Chapter 1330: Vale’s Decision

The name immediately caught their attention. Even those who had not followed every recent development had heard about the growing activity surrounding that realm, particularly the establishment of the Dark Arts Tower in Atrium City and Lisa’s expanding influence.

"Are you going there to assist Lady Lisa?" Yna asked.

"That remains to be decided. I might help her, or I might be sent to assist the Dawnblades. Either way, there is a good chance I’ll be spending quite some time there."

Sreas crossed his arms and studied his disciples.

"That is why I’ve decided to teach you one more time before I leave."

His words immediately stirred excitement among the group.

Although they had graduated from Marshall Academy and received the benefits of becoming Half-Asuras, none of them believed they had reached the limits of their potential. Training under Sreas was a rare opportunity, especially since their master possessed combat experience that few beings in the Origin Realm could rival.

Yna understood this better than anyone.

Their master’s lessons were never limited to the techniques he demonstrated. He often forced them to confront their weaknesses, teaching them how to remain composed under pressure and how to recognize the difference between possessing greater strength and knowing how to use it.

If he was going to give them another lesson before departing, she intended to make the most of it.

"When do we begin, Master?" she asked.

Sreas grinned.

"Right now."

He raised one hand, and the atmosphere across the training ground changed. The air became colder as a restrained pressure spread outward, forcing the disciples to straighten their backs.

Even with his power suppressed, the presence of an Asura was enough to remind them of the immense gap between their current abilities and those of their master.

"Listen carefully," Sreas continued. "You’ve all become stronger since receiving my flesh, but don’t mistake that strength for mastery. Your enhanced physiques and the Divinity you can harness are advantages, not replacements for your own abilities. If you rely on them too much, you’ll eventually encounter an opponent who can exploit your weaknesses."

Without a doubt, they already know who they were talking about... Sreas was referring to the Half-Angels under Haruo’s side...

Nonetheless, Sreas’ gaze moved across the group before settling briefly on Yna.

"Whether you pursue the Dark Arts, Beast Arts, or Mystic Arts, you must remember why you chose your path in the first place. Learn to use your inherited strength to complement your abilities rather than allowing it to dictate how you fight."

The disciples listened attentively.

"Today, I’ll teach you how to fight against opponents stronger than yourselves without immediately relying on your Divinity. I want to see how much you’ve learned, how well you can adapt, and whether you understand the importance of controlling your strength."

Sreas’s grin widened.

"And don’t expect me to go easy on you just because you’re my disciples."

Several of them swallowed nervously, while others exchanged determined looks. They had experienced their master’s training before, so they knew better than to assume that his words were an empty threat.

Yna, however, remained composed.

"We understand, Master. We’ll do our best."

"Good. Then first... show me what you’ve learned."

Sreas stepped into the center of the training ground and beckoned them forward.

One by one, his disciples prepared themselves for the lesson.

Yna also watched them carefully, making sure everyone was ready before turning her attention back to their master.

For Sreas, this would be his final opportunity to guide them before departing for another realm. He had no idea how long he would remain in the Valor Realm, nor could he guarantee that he would be able to return to Clovis City anytime soon.

He therefore intended to make this lesson count.

***

Meanwhile, within the Shadow Castle, Vale’s avatar had just received a message from Miss Faith.

The message concerned Sreas, who had apparently decided that he wanted to be the next one sent to the Valor Realm after Lisa. According to Faith, the Asura was growing increasingly restless, and the usual method of collecting his blood to temporarily suppress his desire for battle was no longer working as effectively as before.

After hearing the explanation, Vale leaned back in his chair and considered the matter briefly.

"Sreas wants to go to the Valor Realm next?"

"That’s right," Faith replied through their communication channel. "He said he’s willing to help Lisa or the Dawnblades, provided he gets the opportunity to fight some worthy opponents."

Vale couldn’t help but smile.

That certainly sounded like something Sreas would say.

Considering the man’s nature, it was hardly surprising that he wanted to visit a realm where a conflict between powerful Arcanists and the Knights was gradually developing. More importantly, sending Sreas there might actually prove beneficial. His strength was considerable, and his combat experience would make him a valuable asset if the situation escalated.

Of course, there was always the possibility that he would cause trouble simply because he found an opponent he wanted to fight.

Still, Vale didn’t think too hard about it.

"All right. Let him go next."

Faith seemed slightly surprised by how quickly he had made his decision.

"You’re accepting his request that easily?"

"Why wouldn’t I? If Sreas is willing to help Lisa and the Dawnblades, there’s no reason to keep him here. Besides, I suspect he’ll become even more troublesome if we make him wait too long."

Faith let out a soft sigh.

"That’s a reasonable point. I’ll inform him once the arrangements have been made."

"Good. Just remind him that he’s going there to help us, not to challenge every Knight he encounters simply because he’s bored."

"I’ll tell him, although I can’t guarantee he’ll listen."

Vale chuckled.

"That’s fine. I’ll speak with him myself before he leaves."

After ending the communication, Vale remained in his seat for a moment, thinking about the current situation in the Valor Realm.

Sending Sreas would provide them with another powerful figure capable of influencing the situation.

However, there was something else Vale needed to consider.

Before Lisa departed for the Valor Realm, he had given her several artifacts to support her operations. Those items would undoubtedly prove useful, especially if she encountered powerful enemies or found herself in a difficult situation.

If Sreas was going to follow her, it would only be fair to prepare something for him as well.

Unfortunately, finding suitable artifacts wasn’t always straightforward, especially if it was for an Immortal Asura...

Vale couldn’t simply hand over random treasures and expect them to complement Sreas’s abilities.

Fortunately, he knew someone who could help.

"Kaela..."

The moment that name crossed his mind, Vale stood up.

The daughter of the Shadow Lord Kilo had been staying within his territory for some time. Although one might have described her as a freeloader, Vale couldn’t deny that she was far too useful to complain about her presence.

Kaela was a Sky Immortal, after all!

"Alright... You should work for a while..."