Part 1: The Echo of Victory
The Morningstar clan's banner waved proudly atop Skull Rock. Its crimson silk, edged in gold and black, fluttered in the scorching wind. Legends about the defeat of the Path-Devourer were already spreading along the trade routes and desert markets. Some said the Morningstars could summon shadows themselves and that, under their command, monsters turned to dust.
In the plaza, blacksmiths and alchemists worked bones, metals, and spiritual cores, building a future from the remnants of victory. The twins trained under Kael's stern gaze; Violeta, silently, delivered icy thrusts; Eris, at her side, ignited the spear with flickers of fire, seeking (and hiding) her anxiety about facing the outside world.
Kael, watching both, thought:
Are they ready to face the great clans? Or will the city swallow them like all the naïve before?
But he dismissed the thought: If I faced my fears, so can they.
Meanwhile, in the strategy room, Samael meditated on a throne forged from beast bones. The sensation of power was pleasant but fleeting. The weight of responsibility kept him awake; he knew each victory brought new enemies.
[System: Clan status: Euphoria and alert. Regional influence +350%. New rumors: "The desert dragon seeks ancient treasures." Risk of hostile spies in upcoming moves: High.]
Samael did not share the information with anyone. The System was his absolute secret, a power he would never reveal, not even to Seraphina.
Part 2: Rumors and Preparations
Cedric entered, elegant in his midnight blue robe. He carried a tablet full of notes, his mind always three steps ahead.
"Patriarch, fresh rumors: the Golden Arena Auction House, in South Wind City, will hold a special event tomorrow," he said in a grave, controlled voice. "There is a lot of 'ancient junk,' but among the objects I've tracked down descriptions of a black cauldron, rimmed with medicinal symbols and sealing runes."
The room fell silent. Kael looked up; the twins stopped practicing.
Samael narrowed his eyes.
"The Medicine King's Cauldron?"
"If it is, Elowen could leap to Grand Alchemist. I also think the Ice Crown of the Blue Phoenix, a relic with its own legends, might appear at the same event. Both pieces would be ours, and a huge blow to the fame of Black Hawk and the Valois."
Samael did not hesitate. "Prepare false identities and alternate routes. Take Kael and the twins, but I want everyone to know how to behave in the outside world. I want to see if our pillars can withstand real pressure."
Cedric nodded and looked at the twins.
"You'll have to dress as common apprentices. No flashy auras."
Eris scoffed.
"Let's see if the city is as scary as they say."
Violeta, on the other hand, remained silent. The memory of the massacre still weighed on her shoulders, but the determination in her eyes was unmistakable.
Part 3: New Hierarchy
At sunset, Samael gathered the clan in the central cavern. The glow of the Void Flame Matrix painted strange reflections on the faces of those present.
"Elowen, Cedric, Xylia, and Valeria: each will lead a pavilion," announced Samael. "Elowen, Medicine Pavilion. Cedric, Shadows. Xylia, Martial Dragon. Valeria, Logistics and Finance."
Xylia, always composed, nodded elegantly. However, a spark of rivalry flashed in her eyes as she crossed gazes with Cedric. No one here would stagnate. Glory would go to the deserving.
The new elders, products of the latest promotion, watched with respect—and a bit of wariness. Valeria, nervous about her new responsibility, clenched her fists to hide the trembling.
Samael continued, his voice piercing and solemn.
"Lady Seraphina will be interim Matriarch. When we return, we'll celebrate the wedding. That day, the clan will cease to be legend and become living history."
A roar of approval filled the cavern. For a few seconds, even the most skeptical believed in destiny.
Part 4: Journey to South Wind
They left before dawn. Cedric led the group, Kael watched the rear. The twins, covered by plain cloaks and dark mantles, tried to conceal their aura. The journey was tense: the desert was restless, the dunes seemed to shift at will, and the breeze carried echoes of rumors and fear.
During a stop, Eris whispered:
"Why so much vigilance? Didn't we just defeat an ancient monster?"
Kael replied slowly:
"The city isn't the desert. Here, danger smiles and offers you tea before slitting your throat."
Cedric, reviewing routes under his breath, warned:
"In South Wind, even the sewers have ears. Don't let your guard down for a second."
On arrival at the city, the difference was overwhelming. Caravans and merchants crowded the gates, guards checked passes under the sun, and the walls were decorated with local clan banners.
Cedric paid the toll with studied calm.
"Say we're Jade merchants from the East. Speak little, observe much."
Inside, the city smelled of incense, sweat, and spices. The streets buzzed with activity, but every glance was a threat or an invitation. The twins clung to their cloaks, realizing urban life was a different monster than the Path-Devourer.
Kael tensed on seeing several cultivators with the Valois emblem.
"Are we being followed?"
Cedric barely smiled.
