Death... and me

Celis, Kentucky, Rean, Roan... in the end, the four of them made it through the twelve tests. There had been dangerous times for each of them, but they were all valuable experiences. After all, they used it to get used to their own power.

One of the Jhiod Sect members then approached the twins and the others who succeeded in the tests, giving them the same badge as before. It was the badge they saw back then, which was given to those that completed twelve tests in a row. "This is just a temporary thing. Once you arrive at the Jhiod Sect in Jhiod Continent, you will have to go to the sect's office to have your real sect badges made."

Naturally, Rean accepted the badge. "Thank you, sir. When will we be entering Jhiod Continent?"

"Tomorrow," the guy answered. "You can just stay here and or go and prepare anything you want. We always send the new disciples to Jhiod Sect the next day after the test, as we have a passage that's kept open year-round."

After the worker left, Rean looked back at Erla, Habac, and Min and said, "Well, I guess this is it. From here onwards, you will have to rely on yourselves. This group of ours was very beneficial for me. There were tests that I would have probably failed if I didn't have you guys in the battle formation. But then again, everything has to come to an end."

Erla couldn't help but say in response, "We're still going to the same sect, so there's no need to separate from each other."

Rean shook his head after hearing that. "Did you forget what I mentioned before? Joining Jhiod Sect has never been my group's goal. We only want to get there to gather some information. Once my brother and I get what we want, we'll leave."

Habac couldn't help but sigh after hearing that. "That's too bad. I was hoping I could use your power once again to grow in the Jhiod Sect. Then again, don't you think it's a waste to leave? I don't believe you can find a better place to grow than there."

Rean laughed in response, telling him, "Hahaha! Don't worry, don't worry. Believe it or not, my group got to this level mostly on our own. We don't need a sect to grow. Of course, depending on what happens in Jhiod Continent, we might stick around for a while. If that happens, then we might help each other again at some point."

Roan was in the middle of a similar conversation with Krikei, Vrie, and Lita. "Our team was nothing more than a way to achieve our objectives. Since we got what we wanted, we will now go our own ways."

Krikei sighed in response, asking him, "Why are you always this cold? I mean... we had gone through a lot together. Shouldn't you at least consider us friends?"

Roan pondered a bit before nodding. "Very well, then we can be considered friends. You won't get anything from me just because of that, though."

Lita and Vrie shrugged their shoulders in response. An entire year and twelve tests later gave them a good grasp of Roan's personality. "It's probably the highest kind of commitment we can get from this guy."

Krikei agreed with them. "True..."

On the other hand, Kentucky and Celis' demon beast group were a lot more straightforward. Demon beasts weren't the emotional type to start with. "We passed the test. Now we have no more uses for each other. Do your best in Jhiod Sect."

The demon beasts agreed with Kentucky. "Alright. However, we should help each other as demon beasts. You and Celis were the main reason we got this far, so we owe you. Let us know if you need something from us."

Celis nodded after hearing that. "Will definitely do."

Before the next day arrived, Rean and Roan were once again called into the elders' room. "Do you still need anything from us?"

Libraia went straight to the point, telling the two, "I couldn't let you enter the sect straight away even though you had your weapon intents. It's due to the new sect master that we can't make exceptions. Now that you passed twelve tests in a row, I can finally extend an invitation. Do you wish to join my Yume Clan?"

Roan narrowed his eyes, asking in response, "A clan is a family and blood thing, no?"

Libraia shook her head, saying, "We're a lot broader than that. Did you forget my Uncle Sam is a demon beast? We're not really connected by blood, but we're still part of the same clan. That's because he's married to my aunt, who isn't a demon beast. Jhiod Sect is all about power, so marriage between different races is very common there as long as the strength is there. You two are young and weak, but your futures are dazzling. I'm sure the elders of our Yume Clan's faction would pour many resources into you if you stick with us."

Rean shook his head in response, telling her, "Unfortunately, we won't be able to accept your offer."

Libraia was taken aback to hear that. "My Yume Clan is one of the top clans there, you know? I don't think you can get a better deal than that, only similar."

"That's not it," Rean mentioned. "We aren't really joining Jhiod Sect because we want to be a part of it. We're only going there to gather information. I'm sure Jhiod Sect is an incredible sect as it's the most powerful of the continents around. However, neither of us intends to stay there more than necessary. If we get the information we seek tomorrow, we'll leave tomorrow."

"Information?" Libraia was somewhat confused. "What kind of information?"

"Information about the center of the continent." Rean didn't try to hide it since he and Roan would have to ask about it there nonetheless. "We're trying to find a way to get to the center of the continent. Whether it's through teleportation or by foot, we have to go there."

Libraia found it weird that the twins would think about it since they live so far away from there. However, she also didn't want to lose those two geniuses. "The center of the continent, huh? If so, you should really entertain my offer. My Yume Clan might just have what you need to get there."