[Headquarters of the city of Vasko]

Situated in the heart of Vasko, the third largest city in the entire nation of the Black Dragons. Known for its unique aesthetic of the pre-historic culture of its nation regarding its buildings. Ever since the War of Eternal fires, the holy ancient buildings were lucky enough to still be in place.

A gigantic building guarded by elite soldiers, the highest peak of the building itself would scrape the skies due to its enormous length, protected by gigantic walls made of steel.

Lady Ishida, the Chief of the state of Kudoyo, included numerous different cities, including the city of Vasko, and Birane. The home place for Xy, Zao, Shira, and Uldok.

She stood in her overseeing room discussing plans for rebuilding the palace that stood by the city of Ethein, the aftermath of the battle between a certain Sheer who battled against a Seruth-type Zipholet left great damage to its nearby buildings.

This was until Unzo walked into the room, disrupting the talk Ishida had with another individual, with a serious expression on his face.

“Lady Ishida, there is a report I must declare.” 

*Leading researcher Unzo, in charge of the research foundation that serves the city of Birane*

*Unzo's rank - Elite Sheer, placed 17th out of all 1200 Elite Sheers the nations of Gaius include*

“Send me more information regarding the type of steel you would need, we cannot lose the Holy Palace of Ethein.”

“Yes, my Lady.”

…

“Yes, Unzo. What is the matter?”

“There have been reports of infected humans, turning into grotesque alter versions of their selves, and attacking other people. I have been sent videos of certain occasions.” 

“Infected humans? Let me see the videos.”

“Of course.”

Unzo pulled out a remote which was connected to the large screen that stood against a wall, with a single press the screen switched to the video he was referring to.

The video showed a man that was bound with ties, showing problematic and possessing behavior.

“What is the origin of this?” Ishida asked as she sharpened her eyes.

“Reports claim that it is a Zipholet.” 

“A Zipholet, of what rank? Being able to infect other people without dying, it must be a Seruth type.” Ishida replied.

“Unfortunately, it is not a Seruth.”

“What is it then?”

“A Phantasma.”

A shock curled through Ishida’s body leaving a shocked expression on her face.

“Where is the calamity located?”

“In the city of Birane, ma’am.”

"Location of the source of calamity?"

"Currently unknown, ma'am."

“Damnit. What are the thoughts of Aizaki, the Chief of Birane?”

“He ordered the reports to be sent to you so that all other states should be notified of this calamity.”

“No. If this Phantasma is truly in Birane, we only need to take care of it, let us not aggravate this situation we can take care of ourselves. For now, send an alarm to the citizens of Birane. Contact Yushiwara for that. She will be able to help you out.”

“Of course, ma’am.” Unzo replied as he walked out of the room.

“A Phantasma, huh… It is best to keep it between us, I don’t want Sun Lee to be worried even more.” 

…

[Xy’s POV]

“I got it, I got it!” 

As he pulled out the sword from the stone, the upheaval aggravated anew, his real challenge was about to start.

“Jeez, what is this earthquake?!”

“Urgh, adapt myself with this sword, she said…”

The two statues that stood before him shifted their heads and faced towards Xy, which gave him a fright, the statues walked towards the end of the surface, and another path appeared, that led to a third surface, in the middle of it stood Vadea, silently waiting for Xy to approach her.

“Vadea…”

Xy ran towards the third surface, he stopped right in front of Vadea who said no word.

“Hey, Vadea. This is no time to be joking around, the place is literally crumbling and falling apart, how do I do this?!”

He touched her shoulder, and she evaporated into multiple particles of shadow and black flames.

The shadows fled towards the two statues and fled inside of them. The statues gave off a frightening and everlasting scream that sounded like the death of a thousand souls, a black aura emitted from outside their mouth parts, and formed a symbol much like a pentagram in the middle of it.

“What the hell, is happening…”

It is time for your real test, Xy. Remember what I said…

“My real test, what do you mean?!”

The black pentagram started to bleed out blood of a black color, two hands poked out, and ripped the pentagram open, a dark field made it look as if there was a black hole inside of it, but a figure stepped outside of it, onwards the surface Xy stood on.

You will have to kill the essence of this sword. Its essence is standing right in front of the pentagram. The only way to succeed is by adapting yourself to your given sword.

‘If he truly is the son of Ilnir, he must be able to succeed in this test.’

“This place is making me feel sick, I will do anything to escape this place. Bring it on.