The transition through the Ascendant Gate was unlike anything Kalen had ever experienced. One moment, he and Sorin were standing at the precipice of their world, the next, they were hurtling through the vast expanse of the universe, stars and galaxies blurring past them. The sheer force of the shift made it hard for either of them to comprehend where—or when—they would land.

Suddenly, the world around them solidified. They found themselves standing in a vast and unfamiliar landscape. The air was thick with a strange, powerful energy that resonated with their very cores. This was the Higher Realms, a place where immortality was not a dream but a reality.

Kalen inhaled deeply, feeling the new flow of energy enter his lungs and circulate through his body. His senses sharpened as the profound aura of this realm amplified his power. Even Sorin, standing next to him, felt the shift, his eyes wide as he grasped at the raw, limitless potential around them.

But before they could even process their new surroundings, a shadow loomed over them. In an instant, both Kalen and Sorin were on high alert. They could sense the danger before they even saw it.

A hulking figure emerged from the shadows—its form grotesque, covered in scales, with glowing red eyes that locked onto the two of them with predatory intent. This was no ordinary creature of the Higher Realms; it was something ancient, a beast whose purpose was to devour newcomers like them.

Kalen’s newly unified power flared up instinctively, his Voidflame surging to the surface. Sorin prepared his blades, his battle-hardened instincts taking over.

But just as the beast prepared to strike, a wave of calm energy washed over them. The creature froze, its crimson eyes dimming, and then it turned and slinked away, vanishing into the shadows as quickly as it had appeared.

Kalen and Sorin blinked in confusion, their battle readiness still on high alert. But then, they saw him.

A figure stood a short distance away—an old man with long white hair, dressed in simple robes that seemed at odds with the power emanating from him. His eyes glimmered with a wisdom that could only come from untold centuries of life.

"I see you’ve made it through the Ascendant Gate," the old man said, his voice calm but carrying a weight that demanded attention. "Impressive, for ones so young."

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Kalen took a step forward, still cautious but also respectful. "Who are you?"

The old man smiled faintly. "Just a tired old cultivator, one who has lived far longer than he ever intended. I’ve watched countless souls enter the Higher Realms, most of them consumed by its dangers before they even understood what they had become."

He paused, glancing at the fading shadow of the beast. "You were about to meet that same fate."

Sorin’s hand tightened on his blade. "Why did you stop it?"

The old man chuckled softly. "I have no interest in seeing promising talents wasted. And besides, you both remind me of myself, long ago."

Kalen relaxed slightly, though his senses remained on high alert. "And what do you want with us?"

The old man’s eyes gleamed. "Nothing more than to offer you guidance. You have come to the Higher Realms, and yet you do not even know what you are now, do you?"

Kalen exchanged a glance with Sorin. They had ascended, but neither of them had any real understanding of what that truly meant.

The old man continued, "In these realms, power is abundant, but the path forward is far more dangerous than you realize. If you wish to survive, let alone grow stronger, you will need more than just raw power. You will need understanding, refinement. And that... is something I can offer you."

He stepped forward, his gaze shifting to Kalen specifically. "You have unified your power, haven’t you? That is no small feat. But such a fusion is only the beginning. You have become something new, something that exists beyond the boundaries of normal cultivation. To progress, you will need a cultivation method that reflects what you have become. I can help you create that method."

Kalen’s interest was piqued. The idea of refining his power, of tailoring his cultivation to his new form, was exactly what he needed. And this man—whoever he was—seemed to know more about this than anyone else he had encountered.

Sorin, too, seemed intrigued. The old man’s gaze shifted to him. "And you, boy. Your path is different, but no less important. You seek power through combat, through the defeat of your enemies. I can show you a way to not only defeat your foes but to take their strength for your own. A technique that will allow you to absorb a portion of the energy of every enemy you defeat, strengthening you with each victory."

Sorin’s eyes lit up at the prospect. The idea of gaining strength from his enemies’ defeat appealed to the warrior in him.

The old man gestured for them to follow him. "Come. I will protect you from the horrors of this realm while you learn. But know this: the Higher Realms are merciless. Once you are strong enough, you will have to fend for yourselves. Until then, I will teach you what you need to survive."

Kalen and Sorin exchanged a glance and nodded. They had come this far, and this man—this mysterious, ancient master—was their best chance to understand their new reality.

As they followed the old man through the strange, ethereal landscape of the Higher Realms, Kalen felt a deep sense of purpose. This was the next step on his journey. He would refine his power, learn the secrets of his newfound abilities, and carve his own path through the Higher Realms.

Sorin, too, felt the weight of what was to come. His combat prowess would be pushed to its limits, and with each victory, he would grow stronger, absorbing the essence of those who sought to destroy him.

The journey ahead would be long and perilous, but with the guidance of their new master, both Kalen and Sorin were prepared to face whatever the Higher Realms had in store.

Thus began their training under the ancient master—training that would span years, trials, and countless battles, as they unlocked the full potential of their powers and prepared for the dangers that awaited them beyond the horizon.