Aiden decided to talk to Sven later but first, he had to go through this assembly. He already knew the reason for this meeting, which likely revolved around two major issues. The first was his and Chloe''s impending departure for the Five Kingdoms Academy, an institution established by the five strongest beings from each kingdom.

    This academy maintained a neutral stance regarding kingdom affairs and provided a safe haven for Ravan and the other four surrounding kingdoms. It was a place where the brightest and most talented young spirits were trained, ensuring a future where they could choose the Sects that suited them best and contribute to their kingdoms'' power.

    The second reason was the death of one of the queens. King Orion had two wives, and one of them had died just yesterday at Aiden''s hands when she attempted to assassinate him. The gravity of the situation was not lost on Aiden. The death of a queen was a significant event that would undoubtedly lead to a thorough investigation.

    Aiden had to remain composed and ready to handle any questions or accusations that might arise.

    As everyone gathered in the Grand Hall, Aiden patiently waited along with the others. King Orion, seeing everyone present, motioned to the First Minister to begin the proceedings. The First Minister stood up, gazed at the assembled nobility, and then spoke, "We are here to discuss the departure of our youngest Princess Chloe and her fiance? Aiden to the Academy."

    A wave of applause followed his announcement. It was a joyous occasion, as two prodigies from their kingdom were set to leave for the prestigious academy, where they would receive comprehensive training in spirit cultivation. This training was essential for preparing them for the future, where they would eventually choose the Sects that best suited their abilities and aspirations.

    One by one, the attendees approached Chloe and Aiden, offering their congratulations and presenting them with gifts. These gestures were more than just expressions of goodwill; they were strategic moves to gain favor with the two young talents. Everyone recognized the significance of Chloe and Aiden''s Grade 8 spirits, which promised a bright and influential future.

    Amid the celebrations, Aiden noticed the hostile glances cast his way by the other princes. These princes, who saw themselves as contenders for the throne, viewed Aiden as a threat. Chloe, as a member of the royal family, was a known factor, but Aiden, an outsider with powerful potential, complicated their ambitions.

    The thought of an outsider potentially ascending to the throne stirred a mix of jealousy and fear among them.

    If Aiden could hear their thoughts, he would definitely sigh like an old man. After all, he had no interest in the throne. His goals were far more expansive. He wanted to grow stronger, explore the vast world, and eventually return to his own. The political intrigues and power struggles of this kingdom were distractions he wished to avoid.

    King Orion''s voice cut through Aiden''s thoughts. "We are proud to send two of our brightest to the Academy. Your success will bring honor to our kingdom."

    Hearing him, everyone nodded and applauded once again. They began to cheer, praising Chloe and Aiden for the promising future that lay ahead.

    And then, Suddenly, a wave of pressure emanated from the King, causing everyone to fall silent and kneel as they bore the terrifying force that seemed to crush their souls directly. Even the princes and princesses were no exception to this overwhelming pressure.

    Aiden, observing this, knelt too—not because he was affected by the pressure, but because he didn''t want to seem suspicious. He discreetly used his spirit energy to manipulate the temperature, forming beads of sweat on his forehead and back, blending in seamlessly with the crowd.

    They quickly understood his fury. Chloe had fainted, a trail of blood trickling from her nose—a clear sign of injury caused by the First Prince''s spirit pressure.

    King Orion''s frown deepened. He waved his hand, effortlessly dissipating the pressure from Sven, but then his hand froze mid-air. The pressure from Aiden remained, undeterred by the King''s initial efforts.

    "Truly, the difference between grades is a game changer," King Orion thought, realizing the formidable nature of Aiden''s power. He summoned more of his strength and finally managed to dissipate Aiden''s pressure.

    With the tension slightly eased, all eyes were on Aiden, who stood protectively over Chloe. The room was silent, the gravity of the situation clear to everyone present.

    They looked at Aiden, glaring at Sven, but Sven dismissed him, thinking a newly awakened kid wasn''t worth his time. His focus shifted to his mother. ''No, there''s a possibility she is alive,'' the First Prince thought, his mind racing.

    He looked down at his neck, where a single necklace adorned his throat. He pulled it hard, causing it to break. Inspecting the middle of it, he saw two pictures: one of him and the other of his mother, Sylpa.

    Sighing in relief, he saw the translucent glow and her eyes open in the picture—a clear sign his mother was alive.

    After all, this necklace was no ordinary trinket; it was an Artifact.

    An artifact she found in the ancient ruins of one of the dominant races of this world: the Soulasis. This race cultivates an entirely different energy called Soul Energy and is considered the strongest race. They are capable of inflicting soul injuries, and not many possess techniques to defend their souls against such attacks.

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    The only clan capable of rivaling them is the Primordials, beings said to be the first born of this world, entirely composed of energy. No existing energy can affect them, making them the darlings of the world. However, they have a weakness: their lifespan is only 100 years, and they are not very fertile.

    The artifact Sylpa possessed was from the Soulasis, used to mark souls like a life lamp, lit by one''s spirit energy. Since King Orion mentioned she was dead, it likely meant her physical body was destroyed while her soul remained alive, as indicated by the artifact glowing with her soul energy.

    Sven, realizing this, thought his mother had some artifact allowing her soul to escape even if her physical body perished. He clenched the necklace and wore it back, determined.

    "I will surely find you, Mother," he vowed silently.