Rebellion and Tír na nÓg

Thud!!!

"Not yet, let's go again," Tatsuo said, determination evident in his voice.

"Enough for today," Master Renald interrupted, emerging from the main hall.

Oasis had been sparring with Tatsuo for days, and Tatsuo had never come close to winning.

"Whew, Tatsuo's head," Tyla remarked to Liora as they watched, noticing the swelling from repeated sparring.

"Greetings, Master Renald," Oasis said, paying his respects, followed by the others.

"I will get straight to the point," Master Renald began, his tone serious.

"A month ago, the Shadowfen and Stormcaller families rebelled against the kingdom, along with every family under them," he continued.

"They have cut ties with the Evergreen family and declared independence."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in before continuing.

"Oasis, your Master Conri Bluemoon has summoned all the disciples of the Bluemoon family and those of families under the Bluemoon," Master Renald said.

"Not only the Bluemoon family but other Great families as well," he added.

"Since the academy is under the territory of the Lumina family, Master Belenus has decided that the academy will close in a week's time."

"Only then will the disciples be allowed to leave because 'Tír na nÓg' is opening in two days."

"Before you ask, Tír na nÓg is a secret realm that opens every thousand years, and one of its entrances in Verdantia is located at the academy,"

Master Renald explained.

"It has its own restrictions. Only those from the Newborn Realm to the peak of the Tabula-Rasa Realm can enter Tír na nÓg."

"Take note, it does not only open in Verdantia but also in other kingdoms. While inside, you will meet other cultivators from those kingdoms."

"Given the situation with the Shadowfen and Stormcaller families, they might be your enemies inside."

"Getting there is dangerous, and the survival rate is low since there are treasures of all kinds inside," he warned.

"I don't know whether you guys will come back here after the academy closes, but it was nice meeting you all."

"You have to take care of yourselves."

"Tyla, you are at the Newborn Realm, so you are eligible to enter. And you, Oasis, you have to look out for each other while inside," Master Renald reiterated, his gaze steady.

The weight of Master Renald's words settled over them like a heavy blanket as they contemplated the dangerous opportunities ahead in Tír na nÓg.

"Think about it," Master Renald continued.

"Being at the academy isn't a necessity for learning spells and martial arts—you could do that within your families."

"But have you ever considered why the academy? It's because many special realms like this exist and their entrances are only here, in the whole of Verdantia."

He paused, letting the importance of his statement sink in.

"These secret realms offer immense opportunities for cultivators. Master Belenus's father didn't want to keep these advantages exclusive to his family."

"Thus, he collaborated with the great families to create Verdantial Academy, long before the great families united."

Master Renald's eyes scanned the group.

"It's also a good way to make friends and companions, fostering alliances between families, as all the young masters of Verdantia attend Verdantial Academy."

"Oh, it makes sense," Oasis thought, nodding slightly.

"So, currently, the only entrance to Tír na nÓg in Verdantia will be through Verdantial Academy, meaning only students and some instructors will enter from our kingdom,"

Master Renald explained.

He concluded, "For now, that's all. Make your preparations."

"Tír na nÓg—is it worth going inside, Master Renald?" Oasis asked.

"Yes, Oasis," Master Renald replied.

"Despite the risks, the opportunities there come once in a lifetime, even if you live for thousands of years."

After Master Renald's explanation, Tatsuo and Liora, who were in the 6th layer of the Foetal Realm, looked disappointed about missing out.

Tyla felt anxious, while Oasis was visibly excited.

The news spread quickly throughout the academy, creating a buzz of anticipation and tension.

Some students began to discriminate against each other due to the brewing conflict outside.

It was widely known that once they left the academy, civil war might erupt among the great families.

Leaving the Winter Garden, Oasis made his way to Zane's Peak, determined to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in Tír na nÓg.

"What is going on here? Now our academy year is being ruined. I thought we couldn't leave the academy for seven years... ahh, dammit," Oasis thought as he moved.

"Only two days, huh? I need to help Zane breakthrough to the Newborn Realm so he can enter Tír na nÓg," he resolved.

After some time, Oasis reached Zane.

"Wolf Monarch Magic: Gale Fangs!" Zane roared in his yard, unleashing slashes.

"Oh, wind magic," Oasis thought.

"I never paid much attention to it. So, Zane can use wind magic and also beast transformation. Fascinating."

"Not bad," Oasis spoke out loud as he entered Zane's place.

"Oh, Oasis, it's you. It's been some time," Zane said, moving towards him.

"So, you have heard about the events, I presume," Oasis got straight to the point.

"Ah, yes, my instructor told me already... so you are entering Tír na nÓg?" Zane asked.

"Yes, I am. So are you," Oasis replied.

"Me, fool? I'm not yet at the Newborn Realm," Zane responded.

"Here," Oasis said, throwing a pill towards Zane.

"This will help you directly reach the Newborn Realm."

!!!!

"Huh, where did you get this high-grade pill?" Zane asked as he inspected it.

"Take the pill, and I will help you control its energy so it doesn't damage your cultivation and avoid mana deviation," Oasis explained.

Zane sat in the lotus position and swallowed the pill. Oasis sat behind him, placing his hands on Zane's back.

Just a few breaths after Zane swallowed the pill, a burst of energy started circulating inside him.

It seemed overwhelming at first, but Oasis was busy helping with the circulation of energy in and out of Zane's underdeveloped mana heart.

It was evident from Zane's visible veins all over his body that he was in a lot of pain, but his will to be strong and his determination did not waver, and he endured.

After about six hours of circulation, a burst of energy radiated from Zane's body.

"Not bad... you are now at the Newborn Realm, Zane," Oasis said, smiling.

Zane opened his eyes, breathing heavily but with a look of triumph.

"Thank you, Oasis. I couldn't have done it without you."

"No time for that. Let's consolidate your cultivation," Oasis said firmly.

"Spar with me. Don't hold back."