"Sure, but they can't prove anything. Here, the first to attack without proof is executed by the merchant guild."
The group walked to the Auction House, a building of white marble and onyx. At the entrance, a chubby manager greeted them nervously.
"Gentlemen, welcome to the Golden Arena. If you want privacy, we have VIP boxes with sealing runes."
Samael slid a pouch of spirit stones across the counter.
"Box with the best view. And forget you saw us."
The manager nodded, sweating.
"Of course, noble sirs."
As they climbed carpeted stairs, Violeta whispered:
"I've never seen so much luxury… nor so many dangerous eyes."
"Everything has a price here," Kael muttered.
Cedric, alert to every detail, noticed three groups of spies at the side entrance. Let them try. I have six escape routes up my sleeve, he thought.
Part 5: The Excitement of the Auction
The box was cozy and secure, covered by complex runes that blurred Qi and masked sound. From that privileged spot, they had a complete view of the stage.
The auction began with minor lots: swords, tamed beasts, common pills. Samael watched in silence, using the System Eye to analyze high-value objects. No one around him could imagine the depth of his inner vision.
"Lot 45: Ancient cauldron, unknown origin, ideal for smelting metals or mixing poisons. Starting price: 500 spirit stones."
Samael raised his hand:
"2,000."
A ripple of murmurs swept the hall.
An arrogant voice sounded from the box of honor:
"5,000."
The auctioneer gave a professional smile.
"From young master Jareth, heir of the Black Hawk family."
Kael leaned toward Samael:
"Is he dangerous?"
"Only to himself," Samael replied, without taking his eyes off the cauldron.
Jareth stood, asserting authority.
"15,000! Only because I'm bored of beggars who think trash is worth something."
Several discreet laughs broke out in the room.
Samael, unperturbed, raised the bid:
"20,000. And a word of advice: even dogs deserve clean plates."
Some glances turned to Samael's box, trying to guess his identity. Jareth slammed the railing, furious.
"Guards! Find out who dares challenge the Black Hawk in his own city!"
Cedric murmured:
"Will they find us out?"
Samael barely smiled.
"Let them. Fear is useful."
The final gavel fell hard.
"Sold! The black cauldron to private box seven."
Rumors swept the room like wildfire:
"Who has that much money?"
"They say the Morningstars are hiding in the city…"
Kael asked, worried:
"Are we exposing ourselves too much?"
Samael remained silent, confident.
"Sometimes you need to leave a mark so the wolves stop to think."
Part 6: The Gift and the Threat
Soon came the next lot:
"The Ice Crown of the Blue Phoenix. Jewels from the Northern Sea, perfect for Yin cultivators. Starting price: 50,000 stones."
Jareth, stubborn, raised his voice without looking at the object:
"100,000."
Violeta swallowed, nervous:
"Aren't you going to bid, brother?"
Samael shook his head.
"It's a perfect item for Seraphina, but not today. We'll find another way."
Eris, playful, whispered:
"Secret plan?"
Samael looked at her conspiratorially.
"Call it a hostile acquisition. No one will take what's ours."
Kael, adjusting his sword beneath his cloak, asked:
"What if they surround us?"
"Then they'd better pray for a decent burial," Samael replied, raising his glass of wine with absolute calm.
The bidding ended in victory for Black Hawk. But tension in the room was palpable; murmurs grew, guards patrolled the halls, and some eyes were too focused on Samael's box.
Part 7: Foreshadowing and Threat
As they rose to leave, Cedric received a secret message from his network of informants:
"Jareth has hired mercenaries and ordered the exits of the auction district closed. Also… there's a Valois emblem at the side entrance."
Samael analyzed the situation, seeing with the System Eye escape routes and hostile presences. An invisible notification flashed in his mind:
[System: Probability of ambush: High.
Presence of elite cultivators detected.
Recommendation: Maximum alert.]
Samael didn't move a muscle.
"Cedric, you and Kael cover the rear. Twins, be ready to move fast. If we're surrounded, arrow formation and we break out south."
Kael looked at Samael with admiration and respect, but also a hint of fear: He always seems in control, even as the world falls apart…
As they descended the stairs, Samael felt a piercing gaze from a dark balcony. A hooded figure, face hidden, tapped their fingers on a glass of black wine. The air turned icy for an instant.
[System: Unknown danger. Not enough data to analyze level.
Warning: "The board has expanded."]
Samael nodded inwardly, accepting the challenge.
"Let anyone who wishes try their luck. Tonight, the city will remember our name."
Epilogue: Rumors in the Dark
As the moon rose over South Wind City, rumors flew.
Who had humiliated the Black Hawk? Was the Morningstar dragon truly in the city?
In the shadows, mercenaries and spies prepared traps, and the desert's blood vibrated with anticipation.
For the first time, the Morningstar clan was hunting on enemy ground.
End of Chapter 16