The Rise of the Black Plain
chapter-2663

As time went on, the cycle of night and day continued to alternate. Leaves gracefully descended from the trees, only to be reborn in a symphony of colors.

The passage of time seemed to speed up, witnessing the little ones becoming stronger and the big ones becoming even larger.

Growing without their awareness, the Stuart family eventually arrived at the moment of separation.

...

In the heart of Armhands, the guild seemed to live another ordinary day.

Aliens of different races and origins went about their usual duties. Some were keeping the various guild halls running, others were standing guard in their respective workplaces.

The morning chill brought a melancholy appearance, but cultivators as powerful as the inhabitants of the headquarters city would never shiver in the face of this 'subtle' phenomenon.

Even so, chimneys spewed steam and smoke into the sky, mixing with semi-transparent gases the view of the city of over 60,000 inhabitants from the top of that floating island.

One more day like any other, at least that was the feeling of 99% of the guild's citizen-members.

A special day, a farewell, a potential revolution for others.

At the Guild Council, in the most important building in the entire city, the 10 majestic Elders, with cultivations from level 117 to 122, were lined up on different sides of the Supreme Leader, level 123.

At the back of a hall capable of holding up to 50 humanoid creatures, 12 of the 19 Supremes currently commanded by the Commander Segiel, stood in silence, observing the ceremony in progress.

On the side of these Senior Officers and Generals at the 12th stage, the core of the Minos faction of the Stuart family was gathered in a group of 15 individuals. Each of them had a very expressive and different look on their faces.

Oswald couldn't help but look at his grandson with supreme pride in his heart. After years of seeing up close what Minos had become, today was a day to say goodbye, a day to once again see his grandson off to some achievement greater than himself.

As someone who had always believed in and celebrated Minos' accomplishments, for this white-haired and white-bearded man, this was a happy day.

Yes, Minos would leave and face immense dangers. Yes, he would be far away and couldn't be helped or help. But for an old cultivator who had accepted all the dangers of fate, seeing his grandson accept such a destiny and defy the heavens was the pinnacle of his life.

With a smile on his face, Oswald watched the ceremony unfold, holding one of his great-grandson's shoulders firmly.

Kendrick could feel his great-grandfather's strength holding him steady, while he looked at his father with a smile on his face. But unlike Oswald, his determination and will were different, directed in a direction unconnected to that of his great-grandfather.

'Go in peace on your journey, father. I'll take care of the family and the companions who come from the Spiritual World.' Kendrick thought to himself, alongside his wife, Grisdi, but also his first son, Seth Stuart.

Heaven had shown kindness to the Stuart family for the past six years. Kendrick and Grisdi had accomplished something challenging and welcomed their first child four years ago.

Now, the little brown-haired boy, with big eyes and rosy cheeks, was in his mother's arms, watching his grandfather and grandmother get ready to leave.

He was small, but Seth already understood where he had been born, who the great Minos Stuart was, and his grandfather's destiny.

The little one wanted to go to Uzira with his grandparents. He had begged for weeks for the opportunity. Unfortunately, he had to stay behind and become at least an Elder in the sect before he could join his grandfather.

With his little fists clenched, the boy was determined to one day reach the level of his old grandfather.

'Grandps, wait Seth!' The child looked at the tall, white-haired man with six beautiful golden wings on his back.

In the direction Seth was looking, to Minos' right were his three beautiful wives, Ruth, Gloria and Abby. On his left side were the group of companions who would travel with them, among them 3 powerful Supremes of level 115.

A little ahead of Minos' group was Segiel, who, with her position of leadership, would obviously be left behind.

"My friends, elders, members of the Council, we have reached a great day!" said the Supreme Leader, his gaze radiant, his voice energetic. "This is a happy day! We are at the dawn of a new era!" Jalai opened his arms, emanating a light that was hard to ignore.

Pointing in Minos' direction, he continued, "General Stuart must bring glory and opportunity. May the heavens be on your side and victory illuminates your life.

As the 28th Supreme Leader of Armhands, I grant you exceptional powers to command and establish a branch of Armhands in Uzira.

In my absence, General Minos Stuart shall be the Supreme Leader of Armhands in Uzira!"

With these words, the Elders, Generals and Senior Officers present simultaneously said the same word, accepting the orders of their prominent leader.

Minos put his hands together and swore, "With the strength of my powers and my determination, I will carry this mission in my heart. I will not rest until I have established an Armhands' post in Uzira and returned to Oqia in victory."

With a glance toward his men, Minos knew he had all the authority over them, but also the trust of every one of them. With his last words, he was ready to set off on this new phase of his life!

"Commander, I leave my family and faction in your care. Now I bid you all farewell." He nodded in the direction of the Elders and Generals, humbly thanking them for their efforts and their belief in him.

His wives felt their hearts beating stronger, while their children and other relatives watching the ceremony felt similarly.

The moment Jalai rose from his seat, everyone knew that this was the last time they would see each other for at least a few centuries.

Even if everything worked out for Minos and his group, it would be a long time before they could see each other again.

Amid all this, there were many 'ifs' to challenge them and lead them to the fate of where they would never meet again!

"I end this ceremony here. I will now lead General Stuart's group to the west coast!" with those words, Jalai reached the side of Minos' group, then set off across the sky, taking each of them with his formidable powers.

The others in the hall watched the group leave, staying behind as their companions, friends, and family disappeared.

Thus began Minos' journey to Uzira, the next step in the quest for the Upper Realm!