Way of the Knights

---

*Dong!* *Dong!* *Dong!*

Loud of sounds of large church bells echoed across the entirety of the Ancient Elysium Sect. 

It didn't matter who it is or what they were doing, everyone in the sect instinctively looked up when they heard the sound. 

"What's going on?"

"Man those are loud. What's the big deal?"

"Why don't we wait for the announcement instead of blindly asking questions, yeah?"

"He's got a point you know." 

"Tch."

Discussions like this occurred everywhere. They were all waiting for the important announcement that was about to arrive. What others didn't know is that, this announcement isn't just limited to Greece alone. The bells could be heard all the way down to the base within Tartarus and other places where the disciples are concentrated as well. 

The skies within Greece suddenly changed, shocking the people wandering on the streets. The clouds parted and a beam of light emerged from out of nowhere, illuminating whatever it touches. 

As the people struggled to find-out what's going on, the situation at the Storm Dweller's peak became a bit different. 

At the very precipice of the mountain, there isn't only the abode of the leaders of the sect but also a passage that leads towards a secret realm that not even those who have high authority in the sect knew about. 

This passage leads to a vast garden who's beauty could enchant even those who's hearts had been chilled. Here, the sunshine was mellow yet carried a very comfortable warmth, the air smells like scent of a hundred flowers, the vegetation was lush and vivid and not a trace of ugliness could be seen anywhere. 

It was akin to a paradise. 

At the very core region of this garden, there is a stone monument built amidst the clear expanse of lush grass. Here, two people stood in front. One was kneeling while the other was staring at the monument with outmost respect in his face. 

Beneath the stone monument, a stone slab could be seen with a written message saying: 'Here lies the remains of Chronos - Zeus.'

These two people were none other than Sect Master Lucas and Raven. The former was the one who's staring at the stone monument while the latter was the one kneeling with his eyes closed. 

There was a comfortable silence between the two. The Sect Master didn't say a word and just let Raven kneel in there. 

As for Raven, he's currently immersed in a very wondrous dream right now - or at least that what he wants to believe. It's just that even with his attempts to try and decipher what was going on to him, he just can't seem to focus. 

His consciousness felt like it was drifting through the expanse of vivid yet very illusory dream. 

Unbeknownst to him, a wondrous transformation was currently happening in his body. 

The marks of Hades, Poseidon and Zeus were currently moving, and it would seem that their destination is his chest. More precisely at the center of his chest where his core is located. 

He had forgotten how long he had been in this state but if he could venture a guess right now, he'd probably say that the process is nearly done.

As the marks slowly made their way towards his chest, Raven was slowly transforming. His soul, Cosmic Energy and Physical Body was faintly showing signs of sublimation. It was as if they were slowly but surely melding together to form a single entity. 

Anybody who realizes this would probably be shocked. How can they not be specially considering the fact that what was happening right now is something that should happen once one becomes an Empyrean Knight? 

Yes, one could argue that these are just 'signs' of merging. It's not quite the real deal yet but experiencing this during the Saint Knight Realm is, without a doubt, a huge boon simply because this means that the individual in question undoubtedly has a Empyrean Level foundation. Which more or less translate to them surely achieving that strength in the future. 

This was such a great lucky chance yet Raven was unfortunately oblivious to it. 

Time passed swiftly and all of a sudden, Raven's body was suddenly covered with a thick blanket of golden radiance. 

Sect Master Lucas turned around to look at him. There was a smile on his face as he did so. 

He didn't need to look nor ask Raven for any confirmation. Just from this golden radiance alone, he could absolutely tell that Raven officially became his successor since the all three marks merged together. 

Raven opened his eyes and as soon as he did so, his pupils flashed with beams of golden radiance which faded shortly. His gaze regained their focus, which means that Raven woke up from his dreams. 

When his thoughts returned to him, he found himself kneeling in front of the stone platform. He raised his head and met the warm gaze of Sect Master Lucas. Just from that gaze alone, Raven could feel a strong link connecting the two of them. 

