Chapter 725: 1st Trial: Cleared! On to the next one! (1/2)

”...you're going to leave right away?”

”Yes.” Raven nodded and replied to Tiger. ”Oh come on, you know that this going to happen. Don't feel so surprised.”

Inside his consciousness, Raven and this body's original consciousness - Tiger, conversed. Raven was about to depart thus world since his work here was done.

”You've been watching since the very beginning.” Raven stated, ”You've seen everything that I did. Don't doubt your capabilities. Even if I leave, all the things I've done in your stead will continue to have its effects. Your cultivation will remain and I gave you the things you will be needing to lead your people towards a better tomorrow.”

”You're friends are with you. You're strong enough to guard this world. There's practically nothing that can go against you here. If you want, you can start a family and live life to the fullest or you're seeking for more adventure, you know where to go.”

”From here on out, you live according to how you like. But no matter what, always remember this.” Raven placed his hand on Tiger's shoulders and advised him solemnly. ”Freedom has a price. Always think before you act. With your status and power, you have to be responsible for every decision you make. Get it?”

Tiger nodded.

He's truly feeling reluctant. He didn't know what to feel. On one hand, he felt like enjoying the aftermath of Raven's actions was just wrong. It was Raven who worked so hard to achieve this, yet the guy didn't even want any of it, he just wanted to move on.

On the other hand, Tiger was envious. Like what Raven said, he's been watching from the very beginning. His soul never left, it was just sealed within the corners of Raven's consciousness, unable to communicate with him until now.

He saw how Raven assumed his identity and ran with it. He was at awe of how capable Raven was. How he managed to become strong in a lightning speed manner. It only took him a little over 6-7 years in order to reach the peak of this world. Not even in Tiger's wildest dreams did he think that something like this was possible.

Raven also did so much for the tribe, so much that he practically changed their lives. He opened-up so many options for them that really, anything is possible at this point. He established the foundations for the Golden Age of humanity, yet he isn't even staying to experience any of it.

”In the end, this isn't my world.” Raven told him, ”This is yours. In addition to that, I have some more responsibilities left back there. I need to return as swiftly as I could so I can't stay.”

”I see.” Tiger nodded. ”Thank you. For everything.”

”Don't sweat it. It's what I had to do.” Raven smiled. ”Well, it's about time for me to leave. Good luck and enjoy this new life of yours.”

After saying this, Raven's consciousness turned blurry and Tiger felt a force pulling him back to his body.

When he opened his eyes, he saw the devastated Central Continent below him which is also at the verge of transforming. He paid this no mind and looked at his hands. He clenched his fist and felt the explosive power coursing through his veins. He can see the layers of scales covering his body and pair of wings flapping behind his back.

Tiger was drowned by this feeling but he remained clear headed.

He thought about many things and eventually came back to reality. This is his world. This is him. Raven's work might be done here but his wasn't yet.

”Thank you.” He whispered, ”For bestowing me a name. I'll make sure to not sully its honor.”

Keeping the name 'Vendrick' as his name for the rest of time, he eventually returned to the Blue Mountain Tribe and reunited with his friends. He kept Raven's identity as a secret since Raven himself decided not reveal it.

With all the foundation set for humanity to take over the next era, Vendrick stood as their leader and had everyone migrate to the Eastern Continent where their Empire will rise.

He used the knowledge and tactics that Raven left to him to make sure that humanity will prosper. He also followed his advise, to live his life to the fullest. He got married and raised his children all while making sure to always be there as humanity's guardian.

Eventually, Vendrick Rogers will change the world and whether he remained in that world or seek out another adventure, is a story for some other time.

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Meanwhile, Raven woke up to the familiar place of the Celestial Ascension Platform.

”That was fast.” He heard the voice of the Trial Administration behind him.