The Third Step Is Here

“I suppose you've already introduced yourselves. Sect Master Darkness, this is our first time meeting.” Before Heian Ciemnosc could rejoin the people from the Sixphlon Empire, the Soul Race member spoke. A tail of a Titan walked behind him, looking at Heian Ciemnosc with clear but not too much hostility. Heian Ciemnosc looked at them, slowing his pace towards the Izten as the others around them noticed and began walking towards them.

“…” Faced with 2 Gods, Heian Ciemnosc slowed his pace as he arrived with the Iztens. Then, as the others congregated nearby, he looked at the Soul Race member as if remembering something. He exclaimed with a positive tone, “Oh?! It’s the Incantation Pavilion. It’s such an honor to meet the Head of such a respectable Fourth Step organization. Surely the Head hasn’t forgotten about the Forbloffende Traes Sect. After all, we’ve been contacting each other through certain means…”

“…” It was the Soul Race member’s turn to fall silent and look at Heian Ciemnosc like he found his long-lost brother. This was the Head of the Incantation Pavilion, Consol. He was 1 of many Soul folk whose people exiled them for tit or tat. He wore golden and purple clothes, making him seem more tall and slender. His head had some sort of hair. It was a like a bulk of plastic-like substance attached to his Soulish body, combed backwards.

“Head Consol, a pleasure. I’m Darkness, the Forbloffende Traes Sect’s Sect Master. And this is?” Heian Ciemnosc lifted his right hand, to which Consol instinctively lifted his and shook it with Heian Ciemnosc. Hearing the question, he still subconsciously replied, gesturing backwards with his thumb while thinking different things in his head.

“This is Pert. He controls the port you attacked many months ago, Sect Master Darkness.” Said Consol, clearly affected by Heian Ciemnosc’s attitude. Yet, Heian Ciemnosc politely smiled with thin lips and humorously said with a shake of his head. “Oh no. I didn’t attack. I didn’t do it.”

“… … …” Heian Ciemnosc’s comment earned him a well-deserved silence. Even the Iztens’ eyebrows twitched. Then, without looking at anywhere else, but Consol’s face, seemingly not noticing everyone else, Heian Ciemnosc added. “It was my troops. I didn’t participate. But I did watch.”

“Indeed,” Consol lowly muttered while finishing his handshake with Heian Ciemnosc. The latter enlarged his smile politely before turning around. Pert was about to meddle in and say something, but Head Consol stepped him with his arm and loudly called Heian Ciemnosc’s attention. “Sect Master Darkness. The actions of your organization reflect your strength and value, but it also shows your recklessness. Now that you’ve been stopped. What are your plans to stabilize the mess you’ve left behind?”

“There’s no mess, and much less at my troops’ rear.” Heian Ciemnosc wasted not a millisecond to respond, turning around and looking at the Soulish face with a deadpan expression. The stark difference between a few seconds ago and now intrigued the Gods, who had seen many things.

“I said I’ll explain myself. And I guess I will, now.” Heian Ciemnosc half-turned his torso around to face the Iztens and helplessly said in a dull tone. “I’m sorry. I wanted to have some more chatting with you. I hope it can wait a little more. I still don’t know many people around here.”

The ladies didn’t respond, but Izten Ron lifted his right-handed cup while his left hand remained wrapped around his wife’s lower waist. Heian Ciemnosc nodded a bit before returning to face the 2 Gods. His darkest eyes darted to Pert, the Titan, before asking in a clear tone.

“First, I’d like to ask,” Heian Ciemnosc’s voice also changed, becoming calm yet colder. Before Pert could say anything, Heian Ciemnosc asked away. “I’m looking to formally form a circle-shaped territory. Even if the other half is just the curve on the southern half. Is it possible to buy any territory within the port?”

“No. It has been just fully occupied. Trade has been… severely flourishing lately.” Pert said, with narrowed, triangular eyes. Heian Ciemnosc slightly retracted his head before nodding emptily. He then faced Consol and commenced, “I acted after others acted on me.”