He didn't need confirmation nor any words at all. That feeling was enough to confirm everything for him. The Sect Master nodded at him and helped him rise-up, Raven respectfully accepted the gesture and as soon as he stood up, a loud and archaic voice echoed in the ears of everyone who's part of the sect. 

"The inheritor of 'Chronos' appears! Rejoice, comrades!"

Many people gasped in shock as soon as they heard this announcement. 

"What!?"

"Already!? That was fast!"

"Yeah! From what I heard, it's usually the inheritor of 'Chronos' appears last. Which also marks the start of the new generation. However this is unusually early."

"I know right? The Chosen of Zeus has yet to compete yet the Little Chronos already appeared."

" 'Little Chronos'? Really?"

"Hush now, you. You're not paying attention to the more important things here."

"What does that have anything to do with us? We're mortals compared to them."

"Alright you guys, stop arguing. We're bound to be busy. Let's prepare, yeah?" 

"Yeah."

---

"How do you feel?" Sect Master Lucas asked. 

Raven took sometime to analyze his current state, after that he replied: "I feel, strangely bewildered somehow."

Sect Master Lucas laughed out loud and said: "I totally get that feeling!" 

Raven smiled as well. It is true that he felt somewhat bewildered. He could feel that there was an outstanding change on his body yet he can't put a finger on it. Additionally, it also feels like the way he saw the world changed drastically, yet again it might've just been him feeling a bit strange currently. 

"Right now, everyone should be aware that the successor of 'Chronos' appeared. Most of them don't know that it's you yet but that won't be for long." Sect Master Lucas stated.

"Eventually, you'll have to appear in public and a time will come where you won't be able to deny your status. Well, from what I observed so far, there shouldn't be any problems with you or your attitude. Just don't overdo it when times comes, do you get me?" 

"Yes, Sect Master."

"Senior Brother." Sect Master Lucas said. 

"Eh?"

"Address me as Senior Brother from now on. Since you and I are 'inheritors' of Chronos. That makes us his disciples, which means we're disciple brothers, it's a bond that won't ever be sever lest you sever it first." Lucas explained. 

Raven was a bit shocked, however he nodded and said: "I understand, Sec-Senior Brother." 

"Relax. You'll eventually get used to it." Lucas chuckled. "And since you're going to replace me in the future, that means that you have to learn how to manage the sect as a whole."

"Although we are planning to confront the devils in the future. Preparing for it will take sometime. Well, since you're officially stated as the Heir to the position, that removes the stress of competition from you. That being said, you still have much to learn. I hope you're prepared."

"I'll do my best." 

"I'm looking forward to it." Lucas grinned. "Remember this Junior Brother. No matter what happens...whether we end up losing this war, my death, accidents...anything in between. Always, always remember, that the well-being of the sect comes first. Without the sect, the Devil Emperor will run rampant and could potentially destroy mankind. That's something that we cannot permit to happen. Alright?"

"The well-being of the sect takes priority. I understand." Raven nodded. "But If I'm being honest, I wish we could kill the Devil Emperor once and for all in this upcoming battle."

"Well, that's the ultimate goal." Lucas said. "Which is why we're at the preparation phase right now. That being said, you also have to make sure that we're not going to just blindly send our forces in there. We're against an intelligent enemy who had lived for a very long time. It wouldn't be wise to hastily advance." 

"I agree." Raven nodded. 

"Well, that's that. For now, let's return to pick up your coronation gifts. Let's bid farewell to Ancestor Chronos first." Lucas said, he then turned around and kowtowed in front of the stone monument, Raven did the same. 

After that, Lucas waved his hand and the two disappeared from paradise-like garden. 

What they didn't know is that, moment later after they disappeared....the stone monument released a faint silver glow and a faint yet hearty laugh could be heard from very depths of the stone monument. 

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