The celebration in the Crucible lasted for three days.
Cultivators from every realm flooded the obsidian colosseum, raising their cups to the Last Dragonheart and his unlikely band of allies. James smiled, shook hands, and accepted congratulations from warriors who had once mocked him. But beneath the surface, he felt restless. Unsettled. Like something important was waiting just beyond his reach.
On the third night, Sage summoned him to her private chambers.
James entered the small stone room to find her standing by a window that overlooked the swirling skies of the Aetherwilds. Her scarred face was unreadable, but there was a weight in her posture that made James's golden fire stir with unease.
"You did well," Sage said without turning around. "Better than I expected, to be honest. When I first met you, you were a frightened boy with a broken seal and a death wish. Now you're a Grade Seven cultivator with allies who would die for you."
James stepped closer. "But you didn't call me here to congratulate me."
Sage finally turned, her dark eyes meeting his. "No. I called you here to warn you."
She gestured for him to sit, and he obeyed, his golden fire flickering nervously.
"The tournament was a victory," Sage continued, "but it was also a signal. Every realm in the Seven Realms now knows that the Dragonheart bloodline has returned. The higher realms are watching. Some will want to recruit you. Others will want to destroy you."
James clenched his fists. "I know. Valerian's allies were from the higher realms. They've already tried to kill me."
Sage nodded grimly. "And they will try again. But Valerian was just the beginning. The higher realms have cultivators at Grade Nine and above. Beings who have lived for centuries. Beings who have forgotten what it means to be human."
James's blood ran cold. "What are you saying?"
Sage stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm saying that you're not ready. Grade Seven is impressive—but it's not enough. Not against what's coming."
James's jaw tightened. "Then what do I need?"
Sage's eyes burned with intensity. "Grade Nine. At least. The Dragonheart bloodline is one of the most powerful in existence, but power means nothing without control. Without mastery. You need to push yourself beyond every limit you've ever known."
James was silent for a long moment. "How long will that take?"
"Months. Maybe years." Sage's voice was firm. "The Crucible was a crucible—a test of fire. But true cultivation requires time. Patience. Dedication. You and your allies need to retreat from the world. Find remote locations far from the cities, far from the politics and the distractions. Train until your power becomes as natural as breathing."
James absorbed her words. The thought of leaving Ashford behind—leaving his revenge unfinished—was painful. But Sage was right. He wasn't ready to face the higher realms. Not yet.
"What about my friends?" James asked. "Serena, Rourke, Lysandra, Kael. They have their own goals. Their own paths."
Sage smiled—a rare, genuine expression. "That's the thing about true allies, James. They don't abandon each other. I've already spoken to them. They've agreed to accompany you. Each of them will train in a different remote location, honing their own bloodlines. But you'll stay connected. You'll grow together."
James felt warmth spread through his chest. His friends were willing to leave everything behind for him.
"Where will we go?"
Sage moved to a map spread across the stone table. It depicted the Seven Realms in intricate detail, with mountains, forests, and oceans marked in ancient symbols.
"There are five locations," she explained, pointing to each one. "The Frozen Peaks of the Frostwood Realm, where Serena will train her Frostblood. The Forge of the Earth Realm, where Rourke will strengthen his Stoneheart. The Shadow Nexus of the Shadow Realm, where Lysandra will deepen her connection to darkness. And the Verdant Valley, where Kael will explore his Soulweaver abilities."
She looked at James. "And you will go to the Dragon's Rest."
James frowned. "The Dragon's Rest?"
Sage nodded slowly. "An ancient location in the heart of the Aetherwilds. It's where the first Dragonheart cultivators trained. The energy there is saturated with your bloodline. It will accelerate your growth—if you can survive the trials."
James's golden fire pulsed with anticipation. "Trials?"
Sage's expression was grim. "The Dragon's Rest is not a place for the weak. It will test you physically, mentally, and spiritually. Many cultivators have entered and never returned. But if you succeed, you'll emerge as a Grade Nine cultivator. Maybe higher."