“My Second Step then, Forbloffende Traes Sect, had never offended anyone. When we were in our Region war, the battle was decided with no outsider’s help. I didn’t even need to enter the fray. My subordinates were enough to deal with whatever situation my troops faced.”

Heian Ciemnosc spun on the spot, sometimes lifting his arms like he was about to spread them sideways, but always ending with just a flick. “When we were attacked by other First Step little fleets, we immediately responded and wanted revenge, so we moved and arrived before the port’s sea territory. It was but a conflict between me and those who decided to assault the ‘abandoned’, ‘island’ Region everyone was disinclined to even think about.”

“Yet, I could understand this Region’s pride when many of the ownerless land’s territory immediately joined the battle, aiding you. However, as the years went by, how is it that my Sect ended up facing hundreds of millions of soldier units? Why was it that countless organizations and forces of equal strength were shoved into one sole port? The fighting could’ve ended 14 years earlier, but there was just no stop to the Region’s ‘decisiveness’.”

“Our Region is proud and powerful, esteemed Darkness. That, I’m sure you should’ve understood by now.” A black, female dwarf said with an elegant tone. She didn’t blame Heian Ciemnosc for his words, but she wanted her Region’s acknowledgement from this strong Third Step organization’s leader.

“It is, of course.” Heian Ciemnosc looked at her and commented. But then, he stared at the rest of the crowd behind her and resumed with his calm, collected, cold voice. “But why is it that all these First Step troops rushed to my troops when they could have attacked my Vrida Region, or navy from the sides?”

“Honor? Pride?” Heian Ciemnosc’s tone was the same, but some snicker was added to it this time. “If those were true, would brainless, incessant deaths be allowed? I didn’t even receive a message from other First Step organizations. Not a single one. My troops and I were ostracized, even as we were supposedly given the change to prove ourselves. We were being treated like your backyard pool’s slaughterhouse!”

Murmur, murmur, murmur…

Heian Ciemnosc’s words weren’t light. They left the people present, ranging from many Fourth Step leading figures to even more Third Step leading figures to finally give raise to one of their doubts from the recent past. Consol, on the other hand, remained blatantly expressionless.

Just as Consol thought the Sect Master would shift the ‘questioning’ meeting against him, Heian Ciemnosc continued looking at the crowd and elevated his voice before growing quiet.

“When my Sect spent a hundred years as a Second Step organization, a hundred years. Half a thousand little fleets were once again thrown to my sea territory’s warship graveyard! All of those who were sent here, some of which went all-out and gambled with every single one of their troops becoming crew members, were sunk! Killed how they deserved for such an attempt against my Region!”

Heian Ciemnosc’s expression became aggressive. Many even had the sensation that, if possible, without repercussions, Heian Ciemnosc would have jumped about, tackling them to bite their flesh off their bodies.

“… But as my Sect’s attitude has been since it was founded, before the Region war had to start and finish quickly. We want no meaningless hatred between us and your 3* Region. We are a people that are bending their back, so the future generation continues growing taller, with an even better backbone… and a warrior spirit.” Heian Ciemnosc’s speech silenced the others’ minds, making them feel something they… long-lost believed was dead since the new Change.

“We request nothing from you, only to treat us like equals. I don’t wish to form an alliance with anyone. But we can be considered comrades,” Heian Ciemnosc said as he looked at a bunch of Third Step cultivators before resting his darkest eyes on the Iztens.

With a slightly slouched back, Heian Ciemnosc looked around a bit more before slowly straightening his back. No bone-cracking sound went out, but the people felt what the heaviness on his back represented. Truth was, Heian Ciemnosc didn’t fake this one move. His shoulders, back, and legs were heaved down by what not even the Kingdom’s peak experts could imagine.

Plah!

Slapping his hands together with some strength, making it seem as if he circulated energy within his body, which no one present could truly discern, not even the Gods and Goddesses. Heian Ciemnosc sighed with comfort and a cold breath with semi-closed, narrowed eyes before expressing his thoughts.

