The blood of the night's battle still stained the cracked stones of the ruined watchtower.
Kaelen sat alone now, resting against the cold wall, Sovereignblade Astryn lying across his knees.
Outside, the Pathbreakers kept watch. But Kaelen's mind was elsewhere — focused inward.
Because now, finally, he was strong enough to unlock the next stage of his destiny.
[System Notification]
[User has achieved Combat Threshold: Tier B-.]
[Hidden Sovereign Functions Unlocked.]
[Access Granted: System Status Window.]
[Access Granted: Sovereign Store.]
Kaelen inhaled slowly.
He summoned the screen mentally.
The world before his eyes shifted.
[System Status: Kaelen Drayce]
Talent Rank: C+ (98%) — Breakthrough to B-Class imminent.
Talent Name: Jack of All Trades (Hidden Evolution: Sovereign Path 15% Progress).
Fusion Path: Warrior-Mage Hybrid (60% Fusion Stability).
Weapon Affinity: Sovereignblade Astryn (Stage 1 Evolution - Shardblade Manifestation Active).
Active Skills: Arcane Step, Blink Shot, Sovereign's Combo Strike, Astryn's Shardblade.
Passive Skills: Sovereign's Aegis, Sovereign's Heartbeat, Arcane Disruption Aura.
Guild: Pathbreakers (Rank D - Rapid Growth).
Guild Buffs: Pathbreaker Vanguard, Pathbreaker Banner.
Combat Rating (Public): C-/C (deceptively low).
Combat Rating (True): High C+ / Emerging B-Tier.
Special: Hidden Bloodline Resonance Detected (3%).
Kaelen smiled faintly.
He had climbed so far already.
And he was only just beginning.
[System Notification]
[Sovereign Store Available. Open?]
Without hesitation, Kaelen opened the Sovereign Store.
[Sovereign Store]
Skills: Phantom Blade Slash, Mana Overclock.
Potions: High-Grade Healing Elixir, Mana Surge Flask.
Artifacts: Lesser Sovereign's Amulet (+10% Physical and Magical Defense).
Blueprints: Guild Safehouse (Tier 1).
Mystery Boxes: ??? (Random Reward).
Summon Contracts: Lesser Spirit Wolf (Battle Companion).
Current System Points: 3,750 SP.
Kaelen thought carefully.
He couldn't afford waste.
He needed something now — something to survive the inevitable clash.
His eyes locked on a particular artifact.
Lesser Sovereign's Amulet
(+10% Physical and Magical Defense, Passive Mana Regeneration Boost)
Cost: 1,000 SP.
It was perfect.
Durability. Recovery. Survival.
He made the purchase.
[System Notification]
[Artifact Acquired: Lesser Sovereign's Amulet.]
[Stat Boost Applied.]
A faint pulse of silver light wrapped around his neck — a simple amulet shaped like a broken crown, with a single glowing gem at its center.
Kaelen rose to his feet.
He wasn't just fighting anymore.
He was preparing.
Preparing to endure.
Preparing to conquer.
Preparing to build a kingdom where no king, noble, or dragon could ever touch his family again.
Later That Night — Pathbreakers' Council
The Pathbreakers gathered in the old watchtower once more.
Kaelen stood before them, Sovereignblade Astryn gleaming faintly at his side.
His voice was quiet, but every word hammered into their hearts.
"They sent assassins. We crushed them."
"They'll send champions. We'll break them."
"They'll send armies. We'll raise our own."
He swept his gaze across the room — Eren, Mira, Selina, Lyra, the new recruits.
"Pathbreakers isn't just a name anymore."
"It's a nation waiting to be born."
The fire in their eyes told him they understood.
They didn't just believe in him anymore.
They were ready to follow him — into the very jaws of fate if needed.
Meanwhile — Outside the Grand Arena
The Dragonblood Heir arrived.
A black cloak concealed his wings.
A spear forged from dragonbone rested casually across his back.
City guards knelt instinctively at his passing, their faces pale with fear.
The Heir smiled cruelly as he stared toward Valewind's banners.
"Soon, Kaelen Drayce."
"Soon, I will tear your wings from your back before they ever unfurl."
The Dragonblood clans had sent their champion.
And the true storm was about to begin.