Few knew that the Golden Knight, Awada, was from the Water Color Federation.
He was born in the Great Oasis 'Phosphor City' under the jurisdiction of the Water Color Federation. His family was the ruling family of Phosphor City, inheriting the fertile and vast land of the Great Phosphor Oasis for generations. They, the Simon family, were the de facto emperors of Phosphor City.
However, as the sixth son of the lord of Phosphor City, Awada's childhood was not happy. This was because he was merely an illegitimate child, a lowly bastard who had tainted the noble bloodline of the Simon family. He had no mother, and his father's eyes held only indifference. Within the family, he was ostracized. Under such circumstances, let alone receiving resources or guidance, Awada nearly lost his life twice in his youth.
Later, with the help of a kind butler, Awada hitched a ride with a merchant caravan, heading to the prosperous Cloud Brilliance Great Domain to start his life.
Perhaps it was due to his considerable talent and the foundation laid by his prominent Simon family background, but after Awada spontaneously awakened in his early teens, he was unstoppable, steadily climbing the path of a strong individual.
He had joined mercenary groups, ventured into perilous lands, explored ruins, obtained fortuitous encounters, and adventured with princesses. He had even escaped from the clutches of a seven-star terrifying entity.
His experiences were undoubtedly rich. He even wrote a book titled "Autobiography of a Golden Knight." His legendary life, akin to a protagonist, contributed to his autobiography's good sales and garnered him a following of fans.
After Awada had made a name for himself as the Golden Knight, the Simon family had approached him, hoping for his return. The family was willing to overlook his impure bloodline and offer him the position of deputy city lord.
The combat power of a titled Sixth Awakening forced even great nobles to take notice!
Awada, naturally, refused.
He chuckled self-deprecatingly and sarcastically, laughing at the decadence and snobbery of the Simon family. However, he also understood that while his power as a Titled Sixth Awakening was strong, it was far from enough to force a great noble to admit their mistake.
He might be stronger than his indifferent father, but the reason great nobles remained great, aside from their self-proclaimed bloodline, was their unfathomable depth and heritage.
Perhaps no one in the Simon family could defeat him in a one-on-one fight, but they undoubtedly possessed many means to defeat or even kill him.
Awada was not complacent; he simply wanted to draw a clear line between himself and the Simon family.
He was also keenly aware that Titled Sixth Awakening was not all-encompassing.
He might have carved out a considerable reputation, but this reputation was like a comet, destined to vanish within a few years. Great nobles, however, endured through the ages, passed down through generations.
A Titled Sixth Awakening might earn the attention of great nobles, but it would be a grave mistake to believe one could rise above them.
Having grown up in a noble family, Awada knew very well that many great nobles inwardly disdained those strong individuals who rose from humble beginnings.
A Titled Sixth Awakening was still mortal.
Only beings of legend could transcend the mundane, capable of making great families bow through their individual might.
But Awada also knew more clearly that he had no connection to legend. His repeated awakenings had deeply tainted his body and soul. The years of adventuring and danger had taken a toll, depleting his potential multiple times.
Although he possessed the combat power of a titled individual, he was worlds apart from a Titled Sixth Awakening genius who had the qualifications to aspire to godhood.
"The path of awakening is fraught with countless dangers and traps. Only by treading in the most correct positions at every step, keeping one's body and soul as pure as possible, and solidifying one's foundation to the utmost, can one hope to glimpse the realm of legend… As for myself, I have already taken too many wrong steps."
He harbored no regrets; his life had been spectacular enough.
How many princes and princesses of the Seven Great Kingdoms could not ascend to godhood, let alone a commoner like him?
Even if he were fortunate enough to enter the Kindling Academy, and his combat power rose from an ordinary Titled Sixth Awakening to the peak of Titled Sixth Awakening, making him unrivaled among mortals and worthy of a divine being's notice… he still had no confidence in reaching godhood.
Oh, to say unrivaled was too arrogant; many senior students, both male and female, in the academy already possessed strength surpassing his.
However, by this point, Awada felt a pang of regret.