“I am aware many know my Sect’s has intricate, unique methods, qualities, and bizarre resourcefulness in anything possible.” Heian Ciemnosc commenced, but Pert crossed his arms and commented. It wasn’t loud, but neither was it low. “Hang~, that’s what you say.”

“… My Sect will continue through its process and new territory peacefully. We hope to have your gates open for trade, mingling, and perhaps more. I am but a trifling Third Step organization leader, like many others. But I hope for the realization towards a greater Step, until this Change stop us, or another one in the future.”

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“Hahaha! Well said~, esteemed Darkness! Haha…” Izten Ron clamored loudly. Heian Ciemnosc looked back with a silent, thankful expression before scarcely nodding. When he returned his attention to the crowd, he noticed many intrigued, inspired expressions from their faces. Others remained slightly doubtful still, while another portion seemed willing to try that camaraderie he just mentioned.

“If anyone wishes to discuss anything with my Forbloffende Traes Sect, please do so in our territories in this 3* Region. We will always be available as we rebuild our future here.” Heian Ciemnosc said, lightly clasping his hands and bowing to shoulder-level.

“After all that has happened, and what is said has been said… Little pal Darkness is so honest about it, hm hm.” - “Ah, it seems like there were indeed too many unknown troubles in the past. It’s good that you know how to deal with things, esteemed Darkness.” - “Being ruthless and clever when needed is a sign of a good leader. This, we can expect from someone like you, Sect Master Darkness.”

“Thank you,” Heian Ciemnosc slightly bowed one last time before addressing them to finally turn to the Iztens. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will come to you later. We’ll see each other again soon.”

With that, Heian Ciemnosc ignored the Incantation Pavilion’s duo and took refuge in the Sixphlon Empire’s group. Izten Ron patted Heian Ciemnosc’s right shoulder before getting close to him, whispering in his ear. “I’ve heard about from Glas about your enterprise future? How do you plan to directly antagonize a Fourth Step organization?”

“I do not, Emperor Ron.” Heian Ciemnosc replied, “But not everything needs to be done out in the open.”

“Hahahaha…” Izten Ron laughed it off as Heian Ciemnosc felt Consol’s gaze on his upper back, near his nape. A little higher and Consol would’ve exposed the killing intent brewing in his eyes. The Emperor looked at Heian Ciemnosc, not knowing how to take this young man’s approach to his new future in the 3* Region. He could only hope the young man knew how to traverse the thin but dangerous muddy waters.

Of course, Heian Ciemnosc was no brainless or brave person. He came here knowing who the Incantation Pavilion were. Even if he wouldn’t stupidly send his Spirit Sense to spy them directly, he could gather small pieces of information and eavesdrop from nearby sources.

What mattered now was a thigh to hug at until his organization grew to the point… they could face a Godhood Step organization. After all, if worst things came to worst, as long as a being did not act and bend the energy and a portion of the laws. Heian Ciemnosc could activate his Godly Dark Dominion and Myriad Darkness Materialization to move the land belonging to him away.

Furthermore, the Sixphlon Empire was a peak Fourth Step organization, and it was themselves who showed interest in forming relations with Heian Ciemnosc for benefit and the future. No one wanted to ignore the feisty organizations that rose and maintained their pace without losing themselves, especially without internal strife.

Of course, even though it was known not to offend such rising stars, it was also a gamble to rely on the growth of such organizations for a future together, as allies or a relationship of similar status. What is holding others from stopping other organizations cultivating a major power not involving them? Nothing that a few dozen Third Step organizations cannot do with a lot of effort.

The only ones with a secure road to envision this method without fear for failure were the current 7 Existential Sixth Step organizations.

Even the Crimsonbreaking Faction and Interchanging Dust Dynasty could be beat by several Third Step organizations. The latter even suffered their Kingdom’s destruction. However, while it wasn’t the same anymore, especially with the military reforms Heian Ciemnosc left behind, the Forbloffende Traes Sect was different.

