The floating city of Veytra shimmered in the morning sun, its golden towers reflecting over the still waters below. The streets were alive—not with civilians, but with Dajin warriors of every shape and size, each waiting, observing, testing. Kael and his crew stepped off Stormbreaker, their eyes scanning the vast crowd.
Everywhere they looked, the Dajin bowed—or rather, avoided eye contact. Not a single warrior dared to step forward.
"Why… why is no one attacking?" Kael muttered, frowning.
Grey tilted his head, small wings twitching.
"Maybe… they know something we don't?"
Loki floated beside him, smirking.
"They do. They all know. They've survived centuries waiting for this. And they're all cowards."
Necroptor growled.
"Cowards? No. They're hiding their true power. If they fight, they might… die."
Fjorn narrowed his icy eyes at a trio of massive horned Dajin, all of whom shuffled awkwardly, muttering excuses.
"Kael Stormheart…" one Dajin finally spoke, stepping forward, voice echoing like rolling thunder.
"None of us will challenge you. None of us wish to die for amusement. The Ten Elders… they are your true trial. Only by facing them can you awaken fully. This… is the Ordeal."
Kael's eyes narrowed. He glanced at his crew.
"So all of you… are just here to warn me?"
The Dajin nodded. Some hung their heads, ashamed.
"The council watches all who awaken. Only the strong may consume and grow. Those who refuse to fight you… do so in fear of their own deaths. But the Ten Elders… they will not yield."
Grey's small voice piped up nervously.
"I… I can't believe there are ten of them. That sounds… exhausting."
Ylva whispered to Kael.
"This isn't just a battle. This is history. Every elder you defeat will shape the balance of the Dajin world."
Kael's grin widened, lightning flickering across his partially unfurled wings.
"Perfect. Then it's settled. We don't fight the weak. We go straight for the top."
Loki tilted his head, sparkling with mischief.
"Oh, this will be fun. I love watching arrogant ancient Dajin try to match wits with you, Master."
Necroptor flexed his skeletal fingers.
"Finally… a fight worth my attention!"
Fjorn growled.
"And worth freezing them solid."
Confronting the Ten Elders
The council's palace loomed above them—a fortress of floating spires and golden bridges, guarded by spectral constructs. The Ten Elders appeared on the highest balcony, each more imposing than the last: Pyroclast with molten arms, Glitterfang with fangs glowing like suns, Sireneth singing a chilling prelude.
Kael stepped forward, claws scratching the deck of Stormbreaker. His voice carried across the plaza:
"Ten Elders of the Dajin Council. I am Kael Stormheart. I do not fear you. Step forward and face me. Or yield your power willingly."
One by one, the elders assessed him, eyes narrowing. Some laughed. Some snarled. Some shook their heads in disbelief. But none moved forward.
"So be it," Kael said softly, wings flaring. "Then I will come to you.
Stormbreaker's sails snapped in the wind as Kael soared upward, partially shifting into Demidrake form, claws gleaming with absorbed Dajin energy. Behind him, the crew launched into synchronized action:
Ylva's frost constructs formed pathways across the floating bridges.
Fjorn flew with icy precision, intercepting any guard foolish enough to approach.
Loki twisted probability to confuse the council's minions.
Necroptor unleashed chaos clones that mirrored every possible attack the elders might try.
Grey's small wings fluttered as he painted glowing starlit runes, accidentally putting several guardians to sleep.
The plaza erupted into controlled chaos. Every elder prepared their ultimate defenses, knowing Kael would not stop until the Ordeal was complete.
Kael hovered above them, his Thunderblade sparking. Lightning danced across the sky, illuminating the Ten Elders' fear and arrogance in equal measure.
"This… is where the weak refuse, and the strong rise," he muttered, a sly grin on his face.
"Let's see who will feed me first."
Grey flapped nervously beside him.
"I… hope I don't accidentally knock anyone out before the fight starts…"
Loki snickered, already scheming ways to twist the incoming battle.
"Oh, Master. You're about to devour history itself."
And so, with the Ordeal explained, the city watching in tense silence, Kael prepared to descend upon the Ten Elders—not merely to fight them, but to consume their power and claim the next stage of his ascent.