****

Gabriel had been asleep for quite some time, but in his dream, there was nothing but emptiness. The vastness of space surrounded him, and he seemed to be floating in a void.

There was no sound or light, just the feeling of weightlessness, as if time had frozen still. However, suddenly, a faint whisper broke the silence, and Gabriel jolted to life, trying to discern where the sound was coming from.

It was as if someone was calling for him in the void. It was a voice that was clear, yet unclear at the same time. It was as if he could understand the language, while also being completely unfamiliar with the voice.

However, one thing was certain. Whenever he heard the voice, his heart tightened, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, as if he was in lots of pain.

In the vast space, he looked all around. However, he couldn't find the source of the voice. It was as if the voice was coming from every direction at the same time.

He also wasn't sure if it was his misconception, but it appeared as if the darkness was only increasing.

****

In another place, Karyk had also fallen asleep. Even he was experiencing the same dream as Gabriel. This was also his first time seeing a dream like that.

Even someone like him found it hard to discern between a dream and reality.

That unknown and unfamiliar voice felt close.

It was as if the voice was right next to him, yet he couldn't pinpoint its exact location.

Karyk's heart was pounding fast and he felt a sense of dread creeping over him. He had lived a long time, and went through many things, including death. However, this was his first time feeling a fear like that... A fear that was innate. It was as if there was something in the vast space that was scary, even for him.

The whisper was alluring, as if drawing him near. At the same time, there was something deep within his heart, that was telling him to stay away.

Unfortunately, he couldn't control his curiosity and instinctively tried to find the source of the voice. Unlike Gabriel, he was more active. However, as soon as he started moving, it was as if he froze in place.

His entire body refused to move, like he was paralyzed. Within the next moment, a terrifying wave of energy swept over him.

Karyk and Gabriel, both woke up at the same time. Their hands were trembling subconsciously and their hearts were racing.

They didn't know what it was that they saw, but before they woke up, they both felt as if they had seen a shadow of something akin to a sword...

Karyk looked at his trembling hands, frowning deeply. It was as if there was innate fear buried deep within his heart, and it had something to do with that unfamiliar sword.

Gabriel, on the other hand, tried to calm his racing heart, taking deep breaths and trying to shake off the lingering feeling of dread.

They were both still in a trance, trying to make sense of it all.

*****

Gabriel couldn't sleep the entire night, as if he was worried about that dream. Before he could even realize it, it was already morning.

Moreover, he also started getting hungry. Still, he didn't use the ring given to him by Ulesis, and used the food he had prepared himself.

After he finished eating, he was greeted with a few knocks on the door.

Since he had already sensed people coming, he wasn't surprised. He walked to the door and opened it while expecting it to be Ulesis.

However, to his surprise, Ulesis wasn't there. Instead, there was a guard there... A guard of the Stein Clan.

On the back of the man in his late twenties, a heavy sword was hanging. His aura wasn't weak either. However, for some reason, he was looking at Gabriel with a threatening gaze.

Since the man directly knocked on his door, Gabriel was sure that Ulesis had told everyone about him. However, if what happened next was a good thing, or bad, he wasn't sure.

"Follow me. Master wants to meet you." The young man said. Even though his voice was calm, it was clear that he was looking down on Gabriel.

Gabriel didn't react much, and only closed the door before walking out. He followed behind the man, who led him through the large estate grounds.

As they approached the main house, Gabriel couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue.

The protection around the main mansion was even stronger. Even for him, it would've been hard to pass through this level of defense undetected.

Moreover the closer he came to the mansion, the stronger this defense became, which only made him frown.

There were many Formations that he didn't understand, even with his vast knowledge.

One such formation even weakened his strength as long as he was within the mansion parameters.

Gabriel could feel that he could only use half of his strength inside the mansion. He was sure that this wasn't the case for the people of the Stein Clan.

The Formation didn't restrict their strength. It only worked on the strength of the outsiders, like him.

He finally understood why the Family Head agreed to meet him so easily.

Gabriel was let to a large golden door, where the guard stopped.

He knocked on the door, and waited on the side. It was only when a voice came from inside, giving permission, that he opened the door.

"Enter." He told Gabriel, while remaining inside.

Gabriel nodded, and entered the main hall of the Stein Clan. However, to his surprise, there wasn't just the Family Head there.

Along with the Family Head, the other Elders members of the Stein Family were also present there, as if there was some important meeting going on there.

Right next to the family head of the Stein Clan was Ulesis, standing with her head down.