Kael, who had once been frustrated and angered by Levi's actions in the dream realm, now regarded him with a newfound respect. He had seen the constellation of the Eye, a celestial omen that signified the imminent opening of the Domains to the world. And with this event, another Sovereign would rise.
Yet, Kael did not speak a word to his servants about Levi's identify as sovereign. He didn't need to. As the heir of a sovereign lineage, he understood the weight of such revelations. More than that, the survival of his noble family now hunted from the shadows depended on Levi's rise.
At dawn, the campsite buzzed with activity as carriages were prepared for departure. Their destination was Ikorrah City, where grand zeppelins awaited to ferry them toward their respective cities.
For generations, it had been tradition to journey to the dream realm in groups, departing from Ikorrah City once every three years. A ritual passed down from ancient times, one that held more significance than most could fathom.
The newly Marked Echoes who have awakened as Echoes this year will face the Soul flayer Trial after three years, embarking on a perilous journey to seek The Emberforge Gate within the dream realm.
If they successfully pass through the Emberforge Gate, another three years later, they will be tested once more, this time for the ascension to Order 5: Veilborn Echo.
With each rise in power, the trials grow harsher, demanding more than just strength, resilience, will and the ability to withstand the suffering woven into the dream realm's fabric.
Among all the trials, the Shattered Veil is considered the easiest to overcome, yet even its simplicity hides a purpose within the grand design of ascension.
It reveals your deepest pain, then watches and judges, measuring whether you have the strength to face it or crumble beneath it. If you confront it head-on, if you push through the fear without hesitation, it grants you a crimson-red aura, a mark of power earned. But if you falter, if you break, you receive nothing. Power belongs only to those who seize it, not to those who tremble before it.
But the trial for a Sovereign and an Anchor is far harsher for they are destined to become the guardians of the Dream Realm and the Domains. It does not merely test their strength; it measures their ability to endure pain while protecting others.
The Sovereign's trial is the most brutal of all. It does not just trap you in reality, it strips you of power, casts you into helplessness, and watches. Will you rise from nothing, again and again, while carrying the weight of unending pain? Only those who do are worthy of the crown.
Levi sat in his carriage, lost in thought, when a familiar figure appeared before him, a knowing smile on his face.
A man with emerald-green eyes, long black hair, and a neatly trimmed beard, his brother, Valerian Veyrathis. He was dressed in a finely tailored waistcoat adorned with clockwork and gemstone inlays, paired with fitted trousers and brass-riveted boots, far removed from his usual merchant attire.
"Congratulations on displaying the talent of Order 3 in the trials," Valerian said, his voice carrying both pride and reassurance. "Don't dwell on it too much. In time, we'll do everything we can to help you ascend, even to Order 2."
Levi's eyes flickered with realization.
"Hmm? So Kael, while wearing my form, passed the trial in just three minutes… As expected from a Sovereign lineage."
Suppressing his thoughts, he looked up and said sincerely, "Thank you, brother."
And then said while thinking something. "Did you take care of the task Father assigned you in Kalimaru City?"
"I did,"Valerian nodded. "But this isn't the time for such matters. We should celebrate your awakening as an Echo." He shook his head lightly, as if brushing aside any worries.
"We should invite all the noble houses to a banquet in your honor."
Levi simply nodded. "Yes, brother."
Satisfied, Valerian left the carriage, leaving Levi alone with his thoughts once more.
After some time, the carriages began their journey northward, departing from Ashenveil Woods and heading toward Ikkorah City.
Traveling alongside the Nyxian Flow River, the first city they passed was Kalimaru, which lay to the right, while Ashenveil Woods stretched endlessly to their left. At the farthest edge of the forest, where the trees thinned into open land, stood Ikkorah City, their final destination.
The Ashenveil Woods lacked the diversity of wildlife found in other forests. Its very existence was tied to the Nyxian Flow River, which nourished its towering trees. But with no rich ecosystem to sustain them, ferocious beasts were a rarity in these parts.
For five days, the carriages and horses pressed forward through the dense forest. The journey was uneventful, no dangers, no interruptions.
When they finally emerged from the woods, towering city walls loomed before them. Standing at the city gates, a massive zeppelin airship awaited, its brass hull gleaming under the morning sun, ready to ferry the students to their respective destinations.
As the carriages rolled to a stop, the students stepped out, their expressions reflecting a mix of emotions.
Some faces beamed with joy, their excitement barely contained. Others wore expressions of sorrow and frustration, their dreams shattered. Some students had swollen, tear-streaked eyes, evidence of long nights spent weeping.
For those who had passed the trials, this was the beginning of a grand future. For those who had failed, however, despair weighed heavily on their shoulders.
Becoming an Echo was the dream of every child. To have that dream crumble before their very eyes, it was a cruel fate. Many silently wished it had all been just a nightmare. But as the moments passed, reality settled in.
For them, there was no glorious future. Only hardship. Only suffering.
The students boarded the airship in an orderly queue, moving without quarrel, there was no childish scramble for window seats, no pushing to get ahead. Some still clung to the hope that this was all just a dream, silently praying to wake up and find the trials undone.
Inside, the airship was vast, its interior divided into spacious halls tailored to different social standings. The noble families occupied the grandest sections, adorned with polished brass fixtures and velvet seating. The commoners had their own designated area, comfortable but modest. And then there were those who had failed the trials. Their accommodations were the least favorable, a stark reminder of their dashed hopes.
Among those seated in the noble section was Elrya. She wasn't there by birthright but by recognition, an authorized author and writer, her status earned rather than inherited. Though she was respected among the nobility, she was not their equal in standing or power.
How could she ever compare? These families had risen under the reign of a Sovereign, flourishing through generations, their influence spanning centuries. Even now, they held immense power, standing at heights she could never hope to reach.
As Levi settled into his seat, a conversation nearby caught his attention. A familiar name had been spoken, drawing his focus.
"Garret, didn't someone boast that he'd display an Order 4 talent? And yet, he couldn't even pass the trial," Lysander sneered, his gaze locking onto Dorian.
Garret smirked. "I'll never understand how some people shamelessly brag, covering up their insecurities with empty words."
"Haha, well said, Garret," Lysander laughed.
Dorian remained silent, his fingers curling into a fist. He wanted to retaliate but he couldn't. Not against them this time.
The boy who had duplicated himself in the trial had shown no talent at all.
Suppressing his anger, Dorian forced himself to respond, his voice tight. "The bet price of two thousand Solari will be delivered when we arrive in Zul'vharra City."
Lysander's expression turned cold. "Did we speak to you?" His jet-black eyes darkened, and for the briefest moment, a crimson-red aura flared around him. "Watch your tongue. Always meddling in other people's business."
Dorian froze.
Those were his own words, the same ones he had once spoken to Lysander in the dream realm.
A flash of anger flickered across his face, his body tensing in response. But then, he remembered something. His fury faded, his shoulders loosening as he forced himself to relax.
"I get it…" Dorian muttered to himself. "They're trying to provoke me, to start a fight."
He made up his mind, not to respond.
When Lysander and Garret noticed that Dorian remained unfazed, their plan had clearly failed.
"You think we're here just for the bet? That we came all this way just to tease you?" Lysander sneered.
He smirked and added, "And even if I won, what would I gain from defeating a disabled person?"
"Haha! Good point, Lysander," Garret chuckled. "He didn't even awaken as an Echo. He's no better than a cripple."
Just as the tension thickened, a voice cut in.
"Don't you two have anything better to do than constantly mocking others and trying to start fights?" Elias stepped forward, his gaze sharp.