ECHOES OF THE VOID

As he stood at the forest's edge, Kael could still hear the faint echoes of the Silent Fang's retreating footfall in his ears. Despite his chilly and opaque gaze, there was something deeper underneath them, a hunger that had just recently emerged. The world around him seemed to have calmed down, and the forests had returned to their usual state of stillness.

However, Kael was an expert. This victory had come easily. This was only a hint of what was to come.

As he saw the Silent Fang's leftover bits fade away, he murmured under his breath, "They were excessively feeble." "The world is rife with people who are weak."

For a while, Vexar, who was only a few steps behind him, remained silent. His calm was often in stark contrast to Kael's growing passion. The more experienced cultivator's eyes narrowed as he saw something in Kael changing and developing.

When Vexar said this, his voice was low yet sharp. "You speak as if you've seen it all," the man remarked. What you left behind is different from the Greater World. The mighty prey on the weak in this realm, but only the cunning survive. Do not allow your arrogance to keep you from realizing what is truly essential.

Kael's lips twitched slightly into a smile, but it was barely apparent. It's not that I am blind. I am fully aware of the power that is at stake. I will accept it.

Vexar continued to lock his piercing gaze on Kael, seeing the calm intensity that seemed to grow with each passing moment. He was aware of the child's potential and the uncontrollable energy that was rising from inside him. However, even strength has limits, and Kael was only the start of his quest across this vast realm.

After a brief pause, Vexar said, "You are already more dangerous than I anticipated they would be." Keep in mind that even the best hunters can fall prey to unnoticed traps.

As Kael flashed a glance in his direction, the unsaid meaning of those words began to sink in. Then, I'll ensure that no trap reaches me.

As the wind picked up and the trees above them rustled and moved, Kael had the strange sensation of being watched again. Instinctively, he reached for the void that lived inside him—a part of himself that was becoming more familiar to him while also becoming much more unpredictable with every passing second. The sliver of nothingness was constantly present, like a weight in his chest or a gnawing thirst.

At this moment of relative stillness, Kael might perceive something. There is a ripple in the fabric of existence. A brief shimmering in the air was followed by the apparition of a guy emerging from the shadows provided by trees.

It's a female.

She emanated a tremendous presence even before Kael could fully recognize her look. She was wrapped in a flowing robe of rich scarlet, and the hood that fell over her face obscured her distinctive features. Nonetheless, the air around her buzzed with power—power that was undeniable, ancient, and undoubtedly dangerous.

As Vexar's gaze narrowed, Kael saw the cautiousness in his posture. It is not appropriate to regard her as insignificant.

Kael felt the energy of Nothingness swirling about him, and he was prepared to respond at any moment. Kael's gaze was locked on the person, and his aura began to flame up.

The lady talked in a clear voice with an almost ethereal quality, making the air around them seem tense. "You are Kael Voidbreaker," she said.

At first, Kael did not reply quickly. Instead, he focused his attention on her, feeling the immense energy that emanated from her. This lady was unlike the Silent Fang, who had only shown fleeting signs of might. She wasn't just a farmer; she was so much more.

Kael said, "Yes," in a chilly and unchanging tone. "Yes, I am."

As she got closer, the woman observed the wind spinning about her as if it were still alive. "I am aware of who you are and what activities you have performed. Your strength is rooted in the Void, yet it encompasses something else entirely.

Kael's silence made it difficult to understand his feelings. He was able to keep his calm and resist the need that was stirring inside him as a result of her words. "And what is it that you are looking for?"

A smile appeared on her lips as she grinned slightly. Hello, Kael, Voidbreaker! I am not here to make a proposition to you. I am here because you are not alone in wanting power. There are others who are searching for the same thing. You may expect them to come after you.

Kael's mind was already racing, and his eyes started to flicker. "I have no fear with them."

Her reaction was, "You should," and her eyes grew darker. This world has forces that cannot be removed by force. You, with your... sliver of nothingness, cannot stand up to them alone.

What he heard had a greater impact on him than he expected. It was an unexpected warning, and the manner she talked disturbed him. He hadn't come all this way to be deterred by vague threats.

manner in whichThe tone of his voice was cool, yet there was a hint of intrigue when he said, "What do you propose?"

The woman took a step forward, and her presence was totally overwhelming. "Kael, I'd like to advise that you accept the realities of this world. There are influential people in this region who aim to exert control over you. They aim to subjugate your authority to their desires. You must now decide whether to preserve control or become another pawn.

Kael stared at her for an extended period of time, letting the meaning of her words sink in. Because he had only scratched the surface of this realm's power, he knew she was right. Other, more powerful forces, in addition to the Silent Fang, have yet to manifest themselves. These forces were darker and older.

Who precisely are you? "What is it?" Kael spoke with a different tone. In addition to the weight of strength, he sensed something deeper within her. There's a reason. It's a drive.

The woman's smile faded somewhat as she tilted her head. "I have observed the rise and fall of countless people like you. And, like them, you will either rise to the occasion or fail miserably when the opportunity arises.

Kael showed no symptoms of flinching. With the energy of Nothingness flowing within him as a constant reminder of his aim, he presented himself confidently.

He said, "I will rise," in a firm and unwavering tone. "I will destroy everything that stands in my way," the speaker declared.

The woman's harshness softened somewhat, and for the first time, Kael caught a flicker of admiration in her eyes. Therefore, you are prepared. But keep this in mind, Kael Voidbreaker: the greatest power comes not from the ability to destroy but from the understanding to govern it.

The woman turned back and vanished into the trees without saying anything, leaving Kael with more questions than answers. She had departed in the same stealthy manner in which she had arrived.

Vexar, who had been quietly watching the entire debate, eventually spoke out. "You have captured the attention of a highly powerful person. Take care of yourself. The Greater World will not ignore a reckless deed.

Kael turned to face Vexar, a sneer on his lips. The phrase "I'm done being careful."