If only he could have entered the Kindling Academy in his youth, perhaps he would have had a chance to glimpse godhood. But now, it was too late. He had taken too many wrong steps on the path of awakening, and this thorny path had never offered any second chances.
This was what he had thought for the past few months.
Until this very moment…
Immense divine power erupted from his body, stirring up turbulent winds and clouds, causing the entire spacious cultivation chamber to rumble.
Golden Knight Awada looked at his hands and the divine aura radiating from his body, feeling an omnipotent power. He was astonished, shocked, overjoyed, and excited, a torrent of emotions surging through him.
He tilted his head back, and as the joys and hardships of the past few decades flashed through his mind, tears suddenly streamed from the corners of his eyes.
"Legend…"
He knelt on one knee. His golden armor, illuminated by the divine aura, appeared even more majestic, exuding the noble aura of a legendary being.
Yet, on this legendary figure's face, there was only joy and gratitude. He slightly raised his head. No one was in front of him, but the sacred Kindling connected everyone's beliefs. He wished to offer his highest respect to that great being and dedicate his entire being to passing on the unquenchable flame of belief.
"Kindling passed on, humanity endures."
He said solemnly.
It was a shameful admission, but even after becoming a core student and residing and studying in the academy for several months, he had not truly believed in the Kindling's philosophy – eradicating calamities and reshaping humanity's glory.
Calamities were natural, governed by rules, and irresistible 'phenomena.'
Even if calamities originated from evil gods, no one had ever attempted to eradicate them. This was because calamities could still be endured and evaded, while evil gods… were utterly invincible.
Countless ages ago, the glorious Candela Empire had fallen to the hands of evil gods. Legend had it that 'gods' still existed in the world at that time, but even they had perished before the ineffable evil gods.
How could mere humans possibly contend with calamities?
Now, Awada was beginning to believe.
While calamities were indeed insurmountable, was not the power of his mentor also beyond comprehension?
Only the incomprehensible could defeat the incomprehensible.
"The outside world's conjectures about the academy are far too conservative. But who could have imagined that the Kindling Academy is merely an inconspicuous institution within our organization."
After all, this institution was dedicated to recruiting and nurturing new talent. Regardless of its importance, such a 'newcomer training camp' would naturally constitute only a small part of the organization's overall power.
Busy individuals like 'mentors' must often be traveling elsewhere, only appearing at the academy after months, years, or even decades.
Realizing the academy's true strength, Awada was both excited and invigorated. While a normal person might entertain the idea of 'clinging to power,' Awada, having been a student for half a year, deeply understood the Kindling's philosophy.
"The organization's philosophy is salvation. In the future, we might have to confront unspeakable evil gods. No amount of power can be enough to cling to. Moreover, as a person of Kindling, how can I harbor such a disgraceful thought as clinging to power!"
"Awada, Awada, remember that you are already a core student. You must embody the Kindling's philosophy and set an example at all times."
Having finished his reflection, he reined in the divine aura surrounding him, suppressed his scattered thoughts, and continued cultivating, familiarizing himself with and consolidating his current realm.
…
"A legendary being has been born?"
The birth of a legendary being was a cause for celebration and grand pronouncements, even within powerful entities like the Seven Great Kingdoms.
Typically, newly ascended legendary beings would host a promotion banquet upon emerging from seclusion, inviting guests from all walks of life.
Sometimes, entire cities would join in a festive celebration mirroring the legendary being's ascension.
In short, the birth of a legendary being was a significant event. Ascending to godhood meant leaping over the dragon's gate, bestowing unparalleled prestige. The students present were incredibly envious.
"I wonder which senior student or teaching assistant has ascended?"
"Great joy, great joy, that our Kindling Academy has gained another legendary being."
Witnessing the divine aura surging towards the heavens, countless people engaged in discussions.
However, they were unaware that Awada was not the first person to ascend to godhood during their time at the academy. In the preceding months, Shi Yunxi and Bai Shuang, two veteran Kindling members, had also ascended. However, they had done so in the cultivation area behind the academy, where the fluctuations of divine aura had been contained. Awada, on the other hand, habitually cultivated in the main peak's training grounds. The difference was merely one being more lively and the other more secluded.