It was already standing on a higher pedestal with its thicker, broader… and mad foundation. To others, it was a wonder how it still survived. To Heian Ciemnosc, he just utilized his carmine red-haired perfect wifey’s methods and multiplied it by a lot.

The meeting, which was initially to question somebody, became a bit of a banquet. The few peak Fourth Step organizations took their delicacies out of their Covert Space bags and started distributing them. Consol tried getting close to one of those peak Fourth Step organizations with the pretense of their status as the one and largest talisman production in the Region— to no avail.

. . .

A few hours later, as the evening left behind its last glimmers of light, leaving only the darkness of the night behind. In one of the Second Step organization territories the Shadows have ‘collected’ after a while.

In a simple cabin, a young man was moving about while a bloodied young woman heavily breathed with darkish smoke coiling around her body underneath her overly imposing black armor. The smoke contrasted the armor despite its clearly similar color. Nevertheless, the young woman was very slender and thin. One could only wonder how she got into such a bloodied state.

She tried taking her clothing off, but her energy was exhausted, as only her sheer willpower kept her awake. As for the young man moving about in the cabin, he was too busy getting things prepared on his end, focusing his 4 power sources to initiate healing her.

“Sect Master?!” The young woman exclaimed. She had felt something at the back of her mind, when she instinctively lifted her chin and looked at the doorstep. There, Heian Ciemnosc stepped forth and went into the bedroom, where she leaned her back against the lower end of a bed’s bottom.

“Oh,” Heian Ciemnosc casually exclaimed before stepping into the bedroom. Liliam hurried to greet him with a nod before walking to Hexitia. The latter blushed, but only for a few seconds, as Heian Ciemnosc knelt before her left thigh and began undressing her. Liliam waited at the side before his mind clicked. He dropped the things in his hands on the bed before walking to the side, towards a closet.

Pshift, pshift…

Meanwhile, Heian Ciemnosc touched Hexitia’s limbs with both his hands, grabbing a piece of her body, placed together, and disappearing the armor hugging her skin after a Dark Energy flash with some smoke. A ‘clank- clink clonk’ sound later, the pieces of armor Heian Ciemnosc took off her brutalized body showed how ghastly they’ve become.

It had some pieces of flesh stuck here and there, with even bone fragments stuck in some corners and flat surfaces beneath its exterior armor. However, all of them were bloodied with a rather unique set of colors. A thin part of it was darkish blood, not the same as ill-black blood. Another larger portion was red, and another sharing the same volume was navy blue and starry.

As Heian Ciemnosc continued taking her everything off, leaving Hexitia stark naked, Liliam returned and watched those pieces of armor. His mind trailed off for a moment before walking to Hexitia.

Flap- thud.

“Ah.” Hexitia didn’t have the capabilities to move her body as much as her mind remained cold and flexible, which allowed her to ‘win’ a few minutes ago. She saw a piece of cloth hit her face just as she lifted her hand to catch it. Then, Liliam walked to the bed to pick the things he left on it as the cloth fell at her crotch, hiding her showing vulva as Heian Ciemnosc took her shoe garments off last.

Hexitia flicked her nose before looking up at Liliam, but he was already on it as he held a long, transparent ribbon, folded several times, and dressed it on her like a bra around her upper torso. Hexitia sighed, thanking her comrade. “Sigh~. Thanks.”

“Stop flashing Sect Master,” Liliam said before kneeling on the other side of Heian Ciemnosc. Hexitia frowned and pouted, but she didn’t rebuke him as Heian Ciemnosc went back to kneel before her left thigh, poked it to grab her attention, and said with a knowing, wise smile of thin lips. His voice was calm, “You’ve accelerated your breakthrough into the Third Step. How does that feel? Your body is pretty ugly now. What if you can’t find a way to charm your future beloved?”

“Sect Master~,” Hexitia blushed, seemingly still having blood to keep her shy expressions which she only showed Heian Ciemnosc. Liliam looked at her, once again marveling to see the ravenous, bloodthirsty, maddened face turn so sweet and lovable. However, he couldn’t help but look up to her, no matter how silly she was.

