"Level ten... Infinite Soul Demon Sect..." Jared Chance murmured, the sybles flickering behind his eyes like sparks seeking tinder.
He knew that level ten towered far above level nine-a brutal realm where sects jostled like storm clouds, and power was the onlyw.
"Mr. Chance, level ten is a different sky," Zevon said, his voice weighted with warning. "Heavenly Immortals stroll there the way merchants crowd a market. That Infinite Soul Demon Sect is no sanctuary; it is a nest of knives. Soul Devourer will flourish in such darkness. We must n, not blunder in."
"Level ten is lethal," Sylvia whispered, fingers tightening around Jared''s. "I cannot bear to see you face it alone."
Jared''s gaze swept over them all-soft for a breath, then forged into iron resolve.
Mr. Swanson, Sylvia—my decision is made. Soul Devourer is vindictive and sly. If I leave him unchecked, he will return and drench level nine in blood. The root of that threat must be cut. Besides, my path was never meant to end at level nine. Stronger worlds and fiercer foes are what I crave. Level ten is the next step. Zevon, Neville— level nine may appear calm, yet dark currents churn beneath the surface. The Nethergate Sect and the newborn Heaven Gate Sect need you to anchor them. The Draconian army must rest and grow. Your duty lies here.
Turning to Sylvia, Jared let his voice fall to a gentler register. "Heaven Gate Sect is only an infant, every brick still wet. As its master, you cannot leave. Level ten is an ocean of unknowns, and I refuse to let you brave that storm for my sake. Stay on level nine, cultivate Heaven Gate Sect, and wait for my return. He swung toward Coall—already pawing at the ground—and Cyanna, whose frosted eyes glimmered
with quiet worry."
"Coall, Cyanna, the Draconian army is now in your hands. Stand with Sylvia, guard level nine, keep sharpening your strength. Once I have a foothold on level ten, I may yet summon you to my side."
His strategy was crisp, each assignment sliding into ce like well-cut stone.
Unease lingered in every face, yet they knew this was the only path that truly made
sense.
Zevon exhaled a long, gravelly sigh. "Level ten is nothing like this realm. Be cautious in all things, never force a point for pride''s sake your life muste first."
Neville pped Jared''s shoulder once, solid and sure. "Take care. Nethergate Sect will always stand behind you."
Sylvia''sshes shimmered with tears she refused to shed. "Juste back alive."
Coall rumbled in his barrel chest. "Rx, Mr. Jared. With me around, level nine won''t fall apart. You clear somend over there and we''lle share the spoils Cyanna said nothing, yet the silver sh inher eyes carried a thousand unspoken instructions and blessings.
Jared folded all that devotion into his heart and answered with a single, solemn nod.
He drew a breath deep enough to steady worlds. The Power of Immortals thundered through his veins as his hands carved fluid arcs in empty air, unlocking thettice of space itself.
Humming energy swelled and then split the void.
A warped corridor tore open, ck
edges shivering with instability. Beyond the ragged mouthy a haze washed realm, wider and
deadlier than level, nine could ever dream-level ten.
"Awoo!" The small fire unicorn on his shoulder sensed the rift, loosing a call that trembled between excitement and dread while its tiny ws clutched the fabric at Jared''s cor.
Onest time Jared looked back—at
friends, at the battlefield that had
forged them, and at the realm he
had bed to protect. Resolve
hardened in his eyes. All of
you-take care!"
He stepped into the swirling passage, his silhouette swallowed by chaotic light.
The little unicorn leapt after him, tail ame with courage. The corridor flickered, spasmed, then knitted closed until nothing remained but still air and a faint metallic tang.
Only Zevon and the others remained inside Soulgrave Abyss, staring at the empty space where Jared had vanished, their silence as heavy as stone.