The woman with white hair stopped walking and turned her head slightly.

Her eyes moved to the huge man beside her.

"Vargan," she said coldly. "You're here?"

Her voice was calm, but there was no warmth in it. "What do you want in this place?"

The red-haired man glanced at her and broke into a wide grin.

His shoulders shook as he let out a low laugh.

"Hah. Then how about you, Sarona?" He shot back. "What are you doing here?"

He crossed his arms, muscles bulging. "Why is the matriarch of the renowned Shivera Clan strolling around the God Archipelago?"

Sarona's brows knit together just a little.

She looked away, eyes sweeping over the distant islands.

"I'm merely taking a walk," she replied. "This place appeared suddenly and changed the balance."

She paused. "A new power formed from the fusion of the Avenora Clan and the Revalis Clan."

Her gaze sharpened. "I wanted to see how capable they truly are."

Vargan snorted. "Tch. Always judging."

He leaned back slightly, stretching his neck. "Then I guess we're here for similar reasons."

Sarona turned back to him. "Oh?"

"Of course," Vargan said easily. "But I'm also here to check on my son."

Sarona's eyes flickered. "Valtor Vulkran."

"That's right," Vargan said proudly. "He should've joined the God Gym already."

Sarona raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."

She faced him fully now. "So the patriarch of the Vulkran Clan sends his heir away."

Her voice grew sharper. "Are you saying the God Gym is superior to your own clan?"

Vargan laughed loudly. "Hahaha! You really don't hold back."

He leaned closer, eyes bright. "Strength decides everything. If this place can make my son stronger, why wouldn't I let him stay?"

Sarona's lips pressed into a thin line.

Vargan tilted his head. "But let me ask you something."

He smirked. "How about your daughter?"

Sarona's expression darkened. "Don't say her name lightly."

"Seira Shivera," Vargan continued without care. "Cold, sharp, stubborn. She fits right in here."

Sarona frowned. "What are you implying?"

Vargan laughed again. "Don't pretend you don't know."

He pointed lazily toward the inner islands. "You sent her here to keep an eye on my son."

Sarona's eyes narrowed. The air around her chilled slightly, frost creeping along the ground.

"So what if I did?" she said flatly.

Vargan grinned wider. "Hah! Straight answer. I like that."

He shrugged. "Valtor needs someone strong to push him. And Seira?"

He chuckled. "She won't go easy on anyone."

Sarona crossed her arms. "Do not misunderstand. I did not send her for you."

"Sure, sure," Vargan said, waving a hand. "But if they clash, that's good."

Sarona shot him a sharp look. "You treat everything like a battlefield."

"That's because it is," Vargan replied without hesitation.

He cracked his neck and looked around, eyes bright. "Especially here."

He spread his arms slightly, as if showing the islands to her.

"It's only been a little over a year since the God Gym was formed. Just one year."

Sarona followed his gaze in silence.

"And look at it now," Vargan continued.

"Two top clans broken down and fused into one force. An entire archipelago shaped by that fusion."

He laughed under his breath. "That doesn't happen by luck."

Sarona's eyes narrowed. "You've done your homework."

"I had to," Vargan said easily. "I also heard something interesting."

He leaned forward a little. "They're body cultivators."

Sarona's expression shifted slightly. "So?"

"So am I," Vargan said, tapping his chest. "Which means I'm curious."

He grinned. "How strong are they really? And more importantly…"

His voice lowered. "What's their secret?"

Sarona frowned. "So that's your real goal."

She turned fully toward him. "You want to steal the God Gym's methods."

Vargan burst out laughing. "Steal? That's a harsh word."

He waved a hand dismissively. "Don't pretend that every clan builds their techniques from the ground up."

He looked at her. "You think the Shivera Clan didn't study others in its early days?"

Sarona didn't answer right away. Her silence was enough.

"I thought so," Vargan said, still smiling. "That's how the world works."

Sarona sighed quietly. "I know."

She opened her mouth to continue...

Then stopped.

Footsteps echoed behind them.

Both of them turned.

A man approached calmly, posture straight and composed.

"Patriarch Vargan of the Vulkran Clan," he said evenly. "Matriarch Sarona of the Shivera Clan."

Both of them stiffened.

Sarona's eyes sharpened. "You know us?"

The man allowed himself a small smile. "Of course."

He bowed slightly. "My name is Rendric Revalis."

Vargan raised an eyebrow. "Revalis?"

Sarona studied him more closely. Then realization dawned. "I see."

She nodded once. "You're Elder Rendric. The one who spread the reputation of the God Gym… and the God Archipelago."

Rendric inclined his head. "I'm honored you recognize me."

Vargan crossed his arms. "You're calm for someone greeting two outsiders."

"This place welcomes strength," Rendric replied simply. "And status."

He gestured toward the inner islands. "Which is why I'm here."

Sarona's eyes flickered. "Why?"

"For figures of your stature," Rendric said, "it would be improper not to introduce you properly."

Vargan chuckled. "Introduce us to who?"

Rendric smiled. "Patriarch Raviel Revalis and Matriarch Aveline Avenora."

Sarona went still.

Vargan's grin widened. "Hah. Straight to the top, huh?"

Rendric turned and began walking. "Please follow me."

Just as they were about to move, Sarona spoke again.

"Isn't the true head of this place… Garion?"

Rendric stopped and let out a short laugh. "Please. Master Garion isn't here."

He glanced back at them. "He's on another island."

Vargan clicked his tongue. "Figures."

Rendric continued walking, hands behind his back.

"For now, it's best that you meet the patriarch and matriarch."

Sarona narrowed her eyes. "You sound confident."

Rendric smiled faintly. "Because you don't understand this archipelago yet."

He slowed his steps slightly. "There are roles here. Order. And reasons."

Vargan chuckled. "Then lead on."

Sarona followed in silence, her gaze steady.

Whatever this God Gym truly was...

They would judge it properly, starting from the top.

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