Headmaster Axton and the Elders—Headmaster Elmo, Headmaster Popo, and the other Martial School Headmasters—flew alongside each other, following the Mayor, who was taking the lead.
After the defeat of the previous Mayor Klown, Mathias assumed the position, as everyone wanted him to take the role.
With no one else willing to step forward, he had no choice but to agree.
They all landed on the north side of Belthias City, where silver-armored guards were already on standby.
The giant metallic gate stood wide open as they awaited the investigative team from the main branch of the Great Serpent Cultivation School, arriving from the Middle Continent.
"Middle Continent... what's it like?" Mathias asked, as Headmaster Axton stood beside him.
"A place where strength can be found everywhere," Axton replied, glancing at the mayor with a calm smile.
"That's what everybody says," Mathias sighed. "But I'm not surprised. This backward region, where people only focus on superficial things, will only produce superficial talent."
"You are right," Axton nodded. "There... we are just mere ants."
Hearing this, Mathias fell silent, while Elmo and Headmaster Popo, listening behind them, could only sympathize with Axton's words.
They knew their place well, and that was why, even though the people from the Middle Continent had not yet arrived, they didn't dare to show any disrespect.
In the World of Luan, there are five continents: the North, East, South, West, and the Middle Continent.
The South Continent is where Belthias City resides, under the rule of the Empire of Rekka.
To travel from the Middle Continent to this city, the investigative team would need at least two weeks, even using their fastest mounts.
However, they didn't have to wait that long to see the newcomers.
A moving 'cloud' was approaching them. As the phenomenon came closer, what they saw caused the atmosphere to grow heavy.
"That's..." Mathias narrowed his eyes at the creature drawing near.
"A purebred Water Falcon," Axton answered.
"Purebred?" Mathias repeated, glancing at the branch Headmaster.
"Yes. The water-attributed falcon at my school was created as a student project. They ended up succeeding, hence the term 'attributed,'" Axton explained, and the thought brought a smile to his face.
"I see. It seems you've nurtured your students very well," Mathias praised.
As they spoke, the giant Water Falcon arrived overhead. The creature was so massive that, with its wings spread, it covered the entire north side of the city.
Each feather was as tall as two adults stacked on top of each other, and its deep blue eyes stared intensely at those who looked upon it. The falcon's entire body radiated a blue light, with mist particles shrouding it. With every flap of its wings, intense winds swept through the city, startling and scaring the people at the sudden appearance of the Purebred Water Falcon.
Yet, despite its intimidating size, the particles it emitted created a calming atmosphere over the city, like still and serene water.
However, the moment didn't last long. The Water Falcon suddenly emitted a bright white light before transforming—not disappearing, but shrinking into a small bird.
Two individuals descended from the sky, with the small Water Falcon landing on one man's shoulder.
The newcomers landed in front of the Mayor and Headmaster Axton.
"Welcome, Uncle Li," Axton said immediately, bowing his head with evident respect in his voice.
The Elders and the other Headmasters followed suit, bowing deeply. However, Mathias did not bow all the way, maintaining his image as the Mayor of the city.
"Oh, haha." One of the individuals was an old man. He had light blue hair, bordering on white, that reached his waist, and a wrinkled face that still radiated vitality. His black eyes, straight nose, and thin lips curled into a smile. He wore a black-and-white hanfu robe that concealed his somewhat average physique. The robe was simple, but its high-quality material and Array inscriptions hinted at its significance.
Standing at least six feet tall, the old man looked down at Axton, who was a few inches shorter, with an amused smile. "Long time no see, Nephew Axton."
"You too, Uncle," Axton replied, smiling back. He lifted his head, and the others followed suit. His gaze shifted to the child standing beside his uncle. "Uncle, who is this?"
"My newest disciple, Kuo-Pal. But you can just call him Kuo. He just turned nine years old," Master Li introduced.
Kuo-Pal stood at 127 centimeters, a normal height for his age. He had black hair that reached his shoulders and deep blue eyes that radiated confidence—or perhaps arrogance. His small nose and lips complemented his round face and stout body, making the black-and-white robe he wore seem ready to burst at the seams. As he surveyed the crowd with pride and disdain, his double chin followed the movement of his head.
"I'm Kuo!" Kuo announced, his small, high-pitched voice echoing through the area. "I'm nine, and I'm already at the 1st-Step Core Creation Stage!"
The moment his words fell, silence blanketed the air as everyone exchanged astonished glances.
Nine years old and already at the 1st-Step Core Creation Stage? That's absurd!
Even the Mayor frowned upon hearing the claim. However, when he noticed the seriousness on Axton's face, he realized something was amiss.
"Haha, why don't you show them?" Master Li suggested, stroking his goatee as he addressed his disciple.
"I will, so these country bumpkins can know their place!" Kuo declared, his eyes filled with disdain as he looked down on the crowd.
In the next moment, his body floated a few feet above the ground, and a powerful aura erupted from him.
The air grew heavy, as if unseen hands were gripping everyone's necks. The aura was so intense that the space around him began to constrict on its own.
The Mayor's frown was replaced with shock. Though he was unaffected by the oppressive atmosphere due to being at the same stage, the sheer intensity left him stunned.
Master Li and Kuo-Pal, satisfied with the reactions, exchanged smiles, especially Kuo, who gazed at the crowd with condescension as he hovered in the air.
"Haha," Axton chuckled bitterly. "Don't scare them too much."
"Of course," Master Li said, motioning for his disciple to descend. "That's enough. Stop now."
"Okay," Kuo replied, withdrawing his aura. The atmosphere returned to normal, and the people finally breathed freely again.
Master Li glanced at his disciple with satisfaction, and Kuo returned the look with a proud smile.
Show-offs, Axton thought, shaking his head internally. He knew his uncle too well. Master Li might not show it outright, but he relished moments —moments where he could flaunt their power, their abilities, and their superiority over others.
And Axton knew this was only the beginning. The real headache was just about to start.