Outside the academy, on Blue Star or other oases, several formal Kindling members had also ascended during this period.
—Although failures were more common, and failure meant spending a considerable amount of time hunting terrifying entities to accumulate mystery.
Awada was an old Sixth Awakening. His mystery value was completely full; he used to need to visit specific locations periodically to pay for the reduction of the mystery accumulated within him.
Therefore, he attempted the awakening of a legendary being twice within a mere half a month, finally succeeding.
"However, I seem to have incurred a massive amount of contribution points for this... If I were still a Sixth Awakening, it would take me years of missions to repay, but now I am a legendary being."
Moreover, even without contribution points, he had to contribute to the survival of humanity and the perpetuation of Kindling.
Although having contribution points dangling before him fueled his conviction, the thought of being 'in debt' made his conviction burn even brighter.
After spending a few days consolidating his realm, Awada pushed open the door and stepped out.
Immediately, pairs of eyes that had been waiting there fell upon him. These gazes then turned to astonishment and shock.
"It's you, Golden Knight Awada?"
"You've ascended to godhood?!"
Awada was by no means the strongest mortal Sixth Awakening within the academy. He might not even rank in the top ten. If we speak of potential, he might not even be in the top fifty or hundred.
He was merely a student who had recently been promoted to core status.
Wait, promoted to core student?
Someone's eyes widened, disbelief filling their pupils. Yet, a daring thought, like a devil's whisper, continued to swirl in their minds.
"That's right, the fact that I could ascend to godhood is thanks to the protection of the Dean and the cultivation environment provided by the academy. I hope that among our current cohort of students, more will emerge who can step into the realm of legend. Our Kindling... Academy needs more strength."
Awada smiled.
He strode through a path that people had voluntarily cleared, heading towards the mission hall located somewhere on the main peak.
Within a mere half a day, the news of the Golden Knight Awada's ascension to godhood spread throughout the entire academy. Except for a very few students still in seclusion, everyone knew the name Golden Knight.
The newcomers from the Cloud Brilliance Great Domain were all filled with envy and shock.
Many of the organization's veterans within the academy also felt immense pressure. After all, they, as members who had been with the organization for one, one and a half, or two and a half years, were now being surpassed by a 'newcomer'? Even though this newcomer had been a top-tier Sixth Awakening upon joining, they felt anxious. However, matters of ascension could not be rushed.
"Are you sure the newly ascended legendary being is that Golden Knight?"
The Prince of the Scarlet Sand Kingdom, having just returned from a mission, was dumbfounded.
This was not mysterious at all!
He murmured, "Core student…"
Before this, whether it was he or other powerhouses, their understanding of core student status was merely a hint of envy. Firstly, the benefits of core status were very mysterious. Secondly, the academy advocated for equality of status. Core students and formal students were not inherently superior to probationary students. Core status merely represented precedence and acknowledged their more outstanding contributions.
Those who acted arrogantly based on their formal student status were either warned or expelled.
Such foolish people were few.
However, while formal students could be equal to core students, it did not mean that a Sixth Awakening could be equal to a legendary being.
Legendary beings were… heaven!
Sixth Awakens still stood on the earth.
Two hundred years later, a Sixth Awakening strongman would turn into dry bones, while a legendary being would remain youthful.
Prince Artura of the Scarlet Sand Kingdom looked at his two attendants and asked,
"This prince… my mission record, among this batch of students, is ranked in the top three, wouldn't you say?"
His two attendants nodded without a second thought.
"My combat power and potential, among this batch of students, are even ranked in the top three, perhaps even second or first, wouldn't you say?"
His attendants nodded firmly.
"Kindling passed on, humanity endures. We will certainly raise the torch of inheritance and dispel the darkness of the long night, wouldn't you agree?"
The two attendants' foreheads displayed large question marks, but they still nodded.
