In the Air Domain Land:

  Dorian Ashford (Domain Leader): Did something occur?

  Lyra Ashford: What’s going on, Dorian? Did you feel anything?

  Mysterious person: No need to be concerned; the Hollow Depths have opened.

  Dorian: What? How could that be? Only a handful of people are aware of that treasure location, and no one knows the way in.

  Lyra: What? The realm of fallen gods?

  Mysterious person: Yes. Perhaps some chosen individual has entered.

  Lyra: Do you think that chosen one is from another domain? What if they succeed, obtain rewards, and return safely? Wouldn’t that make our enemy stronger?

  Dorian: That’s a valid point. What if we eliminate them when they return?

  Mysterious person: What you suggested is correct, but we don’t know if they can succeed or not. The land of hollows is not part of any domain; it exists in a separate space (a void).

  Lyra: We cannot take any risks, brother.

  Mysterious person: Then don’t worry; I will be stationed nearby and will deal with them after they return.

  Dorian: I will leave that matter to you.

  Mysterious person: Hmm. Consider it done.

  In the Hollow Depths:

  Finn: What? Perished?

  Darin: Shh! Listen closely first!

  Giant God 2: Silence! Pay attention; if you wish to survive and return, you must complete the three levels, each offering its own rewards based on the level you pass.

  Giant God 1: Are you prepared?

  Finn: Wait… Wait…

  Rowan: Mr. Guardian God, could you please elaborate on the challenges we will face?

  Giant God 1: Even I’m unaware; it depends on the individual and their potential

  Giant God 2: The only thing we can say is that each of you will encounter your own challenges.

  Giant God: Simply trust your heart, humans!

  GG1: Okay, let's move.

  With that, the giant gods vanished, and suddenly a fog enveloped the entire palace, causing everyone to find themselves in different locations.

  First Challenge: Talent and Potential Assessment

  In this challenge, every participant encounters opponents who are stronger than them at their current level. All participants are at the initial stage of the refining realm, so they end up confronting opponents at the middle level of the essence realm, including Rowan, who is also faced with a middle-level opponent. Despite their talent, they emerge victorious but suffer significant injuries. Defeating a higher-level opponent is challenging, but without a win, survival is impossible. Therefore, they must give it their all. Ultimately, everyone succeeds, and congratulatory voices ring out. Suddenly, they are teleported to a location known as the Artifact Refining Pavilion, where they can select one weapon that will be recognized by them. This weapon will become their innate tool, aiding in their strength and cultivation. The catch is that these weapons appear as shapeless lightning balls, and the entire pavilion is filled with such orbs, leaving them uncertain about their choices.

  Each person selects their weapon, and immediately afterward, they are teleported to the second challenge.

  Second Challenge: Overcoming

  In this stage, participants face their own clones that possess identical abilities, and they must surpass their own strength and skills to progress. Each clone can perform the same techniques and wield the same elements, making it akin to battling oneself. The key to overcoming this challenge is to become stronger than before or to devise original techniques. After three months of persistent effort and repeated failures, they finally succeed.

  As a reward for passing this test, all participants are elevated to the middle stage of the essence realm.

  Third Challenge: Emotional Mastery

  In this challenge, participants must confront the issue of emotional regulation. Each person works hard to suppress their emotions and face reality, but only Rowan remains trapped in a dream-like state. Everyone else receives a mysterious reward that merges directly with their foreheads, and they are unable to summon or perceive it with their spiritual power.

  Giant deities emerged and proclaimed it seems you all have succeeded. Congratulations, and now you may depart from the realm of hallow depths.

  Darin: But one of our teammates is still on the trail?

  GG1: That means he has failed and will perish here.

  Everyone was taken aback.

  GG2: You are the first group to succeed and leave this land since its inception.

  Sera: Group?

  GG1: Now that you've received artifacts from the god of Artifacts, you've collectively formed a team of artifacts. Therefore, you are a team.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Lena: No, there are six of us!

  GG2: No, it's only you five who are a team, as all attributes are covered, and you each have the team weapons.

  Finn: No, we number six.

  Sera: Yes, what you said is accurate.

  GG2: Oh! Do you all share the same thought?

  Everyone answered yes.

  GG1: Then let me ask you: do you know about him, and how long have you known him?

