Bastards Ascension: A Playground of Gods
Chapter 54: An Old Acquaintance

Chapter 54: An Old Acquaintance

As Kieran and the others returned, they noticed fleets of space cruisers parked in perfect circles, their metallic frames gleaming under the crimson sky.

More continued to descend from above, slicing through the red clouds like silent giants.

Each cruiser bore a distinct emblem etched boldly into its surface—clear markers of the powerful houses they represented.

The origin families had arrived.

The factions were all present.

It felt less like a mission and more like a grand gathering.

They watched as recruits from every faction descended from their ships, their captains stepping off to leave them behind—silent, disciplined, and already exuding pressure.

’If all the origin families came with their newly awakened...’ Kieran’s eyes narrowed as he turned toward one particular ship—the Nelkon family’s space cruiser.

It was a striking vessel: deep red with a golden flame emblem etched across its hull.

The cruiser radiated dominance.

Its sleek, almost predatory design gave it the appearance of an angel of destruction, descending not to save, but to reduce everything in its path to ash.

The newly awakened from the Nelkon family walked in front, each clad in uniquely designed red battle suits, their presence exuding power and pride.

Kieran’s eyes scanned through the group—until they landed on a trio that made his blood boil.

At the front was a blonde-haired boy, his signature arrogant smile stretched wide across his face like he was the center of the universe.

Flanking him were his usual lackeys, strutting behind him like loyal shadows.

Kieran’s pupils dilated, and his eyes turned red with rage.

Burn. Burn. Burn.

The word echoed violently in his mind, again and again, like a curse cast by a spirit of vengeance.

It took every ounce of restraint to tear his gaze away. He lowered his head, allowing the hood’s shadow to conceal his face.

He hadn’t expected to see them here—not so soon.

---

"What was that?"

Frank froze. A cold, visceral shiver ran down his spine.

Every instinct screamed danger, but he couldn’t pinpoint why.

"What do you mean? There’s nothing here," Ben said, glancing around with a furrowed brow.

Frank’s eyes darted across the factions gathered on the field, searching for something... or someone.

’Was someone watching me?’

The sensation lingered like a predator’s breath on his neck.

He exhaled slowly, masking his unease.

"It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it."

He waved Ben off, and the trio descended their space cruiser, unaware of the storm brewing nearby.

---

Kieran’s knuckles tightened by his sides.

’I almost forgot he’d be here as well...’

His gaze flicked toward Frank again, burning with silent fury.

’This is my chance. Frank... I’ll make you suffer.’

Kieran’s fist clenched tightly at his side—and Henry didn’t miss it.

"What’s wrong?" he asked in a calm, low voice.

Kieran inhaled deeply, then relaxed his hand.

"Nothing," he said, exhaling slowly. "Just ran into an old acquaintance."

Without another word, he began walking forward.

---

All the factions and their newly awakened members gathered in a wide, circular formation.

In the center stood a familiar figure—one Kieran had encountered only a few days prior.

Clad in his signature pristine black suit, Kim stood tall and composed, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd in silence.

With a subtle cough, he drew their attention.

"I assume you all know why you’re here?" he asked.

In response, quiet nods rippled through the circle.

"Good," Kim said, his voice carrying easily across the gathered crowd. "So let’s get straight to business. A few clicks from here stands the Tower of the Demiurge."

He began pacing slowly, his hands clasped behind his back.

"As you’ve been told, the primary purpose of this training is to familiarize you with the beasts and races you’re likely to encounter in any realm. The tower’s unique mana density will also aid in refining your control over mana in combat—though I’m certain many of you have already achieved a level of mastery."

His gaze swept toward the recruits from the Origin Families.

They nodded in silent agreement, smug pride flashing on their faces like polished medals.

Kim didn’t dwell on them. Instead, he turned his eyes forward—toward the behemoth in the distance.

A towering structure, ancient and obsidian black, loomed against the red-streaked sky. It rose like a dark monument, impossible to miss. The Tower of the Demiurge.

"If you’re all ready," he said, his voice even, "follow me."

He took the lead, and the long procession began moving.

Each captain stood before their respective recruits, but while the general factions clustered together in small groups, the Origin Families stood apart. Their posture was immaculate, shoulders squared, heads high. Their message was clear: we are not the same.

Kim noticed it.

He didn’t comment—but the subtle sigh he let out said enough.

’Either their arrogance is growing by the day... or they truly believe no one from the factions can match them,’ he thought, glancing once more at the polished red suits of the Nelkon family.

---

Kieran barely noticed the others walking.

His eyes were locked on the blonde-haired figure ahead—Frank.

He didn’t blink. Didn’t shift his gaze.

’Burn... Burn... Burn...’

The voice echoed in his mind like a mantra of vengeance.

As they neared the tower, the ground suddenly trembled.

A monstrous gust of wind blasted through the barren land, howling like an angry god.

"What the hell—!" someone shouted.

The force was overwhelming. Recruits shielded their faces, fighting to remain grounded. Dust ripped through the air like tiny blades.

The wind intensified—growing stronger, more vicious.

Boots skidded. Some recruits stumbled, lifted halfway off the ground.

Panic erupted.

And then—BOOM.

A powerful wave of energy exploded outward, followed by a shimmering blue veil that surrounded the entire group.

Instantly, the wind halted.

Or rather, it still raged beyond the shield—but inside, it felt like nothing more than a gentle breeze.

"Shit, that was close!" a boy gasped, dropping to his knees as the pressure lifted.

Around him, others stared at the shield in disbelief.

Outside, the wind tore through the earth—but none of it breached the veil.

"Don’t worry," a calm voice rang out. "We’ve nearly passed the Tidal Zone."

All eyes turned to Kim, who stood at the front, arm extended.

His aura was tranquil, yet terrifying. It rippled like a calm ocean—but with the promise of a tidal wave behind it.

He was the source of the barrier.

Vice President Kim of AFO.

"It never gets old," Jacob said with a quiet smile, stepping beside Kieran as the group moved forward again.

Kieran remained silent.

His gaze locked on Kim with quiet awe, admiration simmering just beneath his calm expression.

He remembered what Jane had told him—not long ago—about this man’s power.

Her words echoed now in his mind like scripture:

"The Death Wall..."

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