Erevan Brontes Lychos stood before an archway made entirely of living vines. Its structure pulsed with life, its thick green cords braided into an elegant curve. Small, multicolored flowers blossomed from it, swaying gently even in the absence of wind, exuding a soft floral scent that made the entire passage feel dreamlike... an otherworldly threshold between realms.
He paused briefly, awed despite having seen this place before. This was the entrance to the Inner Circle of Yggdrasil, the sacred core where the world tree anchored its roots deep into the Earth’s soul.
This was his fourth time passing through.
The first had been during his youth, led by his father Damon Brontes Lychos, who had brought him here to be introduced as the heir apparent. It was a solemn rite, one he remembered vividly.
The second was for his Ascendant Trial... the trial that allowed an awakened to step into ascendance, gaining greater power and build spiritual core inside the body.
The third visit had been purely for training purposes, seeking opportunities in the other world for advancement of ascendant level.
But today was different.
Today, Erevan was not a crown prince or a heir apparent.
He came as the King of Werewolves... not yet crowned in ceremony, but already reigning in power. His rule, though recent, had already begun and spread throughout the supernatural world. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
He instructed his entourage to wait outside the boundary and walked forward alone. As he passed through the vine-gate, a subtle shimmer wrapped around him, and the air grew warmer, richer. The bustling life of the outer realm faded behind him.
Fairies flitted past... radiant beings with transparent wings like large dragonflies and halos of light over their brows. Some carried scrolls. Others swept pollen across floating blossoms, or gathered dew into crystal flasks. None paid Erevan any attention, for they knew none could enter this sacred ground without Yggdrasil’s permission. If he stood here, it was because the world tree allowed it.
Then, a voice echoed... not through his ears, but within his mind.
"Erevan Brontes Lychos, son of Damon Brontes Lychos. King of Werewolves. Close your eyes, and walk forward."
It was Yggdrasil who communicated through mind. The ancient voice was serene yet immense, like the deep hum of the cosmos.
Erevan obeyed. He closed his eyes and moved forward step by step. The ground under his feet felt soft and warm, like moss kissed by starlight. A sense of timelessness overcame him... he no longer felt his heartbeat, nor the weight of his limbs.
Then the voice returned.
"Stop. Open your eyes."
He did and looked around in awe. Before him stood the colossal trunk of Yggdrasil. Its bark shimmered like gold-veined mahogany, and its roots pulsed with the colors of life: blue, green, gold, and white. The branches high above disappeared into clouds of starlight, where they were emitting emerald green glow.
Erevan bowed in respect, his voice steady and full of reverence.
"Lord Yggdrasil, thank you for granting me this audience."
"There is no need for such formality, King of Werewolves," the tree replied through their mental link. "You know the protocol. Choose a vine that resonates with you."
Erevan stepped closer and reached for a vine that came down from above branches and glowed with gentle white light. As he touched it, the vine responded, releasing countless threadlike tendrils that extended and wrapped around him gently, as if encasing in mother’s womb.
In a heartbeat, his body was cocooned in white light. He no longer stood in the grove... but floated in a boundless white void.
Here, Yggdrasil’s consciousness would merge with his memories. It was more than communication... it was communion. The tree didn’t simply listen. It experienced his whole life.
Then, the voice returned.
"Congratulations on finding your daughter! With the inheritance of your strong bloodline, she might become a great asset to the balance we strive for."
"Thank you," Erevan responded, humbled.
"Your decision to use all one hundred slots at once is bold... and logical, given the urgency of your heart. However, it comes with a great cost. If some exceptional talents are born in the next two centuries, there will be no remaining slot for them."
Erevan paused. He hadn’t thought that far. His excitement had blinded him to the long-term implications.
"You’re right. I should have considered the broader consequences. I apologize."
"No apology is needed," Yggdrasil said. "Your timing, in fact, is impeccable. I was already preparing to summon the races to send their young elites for trials. I’ve informed the dragons. There were some unforeseen events in Molgrath, the skeleton armies have been attacking relentlessly. The dwarves are struggling against them and asked for reinforcement. Other regions also faced increasing pressure past few weeks."
"So the trials are more than just preparation?" Erevan asked. "They’re a necessity?"
"Indeed. An Ascendant army will be our best response. Skeletons are weak, yes... but in numbers they could overwhelm any region. The enemy doesn’t rest. Nor do they fear death. We need to send ascendant fighters in numbers to counter them. I will also send some powerful ascendants from Earth as mentors to guide them."