  Finn: It doesn’t matter. As long as we are friends?

  GG2: Friends? Or teammates, or companions?

  Everyone looked blankly.

  GG1: Since you’re unaware of anything, they don't need to discuss it.

  Everyone replied, we are friends and teammates, of course.

  GG2: And what about Rowan? Is he not your friend? Why can't you say that right away?

  GG1: Because he’s merely a person to fill the team and a tool to harness his abilities.

  Darin: No, I've never thought like that, never!

  Everyone replied Never.

  GG1: Is that so?

  Sera: Even if we aren’t close now, we may become closer in the future.

  Everyone replied yes.

  GG2: So, are you all willing to give your lives to protect him from harm?

  Everyone responded, "Absolutely, we will."

  GG1 & GG2: Then it’s decided; you will all perish.

  The giant fused into one, and black smoke along with a dark aura began to envelop the area, forming a bizarre giant that was advancing closer to them.

  Rowan: No! Cease at once! (Shouting loudly…)

  Mysterious Voice: Halt, malevolent deity! (a celestial voice radiating formidable might)

  Suddenly, a massive sword soared through the air and pierced the evil giant, dispelling the menacing aura.

  Two giants materialized: Salutations, my Lord Velmira! (…The Divine Artifact…)

  Everyone was in shock as they beheld a god in the flesh.

  Velmira: Humans! Do not fear; that wicked giant is merely the lingering essence of the evil god Umbros (…God of Desire…)

  Rowan: Hello everyone!

  Darin: Hmm. Ah, you’ve awakened.

  Rowan: Quite some time ago.

  Darin: That’s wonderful.

  Finn: Is that good?

  Velmira: Indeed, I was a deity of artifacts, but now I am merely a fragment of a soul lingering in the Hallow Depths.

  Darin: Fragment of a soul?

  Sera: But you're so powerful!

  Lena: Yes, and stunning as well.

  Taron: If you don’t mind, could you share what happened?

  The giants answered that it was none of their concern.

  Velmira: It's alright, Caelion and Caelian.

  I am Velmira, the God of artifacts. I will enhance weapons, and each weapon has its own consciousness, recognized by the gods. Long ago, we were involved in a war that resulted in the deaths of many gods, while some powerful deities fell to Earth and others scattered without a trace.

  Darin: What was the war that caused such devastation?

  Velmira: I do not know the details; at that time, I was defending the God realm from foreign threats while others fought outside. Suddenly, an evil god confronted me, and we engaged in a fierce battle. Eventually, I transformed into a sword and struck that evil god with all my might. The force of my attack shattered the barriers, causing us to fall into a magical land, leading to the demise of the gods one by one. Some lost their inheritances, while others lost their divine essence and became fallen gods.

  Rowan: So, you're saying that nearly all gods faced their end?

  Velmira: I wouldn't say that for certain! There must still be some gods out there, possibly those responsible, though I cannot be sure.

  Taron: The God realm?

  Velmira: Alright, I’ve shared everything, and now this is beyond your control and imagination.

  It’s time for me to depart from this world.

  Everyone was taken aback.

  Sera: What? Are you really going to leave?

  Velmira: Well, I told you I’m merely a fragment of a soul that lingers here, and my wish is to find a new owner for my land. Now that my duty is complete, I will soon fade away.

  Darin: Owner?

  Lena: Who is that?

  Velmira: Yes, it’s Rowan, and the rest he will explain to you later.

  With that, Velmira vanished, leaving behind a sword infused with all her power, hoping that perhaps one day the world may need it. Giant gods escorted them away from the land of Hollow Depths, causing them to fall into a deep slumber. Everyone was then teleported back to the place they had disappeared from, and almost six months had passed outside.

  They discovered a nearby cave in which to spend the night, and everyone sat around the bonfire, exchanging awkward glances.

  Darin: Hey, why does everyone look like they have something to say? If you have a question, just ask!

  Taron, Finn, Lena, Sera: Is it something about Rowan?

  Rowan: Huh?

  Finn: So, you really don’t have anything to share?

  Rowan: Um… well…

  Lena: If you don’t feel like sharing, that’s okay.

  Rowan: It’s not that! But…

  I actually want to share something with everyone.

  Finn: What is it?

  Rowan: I’m not an Earth attribute.

  Taron: We’re aware of that.

