Born in Blood



Liam questioned whether or not his answers would affect his chances of joining the group. 

The Zeniths could definitely tell if he lied or not… but being truthful worked against him.

In reality, Liam's intention for joining was just to reap the benefits that came with the Temple of Shadow.

He wanted to keep away from the public view and steadily grow his strength. 

Even sacrificing plentiful resources that other Sects might provide in exchange for safety.

He didn't care about their goals and missions of vengeance. 

Unless of course, his own revenge against the Royce family, which he wholeheartedly intended to carry out.

In the end, truth was the only option. 

Something told him an old man like Verium valued honesty over strength, and a low-ranking foreigner lying to his face would just be disrespectful.

"I have secrets I'd rather die than speak of. I don't have any grudge against the Imperialists or the Dual Empire, but that doesn't mean I can't help you in your cause."

Liam's words were firm, and the Zeniths read between the lines – he wasn't going to reveal any more than he already did.

"Oh? What can you help us with, child?" said Elder Orisa, her derisive tone filled with mockery. 

Liam suppressed a scowl.

"I can regularly forge Rank 2 blades through magical beasts and Spirit Beasts. I'm also proficient in inscriptions relating to blood, specifically sharpness enhancements."

Silence.

Elder Orisa was shocked. She could tell Liam was telling the truth. 

Pleasantly surprised, Elder Jane shot Orisa and the rest a smirk from the side then looked towards Liam with an approving gaze behind the mask.

"He has natural talent and doesn't fear five Zeniths pressuring him. We'd be foolish not to let him in with so much potential," Jane mentioned.

"Not to mention, the boy is already a Rank 2 Magus close to a Rank 4 body, and he's already a Rank 2 cultivator."

Another contemplative silence ensued. 

Everyone had their own way of digesting that information. 

Elder Verium kept quiet with his powerful gaze still on Liam. 

Orisa was the same, except she really questioned the validity of Liam's claim.

Even the childish Elder Aki grew serious, her sassy demeanors disappearing.

Having an outsider enter their Temple was against the established rules… but Liam's abilities were too amazing for them not to consider.

Even if he was from another race.

Although Liam didn't really understand how Zeniths thought, he was pretty sure Jax and Jane already accepted him. 

Orisa turned into a shadow that sunk into the ground then reformed in front of Liam in the blink of an eye. "Show me the blades you've made."

Liam didn't argue and took out a Rank 2 lower-tier pair of blades, handing them to her. 

He purposely didn't give her the upper-tier blades he made earlier.

After all, he didn't want to oversell himself and become a slave to the Temple, repeatedly forging and inscribing weapons for them to use. 

Orisa examined the blades with keen eyes, rubbing the edges with the tips of her slender fingers. It formed a tiny wound that healed not a second after, barely drawing any blood.

'Even a Rank 2 item barely cuts through a Rank 4 body…' 

"Your name," she asked abruptly, her gaze still on the blade.

Liam contemplated whether or not using his real name mattered. 

It really didn't, and he was pretty sure they could tell his lies.

"Liam."

Orisa gave him a terse nod and handed him the blade.

"I approve," she said, turning into a shadow and reappearing back in her chair as though she never left. 

"I don't care about a Mortal's secrets. If he's able to make weapons like that for the lower ranked acolytes to use, I don't see a problem with him joining. Aki's forging methods require Vicirim metal, which takes time to make and the disciples can't even wield them."

With her words, Orisa raised her hand. 

'So she's a forgemaster?' Liam wondered as he sneaked a glance at the child-like Elder.

Elder Jane raised her hand as well, shortly followed by Jax.

Aki was a bit more reserved, but eventually raised her hand.

"You better hold your own weight, or I'll pick you apart myself! Nobody will give you free techniques!" she added with her child-like voice.

After a silence that was much longer than it seemed, Verium spoke.

"It is decided. You'll become an acolyte first. You won't be given special treatment… but that could change if you hold any talent with the Shadows."

"We will put our lives on the line for your protection, and we expect you to do the same for the Temple."

After a short pause, Liam gave a firm nod in response.

With a lower voice, meant for the Elders but not limited to them, Verium added:

"I will inform the Patriarch of the decision. Jaxon, you can personally show him the attunement procedure. We can't let the others make any mistake with him."

Liam remained quiet as the Zeniths exchanged nods with one another. He was relieved and worried at the same time.

In the next moment, three of the five sitting in the hallroom turned into shadows that scattered in different directions. 

Jane lingered.

"With you, I'm sure we can restore the Temple to its former glory," the Elder gave Liam a complicated smile before leaving herself.

With that, only Elder Jax remained.

Saying nothing, the Elder took off his mask and robe a moment later, revealing his pale and lean body which was riddled with intricate, black tattoos covering his skin.

His piercing, deep-set blue eyes held a dark light in them, but flickered with brilliance and maturity. Short blue hair covered his head, and a sharp scar ran across the bridge of his nose.

Elder Jax smiled lightly.

"As the name of our Temple suggests, we bring out the hidden power of Shadows," he said, running his hand across the tattoos on his chest. "Using a body-inscription method developed by the Patriarch."

"Unfortunately for us, we're not of the darkness element, and we cannot bring out its true potential."

Stretching out his arms, the tattoos on his body flickered black and shrouded his entire figure, leaving only his eyes visible. The danger radiating from him intensified enough to make Liam's instincts scream.

"But you…" a dangerous smile formed on Jax's thin lips, his voice deeper and muffled. "You will be my greatest masterpiece."