Chapter 88: Beneath The Eastern Skies
While Akasha began to evolve into something far beyond his current state, beneath the wild skies of the Eastern Continent, ambitions were stirring.
In this era, there was no doubt that chaos was on the horizon.
Deep within the newly expanded Barbarian territory, Krax Von’El stood atop a massive, jagged cliff carved from ancient black rock.
The place was wild and untouched—no palace, no throne room, just pure, unspoiled nature.
A fierce wind howled around him, carrying the distant roars of barbarian warriors training below, the crackle of massive bonfires, and the heavy scent of earth, blood, sweat, and smoke.
From this high vantage point, he had a commanding view of the vast territories his people now controlled: endless rugged mountains, sprawling war camps, and legions of hulking barbarians moving like a living tide across the land.
Krax stood tall in his massive, bulky humanoid form, long black hair whipping violently in the wind, sharp red eyes glowing with intensity.
He was in the middle of a private conversation with his System.
[Host, the rumors over the past year have only grown louder. The Kings and Queens of this world have all vanished without a trace.
And now... the Blackwood Kingdom and Loria Kingdom have ended their long feud and merged into one. Quite the development.]
Krax’s deep voice rumbled like distant thunder.
"Them merging... how convenient," he said.
"However, the other Kings and Queens must be found! My revenge on the higher-ups... is mine alone!"
Though Krax had come to Kalpa with many plans of his own, there was one thing he had told his father before leaving this world that wasn’t a lie.
The Titan God had indeed visited him in a dream when he was younger, though it felt more like being pulled into another realm.
It was then that he received his system, but only after swearing an oath to erase the stain of the Titan’s name from the Von’El clan. And that meant... he needed revenge on the Academies and the Kingdoms.
[Indeed.... I must say it’s bittersweet, isn’t it? But Host, you must stay focused.]
The System’s mechanical tone carried a hint of dry amusement.
[You’re not some small-time avenger anymore. You are the Titan Prince... and soon to be King.
Kalpa is only the beginning. Getting distracted by personal grudges now would be... disappointing.]
Hearing those words... Krax only let out a low, dangerous chuckle.
[It’s time to pick your pace up... as things will only get more hectic.]
[Use the World Portal you acquired. My analysis suggests the other five worlds in this Star System still contain suppressed Titan clans and remnants.
If my assumptions are correct — and they usually are — you can bring them under your banner well before the eighty-nine-year deadline.
Build your true force, Host.
Make them remember what it means to be Titan.]
Krax’s sharp red eyes sparkled with ambition, a fierce grin curling his lips as he straightened, muscles flexing.
"Alright then."
He turned and walked toward a secluded alcove further along the cliff, hidden from prying eyes by towering rock formations.
Once alone, he followed the System’s precise instructions.
HUMMMM!!!!!
A swirling vortex of dark energy split the air before him — a World Portal thrumming with unstable power.
Before stepping through, Krax sent a sharp mental message to his chief in command.
"Jurgen, I’ll be gone for a few years. The Eastern Continent must be under our control within the decade.
Crush every shred of resistance but leave the merged kingdoms intact for my return — though it’s fine to let them feel our presence. I will bring back the future of our ambitions."
With that, the towering Titan Prince strode into the portal and disappeared.
----
A full month had passed since Krax Von’El left the world of Kalpa.
Melvin Blackwood had returned to the Eastern Continent.
He sat high on a thick branch of an ancient tree in the very same forest where Akasha had once saved him.
The wind rustled the leaves around him, carrying the familiar earthy scent of moss and pine.
In the distance, the grand silhouette of what used to be the Blackwood Kingdom stood under the light of the seven suns.
But it looked nothing like he remembered.
All across the walls, towers, and banners flew the blue and brown colors of the Loria Kingdom.
The sight hit Melvin like a blade to the chest.
His white eyes grew colder than frozen steel, a sharp, dangerous frost radiating from his presence.
’Just what the hell is this...’ The realization settled heavily in his gut.
’My family... what have they done to them?’
He remained perfectly still, yet inside, a storm brewed. The icy calm that defined him now felt paper-thin as memories clawed their way to the surface.
-----
Seven Years Ago,
Soft morning light filtered through the windows of the Blackwood family estate. The smell of warm bread, roasted meats, and sweet herbal tea filled the air.
"Melvin~ Wake up, little star."
A gentle, affectionate voice pulled him from sleep.
His elder sister, Elara, sat on the edge of his bed, smiling warmly as she brushed his messy short black hair away from his forehead.
She was only eighteen at the time but already carried herself with the grace of their noble house.
Young Melvin — no more than seven years old — rubbed his bright, curious eyes and sat up with a big yawn.
"Sister... is it morning already?"
Elara laughed softly and handed him a small tray filled with his favorite breakfast foods.
"It is. Father and Mother are waiting for you downstairs. Today is an important day."
The atmosphere in the Blackwood Kingdom had always been one of peace and love—so much so that the prince could indulge in something as simple and unhurried as sleeping without a care.
Life here moved at a gentle pace, untroubled by conflict or unrest, allowing even royalty to savor ordinary moments.
The young boy’s eyes lit up with excitement as he took the tray in his hands.
Even at such a tender age, Melvin was sharp, endlessly curious, and driven by a fierce determination to lead his kingdom to ever greater heights.
"Important how?" he asked eagerly, biting into a piece of warm bread.
Elara’s smile grew with pride.
"Tonight is the grand ceremonial ball, and this year, we have the honor of hosting all the Human Kingdoms."
The Ball, as she explained, was an annual tradition involving only the Human Kingdoms, where leaders gathered to discuss important matters, preserve fragile agreements, and give the younger generation a chance to mingle and form bonds.
Young Melvin’s eyes lit up with excitement, his posture straightening as a burst of energy coursed through him. "Really?! Haha, well... I’ll be ready."
Elara leaned down to press a gentle kiss to the top of his head.
"I know you will, my little star. Now eat up—your future is waiting."
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