading to a draining of her power and life force. Darin and the others notice this and rush to eliminate the corpse surrounding her. Finn holds her steady while Rowan approaches Sera and asks, “I can heal you, but will you let me help?” Sera responds, “Of course, you’re my teammate and friend. If I can’t trust you, who can I trust?” Rowan hesitates to utilize his water abilities but can't bear to stand idly by without assisting. Finally, he uses his water law technique for healing while the others continue battling the corpses.

  Sera: Are you using water?

  Rowan: Shhh, focus on healing and feel the wound.

  I can’t heal it completely, but I can temporarily seal the injury without exacerbating it.

  Sera: HA!

  Finn: This is water law? But how is he … (muttering)

  Are you …?

  Rowan: Quiet, and help her stabilize.

  Later, Rowan confides in Darin, “I have a way to eliminate the corpses.”

  Darin: Really? Then why didn’t you mention it earlier?

  Rowan: Is it possible for you to collect all the corpse in one location, regardless of their form?

  Taron: What? How can that even be done?

  Finn: Trust him. He truly has a solution.

  Darin: Alright, we’ll give it a shot.

  After Darin and the others did their utmost to gather all the corpses in one spot,

  Darin, lena and Taron: Rowan, it’s finished, and now it’s your turn. But be careful.

  Rowan: Finn, channel all your spiritual energy into me.

  Finn: What? …………..Are you capable of handling it?

  Rowan: Hurry! There’s no time to hesitate.

  So, Finn transferred all his energy to Rowan while keeping his hand on him, and Rowan employed his stone heart sealing array against the enslaved. Now Rowan's power was nearly at the midpoint of the essence refining realm, causing the slaves to halt their movements and grow weaker. Darin noticed this and instructed his teammates to transfer their powers to Rowan, and the energy released from Rowan reached nearly the Soul Ascension realm, effectively freezing the corpses with the seal.

  Rowan: Hurry, we need to leave this place; it can only hold for a brief moment.

  Everyone fled into the deep forest to escape the corpse. And only their team seem to be separated from others . After a while, they arrived at a location known as “The Hollow Depths.” As they entered, everything around them transformed, as if they had been transported to another Space. Little did they know that this was the Land of fallen gods. In the current world, only a select few are aware of this place’s existence, and even they don't know the way in.

  Suddenly, a rush of wind accompanied by a loud sound erupted as two massive giant gods appeared, leaving everyone in disbelief.

  One of the giant gods spoke,

  "Humans! Welcome to the realm of Fallen Gods, the Hollow Depths."

  Rowan: What? The realm of fallen gods?

  The giant god responded, "Indeed! Your blood has opened the gateway to this land; perhaps it is your destiny to be the chosen one, and we are its guardians."

  Rowan: My blood?

  Finn: Rowan, you're injured!?

  Rowan: What? When did that happen? I didn’t even noticed.

  Darin: It might have been from a branch or something along the way.

  Rowan: That could be it.

  Giant God : Here, you will face some challenges; if you succeed, you will be rewarded, but if you fail, you will perish.