…
Cloud Brilliance Great Domain, Scarlet Sand Kingdom, Capital City.
The ruler of the Scarlet Sand Kingdom was extremely weary. Despite being a legendary being, his face showed signs of fatigue.
There was no help for it. As the poorest among the Seven Great Kingdoms with the least resource-rich lands, they, the Scarlet Sand, were most severely affected by the Black River calamity. Their already impoverished economy was now worse off.
He wished he could resist, but the calamity was formless, its impact untraceable. How could they possibly fight it? He pondered, "Even the Holy See, with all its divine power, is helpless?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Holy See has not shown any actions yet, but the impact on the Holy See is very minimal."
The ruler sighed inwardly and asked again.
"What about us? Has the research institute made any discoveries?"
"Currently, it has been discovered that the vitality of plants can barely curb the spread of decay, greatly slowing down the depletion of resource-rich lands. However… the cost of purchasing and cultivating these high-grade plants is quite substantial. Especially since native plants in our Scarlet Sand Kingdom are scarce, most high-grade plants must be procured from the Ancient Wood Kingdom."
"Moreover, this method can only delay, not cure, the root cause."
Calamities affected all aspects of life, including the direct 'terrifying rampages.' The Scarlet Sand Kingdom was not afraid of terrifying entities attacking their cities, but the resulting disruption of trade routes had once again dealt a blow to their economy.
The intangible impacts were even more numerous.
This was a natural disaster.
Under the wrath of natural disasters, humanity could only resist desperately, suffering heavy blows time and again.
"According to my subordinate's understanding, the Kindling Academy places great importance on this calamity. They have dispatched hundreds of students above Fourth Awakening to investigate various regions. It is rumored that several legendary mentors have also left the school and ventured into perilous lands."
"However, my subordinate cannot obtain any information regarding the investigation progress of the Kindling Academy."
The ruler of the Scarlet Sand Kingdom stroked his chin.
"That is perfectly normal."
"No matter how generous and selfless the Kindling Academy may be, it is still an organization. However, it is somewhat surprising that the Kindling Academy has actually taken concrete actions."
Cooperation was born out of fear of the Kindling Academy's power and coveting the academy's facilities.
It did not mean they believed the Kindling Academy's rhetoric.
However, it now seemed that the leaders of the Kindling Academy might be idealists. Were there still idealists in this terrible world?
Speaking of the Kindling Academy, the ruler of the Scarlet Sand Kingdom showed a slight smile.
Regardless of how wary he was of Kindling, at least one point was undeniable: their Scarlet Sand Kingdom had benefited from the Kindling Academy. The citizens of Scarlet Sand who went to study at the academy had achieved genuine improvements. And these citizens, excluding members of the royal family, if even a portion of them returned to Scarlet Sand, they would profit immensely.
Several of their princes and princesses had also performed admirably.
"I heard that Artura's progress is the fastest. His performance is much more outstanding than that of his older brothers and sisters who received overseas study quotas."
"Yes, Your Majesty. The eighteenth Highness, not long ago, killed the six-star terrifying entity, the Eight-Armed Giant, with a single punch. Given the eighteenth Highness's foundation and potential, his future is promising, and godhood is within reach."
"Hmm…"
The ruler of the Scarlet Sand Kingdom nodded slightly.
After dismissing his subordinates, he took out a crystal ball inscribed with dense runes. The sphere flickered with a faint light in his hand. After a while, the communication connected, and the voice of the eighteenth prince, Artura, emerged from the crystal ball.
"Good day, Father."
The ruler exchanged pleasantries with his young son for a while, then inquired about Artura's cultivation progress and the academy's general situation.
He nodded with satisfaction.
Finally, just as the communication was about to be cut off, Artura's hesitant voice came from within the crystal ball.
"Father…"
"Speak your mind. What is the meaning of this hesitation!"
"Yes, Father. I hope you can contact me less frequently. I… I'm afraid the academy might misunderstand."
The crystal ball flickered with light, illuminating the bewildered face of the ruler of the Scarlet Sand Kingdom.