Still inside the headquarters of the Starfall Covenant, Michael and the other newly chosen disciples were guided into the legendary Weapon Accessories Chamber, a massive hall filled with ancient weapons, relics, and advanced combat tools collected from across the universe. The chamber itself radiated powerful spiritual energy, making even experienced warriors feel pressure just by standing inside it. While others rushed toward flashy weapons and shining artifacts, Michael's attention was strangely drawn to something much simpler—a long black rod resting quietly on a floating platform. At first glance it looked like nothing more than an ordinary weapon, almost like useless junk compared to the dazzling treasures surrounding it. But the moment Michael stepped closer, the rod reacted to his presence, releasing a faint golden glow. The weapon's name soon appeared within the chamber's spiritual interface: Eclipse Rod.
The rod possessed a sleek metallic black body with faint glowing golden veins running along its surface like flowing solar energy. Subtle symbols of the Starfall Covenant were etched along its structure, and when Michael touched it, a small holographic display appeared in front of him revealing the weapon's hidden capabilities. The Eclipse Rod possessed five evolutionary stages, each unlocking greater destructive power as its master grew stronger. Stage One – Rod Form: a standard six-foot collapsible rod that could extend or retract at will, lightweight yet incredibly durable, perfect for close-combat battles. Stage Two – Sword Form: the rod could transform into a razor-sharp sword capable of cutting through reinforced armor and advanced alloys while channeling spiritual energy through its blade. Stage Three – Drain Form, known as "Celestial Reaper": when activated, every strike could drain five to fifteen percent of a Galaxy Lord's energy, making it one of the most dangerous weapons imaginable. Stage Four – Split Form: the weapon could divide into multiple floating segments that attacked enemies independently before reforming into its original shape. Stage Five – Starbreaker Form: the ultimate transformation, a massive energy sword capable of battling enemies on planetary or even galactic scale, though this form could only be controlled by Michael once he reached the Galaxy Lord level.
Along with the rod came a spiritual manual, allowing Michael to study the weapon and eventually develop techniques that could unleash its full power. As the newly acknowledged Lord of the Solar System, the Eclipse Rod resonated perfectly with his cosmic energy, making it the ideal weapon for his path. Michael also received another reward—a powerful combat suit with a sleek metallic black design and glowing golden energy lines similar to the rod. The suit contained advanced technology capable of enhancing both physical strength and spiritual power, though its full functions would only activate once Michael reached the Galaxy Lord stage. When the suit's system briefly activated, small holographic projections of planets appeared around his wrist device, orbiting slowly like miniature solar systems.
After the reward ceremony concluded, Michael and his grandfather prepared to return home. However, the arrogant Russian prodigy from earlier, Ivan Korovin, appeared once again. Ivan belonged to the powerful Volkov Dynasty, and his pride would not allow him to ignore Michael's sudden rise to fame. He openly mocked Michael and challenged him repeatedly, provoking him in front of many witnesses. Seeing the tension rising, Michael's grandfather stepped forward and calmed the situation. Instead of allowing a reckless fight inside the Starfall Covenant, he arranged a proper duel one month later, giving both boys time to prepare.
Michael accepted immediately. He knew Ivan was stronger; Ivan had already reached Late Stage Seven of Energy Gatherer and was on the verge of entering the Spirit Channel stage, while Michael himself had just begun stabilizing his cultivation. Determined not to lose, Michael immersed himself completely in training for an entire month. During that time he studied the Eclipse Rod's manual, practiced controlling his spiritual energy, and secretly worked on creating his own combat technique using two ancient texts: the Eclipse Rod's spiritual guide and a legendary cultivation manual written long ago by Steven Adarkwah-Yadom, the founder of his family.
Finally the day of the duel arrived. The match was organized in China, where many global officials gathered to witness the abilities of the young boy who had become the Lord of the Solar System. The arena buzzed with anticipation as spectators filled the stands. Ivan Korovin stepped onto the battlefield first, cracking his neck confidently as he released his aura. Instantly the crowd felt his strength—he had successfully broken through and now stood at Stage Two of Spirit Channel. Moments later Michael stepped forward calmly. When he released his aura, it revealed he was only Stage Seven of Energy Gatherer. The difference in cultivation level made the audience whisper among themselves. Many already believed the fight was decided before it even began.
The moment the battle started, Ivan attacked ferociously. His combat style reflected the brutal reputation of Russian warriors—fast, relentless, and merciless. He struck Michael with overwhelming power, launching devastating kicks and punches that pushed the young boy backward again and again. Several attacks landed directly on Michael's body, sending shockwaves through the arena. Watching from the stands, many spectators shook their heads, convinced the Solar System's new lord was about to lose.
But anger burned inside Michael's chest. In that moment his emotions cracked the seal placed on his telekinetic power by Zorvath. Though only a tiny fraction of the power leaked out, it carried the terrifying pressure of a Beast Master level force. The sudden burst disrupted Ivan's momentum for just a second—and that single second was all Michael needed. Drawing upon the knowledge from Steven's cultivation manual and the Eclipse Rod's spiritual guide, Michael unleashed the first technique he had ever created.
Solar Strike.
Golden light exploded from his fist as cosmic energy surged around him. A massive radiant circle expanded across the battlefield, shining so brightly that spectators could barely see what was happening inside. The air trembled as Michael's punch carried the burning force of a miniature star. The attack slammed directly into Ivan Korovin, triggering a violent explosion that shook the entire arena. When the smoke finally cleared, Ivan lay unconscious on the ground, defeated.
Michael remained standing for a moment, breathing heavily. The crowd stared in stunned silence as the young boy who had been considered weaker proved everyone wrong. But the immense strain finally caught up to him, and moments later Michael collapsed as well, losing consciousness.
The duel was officially declared over.
The winner—Michael Adarkwah-Yadom.
When Michael woke up later, his grandfather stood beside him with a proud smile. The old man told him the entire world had witnessed his victory. But there was no time to celebrate for long. A far greater challenge was approaching—the Starfall Covenant Youth Tournament, the first major competition of Michael's life. And this time, the opponents he would face would be far stronger than Ivan Korovin.