Chapter 5 – The Path of Radiance
The sun had just begun its ascent, bathing the sky in golden hues. Crows cawed into the crisp morning air as Dagda stood atop a wooden house, his silhouette outlined by the glowing light. The breeze rustled his long, wavy hair as his divine aura shimmered faintly around him like a halo.
He stared at the sunrise with intensity, the warmth touching his face. After a moment of silence, he drew a deep breath and whispered to himself with a smirk:
"Let's gooooo..."
Meanwhile, deep within the Predator Headquarters, a conversation was unfolding in a marble-floored chamber lit by glowing crystals. Edward Augustus, seated confidently in a high-backed chair, faced Goro—the rugged leader of the Gleam Force Guild.
"How's your guild progressing, Goro?" Edward asked without looking up from the scroll in his hand.
Goro gave a slight nod. "They're training hard, sir. Everyone's pushing beyond their limits."
"Good." Edward folded the scroll neatly, setting it aside.
"There's something else," Goro continued. "A new predator has joined the newly formed Bloodhood Guild—Ronan. Have you heard of him?"
Edward's eyes finally lifted. "Ronan... the one with mythic essence?"
"Yes, sir. His ability was gifted by the Wind God, Zephyr."
A silence fell. Edward leaned back. "Interesting. Keep a close eye on him."
Back in the forest, Dagda was drenched in sweat, his muscles straining under relentless training. Push-ups. Sit-ups. Burpees. He was moving like a machine—fast, furious, focused.
He let out a heavy sigh, collapsing near a riverbank. "Ugh... Water," he grunted.
He dipped his hand into the cold stream, splashing his face before gulping a handful. As the water trickled down, Muscle—his burly mentor—walked up behind him.
"Two days left for the Predator Exam," Muscle said casually.
Dagda wiped his mouth, breathing hard. "Two days? Then tell me how to control this thing already."
"You've got one day left to master it," Muscle replied. "The second day is for rest and travel. Murias—the headquarters of the Predators—isn't close."
Dagda stood up, determination in his eyes.
"Close your eyes," Muscle instructed. "Focus. Feel it."
Dagda obeyed. This time, it felt easier. A warm current surged through him, flowing through every nerve, every muscle. His aura pulsed to life—radiant and alive.
"Clench your fists," Muscle ordered.
As Dagda tightened his fists, a sudden explosion of light erupted around him. He floated slightly, the aura lifting him in a subtle glow.
Muscle grinned. "Now that... that's what I call progress."