The obsidian chamber hummed with quiet tension.
High-Rank Hunters shifted nervously as the God Sister's piercing gaze swept over them.
"Kaelen grows stronger with each battle," one of them began. "Should we continue letting him roam unchecked?"
The God Sister's eyes narrowed. "Unchecked? No. He carries the blood of the Kaelen clan. That lineage is dangerous—but useful."
A murmur ran through the High-Ranks.
"Useful?" another asked cautiously.
"Yes," she said, her voice sharp. "Kaelen is a tool. If he continues to grow without destruction… he could surpass even Zerath when awakened. That is why he must continue leveling up, fighting monsters, sharpening his strength, and remaining ignorant of the Chosen Child below. Only then can we ensure his power serves our purposes."
One of the older High-Ranks frowned. "And the child below—Narukaze? He also has infinite growth potential, doesn't he?"
Her lips curved into a faint, cruel smile. "Precisely. He cannot be allowed to live. Like Kaelen, he could surpass everything. But unlike Kaelen, he is untamed. He must be removed before he awakens Zerath and becomes uncontrollable. The prophecy favors him, yes—but that is a threat we cannot risk."
Another whispered, "So Kaelen becomes the weapon… and Narukaze is the obstacle?"
The God Sister nodded. "Yes. Kaelen will continue to fight, level, sharpen, and grow… but only as long as he does not destroy himself or awaken too soon. And the child below… must be eliminated before he reaches the same potential. Only then will the balance remain in our hands."
Silence filled the chamber.
Far below the city, Kaelen moved through scorched streets, monsters attacking relentlessly.
Every strike honed him, every kill sharpened his instincts. His parents' blood coursed through him, allowing him to surpass ordinary limits and grow infinitely.
He did not know of level caps. He did not know of Narukaze. He did not know of the prophecy.
He only knew strength.
And far above, the God Sister and the High-Ranks watched silently, ensuring that Kaelen would grow… and that Narukaze would never surpass them.