Chapter 16: The Core of Infinity and the Shadow of Truth
As Ken journeyed deeper into the Core of Infinity, he felt a surge of divine energy ripple through the air. A powerful will radiated from the land ahead—so overwhelming, it seemed to rival, even surpass, his own.
In that moment, his mind flickered with memories. He recalled the shadowy figure once mentioned by the Wind Dragon, and the silent hesitation of Professor Rex, who had never spoken of the separation of the lands or the creation of the mysterious Lands of Nowhere. Questions buzzed in Ken's head, but there was no time to linger on them now.
Finally, he arrived at the very heart of Infinity—a sacred land known as the Land of the Guardian, where Lexus, the god of all sword techniques, dwelled. Here, Lexus stood watch over the legendary Sword of the Universe.
In front of Ken stood a colossal door, pulsating with unimaginable energy. As it slowly creaked open, a wave of raw power burst outward, coursing through Ken's body. His eyes widened.
"This place… it's beyond divine. If just standing here feels like this, how powerful must the Guardian be?" he whispered.
Ken felt his willpower ignite stronger than ever—even more than when he battled the Eternal Dragons. Knowing the challenge ahead, he realized he needed new, stronger attacks to even stand a chance. He decided to train in solitude, somewhere silent and hidden, before facing Lexus.
He traveled to a deep, dark forest—shrouded from the world—and began to train relentlessly. Sweat, focus, and pure determination became his only companions.
But then, a figure emerged from the shadows.
"You're too weak to fight Lexus," the figure said, voice calm yet condescending.
Startled, Ken turned around, eyes narrowing. "I know I'm not strong enough yet," he admitted. "But I'm working for it. I swear I'll defeat Lexus and take the Sword of the Universe. I'll free this universe from the Dark Dragon's rule!"
The figure chuckled. "What a joke, kid."
Ken clenched his fists. Anger flared, but he kept his composure. "Who are you? Why do you say that?"
The figure stepped forward, his presence overwhelming. "Because you're not ready. Not even close. You don't understand how to harness multiple elements together. And your biggest flaw—your will is too pure."
Ken looked confused. "My will… is a flaw?"
"No," the figure replied. "It's admirable. But sometimes, to defeat evil, you must become what you fear. Break your limits. Stop clinging to ideals that hold you back. You must master the fusion of all elemental powers. As you grow, more elemental energies will awaken—but only if you're willing to embrace them."
Ken nodded, absorbing every word. "You're speaking truths… but some of those go against everything I believe in. I won't throw away my ideals so easily."
The figure smiled for the first time. "I respect that. But I've seen far more than you can imagine. You want to know who I am? I'm Elder L—the oldest soul in this realm. And truthfully, kid… you're pathetic and weak."
Ken's temper flared. "You old fool! You don't know anything about me or the battles I've faced!"
Elder L crossed his arms, amused. "Alright then. I'll make you a deal. If you can land a single punch on me—I'll accept your ideals as truth."
Ken's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"Dead serious. Now… come at me."
Without hesitation, Ken launched himself forward, unleashing strike after strike. But no matter how hard he tried, not a single blow connected. Elder L dodged effortlessly, moving like wind itself.
Minutes passed. Ken's breath grew heavy. At last, exhausted, he fell to his knees. "You win…"
Elder L nodded. "You gave a good fight, boy. You have potential. So tell me… do you want to train under me? Do you want the strength to defeat Lexus?"
Ken, panting, looked up—his eyes burning with resolve. "Yes."