As they walked together beneath the vast canopy of the Everstrife Forest, Cain couldnt help but study Zarak more closely. There was something profoundly different about the old man, something beyond cuivation or power. His willpower carried a purity Cain had rarely seen, even among the most enlightened.

Cains own Ego Eternal Path was far more advanced in structure and reach, yet Zaraks fe freer. His spirit radiated detachment, not the cold absence of emotion, but a serenity that seemed to flow from the very core of his Aer-Ego, as if he had transcended the last fetters of desire. The man walked as one utterly unbound, harmonized with the world and the life around him.

Cain smiled faintly, murmuring to himself, I suppose choosing a path that could easily kill you grants that kind of freedom.

Zarak chuckled softly at the remark, though he said nothing. The two continued side by side for several more days, their bond deepening through quiet conversation. They spoke little of power or technique, instead, they discussed people, choices, and the strange peace that came from surrendering pride.

After nearly a week of walking, they stopped atop a cliff overlooking a valley bathed in golden mist. Cain turned toward his old master and bowed slightly before raising his hands, summoning threads of power carrying Genetic Coding energy interwoven with Tribulation Enhancement flames. Zarak accepted his help without hesitation.

A gentle radiance enveloped him as Cain guided the flow of divine energy into his soul. Zaraks body trembled, but his will remained unshaken, pure, absolute, and calm. The old man smiled wider as the process unfolded. He had no pride to guard, no ego to bruise. He simply accepted, grateful and free.

Hours passed before the storm of energy settled. When it did, Zaraks Aer-Ego had evolved yet again, its brilliance now almost blinding. The change within him was both vast and subtle, like a note in perfect harmony with creation itself. It would not be long before his Scarlet Leviathan transformed into a Scarlet Star, giving him the final surge he needed to ascend into the Prima Deity Rank.

When the process ended, master and disciple clasped hands, smiling deeply in mutual respect and understanding. No words were needed. Then Cain rose into the air and vanished into the clouds, while Zarak continued his journey forward, serenity deepening with each step. The purity of his will radiated through the forest, resonating like a hymn.

Cain hovered high above the world once more, a smile spreading across his face as he fe it, that same inner freedom. Another invisible string that had tugged at the back of his consciousness was now set loose. Each encounter, each mended bond, brought him quiet resolution.

It didnt matter that these acts did not directly strenhen his cuivation base. They strenhened him, the man, the will, the essence behind the title of Scarlet King. That alone was reason enough to continue.

Focusing on the distance, Cain sensed another familiar presence. With a thought, he vanished, moving faster than light itself. In an instant, he appeared above a vast mountain range, where battle thundered across the land.

Below, a man with black hair and eyes burning like twin suns was locked in combat with a colossal Divine Beast. The creatures body stretched for miles, its power comparable to that of a weak Prima Deity. The man, a Divine Transcendence Master, stood bloodied yet unbowed, his aura bright and fierce.

The fight had already lasted for hours. Each exchange of blows cracked mountains and split rivers. Yet the man fought with astonishing composure. His strikes were not wild or desperate but measured, each motion born from discipline and unyielding will.

Finally, as the battle reached its zenith, the warriors bloodline flared like a sun. With a final roar, he unleashed a single strike, a supernova of energy that tore through the sky and hurled the massive beast to the ground. The earth trembled.

Exhausted and pale, the man lowered his weapon. The Divine Beast lay broken but alive, too wounded to continue. Cain watched silently as the warrior approached… then stopped. Rather than deliver the killing blow, the man nodded solemnly to the creature and turned away.

His expression was calm, his intent clear. This battle had been for training, not slaughter. Killing now would serve no purpose but vanity and arrogance, and those feelings could not taint his heart.

Cain smiled approvingly.

Then, drawing his aura inward, Cain let the Power of the Flow radiate from him, a serene, rhythmic pulse of energy that softened his presence until it was nearly imperceptible. The divine weight around him dissolved, replaced by a tranquil harmony that would make any being nearby feel at ease.

Moments later, he descended quietly to the ground.

Its been a long time, Levi, Cain said gently.

The young man froze at the sound of that voice. Slowly, he turned, and when his gaze met Cains, his eyes widened with awe and disbelief. Even though they had once fought side by side as brothers-in-arms, the gap between them now was immeasurable. Cain was the ruler of the entire Scarlet Kingdom, a being whose very presence could command gods.

Yet that awe faded almost instantly. The peace that radiated from Cains being dispelled the stiffness between them, replacing it with familiarity and warmth. Levis lips curved into a genuine smile.

It has indeed been a while, he replied.

The two began walking together toward the nearby city nestled at the forests edge. The place was well-protected, a sanctuary bui near the Divine Beasts territory, safeguarded by countless enchantments. Even so, Cains gaze lingered on its walls, his brow furrowing slightly.

You werent given residence in the Scarlet Crown? he asked.

The Scarlet Crown, capital of the Kingdom, could house only a few tens of millions within its divine boundaries, despite the trillions who longed to enter. Someone of Levis stature should have been granted a place there without question. If he wasnt, that was either a grave oversight or a deliberate choice.

Levi shook his head with a faint smile. I lived in the Crown for some time, he said, his voice calm. Enjoyed its comforts, its resources… I still have a house there.

He paused mid-sentence, glancing toward a woman walking nearby, her arms cradling a small child no older than two, the light of life and hope in her eyes. Levis smile softened as he watched them.

But this, he said quietly, this is my home.