Around the same late hour, inside the Valley of Order Temple's main hall, rows of hanging blue flames illuminated the vast stone chamber in an ominous glow.
At the center sat a green-eyed man upon a throne. His purple hair reached down to his pointed goatee, while his sharp features carried an intimidating presence. Standing silently below was a bronze-skinned boy with short black hair and golden eyes.
Zeke waited patiently for Reaper Lee to speak.
Having been summoned without warning, he already suspected the meeting was connected to the Immortal System's recent task.
It had been months since he last saw Lee in person following Den Mother Elizabeth's execution. Now armed with a useful new reward, Zeke decided to satisfy a lingering curiosity.
Opening his Status Window, he activated the Scouter.
[Scout]
Alias: (Ryu Lee)
Mana: N/A
Qi: (34,500/34,500)
Sword Force: N/A
Power Level: 91,438
Health: (68,888/68,888)
Title: (Stage 4 Disciple)
[Status Window]
Mana: (4,575/4,575)
Qi: (15,250/15,250)
Sword Force: N/A
Power Level: 69,536
Health: (36,000/36,000)
Titles: (Blood Physique) (Venomous Physique) (1st Circle Mage) (Stage 3 Disciple)
Even though the comparison heavily favored Lee, Zeke wasn't discouraged.
If anything, he was impressed.
In less than a year since transmigrating, he had reached a level of strength that would have been considered absurd in his previous life. Back then, a ten-year-old reaching Stage 3 Disciple would have been unheard of.
Still, he knew better than to become arrogant.
Death was always lurking nearby.
Especially in the early stages of cultivation.
His gaze lingered on the newly added title.
Venomous Physique.
After Trial One concluded, Zeke had secretly used Demon's Breath on both Instructor Fox and No.444's corpse. While intending to break through into Stage 3 Disciple, he had stumbled upon an unexpected benefit.
Thanks to the Blood Physique's hidden properties, he successfully absorbed the essence of No.444's rare constitution.
Now he possessed both physiques.
A frightening combination.
"I see your group currently ranks near the bottom," Lee finally said. "Care to explain?"
His voice pulled Zeke back to reality.
"It's still early, Master Lee."
Lee narrowed his eyes.
"I suppose. However, I can't help but wonder whether your sentimental nature truly died alongside your promise. Or perhaps you've already forgotten your oath."
His smile widened slightly.
"You're still awfully attached to those den siblings of yours."
"There is no need for concern," Zeke replied calmly. "Our relationship is based on convenience more than sentiment. My future actions will demonstrate my resolve far better than words."
Lee remained unconvinced.
There was one final question he wished to ask.
"Tell me, No.00. Do you still harbor resentment toward me?"
"I'm in no position to waste time on unfulfilled grudges. Walking the path of an assassin and cultivator leaves little room for such luxuries."
Zeke met his gaze directly.
"Only the strong survive."
"Good answer."
Lee smirked.
Suddenly—
Several daggers shot toward Zeke from his blind side.
Reacting instantly, he coated his hand in blue Qi and deflected the incoming blades.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Before he could fully turn around, another attack descended from above.
Kado.
Already prepared, Zeke met the strike head-on.
Their weapons collided.
Crack!
Kado's short blade shattered instantly.
"Impossible!"
He retreated several steps, landing near Lee with a shocked expression.
Fury flashed across his face.
Ready to attack again, he adopted another stance.
"That's enough, Kado."
Lee's command echoed throughout the hall.
Reluctantly, Kado withdrew.
Meanwhile, Zeke remained calm.
He never believed the attack was genuine.
Merely another test.
"Excellent."
Lee leaned back.
"You passed. Your growth has exceeded even my expectations."
A grin formed on his face.
"You weren't surprised by Kado's attack?"
"The exact reason escapes me," Zeke answered, "but one should always remain prepared."
Lee nodded approvingly.
"Good."
His expression became serious.
"Now then. Let us discuss the real reason I summoned you."
...
After some time, Lee finished explaining the mission.
The massive doors opened.
A black-cloaked subordinate escorted Zeke from the chamber.
Once the doors closed, only Lee and Kado remained.
"Thoughts?" Lee asked.
Kado hesitated.
"I know my experience pales compared to yours, Master, but..."
His jaw tightened.
"That child is a monster."
Lee remained silent.
"In less than a year he's already reached my Stage."
For the first time, Kado understood why the Samus bloodline had always fascinated Lee.
"Leave."
Kado bowed before vanishing into the shadows.
