The Council’s Inquisition

The grand hall of the Ardent Estate buzzed with quiet murmurs as the Elders gathered. It was rare for the Council of Elders to meet in full assembly, but today's events had stirred a frenzy within the Ardent family. The storm that raged over the estate during Kael's absorption of the Heaven's Devouring Physique had not gone unnoticed, and the phenomenon had drawn the council together, eager for answers.

At the head of the long, ornate table sat Adam Ardent, Kael's father and the patriarch of the family. His stern gaze was fixed on the entrance, waiting for his son to make his appearance. Around him, the council members—each an elder of formidable power and influence—whispered among themselves. Though many had suspicions about the source of the event, none had the full picture, and the excitement was palpable.

The heavy doors to the council chamber swung open, and Kael entered. His presence alone silenced the room. He exuded a quiet, commanding aura that none could ignore. The power he now wielded was unmistakable, and it radiated from him with an intensity that made even the seasoned elders shift in their seats. His eyes, sharp and confident, scanned the room as he made his way to the center of the chamber, where all eyes focused on him.

Voidstrider followed closely behind, his presence as silent and vigilant as ever. The tension in the room thickened as Kael stopped before his father, who regarded him with a mixture of pride and curiosity.

"Kael," Adam Ardent's voice echoed through the hall, laced with authority. "We all witnessed the heavens' fury during your seclusion. It seems you have succeeded in a task few would dare attempt. Explain yourself."

Kael's gaze remained calm, his voice steady and deliberate. "Father, esteemed elders, what you felt was the manifestation of my ascension. I have successfully absorbed the Heaven's Devouring Physique."

Gasps rippled through the room. Even the most stoic elders could not hide their shock. The Heaven's Devouring Physique was a legendary constitution, spoken of in hushed tones. Its power was immense, but the risk associated with its cultivation was equally great.

Elder Valthor, an ancient figure with a face etched in deep lines of experience, leaned forward. "The Heaven's Devouring Physique? That power is more than formidable. It's forbidden on Odysseia. The storm alone was enough to shake the continent's energies."

Kael nodded. "I am aware of the risks. But with great risk comes great power."

Adam's eyes narrowed. His voice was grave, but his curiosity overpowered his disapproval. "How did you acquire this physique, Kael? Such a rare and dangerous force doesn't simply fall into one's hands."

Kael took a deep breath, knowing the explanation had to be convincing. "During one of my expeditions to the outer territories, I stumbled upon an ancient artifact—the Devouring Sword."

At the mention of the sword, several of the elders exchanged glances. The Devouring Sword was a notorious weapon, known for its insatiable hunger for power and energy. Few had ever wielded it, and even fewer had lived to tell the tale.

Kael continued, his voice unwavering. "The sword is not just a weapon. It has a will of its own. As I carried it, I felt its hunger, and soon after, it began to guide me—directing me toward something, though I did not know what at first. Eventually, it led me to the bearer of the Heaven's Devouring Physique. The sword recognized its power, and through it, I was able to subdue and absorb the physique into my own being."

The room was silent for a moment as the council processed the enormity of Kael's revelation. The fact that the Devouring Sword had guided him was both incredible and unsettling. It was not just chance that had led him to this physique—it was the sword's influence.

Elder Malrion, one of the more outspoken members of the council, finally broke the silence. "You say the sword directed you to the physique. But why pursue such a dangerous path? The Heaven's Devouring Physique is powerful, yes, but its cultivation is considered taboo across the entire Odysseia continent. Do you intend to defy the natural order?"

Kael met the elder's gaze without flinching. "I do not seek power for the sake of defiance. I seek it because the world we live in is brutal and unforgiving. The Devouring Law, though taboo, is the only path that will allow me to achieve true strength in the shortest time. While others cultivate slowly, tethered by rules and limitations, I will transcend them. To wield the Devouring Law is to harness the very essence of power, to consume and dominate."

Adam, who had remained silent during the exchange, finally spoke. "The Devouring Law… Few have dared cultivate such a path, Kael. It will place you at odds with every major power on Odysseia. Why do you believe this law, which is reviled by many, will bring you the strength you seek?"

Kael's eyes burned with cold intensity. "Because, Father, in a world where everyone is content to follow the established order, those who deviate—those who dare to seize what others fear—are the ones who rise above. The Heaven's Devouring Physique, combined with the Devouring Sword, gives me an unparalleled advantage. I will be able to consume the power of others, stripping them of their cultivation and integrating it into my own. That is the path I have chosen. I will not shy away from it because it is taboo. I will walk it because it will allow me to conquer."

The council fell silent once more. Even the most skeptical elders could not deny the truth in Kael's words. His ambition was clear, and while his methods were unconventional, none could argue with the results. The Heaven's Devouring Physique, coupled with the Devouring Law, was a power few could rival.

Adam's eyes softened, though his tone remained stern. "You've always been determined, Kael. Perhaps too determined. But if this is the path you've chosen, the council will stand by you. The Ardent family has never feared power, nor have we feared those who seek to take it from us. Your actions, however dangerous, may be exactly what we need to secure our position."

The elders nodded in agreement, though there was still an undercurrent of unease. Kael's rise to power would not be without consequences, and they all knew it. Yet, the allure of such strength was undeniable.

Kael bowed slightly. "Thank you, Father. Elders, I will not disappoint you. The path ahead is fraught with danger, but I am prepared for it."

Adam gestured toward him. "We will convene soon to discuss our next steps. Until then, focus on mastering your newfound power. We will need you at your best."

Kael nodded once more before turning and leaving the chamber. As he walked away, he could feel the weight of the council's eyes on his back. The decisions he had made were bold, and the road ahead would be treacherous, but Kael knew one thing for certain:

He would stop at nothing to claim his place at the pinnacle of power.