Capítulo 10: The Guardian’s Oath
The grand doors of the Elder's Council chamber loomed before Kael, their intricate designs etched with the Ardent family crest. This would be his first time standing before the council as the acknowledged heir, and the weight of that title was not lost on him. It was not a simple formality; every step he took brought him closer to the center of the Ardent family's power, and with that power came immense expectations.
As the two sentries opened the doors, the cold air of the chamber greeted Kael, sending a chill down his spine. The room was vast and circular, the high vaulted ceiling giving the impression of a throne room rather than a council hall. Twelve Elders sat in a semicircle, their eyes fixed on him with unspoken judgment. At the head of the chamber, seated in a high-backed chair, was his father, Adam Ardent. His expression was unreadable, but his presence was palpable, commanding the room even in silence.
Kael's steps were slow, measured, as he made his way to the center of the room. His mind, however, was racing. He knew that this moment was not just a formality. It was a test. Everything in the Ardent family was a test—subtle but unforgiving. He had passed the first one by handling the Varens with care, but this, here, was where his real journey would begin.
"Kael," Adam's voice broke the silence, his deep tone reverberating in the chamber. "You have proven yourself worthy in your dealings with the Varens, but the road ahead is fraught with far greater challenges. You will need more than just your wits and knowledge to navigate the Empire's treacherous waters."
Kael stood before his father, his gaze unwavering, though his mind was already dissecting the intent behind his father's words. He knew what was coming—he had expected this ever since the moment his father hinted at it days ago.
Adam continued, his voice firm, but carrying the weight of a father's authority. "It is time for you to have a guardian."
The words hung in the air for a moment, as if the very atmosphere in the room had shifted. A guardian. This was more than a mere bodyguard—it was a symbol of the Ardent heir's status and the family's commitment to ensuring his survival in the cutthroat world of noble politics and cultivation.
Kael had read about the importance of guardians in the original novel, where elite families often assigned powerful cultivators to protect their heirs. They were more than just defenders; they were weapons, shields, and, at times, executioners for their masters.
Adam gestured toward the shadows near the edge of the room, and a figure stepped forward. Tall, lean, with sharp, angular features that gave him an air of cold precision, the man approached. His dark hair, streaked with silver, hinted at both experience and a life spent at the edge of danger. His eyes, however, were what caught Kael's attention—an intense, steely gaze that seemed to see through him, as if measuring his worth in that very moment.
"Kael," Adam spoke, his voice commanding the room. "This is Kieran Voidstrider. He has recently ascended to the Mahayana Realm and specializes in space laws. His mastery of space will serve you well, both in battle and beyond."
Kael's eyes flickered with interest. Space laws. That was a rare and powerful field of mastery. Those who understood space laws could manipulate the very fabric of reality around them—warp distances, create rifts, and move across vast expanses in an instant. It was an ability that could turn the tide of any conflict and grant unparalleled mobility in battle. Space cultivators were feared for their ability to make the battlefield their domain, dictating the terms of engagement with ease.
Kieran stepped forward, kneeling before Kael with a sense of controlled power that spoke volumes about his experience. "Young Master Kael," Kieran's voice was calm but resonant. "From this day forward, I pledge my loyalty to you. I am your sword, your shield, and your shadow. Wherever you go, I will follow, and whoever seeks your life will answer to me."
Kael watched the man kneel, a swirl of thoughts running through his mind. He could sense the power radiating off of Kieran, though it was subdued, carefully controlled. Kieran's ascension to the Mahayana Realm meant that his cultivation had reached a formidable level, but it was the mastery over space laws that truly intrigued Kael. That alone made Kieran an invaluable asset.
"Rise, Kieran," Kael said, his voice firm but not unkind. "I accept your oath. Together, we will face whatever challenges lie ahead."
As Kieran rose to his feet, Adam spoke again. "Kieran's promotion to the Mahayana Realm is recent, but his understanding of space laws is deep. He has been tested in battle, and he will serve you well in the trials ahead. With him at your side, you will have the means to outmaneuver even the most dangerous of opponents."
Kael nodded, but his mind was already strategizing. The upcoming banquet hosted by Crown Prince Darion Aeloria would be his first major test. Every noble family of significance would be in attendance, including the Voss siblings, Robert and Selene. He had read in the novel how the Voss family had outmaneuvered their rivals at the banquet, earning alliances and solidifying their position. With Robert's charisma and Selene's mastery of the time attribute, they had easily become one of the most influential families in the Empire.
But Kael had no intention of letting history repeat itself. This time, with Kieran at his side, he would have a significant advantage. The Voss siblings were powerful, but Selene's manipulation of time was the true threat. If Kieran could counter her time-based abilities by warping space, it would be a game-changer. He could trap her, disrupt her movements, and neutralize her before she could pose a serious threat.
Kael's thoughts were interrupted by his father's voice, which had grown softer but no less commanding. "You must understand, Kael, that this banquet is more than just a gathering. It is your opportunity to establish yourself in the eyes of the Empire. Every eye will be on you, judging not just you, but the Ardent family. You cannot afford any missteps."
"I understand," Kael replied, his expression calm. "I will be prepared."
Adam's gaze lingered on his son for a moment longer before nodding. "Good. You are dismissed."
Kael gave a slight bow and turned to leave, Kieran falling into step behind him. As they made their way down the long hall of the estate, Kael's mind was already racing, calculating every possible outcome of the banquet, every move he would make.
"Kieran," Kael said as they walked, his voice low. "Your mastery over space laws—can you warp distances within short ranges?"
Kieran glanced at him, his expression unreadable but respectful. "Yes, Young Master. I can manipulate space to shorten distances, create barriers, or trap opponents in spatial rifts. It gives me complete control over the battlefield."
Kael smiled faintly. "Good. We're going to need every advantage we can get. The banquet will be a battlefield of its own, and I intend to control it."
Kieran nodded, his loyalty to Kael unwavering. "I will ensure that no one poses a threat to you, Young Master. Whether they walk through space or time, they will not escape me."
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