The light of the afternoon sun streamed down on Shrek Academy, gilding the towering spires and ancient trees in a wash of gold. It was a rare day of peace, but for me, it marked the beginning of a new journey.
Summoned officially to the Sea God Pavilion.
When the messenger arrived at my cabin, I wasted no time. I straightened my uniform, adjusted my Voidshadow Mantle, and made my way toward the heart of Shrek — the revered Pavilion where the highest elders governed the academy's fate.
Crossing Sea God Lake aboard a soul-powered ferry, I couldn't help but reflect on how far I had come. From a lone boy with secrets from another world to a figure now recognized even by the Sea God Pavilion. Yet deep down, I knew this was only the beginning.
The ferry skimmed silently across the lake, the water's mirror-like surface broken only by the ripples we left in our wake. Above, the vast boughs of the Sea God Tree stretched across the horizon, ancient and all-seeing.
Arrival at the Pavilion
The Pavilion loomed ahead, an island of silence and ancient authority. Massive stone steps led to a gate carved with the likenesses of legendary soul beasts and the heroes of Shrek's past.
As I stepped ashore, Elder Yan Shaozhe waited, his expression unreadable but his eyes bright with approval.
"Come," he said simply.
He led me through towering corridors lit by soft blue soul lights. Every step echoed with the weight of history.
Inside the central hall, Elders Mu En, Xuan, Cai Mei'er, and several others were already seated around the Soul Projection Platform. The atmosphere was thick with solemnity, yet underneath it, I sensed pride—pride directed at me.
Elder Xuan — my adoptive grandfather — offered me a rare, warm smile. "Xiao Tian, your growth has exceeded even our expectations."
"We have been monitoring you closely," Elder Mu En continued, his voice as steady as the mountains. "Not just your martial growth, but your innovations, your spirit."
I bowed deeply, heart pounding in my chest, honoring their faith in me.
"Today," Elder Cai Mei'er said, her tone firm, "we summon you not only to commend you—but to prepare you for your next breakthrough."
I straightened, breath catching.
"We have found the spirit beast most suitable for your third spirit ring," Elder Yan Shaozhe said, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice.
He gestured toward the Soul Projection Platform, and a brilliant three-dimensional image shimmered into existence.
The Chosen Beast
The image displayed a titanic figure half-submerged in endless ocean waves.
At first glance, it appeared to be an island — a colossal landmass crowned with trees, rock formations, and mist. A spectacle of nature and mystery.
But then, slowly, the "island" shifted.
The great head of a turtle, ancient and wise, rose from the depths. Its massive shell was armored with natural plates of metallic earth and stone, glistening under the sun.
"The Titan World Turtle," Elder Cai Mei'er said. "An ancient beast of Earth, Metal, and Gravity attributes."
"Over twenty thousand years of cultivation," Elder Mu En added, his voice almost reverent. "An existence closer to a moving fortress than a mere beast."
My hands unconsciously clenched at my sides.
The sheer majesty and solemn power emanating from the beast was overwhelming. A creature whose very presence distorted the world around it. A living mountain, a guardian of the deep.
"You will need to travel far from the mainland," Elder Yan Shaozhe said. "To the distant archipelago where it has been sighted."
He tapped the floating map projection, showing a scattering of remote islands far across the ocean's expanse.
"The Titan World Turtle rarely surfaces fully," Elder Xuan explained. "When it does, even seasoned sailors mistake its shell for a newly formed island. Its defensive might is legendary. Its gravity domain can immobilize opponents before they realize they are trapped."
I burned the image into my mind. The challenge was monumental, but the opportunity—irreplaceable.
"You will not go alone," Elder Mu En said. "Given the distance and dangers involved, an elder adept at ocean travel and battlefield support will accompany you."
Elder Cai Mei'er nodded. "Elder Duan Yuwei. Her water attribute mastery and soul tool support expertise will safeguard your mission."
I bowed again, this time with a fierce determination blazing in my chest. "I will not fail."
Timing of the Journey
"You will not depart immediately," Elder Xuan added, his voice firm yet gentle.
I nodded, understanding at once.
The Freshman Tournament — the proving ground for every generation of Shrek students — was in its final stages.
The elimination rounds had been brutal, but only the strongest remained. Now, the main battles awaited — the true test where reputations would be made or shattered.
"Your participation is crucial," Elder Mu En said. "Not merely for your growth, but as a symbol. The future of Shrek must not only be strong but brilliant."
"After the tournament concludes, and after you have honed yourself further," Elder Cai Mei'er said, "you will depart at once."
I felt a surge of gratitude — not rushed, but prepared.
"Use this time wisely," Elder Xuan said, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Train harder. Sharpen your instincts. Complete your soul tool refinements. The Titan World Turtle will not yield to half-measures."
"Remember," Elder Mu En said with quiet gravity, "this is not simply a spirit ring hunt. It is a rite of passage. A battle that will shape your destiny."
Their words settled in my heart like the forging of iron.
The meeting concluded with a solemn nod from each elder. As I turned and left the Pavilion, the doors closing behind me with a thunderous finality, I knew:
My greatest journey had yet to begin.
Across the endless ocean, a living fortress awaited me.
A mountain upon the sea.
A fortress of endless endurance.
A guardian of Earth, Metal, and Gravity.
And soon, it would become a part of me.
If I were strong enough to claim it, I would carve that power into my very soul.
Earth. Metal. Gravity.