Alone once more, Lee sank into thought.
For years, No.00 had been little more than an interesting pet project.
Now?
He wasn't so certain.
Gradually, crimson-black killing intent seeped from his body.
The hall trembled.
Then a familiar voice echoed through his mind.
"Make sure you keep a tight leash on that precious rising star of yours."
Ono.
"Silence!"
Lee roared.
BOOM!
His throne disintegrated into ash.
Floating amidst the destruction, his aura churned violently before slowly calming.
"How pathetic."
A smile returned to his face.
"I will continue using that boy however I see fit."
His eyes gleamed.
"No matter how talented he becomes, his fate was sealed the moment his family placed him beneath my thumb."
If No.00 successfully retrieved the Angelic Flute, Lee fully intended to mold him into a future Direct Disciple.
One that belonged solely to him.
...
Several weeks later, preparations for the mission were complete.
Unlike normal graduates, the chosen participants would skip several ranks upon success.
Rather than advancing from Grunt to Soldier, Squad Commander, and Instructor, they would immediately become Disciples.
A status surpassed only by Direct Disciples and the Three Reapers themselves.
At dawn, Zeke, Kenshin, Liz, and several others found themselves standing blindfolded in an isolated cavern.
Moments later, their blindfolds unraveled.
Before them stretched a massive ritual formation.
Its surface was etched with blood-red symbols and ancient characters.
At the center lay a pile of fresh corpses.
Zeke immediately recognized the formation.
Devil's Sendoff.
A notorious demonic teleportation array.
To activate it, a Stage 3 cultivator was required along with human sacrifices equal to the number being transported.
His eyes swept across the area.
Nine participants.
Including No.711.
The Three Reapers observed from an elevated platform above.
Kado suddenly appeared.
"Step inside."
Nobody dared refuse.
Once everyone entered the formation, Taki stepped forward.
"Failure will not be tolerated."
His voice carried no emotion.
"Even behind enemy lines."
The atmosphere grew heavier.
Seeing their expressions, Ono smiled.
"Now, now. Don't look so grim."
He folded his hands behind his back.
"Death has followed you your entire lives. Why fear it now?"
His smile widened.
"Focus instead on the rewards awaiting those who succeed."
Several participants straightened slightly.
Only Lee remained silent.
"Kado."
The Direct Disciple immediately knelt.
"Begin."
Pressing both palms against the ground, Kado poured Qi into the formation.
The corpses rapidly decayed.
Moments later—
A blinding crimson light erupted.
Then everyone vanished.
Gone.
Ono chuckled.
"Poor children. Their odds of survival are practically nonexistent."
"Of course," Taki replied. "Their purpose is simply to create an opportunity."
"Still."
Ono glanced toward Lee.
"I'm surprised you volunteered No.00."
Lee shrugged.
"It's simple."
A grin spread across his face.
"He'll either meet my expectations..."
His eyes narrowed.
"...or die trying."
"Tsk."
Taki clicked his tongue.
"What foolish logic."
"Mind your own business."
Lee laughed.
"And whatever scheme you're hiding? It'll fail like all the others."
Before Taki could respond, Ono stepped between them.
"Gentlemen."
He sighed.
"This is one of the few occasions where our interests actually align."
Ignoring him, Lee walked away.
Ono followed.
Left alone, Taki's expression darkened.
"Just wait."
His eyes gleamed with malice.
"When I kill two birds with one stone, we'll see who's laughing last."
...
Far above the mountains, a lone scout stood beside a prepared waypoint.
Without warning—
Space tore open.
A crimson portal emerged.
Nine figures tumbled onto the mountain peak before the portal sealed itself.
Most immediately staggered from the disorienting journey.
Only Zeke remained composed.
For the first time in months, he looked upward.
Blue sky.
Fresh air.
Sunlight.
He raised a hand toward the heavens.
Simply enjoying the warmth.
"Pinch me."
Liz spun in circles.
"I must be dreaming! I've wanted to see the outside world since I was little!"
"Ouch!"
She yelped.
Zeke lowered his hand.
"You're still little."
He smirked.
"Now focus. This isn't a vacation."
Naturally, that only irritated her further.
Before she could argue, Kenshin stepped between them.
Wrapping an arm around both their shoulders, he laughed.
"Come on."
His smile widened.
"Let's enjoy this moment while it lasts."
The scout finally cleared his throat.
"Line up."
Everyone turned toward him.
"It is time for your final briefing."
Kenshin sighed dramatically.
"Speak of the devil."