James met her gaze without flinching. "I'll do it. Whatever it takes."
Sage studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "I knew you would. Prepare your allies. You leave at dawn."
The Gathering
That night, James gathered his friends in the alcove overlooking the Crucible.
Serena stood with her arms crossed, her ice-blue eyes sharp and focused. Rourke sat on the floor, his massive gray form radiating calm strength. Lysandra lounged against the wall, her dark eyes gleaming with amusement. And Kael bounced nervously, his mismatched eyes darting between them.
"So," James began, "Sage has told you about the plan."
Serena nodded. "Remote training. Five different locations. We separate and grow stronger."
Rourke grunted. "Makes sense. The higher realms are coming. We need to be ready."
Lysandra smirked. "I've always preferred working alone. But I'll admit—having allies has its advantages."
Kael raised his hand. "Question! Why can't we just stay together? We're stronger as a team!"
James shook his head. "Because we need individual growth. Our bloodlines require different environments. Different challenges. But we'll stay connected." He pulled out a small crystal pendant that pulsed with golden light. "Sage gave us these. They're communication crystals. We can reach each other no matter where we are."
Kael grabbed his own pendant, studying it with wide eyes. "Ooh! Magic jewelry! I feel fancy already!"
Serena allowed a small smile. "We'll reconvene when we're all at Grade Nine. Then we face the higher realms together."
James looked at each of his friends, his golden fire swelling with warmth. "I know this isn't easy. Leaving everything behind. But I promise—when we meet again, we'll be unstoppable."
Rourke's massive hand landed on James's shoulder. "We'll be ready."
Lysandra's dark eyes gleamed. "And the Blackwoods will regret ever crossing us."
Kael grabbed James in a sudden, fierce hug. "I'm going to miss you so much. So, so much. But I'll be training hard! I'll become the most powerful Soulweaver in history! You'll see!"
James laughed, hugging him back. "I know you will."
The Departure
Dawn broke over the Aetherwilds, painting the sky in shades of purple and gold.
James stood at the edge of the training ground, his golden fire pulsing gently around him. His allies stood beside him, each ready to begin their own journey.
Sage approached, her scarred face unreadable. "Remember—the Dragon's Rest will test everything you are. Don't fight the trials. Embrace them. Learn from them. And trust in your bloodline."
James nodded. "I will."
Sage stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "And James—when you return, I'll tell you the truth about your parents. All of it."
James's breath caught. "You know?"
Sage's eyes were filled with ancient sorrow. "I know everything. But you need to be strong enough to hear it. And right now, you're not. Not yet."
James clenched his fists. "Then I'll become strong enough. I promise."
Sage nodded, then stepped back. "Go. Your path awaits."
James turned to his friends. Serena was already walking toward the Frostwood Realm, her silver robes flowing behind her. Rourke was heading toward the Earth Realm, his massive form disappearing into the mist. Lysandra had already vanished into the shadows, her destination unknown.
Kael stood beside James, his mismatched eyes glistening with tears. "Okay. I'm going. I'm really going. But I'll miss you. So much. Like, a lot. A whole—"
"Kael." James placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll see each other again. I promise."
Kael sniffled. "You better. Or I'll use my Soulweaver powers to find you and annoy you for eternity."
James laughed. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Kael gave him one last hug, then turned and walked toward the Verdant Valley, his green energy pulsing around him.
James watched him go, the golden fire in his chest warm with gratitude.
He was alone now—truly alone for the first time since meeting his friends. But he didn't feel lonely. He felt determined. Ready.
The Dragon's Rest awaits.
James turned and walked toward the heart of the Aetherwilds, his golden fire blazing around him like a beacon.
He would reach Grade Nine. He would uncover the truth about his parents. And he would face the higher realms—with his friends by his side.
Together.