  Darin: Yeah, we know, but we didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, so we waited for you to bring it up.

  Lena: What? But Rowan! Even though we haven’t known each other for long, we already consider you a friend and teammate.

  Sera: Yes, Rowan. If you're facing any challenges, you can talk to us just like everyone else.

  Darin: Absolutely! We’ll support each other whether it’s with problems or joy.

  Rowan: Alright.

  Actually, whatever I'm about to say, don't take it to heart.

  Finn: What do you mean?

  Rowan: Before, in the hollow depths, I overheard your conversation with the evil god.

  Finn: What? That's embarrassing.

  Everyone was left speechless.

  Rowan: And also, when I joined, I thought about how if I made friends, they would assist me later...

  Finn: Stop! Wait, how can you think like that?

  Darin: Is that true?

  Taron: Really?

  Finn: If I had known beforehand, I wouldn’t have said those things to the evil god.

  Sera & Lena: Awkward.

  Rowan: I apologize, but I'm in a position where I can't trust anyone except for my master.

  Sera: What have you been through?

  Lena: Did something painful happen?

  Rowan: Yes (sadly).

  Actually... like he shared everything that occurred with his family.

  Everyone felt conflicted and vengeful towards the fire domain.

  Finn: Sorry to bring this up, man.

  Everyone was trying to comfort Rowan.

  Rowan: Alright, I'm now just focusing on my cultivation.

  Finn: Don't worry, we've got your back!

  Can I call you that now? (friendly)

  Rowan: Of course you can, I mean all of you.

  Everyone: Don't worry, we've got your back!

  Rowan: Really? Is that true!?

  Darin: Absolutely.

  Finn: Don't you believe it?

  Taron: Hey, shut it; you don't know when to stop mocking!

  Sera: Yes, Taron, you're right.

  Finn: I'm just trying to change the subject.

  Rowan: I understand, and I trust all of you. If you don’t help, I’ll only see you all as my friends. Friendship isn’t only about providing help.

  Darin: That’s true.

  Sera: Hey Rowan, can I ask you something?

  Rowan: Sure, go ahead!

  Sera: It's about the help you provided when I was attacked by the corpse slave...

  Rowan: Didn’t you all know? Before, Darin and Taron said they were aware.

  Lena: I was actually going to ask earlier, but somehow I got sidetracked. What do you mean by saying you are not an earth attribute?

  Darin: That’s something only Taron and I know.

  Sera, Lena, Finn: What?

  Finn: You all knew, and you didn’t share it?

  Taron: It’s just that we didn’t want to escalate the issue since he hasn’t mentioned it, and we’re not completely certain either.

  Rowan: Actually, I'm not just an earth attribute; I have multiple attributes.

  Sera: So, that means you have both earth and water elements, right?

  Rowan: No.

  Lena: Then what?

  Sera: But you used water law before.

  Rowan: You all didn’t understand what I meant. When I say multiple attributes, I mean I can use all laws: water, fire, air, earth, thunder, and space & time.

  Everyone is shocked.

  Darin: What?

  Finn: Are you even human?

  Sera: That’s impossible!

  Lena: Are you a god? A descendant of gods?

  Taron: Hey, don’t joke about that.

  Rowan: Do you really think I'm joking?

  Darin: Now I see what the “Stone Heart Sealing Array” is about. But I never thought you were actually an elemental hub.

  Taron: Can you demonstrate?

  Rowan can provide one element at a time in his hand, but not space and time.

  Lena: What do you mean by "space and time"?

  Rowan: Actually, mastering all the laws at once can be challenging; it could backfire on me, and managing space and time requires more spiritual energy, so my master advised against frequent use. I will demonstrate it in the future.

  Darin: Can you explain the "Stone Heart Sealing Array"?

  Rowan: It's a combination of the laws of space and air.

  Space law: It restricts your movement, keeping you in a fixed location.

  Air law: You can't breathe due to the pressure exerted by the space technique.

  Finn: Old Darin, did you really have a tough time? Know that!

  Darin: Hmm, that's true; back then, I couldn't move or breathe.

  Everyone continued sharing their experiences in the Land of Hallow Depths while taking a break in the cave.

  Suddenly, a terrifying roar echoed, and the ground shook from footsteps, awakening everyone and putting them on high alert.