It was the start of the day at the Shadows of Heaven Academy. But there was no sun there to mark the passing of time. Still, everyone knew the difference between day and night. All you had to do was look at the nature around you.

During the day, the plants radiated a bright blue and violet light. That light not only warmed the place up but also made people feel like their bodies were being filled. And it wasn't just a feeling — everyone's life energies were actually getting a little stronger every second.

That planet and academy were special. A unique kind of vegetation had already spread across the whole planet and was still growing.

All the plants and natural lifeforms were different from normal ones because their source of energy and vitality was unique. From the ground flowed life energy, mind power, and soul power. That was the only energy source present — but the laws of that world seemed to always favor growth.

Pushed by those laws, the power of that universe quickly created mutations and adapted those plants. Even in universes without power, this kind of evolution happened too, but it took millions of years — and often, life didn't last long enough for it to happen.

The plants born on this planet weren't green. Instead, they had shades of violet and blue. All of them glowed intensely with soul power, mind power, and life energy. Some two-meter-tall trees had already popped up everywhere — they were new lifeforms that had adapted better and could absorb what was in the ground.

As these new types of plants learned how to use that energy better, they grew explosively and spread all over. Of course, that also happened thanks to the academy members, who helped spread their seeds and other parts to every possible corner.

All of this started happening after the academy leader disappeared, but his loyal vice-leader worked hard in his place.

After just five months, that once cold and barren planet was no longer the same. The air had become pleasant, and the climate was way more welcoming.

In the sixth month, Endi finally managed to create an emblem connected to the formation of both academies. With that, Ruoku used the link to return to that other galaxy.

The current rulers of Celestia Academy had been placed there by Darian, so they quickly helped Ruoku establish trade between the galaxies.

Ruoku also handed over the B- and A-rank martial arts, just like Darian had ordered. With that, everyone at the academy got excited, and for now, they were satisfied and didn't cause any trouble.

In the middle of the seventh month, while training the disciples hard, Howlyn suddenly felt a change in the air.

Her eyes lit up, and her heart started beating fast in her chest. Then she turned and ran, almost in a trance.

She went straight to the main building of the academy, which had been rebuilt. At the heart of it all, she saw — eyes shining — a little dragon opening its eyes.

"Welcome back, my Lord."

Darian opened his eyes and saw that excited face looking at him.

He nodded. It had taken him longer than expected to return — but still within the one-year limit. Now, he had to achieve great things, or the planet's barrier would weaken and put everyone at risk.

Right then, Rion and Ariu rushed into the central chamber.

Howlyn turned to them and saw the two little caterpillars on their shoulders. She didn't even have time to greet the twins — they quickly flew toward Darian and Niara's body, which was at the core.

Howlyn stepped closer, curious. Then she saw Darian gently lift Niara's body. After that, he picked up a small seed and placed it in her mouth.

The little dragon took a deep breath... and at that moment, Darian activated the full ethereal form of that body.

He looked like a pure spirit, then moved toward her body — and disappeared into it.

...

...

...

Suddenly, the air changed. Howlyn took a deep breath, stunned. "Wood power...?"

A thick, pure, green aura started to fill the room.

The twins, fully focused, sensed the change and got into position on Niara's shoulders. Since they had a bit more hands-on experience with that, they were going to help Darian manipulate the power.

Seconds later, another shift happened. Howlyn smelled blood — a strong scent — and a deep Yin energy started mixing in with everything.

Two hours later... Niara's body trembled.

"!"

Howlyn forgot to breathe.

Suddenly, Niara opened her eyes.

Darian came out of her. His body turned physical again, but his expression showed he was completely exhausted. The twins let out deep sighs — both looked like they'd just run a marathon.

Niara sat up and took a deep breath, her face trembling slightly...

Silently, her hands moved toward the little dragon, pulling him closer... to a warm place Darian knew very well.

She squeezed and hugged him tightly. He didn't complain. He could feel the emotion coming from her and knew it wasn't out of malice. Darian stayed silent... just feeling the warmth coming from her — something that body created by metamorphosis didn't have.

"Thank you, Dan..." she murmured. Then turned to the twins: "Thank you, little brother and sister."

They both nodded with joyful looks.

Howlyn watched everything with curiosity. When they said goodbye before, it was clear Niara and the twins were still a bit distant. But now, they gave off a completely different vibe. They had built up an intense level of trust and closeness that was almost... no, definitely, they looked like a family.

"It's done... sixty percent of the corruption was removed directly, but that's the limit. The rest is sealed. Over time, the power of wood will be able to completely purify what's left," Darian murmured.

Niara nodded and tried to activate her bloodline, but her eyes widened:

"Wait?! My bloodline's still drained."

"Yeah. To keep the rest of the corruption sealed, your bloodline was used. You can't access your full power, but you can still fight using the power of my ring and your martial arts," Darian answered calmly.

She let out a heavy sigh, but it wasn't that bad. At least she could go out in her body and fight, even if it came with big limitations.

"We don't have time to waste," Darian said, moving onto her shoulder.

Niara gave him a small smile while looking at him. Now their roles were reversed. But... she felt a wave of frustration right after. She and Darian were destined to always be together only halfway, with one of them always looking like a pet.

"Howlyn, we need to bring some new people into our academy," Darian said, and she quickly nodded.

Not long after, Ruoku — who was the link between galaxies — made a move. He went to the former planet of the Abyssal Corrupted Wolves.

When he got there, he pulled out a small crystal Darian had given him; inside, there was a bit of white and black power.

When they saw that, Veyle and those closest to him immediately recognized it as something from Darian. So they excitedly called the others. In total, it was a big group of twenty Spiritual Guardians, along with their partners — all waiting patiently on the planet. Except for the people from the New Arcadia Empire, the rest had been there for a few days already.

Ruoku brought them back to Celestia Academy, and with the help of the new commanders there, secretly transported them back to Shadows of Heaven Academy.

When they arrived, the first thing they saw was... a beautiful Dragoness in the sky.

She landed in front of them with a slight smile on her face. Everyone had already seen Niara when she was using her metamorphosis, so they recognized her... which left them in shock. That little dragon that used to stick to Darian... was actually someone from this universe!

Then, they all noticed a serpent-like figure coming out from her clothes, its head resting on her shoulder.

The eyes were now a celestial blue, the body colorful and looking like a magical draconic creature. But the presence and gaze were the same... or almost — something much more intense and overwhelming was radiating from him now.

"Glad you all came. This place is... let's say, another branch of the Shadows of Heaven Clan. This is our base in this universe," Darian said slowly.

"In our universe, we're forced to define ourselves by planets, empires, clans, races... but here, everyone can unite and work together. I'm counting on your help."

Everyone gulped, almost frozen. Their eyes didn't even move as their minds processed what they had just heard.

There wasn't a single person there who didn't know the stories about what had happened in this universe... and now, they'd found out who caused it all!

And his words... he owned an academy and a clan?

Niara smiled, almost laughing. Darian scoffed and waved:

"You'll get used to it. Let's get straight to the point. I've got a method... a bit scary, but with it we can evolve without needing to go back to Earth. So... let's all forge new rings together and go on an unlimited grind."

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