“What?” Ketal’s eyes widened. “Is that really true?”0

“It’s a pretty well-known story,” Milayna explained.0

Back in the day, a proclamation was issued in the Empire, calling for the strongest to join its ranks. The offer was enticing: if a Transcendent pledged allegiance to the Empire, their wish would be granted. But, of course, no such warrior ever responded.0

Transcendents didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Even in kingdoms, there were only one or two, and they were treated with exceptional regard. There was no reason for them to join the Empire’s army.0

The recruitment of powerful individuals was common in many organizations; the Empire’s offer wasn’t particularly unique. In truth, the proclamation was effectively meaningless.0

That changed one day when an alchemist stepped forward with an audacious claim. The alchemist approached the Empire with a proposition.0

“I can create a Transcendent for you,” she said, “But in exchange, you must fulfill a request of mine.”0

From the Empire’s perspective, it was surely seen as nonsense. A Transcendent was someone who reached the pinnacle of ability through innate talent and a life devoted to training. It wasn’t something that could simply be created.0

It...0