Chapter 4: The Shift

After a five minute walk, Lucien could see the mighty walls surrounding the Raizen territory. Gazing at that mighty wall, with the number of guards station atop it made the others wonder how Lucien is always able to sneak past these guards whenever he wishes to meet his rival, Brian.

Only when they saw Lucien unharmed and well did the guards at the gate let out a sigh of relief. They had visualized many ways the clan Patriarch would have executed them if Lucien came back hurt in any way. If it wasn't for the silver light glowing in the dark Tron forest, no one would have been able to find Lucien easily.

In front of the mighty gates were more guards of both gender from the Raizen clan with a couple of horses, waiting for their arrival. Members of the lesser branch usually end up becoming guards or part of the clan's military force tasked with protecting the territory of the Raizen clan. Even though there were about three more god beast clans of lower tiers residing in the territory, they were barely placed at any important roles, and even those who enroll to join the military never become anything more than foot soldiers. Just like other god beast clans, it is believed that might is right! The weak should suppress the strong in order to remain at the top.

"Young master, Your grandfather awaits your arrival… He wishes to speak to you in private" The guards said as they bowed respectfully as they presented a horse for him

Pa!

Not caring to give them a look or even respond, Lucien jumped on the horse and rode into the town without looking back. Randolf and the other members of the Raizen lightning guards followed him on foot, adjusting their speed to match that of the horse.

..............................….

Separating the town meant for the inhabitants of the territory and the Raizen family was a wall even sturdier than the ones surrounding the territory. It was a twenty-meter-tall wall and at the other side were numerous castles, mansions, and sturdy brick homes surrounded by properly trimmed green grass. Compared to the residential area, this place was more like paradise.

The Raizen territory was divided into three walls. The outer wall belonged to the normal inhabitants of the territory, that's the members of different god beast clans. While the middle wall belongs to the Raizen family with lesser or weaker bloodlines. While the outer wall was more like a dump, the middle realm could be considered luxurious even for nobles and then the inner wall which was meant for the clan members with powerful bloodlines could be considered a paradise that everyone would wish to live in.

Reaching the largest castle located at the edge of the inner wall, Lucien jumped off the horse and walked towards it alone. This castle was surrounded by a body of water, with the drawbridge as the only way into the castle. Lucien waited patiently for the drawbridge to be released before walking in. He was greeted by so many guards and was given a black feather coat to wear as he reached the great hall.

"I have arrived, grandfather…" Lucien fell on his knees as he spoke, before entering.

"You may enter" A weak voice resonated from the hall after a minute or two, only then did the mighty doors slowly open.

Contrary to what he was told at the gates about his grandfather wishing to speak to him alone, the hall was filled with the most important individuals of the Raizen family. Without any sign of anxiety or fear, Lucien strode into the room with a face brimming with confidence. His indifferent gaze was fixed on the two youths his age who wore the same black feather coat as him and he couldn't help but let out a snort filled with venom, causing the two the frown in response.

"Lucien, my child… You have returned" An elderly man whose face was covered with a hood spoke slowly. He wore a silver feather coat which was a sign to everyone that he is the current head of the Raizen clan.

"Yes, Grandfather… I came over as soon as I was told you sort my presence" Lucien replied with a slight bow.

"Good… good… that's good… I was told you had a confrontation with the little heir of the Lucardo family… I was told you successfully performed the Shift…" The old man said in a more inquisitive tone which made Lucien tremble on the inside but he was as calm as ever on the outside.

"Yes, grandfather… I was only able to achieve this thanks to your teachings" Lucien fell on one knee and bowed respectfully as he said this.

Hearing him confirm these words, there was an uproar in the room as many people spoke in hushed tones but it was loud enough to create irritating sounds. The two youths standing by his side gazed at him with signs of fear, mixed with surprise in their expression. The shift is something that has never been achieved at this age. In the past, Lucien was only capable of summoning the silver image of the ancestral god beast but his body never changed but even then he was praised by the elders of the clan. The two youths in the black feather coat were Raziel and Layla, the two prodigies of the clan who are only inferior to Lucien. They two have practiced the shift alongside Lucien and the furthest they have gone is to summon a silver light behind them but the silver light has never been able to take the form of the ancestral god beast just like that of Lucien. Even then it was considered a great achievement.

"Can you demonstrate the shift again? I wish to see it for myself" The elderly man in a silver fur coat said.

With that said, everyone turned their attention to Lucien with eyes filled with anticipation.

"As you wish, grandfather" Lucien said with a smile as he gently placed his palm on the ground and a loud bird cry resonated from behind him

CAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWW!