Douluo Dalu:Shards of Fate

The streets of Tiandou City were bustling as usual, but for Ryo, the noise was nothing more than a dull background hum. He walked beside Li Anye, his grandfather's firm grip on his shoulder guiding him toward their destination: Tiandou Academy.

"Grandpa, please," Ryo said, his tone unusually serious. "I don't want to be surrounded by brats who think they're the best." His crimson eyes flickered with irritation. "It's a waste of time."

"No," Li replied sternly, not slowing his pace. "You need to associate with more children your age. It's part of growing."

"But—"

"No buts," Li cut him off, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Ryo's expression darkened as he stared at the ground, his usual calculative demeanor replaced by quiet frustration. He didn't like this plan, and he didn't like wasting time when he could be growing stronger in his own way.

Seeing his grandson sulking, Li sighed deeply. After a moment of consideration, he seemed to yield slightly. "Fine," he said, stopping in his tracks and turning to face Ryo. "If you can reach level 30 in two months, I won't force you to go to the academy."

Ryo blinked, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. "Level 30?" he repeated. "Grandpa, I'm a genius, but not to that extent."

Li's lips twitched into a small smile. "Exactly. If you can't do that, then create something that can convince me you have the capability to learn and grow on your own."

Ryo's calculating mind spun into action. "What about funding?" he asked, his voice calmer now, though his mind was already forming plans. "And I'll need a blacksmith for one of my ideas."

Li raised a brow, clearly curious about Ryo's request, but he didn't pry. "I'll give you twenty gold coins," he said finally, reaching into his pouch and handing Ryo a small bag. "As for a blacksmith, head to Sunset Forest. You'll find everything you need there, one way or another."

Without waiting for a response, Li turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ryo standing alone.

Ryo tightened his grip on the pouch of coins, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'll make it happen," he thought, his mind already racing with possibilities. If he couldn't reach level 30 in two months, he'd prove his worth through innovation.

Ryo knew exactly what he wanted to create: a gun.

Far away, in the luxurious halls of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi sat at a grand table, flanked by the sect's two legendary protectors: Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong.

"Grandpa Sword," Ning Fengzhi said as he poured himself a cup of tea, his tone thoughtful. "Do you think anything worthwhile will come up at today's auction?"

Chen Xin, his expression as calm as ever, sipped his tea before replying. "Let's watch," he said simply, his sharp eyes glinting faintly.

The grand hall of the Tiandou Auction House buzzed with excitement as nobles, merchants, and sect members gathered to bid on rare and valuable items.

A woman with a voluptuous figure stepped onto the stage, her bright smile drawing the attention of the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, today's auction is about to begin!" she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly over the chatter. "Let's start with our first item."

She gestured to a cage brought out by two attendants. Within it was a small but fierce-looking creature, its fur shimmering with faint embers of fire.

"This," the woman continued, "is a 200-year-old spirit beast with a fire element! Perhaps one of you could tame it?"

The crowd murmured in interest, though few seemed truly invested in the idea. Taming a spirit beast, especially one of this age and element, was a task most wouldn't dare attempt.

The bidding began, and though the beast drew some attention, the focus quickly shifted as more valuable items were brought out.

Ryo sat quietly in the back of the auction hall, his sharp crimson eyes fixed on the stage. He wasn't here for beasts or extravagant treasures. His target was far simpler: raw materials.

His gaze flicked to the next item as it was brought out—a set of six rough, unpolished pieces of black iron ore. The auctioneer didn't seem too impressed by it, likely viewing it as little more than scrap metal.

"Next," the auctioneer said, "we have six pieces of black iron ore, perfect for crafting weapons or reinforcing armor. Let's start the bidding at three gold coins."

The crowd murmured in disinterest. Most attendees were here for rare treasures, not basic materials.

Ryo smirked slightly. This was his chance.

"Three gold," he said, raising his hand.

The auctioneer nodded. "Three gold. Do I hear four?"

Silence.

"Three gold going once… going twice… sold!"

Ryo collected his purchase quietly, his movements efficient and calculated. As he approached the collection area, he noticed a pair of sharp eyes watching him from the upper balcony. Ning Fengzhi.

The sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect observed Ryo with mild curiosity. A child, barely a teenager, purchasing black iron at an auction? It was unusual, to say the least.

Ryo didn't react to the attention, calmly picking up the iron and leaving without a word.

After purchasing a few more essentials in the market, Ryo headed toward Sunset Forest. The weight of the iron in his pack didn't bother him; his mind was too focused on his goal.

"A gun," he muttered under his breath. He had the raw materials. Now, it was time to begin.