Evolution of the Ruined Heir

Chapter 244: Crucible

“When the coven ruled to end the relationship between them, Luna invoked the Drah’Morr… and you have been chosen to represent them.”

Malakai frowned at Grath’Mekhai’s words.

He didn’t like the sound of that. It felt like he was being asked to risk his life in some savage competition, all to protect someone else’s relationship. Just the thought of it was insane to him.

“Respectfully,” Malakai said, watching his words carefully. He was deep in enemy territory, and there was no telling what these people truly had in mind.

The hate directed at him was obvious, and Malakai understood why. Still, the coven head standing before him had been surprisingly reasonable, so far.

‘She wants me to participate…’

It was the feeling Malakai had gotten during their brief conversation. He had been ready to refuse outright, but she had asked him to hear her out first.

Which raised a troubling thought, if he rejected the only friendly face here, what then?

Even so, Malakai cleared his mind. He wasn’t going to be forced into something that brought him no benefit.

“It’s his relationship,” Malakai said evenly. “Why can’t he be the one to participate?”

He didn’t miss the subtle frown that flashed across Grath’Mekhai’s face.

“It is forbidden for anyone above the Veinbinding stage to partake in the Drah’Morr.”

“Veinbinding?” Malakai asked. He ignored the disdainful looks and whispered remarks from the gathered Gor’Mekhai, focusing instead on her words.

“I believe your people call it… nod-e f-formation.”

“Node formation,” Malakai corrected with a frown.

“Forgive my way of speaking. I am still not used to your ways,” Grath’Mekhai said calmly.

He didn’t bother asking why the restriction existed. It wouldn’t change anything even if he knew.

“It’s nothing,” Malakai said after a beat. “Is the challenge life threatening?”

More jeers and mocking glances followed, but he brushed them off.

“Yes. Your life will be in danger.”

“Then I’ll have to refuse.”

Luna’s heart sank at his words. She shot him a pleading look, but Malakai didn’t even turn to face her. He had been dragged into this without consent, why would her pleas mean anything to him now?

The room was already stirring with gasps and murmurs. Malakai could feel the stares growing colder.

Participating in the Drah’Morr was clearly seen as an honor. The fact that he had turned it down… was offensive.

“May I ask why?” Grath’Mekhai asked after a pause.

Malakai met the eyes of the aged woman. He could hear the disappointment in her tone, see it in the sharp gaze she leveled at him. She had wanted him to accept.

But once again, he didn’t care.

“It was unfair to me.”

That was all he gave them. The only explanation they were getting.

“Hm.”

The coven head tapped a clawed finger on the armrest of her throne.

“It seems there’s some kind of mistake,” she said. “Participating in the Drah’Morr is an honor. But that’s not the only gain.”

Malakai raised an eyebrow. There were rewards? Why hadn’t she started with that? He nodded slightly, showing a hint of interest.

“The Drah’Morr is a sacred tradition, passed down from the time of our ancestors. Participating, and surviving, will make you one of us, regardless of your origin. You will be introduced to our ways, and our doors will be open to you.”

“Grath’Mekhai—”

“Silence.”

The coven head’s voice cut sharply. One of the elders had stood, clearly ready to object, but her single word shut him down.

He sank back into his seat, but not before casting a cold glare at Malakai. He obviously still had more to say.

Malakai turned toward the rest of the elders. Their expressions varied, some shocked, others visibly displeased. Narrowed eyes flicked between him and the coven head.

He didn’t need to guess. They didn’t like her proposal one bit. But that wasn’t his concern. Their problem was theirs.

What Malakai saw… was an opportunity. And he didn’t hesitate to take it.

“You mean surviving the competition will grant me access to this settlement?” he asked bluntly.

“Yes.”

“Will I be able to leave?”

A pause. Then, the response came.

“Yes,” the coven head replied.

‘Hmm.’

It was something Malakai had to think through carefully. If he gained access to the forest and the settlement, it would accelerate his training.

Not to mention, he could investigate what had caused the strange reaction from the life essence.

But… there were still uncertainties.

“What is the competition about?” he asked after a moment. He needed to know what he was walking into, what he would face. It would help him measure his survival chances.

But of course, it wouldn’t be that easy.

“It is unknown until you participate,” the coven head answered.

Malakai’s gaze shifted to Grunde. Still unconscious. The hit to his head had clearly done a number on him.

Then he turned to Luna. Her eyes still held that look, hope, and resolve.

‘I can’t let this year go to waste. I need as much power as I can get before the Trials.’

That was Malakai’s focus. His apprenticeship only lasted one year. At the end of it, he’d gain the right to form a faction, a privilege reserved for direct descendants. But that wasn’t even the real goal.

The Trials he was talking about were overseen by a force much larger than any single clan, an institution made up of every Grand and Great Clan across the Dome.

Their sole purpose: to protect the entire dome from the threat that was the darkness creatures.

While the Blood Knights handled threats in the western strongholds, and other regional warriors held the line in each of their cities, this force operated differently.

They went where no one else dared, into the unpopulated, danger ridden zones between strongholds. The vast wilderness.

People died traveling those paths. Beasts lived and died out there without ever seeing civilization. Deaths occurred daily, and the darkness creatures spawned without pause. And it was this cold, elite institution that answered the call.

The Crucible.

Entry into the Crucible was only through formed factions, but individual strength still mattered greatly.

There was a minimum cutoff: Synergy stage or higher. And before his year was done, Malakai intended to reach that stage. That was the true purpose behind his apprenticeship.

Though one had to become a Blood Knight first to join, this force was a different entity. The words of the Sanguine Clan held weight there, but they are not absolute. Other powers were at play. Still…

‘It’s the best option.’

The Pulses already had their claws sunk deep into the west. There was no stronghold where their influence wasn’t felt.

If Malakai wanted the freedom to move and act as he pleased, he needed the autonomy the Crucible provided.

Sometimes, one had to take risks to gain what one wanted. And now, as Malakai locked eyes with the coven head, he made his decision.

“I agree to participate.”

Grath’Mekhai nodded slowly. Her expression didn’t change, but Malakai could sense a shift in her mood, it had lightened somewhat.

“We will wait until dawn for you to recover fully. After that, we will begin the Drah’Morr,” she said, then gestured toward Lina and Luna.

“In the meantime, my daughters will show you around the settlement.”

Malakai nodded. With nothing more to say, he turned and walked over to Grunde, still slumped in his seat.

Loosening the ropes that held him, Malakai strained as he hefted the massive frame onto his back.

“Where can I lay him down?” he asked, glancing at Luna, who was watching Grunde with a worried look.

“I’ll lead you. Follow me.”

Malakai kept a steady pace as he was guided out of the large space.

‘It’s still night,’ he realized the moment they stepped outside. He couldn’t look up to confirm, Grunde’s bulk blocked his line of sight, but it was obvious from the softly glowing surroundings. The light didn’t come from the sun.

“Over here.”

Malakai followed Luna’s gesture to what looked like a room carved into the side of a tree. Inside, soft leaves were piled in a corner, forming a makeshift bed. There was little else of note.

He stepped in and carefully lowered Grunde onto the bed of leaves, then made his way back out. Lina stood just outside, her expression cold as she looked at him.

Luna joined them out after some seconds. She stepped closer, and suddenly grasped Malakai’s hand with both of hers.

“Thank you, Malakai,” she said with gratitude. “I know I put you in this situation without your consent, and I’m willing to do anything to repay you. I had no other choice.”

Malakai met her eyes calmly. He hadn’t done this for her, or Grunde. He barely even knew the guy. Why would he risk his life over someone else’s relationship?

Still…

‘She might be useful,’ he thought, before giving her a slight nod.

“It’s fine. But why did you pick me? You don’t even know me.”

Luna smiled. “Thank you, thank you so much,” she said again, her voice filled with relief. “Grunde told me so much about you. His little brother, he said. And that you once fought off an entire army of darkness creatures by yourself. I didn’t believe it… until I saw you fight Lina and win.”

A sharp scoff came from the side.

“It was a flute,” Lina muttered coldly. She gritted her teeth when Malakai didn’t even look her way.

Instead, a deep frown formed on his face. Grunde had clearly spilled a lot of things about him to people he barely knew. Malakai made a mental note never to share any secrets with him.

Luna gave a small smile.

“Let me tend to him for now. Lina can show you around.”

“Hey, no—!” Lina began, but Luna was already stepping inside.

The sound of footsteps caught her attention. She turned just in time to see Malakai walking off.

Lina clenched her fists, and followed.

Only one chapter today, guys. Shoukd return back to normal tomorrow. Cheers, and don’t forget to give Golden tickets and powerstones!

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