“She went to a second Step organization we told her not to go to. They are nearing their transition to the Third Step, and their organization leader is a cultivator in the Mythical realm 1st stage.” Liliam said as he began pouring his 4 power sources into her lower thigh, up her knee.

“Auch,” Hexitia lightly called out, but Liliam was used to it as he grabbed her right hand with his left toes on the floor. Meanwhile, Liliam continued explaining to Heian Ciemnosc, who simply passed his Dark Energy into her body on the same spot. “I had to follow her. In the end, Hexitia had to endure 7 strikes from their old man. They had a saber Art with consecutive strikes, with the last, the 7th, being the strongest.”

“Sigh…” Liliam shook his head and gave her a stare. Hexitia lifted her chin proudly, staring ahead. He rolled his eyes before continuing, as Heian Ciemnosc seemed engrossed in listening to more. Hexitia realized this and sneakily looked at his expression while hearing the story with upturned eyes.

“At last, she not only endured and even blocked the first 5 saber strikes. She also injured the organization’s leader 7 times. He didn’t notice until the last blow, where this idiot remained rooted in the air instead of flying away or being hammered to the ground.” Liliam shook his head again, truly helpless.

Heian Ciemnosc turned his head to Hexitia. His darkest eyes seemed to ask, ‘really, that stubborn, ah?’. In response, Hexitia bashful eyes seemed to say, ‘yup. And I still won. Am I good…?’.

Heian Ciemnosc smiled, no longer helpless as he once was when these two were still not that ‘unreachable’ in the Forbloffende Traes Sect. He didn’t need to remind these two that receiving the hit and not forcing themselves was the best way they could afford the outcome.

“Hey,” Heian Ciemnosc lightly called out as the two exchanged a sibling-like conflicted stare with each other, sparkling actual darkish electricity between their pupils. He suddenly grabbed Hexitia’s chin under Liliam’s calm, cold eyes as they moved to watch them.

“Mwuaah,” Heian Ciemnosc planted a deep, forceful, sounding, smacking kiss on her forehead. At first, Hexitia shut her eyes tight and wrinkled her nose. The middle corners of her lips twitched like something was pulling them from within her shoulders. But immediately after, her body reacted to the very few but perfectly memorized moments she felt warmth since little and arriving at the Forbloffende Traes Sect.

“The Third Step has hit us, at last.” Heian Ciemnosc said, looking straight into Hexitia’s lovely, round, fully widened black eyes. Then, he let go of her little face, as she looked like a doll, baby face, and patted Liliam’s right shoulder heavily. Liliam looked up and down from the floor to Heian Ciemnosc’s true appearance as he received the pats.

“Your work here is done. And yes, while I wasn’t there, I was watching.” Heian Ciemnosc turned to Hexitia before saying those words. She beamed and asked again, “Really? Hehe. Well then, I guess we should return and breakthrough.”

“Oh.” Heian Ciemnosc smiled and helped Hexitia to her bed, covering her bare body with a pale purple blanket. He attracted their attention as Liliam was continuing with her torso’s right side. The left was already done by Heian Ciemnosc. His voice was calm, soft, and quiet.

“If you hurry, Hexitia, you’ll beat my disciple this time. Stop wasting your time for others. Soar to the stars, or you’ll get sticky with mud. Maybe not lose yourselves, but what’s the point of dirtying your Path?” With that, Heian Ciemnosc stepped out of the bedroom.

Since he was gone, they stared at each other and smiled. They were like contented kids. But then, Heian Ciemnosc’s voice sounded again before his head and shoulders peeked from the doorstep’s right side. “Oh! There’s one more thing.”

“If you want to ask me to become your adoptive father, just ask. You have nothing to prove yourselves for. Not for me, and I can do with such little kids. Now, get ready and don’t trash yourselves on and on. Go to the Sect and amaze the Sect first, then the world. Alright.”

Finally, Heian Ciemnosc smoked from dark into nothingness as the two in the bedroom wore flabbergasted, ‘caught red-handed’ expressions.

…