The Ancient Ruins chamber was quiet again.
Fragments of the shattered guardian still lay scattered across the stone floor.
The golden glow from the runes had dimmed, leaving only faint traces of ancient power lingering in the air.
Kael slowly exhaled.
The energy inside his body felt completely different now.
Before, his strength was raw purely physical.
Now the Origin Core inside his chest pulsed like a miniature sun.
Energy circulated naturally through his body, strengthening his muscles, bones, and senses.
Every breath felt heavier with power.
Kael turned toward the entrance.
Seraphine stood there, her golden robes swaying slightly in the underground wind.
Her sharp gaze remained fixed on him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Finally, Seraphine broke the silence.
"You just awakened a cultivation core."
Her voice was calm, but her eyes revealed disbelief.
Kael brushed dust from his sleeve.
"I suppose I did."
Seraphine stepped closer.
Her aura radiated the powerful pressure of a seasoned cultivator. Compared to Kael's fresh breakthrough, her energy was far deeper and more stable.
"Impossible," she murmured.
"You have no Aether channels. Elder Taron confirmed that himself."
Kael leaned casually against the stone pedestal.
"Maybe I don't use Aether."
Seraphine's eyes narrowed.
"There are no other energy systems recognized in the entire continent."
Kael simply smiled.
"That just means no one discovered one yet."
For a moment, Seraphine studied him carefully.
Then something unexpected happened.
She laughed softly.
"Interesting."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"You're not angry?"
Seraphine shook her head.
"No."
Her expression became thoughtful.
"I was curious whether you were a fraud."
She glanced at the destroyed guardian.
"But you defeated an ancient trial guardian and awakened a core inside the ruins."
Her gaze returned to him.
"You're definitely not a fraud."
Kael crossed his arms.
"So what now?"
Seraphine turned toward the exit.
"Now?"
She looked back over her shoulder.
"Now the Inner Disciples will hear about you."
Kael sighed quietly.
"That sounds like trouble."
Seraphine smirked faintly.
"You have no idea."
She began walking out of the ruins.
But before leaving completely, she spoke again.
"The Sect Tournament begins in two weeks."
Kael tilted his head.
"And?"
Seraphine's eyes gleamed slightly.
"If you're as strong as you think…"
"…enter it."
Then she disappeared into the corridor.
Kael stood alone in the chamber once more.
Inside his mind, the Primordial System appeared again.
New Quest Unlocked
Path of the Rising Mortal
Objective: Enter the Iron Flame Sect Tournament
Reward: Origin Core Advancement (Stage 2)
Kael smiled slowly.
"A tournament…"
This was perfect.
A chance to test his new power.
And a chance to prove something to the sect.
Kael turned toward the exit.
His journey inside the Iron Flame Sect had just begun.