The imperial expedition was announced publicly three days later.
Young Core Formation cultivators from major families were invited.
The eastern battlefield had resurfaced after decades buried under shifting terrain. Ruins. Relics. Unknown dangers.
It was an opportunity.
And a test.
Kael did not treat it like a simple trial.
Ancient battlefields meant unstable formations, lingering resentful energy, and hidden inheritances.
They also meant traps.
He spent the next days preparing quietly.
He refined the remaining Azure Core fully.
His Core Formation Early stabilized completely.
Dense.
Heavy.
Structured.
He also modified the Blood Devouring Art slightly.
Instead of aggressive extraction, he layered it beneath his chaotic circulation. If used carefully, it would not appear obvious during combat.
Control was more valuable than display.
Within the Viremont estate, reactions were mixed.
Some elders were pleased.
Some were cautious.
Vaelin remained under house restriction, but word had reached him.
"The prince wants him alive," Vaelin muttered to himself.
That complicated matters.
Two nights before departure, Kael sensed something unusual.
Not an attack.
Observation.
A presence outside his chamber window.
He did not move immediately.
He spoke calmly.
"You can come inside."
Silence.
Then a figure stepped into view from the balcony.
Aric Vale.
Unarmed.
No aggressive posture.
"You're bold," Kael said.
"You're guarded," Aric replied.
They stood facing each other under moonlight.
"I wanted to speak before the expedition," Aric said.
"About?" Kael asked.
"You've changed the timeline."
Kael's expression did not shift.
"Time doesn't belong to anyone."
"You know what I mean," Aric replied evenly.
"Yes."
Silence followed.
"You're not chasing chaos," Aric said. "You're planning long-term."
"Yes."
"Then understand something," Aric continued. "The eastern battlefield is not a simple relic site. My master believes something older is awakening there."
"Older how?" Kael asked.
"Not imperial. Not noble."
Kael studied him carefully.
"You're warning me?"
"I'm warning myself," Aric corrected. "If we clash there blindly, we both lose."
That was honest.
Kael nodded once.
"If cooperation becomes necessary, I won't refuse."
Aric looked slightly surprised.
"You would cooperate?"
"Temporarily."
"That's more reasonable than before."
"I wasn't reasonable before."
Aric allowed himself a faint smile.
"That much is obvious."
The tension between them shifted slightly.
Still rivals.
But no longer reckless enemies.
"You reached Core Formation faster than expected," Aric said.
"Yes."
"How?"
"Control," Kael replied.
Aric studied him for a moment longer.
"I'll see you at the ridge."
"Yes."
Aric stepped back onto the balcony and disappeared into the night.
Kael remained standing.
He trusted Aric's warning partially.
Not fully.
But partially.
If something ancient truly stirred in the battlefield—
The expedition would not be simple competition.
The day of departure arrived quickly.
Imperial carriages assembled at the eastern gate.
The Third Prince stood elevated above the group.
"Today," the prince announced, "you step into imperial history."
Kael did not react.
He observed the other participants.
Some confident.
Some nervous.
Some clearly unaware of real danger.
Aric stood nearby.
Calm.
Focused.
The prince's gaze lingered briefly on Kael.
Assessment.
Measurement.
Expectation.
The expedition moved east as the sun rose.
Beyond the ridge, faint dark energy shimmered in the distance.
The battlefield waited.
Not silent.
But watching.