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Chapter 7: To Thalrion, Where Titans Gather
The banners of the Milon Empire flapped in the wind, golden lions embroidered on blood-red silk. A procession of black-armored knights rode through the stone-carved roads toward the heart of the empire—Thalrion, the capital city where power gathered and legends were forged.
Suzan rode at the front of the convoy, his cloak trailing behind him, face hidden under a deep hood. Whispers trailed in his wake—soldiers and nobles alike pointing at him with awe and fear.
> "That's him."
"The Devourer Heir…"
"They say he kills to grow stronger."
"He absorbed a 3-Star assassin in seconds."
He ignored them all. His focus was locked forward.
Each hoofbeat brought him closer to the Youth Tournament, a deadly stage where the strongest young cultivators of the three great empires would clash—not just to win, but to prove they deserved the future.
Beside him rode his father, Duke Renald Elvador, and behind him were fifteen elite knights, including three 2-Star cultivators and one silent shadow-cloaked warrior—a new Shadow Minion Suzan had claimed from a rogue warlock during the ride.
The city loomed ahead, built into the cliffs like a fortress grown from the bones of a mountain. Dozens of soul towers crackled with magical energy, and flying beasts soared above the city's dome-like wards.
This was Thalrion—where kings watched, and prodigies bled.
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At the gates of the Grand Tournament Arena, Suzan was welcomed by a high-ranking official: Grandmaster Kael Vos, a blind man whose Soul was said to be a mirror that could reflect the truth of anyone he looked upon.
Kael smiled without seeing.
"You are the devourer boy," he said calmly. "I see you carry death like a crown."
Suzan said nothing.
Kael leaned close, his voice dropping. "Zarephian's crown princess is here already. Her soul is said to be the Lunar Phoenix, and her cultivation nears 6-Star."
"And Vael Thorne?" Suzan asked, eyes narrowing.
"He arrived this morning… riding a Skybreaker Lion. That boy is half-man, half-beast. They call him the Wolf of War." A pause. "He kills for pleasure. I'm told you kill for power."
Suzan's jaw tightened. "Same result, isn't it?"
Kael chuckled as he turned. "Not always. Sometimes… it's who survives with their soul intact."
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The Tournament Grounds were vast—ten arenas floating midair, suspended by magic and covered in runes. Only the most powerful nobles and imperial eyes watched from skyboxes above. Spectators filled the marble seats that spiraled like a coliseum.
On the first night, all contestants were gathered beneath the central platform for introduction.
Suzan stood still, scanning the crowd.
He immediately felt it—two oppressive auras.
One came from a girl draped in flowing moon-silver robes, a glowing phoenix Martial Soul behind her, its wings of flame and light curled protectively. Her hair was as white as snow, and her eyes cold as the void.
> Zarephian's Crown Princess—Selene Arclight.
The other aura was wild, burning like primal rage. A towering youth with bronze skin, gold eyes, and fangs grinned across the arena. Behind him, a massive beast soul shaped like a war lion paced restlessly. His hands were bandaged—his smile, feral.
> Vael Thorne's bastard prince—Ragnar Feralclaw.
Their eyes met Suzan's.
A silent exchange.
No need for words. Only the certainty that they would clash—and only one would walk away victorious.
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Later, in the elite quarters reserved for Milon's heirs, Suzan sat in meditation. The System glowed in his mind.
> [Youth Tournament Challenge Accepted.]
[Special Trial Bonuses Activated.]
[Devour Bonus: You gain 2x essence when consuming enemies above your current star level.]
[Current Goal: Defeat 6-Star or higher cultivator in official duel.]
[Reward: Unlock "Shadow Gate" – summon up to 3 Shadow Minions at once.]
Suzan opened his eyes.
Tomorrow would begin with the Preliminary Elimination Rounds. Over 500 prodigies had entered. Only the top 50 would advance to the Grand Matches.
He wasn't here to qualify.
He was here to dominate.
To devour legends.
To become one.
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Next Time: Chapter 8 — The Crimson Arena