After hearing Yggdrasil’s words, Erevan nodded in agreement. The plan was bold, but he could see its potential. There were still many powerful ascendants living in the various pocket dimensions scattered across Earth. If Yggdrasil could send some of them to accompany this newly emerging generation of ascendants to Molgrath, it would be a mutually beneficial arrangement. The older ascendants might finally have the opportunity to break through their bottlenecks and limits, while their experience and strength would provide security and mentorship for the young bloods. In the battlefield of Molgrath, they would grow faster and stronger together.
"I understand," Erevan said thoughtfully. "But sending such a large number of ascendants to Molgrath... won’t that put a strain on you?"
Yggdrasil replied, "The number of ascendants who have visited Molgrath in last few centuries was negligible. I still possess more than enough energy to facilitate the teleportation and oversee the trials. What I require now is faster response from your side."
After a brief pause, Yggdrasil added, "You may send eighty of your most promising young werewolves for the trial. The dragons will inform the other races shortly. You should begin preparations immediately. I will be waiting."
Erevan bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you for your kindness and trust."
When Erevan emerged from the inner circle through the living archway, his companions were waiting along with the two dragons brought them here. One of the dragons, a tall male with shimmering sapphire scales, stepped forward and addressed him respectfully.
"Lord Lychos, your accommodation has been arranged in a villa near the business district. Tomorrow, there will be an auction featuring several valuable items. We would be honored if you would attend."
Erevan smiled and replied, "Thank you for your hospitality and the information. I will certainly attend the auction. It would be helpful if you could arrange tickets for me and my companions as well."
The dragon bowed slightly. "Certainly, Lord Lychos. We will deliver your passes to the villa. If there is anything else you require, do not hesitate to inform the guards stationed there. They are at your service."
With that, the dragons led Erevan and his party to their temporary residence. The villa was luxurious yet grounded in natural elements—crafted from smooth white stones with crystalline windows that filtered sunlight in warm hues. Its design blended ancient harmony with modern elegance.
After settling in, Erevan changed into a more casual outfit and stepped out into the common room. He found his companions already waiting for him, excitement in their eyes.
They all wished to visit the nearby market district. They hoped to buy some gifts and keepsakes for their families or friends back home.
Fortunately, the market wasn’t far. After a short ten-minute walk they arrived at the business district. The streets buzzed with life. Stalls lined the avenues, and the aroma of incense, rare herbs, and roasted meats filled the air. People from various supernatural races bartered, laughed, and haggled in dozens of languages.
For the next two hours, Erevan and his team browsed the shops. Erevan purchased unique souvenirs based on what he knew of his council members’ tastes. Thoughtful gifts often went a long way in building loyalty and trust.
He also secured several enchanted items... small but powerful tools, talismans, and protective charms... which he intended to present as prizes for the winners of the upcoming werewolf clan competitions.
Enchanted items held critical importance for anyone heading into another world. Only items imbued with spiritual or mystical properties could pass through the teleportation gates. Non-magical belongings would simply be left behind. Even one’s clothing needed to be enchanted; otherwise, the traveler would arrive at the other world... without anything at all.
Because of this, newly ascended warriors often scrambled to acquire spiritual clothing, weapons, and accessories.
But therein lay the problem... such items were rare and extremely expensive. No races on Earth had the skills to produce them. In the other world, the dwarves were legendary for their creation of enchanted armor and weapons. Other races there specialized in alchemical pills, formation plates, scrolls, spiritual medicines, or charms.
Fortunately for Erevan, werewolves were among the wealthiest of the supernatural races. Even after spending what most would consider a fortune, Erevan was far from broke. In fact, he was waiting to find some good items in next day’s auction.
Later that evening, one of the two dragons arrived at their villa to deliver the tickets.
"Your party has been assigned to VIP Box Number Two," the dragon informed them. "The box seats up to ten individuals and grants you private access to the venue. There’s no need for additional entry passes."
The next morning, Erevan and his party dressed in formal attire and set off for the auction house named Elysium.
When they arrived, the entrance of the venue were already packed with people from all walks of the supernatural community. Long lines formed at the gate as guards checked invitations and conducted magical scans.
However, as VIP guests, Erevan’s party bypassed the line entirely. They were escorted through a side entrance designated for staff member and VIP guests.
Inside, the atmosphere was electric. From the murmurs of those around them, they quickly learned why the crowd was so massive.
A Heaven-grade armor was suddenly added to today’s list of auctioned items. Naturally, dragons sent invitations to every major power and they in turn had sent representatives. And everyone came to Elysium eager to compete for that one rare artifact.