Against The True Gods

Caine exhaled a steady breath, his gaze serene and peaceful, as if it blended seamlessly into the natural rhythm of the world around him.

His mind slowly stirred from its deep state of meditation, and he shook his head lightly, a faint smile gracing his lips.

In one effortless session, he had checked off two of his main training tasks: mastering his affinities and perfecting the synergy between his bones and flesh. But not only had he completed these to perfection, he had also mastered his Blood Qi and made a monumental discovery.

To say he was pleased would be an understatement.

He raised his palm, inspecting it with an almost childlike wonder.

'To think the world held such beauty, hidden away from me all this time.'

He looked around, his eyes perceiving the countless threads of intent that connected and defined everything in existence. These threads wove an intricate tapestry, a reflection of the world's infinite complexities. With but a thought, he felt he could reach out and uncover any secret they held—and the truth was, he could.

'To think there is so much to uncover, so much to understand. To think it could be so fulfilling. How strange.'

A melancholic smile touched his lips as the memory of a familiar face flickered briefly in his mind. But he quickly shook his head, banishing the thought before it could take root.

There was no need to dampen his good mood.

He rose from his seated position and took a single step forward. In an instant, he vanished without a trace, as if he had never been there at all.

***

[Kael City—Northern Continent Border]

Kael City was a marvel of culture and history.

Its architecture was a harmonious blend of ancient stone buildings and wooden houses carved into colossal trees. These towering giants stretched skyward, their tops piercing through the thick grey clouds that hung perpetually above the city.

Snow drifted lazily from the heavens, carried by a crisp breeze that added a chill to the bustling streets below. Residents bundled themselves in heavy coats as they moved about, their breath visible in the cold air.

The city was alive with activity. Vendors called out from stalls, offering all manner of delicacies unique to Kael's vibrant culture.

Merchants loudly proclaimed the superiority of their wares, hoping to attract customers during this period of heightened commerce.

For this was the season of the Forger's Trials, an event that brought unprecedented excitement and opportunity to Kael City.

Known for its dedication to auxiliary cultivation paths, Kael City had become a hub for practitioners of alchemy, formation mastery, rune-smithing, forging, and other such disciplines. These auxiliary paths, often seen as support roles in the world of cultivation, were here elevated to an art form.

The Forger's Trials, an annual competition, gathered the brightest talents from these professions and pitted them against one another in a series of challenges. The event drew spectators and participants alike from across the continent. The victor would earn the coveted chance to join the ranks of the Timeless Alliance, the continent's supreme ruling force.

Excitement buzzed in the air, an almost tangible force that seemed to energize the city.

It was within this vibrant city, in a modest home carved into a smaller tree, that a lone man could be found.

The workshop was dimly lit, illuminated only by the glow of molten metal and the dancing flames of a forge. The rhythmic sound of a hammer striking steel echoed through the space.

The man stood tall, nearly seven feet in height, with a frame that exuded raw power. His muscular build, thick with both muscle and fat, gave him the presence of an ancient titan god.

Runic blue tattoos adorned his bare chest, their intricate patterns covering half his torso. His bald head gleamed under the firelight, and his thick ginger beard framed a face marked by stoic focus.

His eyes, swirling currents of gold and blue, reflected a depth of thought that was almost hypnotic.

CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

The hammer in his hand moved with precision and purpose, shaping the metal beneath it. His expression remained unchanging, his concentration absolute.

Suddenly, he paused mid-strike, his gaze shifting as he sensed another presence in the room. Without turning, his deep, primal voice broke the silence.

"Who are you?"

"Caine," came the reply. "Caine Velios."

The man slowly turned to face him. Despite his imposing height, Caine met him nearly eye-to-eye, his own presence radiating quiet strength.

Their gazes locked, and for a brief moment, the older man seemed lost in the younger's unyielding eyes. He quickly recovered, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

"It's rare to meet someone with such a firm… will," the man said, inclining his head slightly.

"I apologize for my lack of respect." He bowed. "I am Theobald Archwinter, Duke of Kael City."

"To what do I owe the honor of your visit, Your Majesty?"

Caine didn't respond immediately. His eyes swept across the forge, taking in its details.

The setup was decidedly traditional—a single forge burning with powerful flames, a well-organized workbench lined with tools, and walls adorned with an assortment of weapons.

Despite their humble display, Caine could sense that each weapon on those walls was a masterpiece, their value immeasurable.

Turning back to Theobald, Caine's gaze was steady. "Sir Theobald Archwinter, Duke of the famed Kael City," he began. "And the light bearer of auxiliary cultivation paths. A true legend."

He extended a hand with a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Theobald's rigid demeanor softened slightly, and he shook Caine's hand.

"I hear from my uncle that you craft the finest works on the Northern Continent. Is that true?"

A chuckle rumbled in Theobald's chest, his golden-blue eyes glinting with a mix of pride and amusement.

"What would His Majesty require?" he asked, his tone humble yet confident.

"I'd like a symbiotic spear and suit armor. If both can be symbiotic crafts, that would be ideal. But I leave the specifics to your expertise—I trust you to give me what you deem fit."

Theobald fell silent, his hand moving to stroke his beard as he considered the request. His eyes narrowed slightly, his mind clearly at work.

Finally, he spoke. "Your Majesty, I have a proposition."