As the Rolls-Royce Phantom glided smoothly along the private road leading to the Kirk Mansion, Danial gazed out the window, his breath catching at the sight before him. The Kirk Mansion, a sprawling estate stretching endlessly over the horizon, loomed in the distance. It wasn't just the sheer size of the mansion that captivated him but the intricate details of its architecture—majestic towers, elegant balconies, and superb columns that spoke of old-world charm mixed with modern luxury.But what truly caught his attention was not just the sheer scale of the mansion, but the multiple layers of security they passed through as they approached. Guard posts were stationed at intervals along the road, each manned by stern-looking guards who scrutinized the vehicles with intense vigilance.Turning his head, Danial glanced at Crystal sitting comfortably beside him, completely unfazed by the extensive security measures. Her calm demeanor, as if this was just another ordinary day, contrasted sha
In his inheritance, it had been ingrained into him that the best time to address excess frost energy was during a natural reaction when the energy was already agitated and attempting to break free from the body. The risk was high, but so was the potential for success.As Rowan Kirk placed his hands on Crystal’s back, attempting to suppress the frost energy, Danial’s instincts screamed at him to act. Without a second thought, he rushed forward, extending his hand. "Do not do that, Patriarch Kirk!" he called out, his voice urgent. "The condition will worsen if you suppress the energy now. This is the best time to begin the first phase of the treatment."Rowan’s eyes snapped to Danial, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. How could this young man, barely more than a boy, dare to instruct him on how to handle such a critical situation? Rowan was about to dismiss Danial outright, his mistrust evident in his hardened gaze. But before he could act, Crystal, despite her weakened, look
As Crystal's scream echoed through the room, Danial's attention snapped back to the present. His eyes darted to her, now fully conscious and trying to cover herself, clearly mortified by the situation. His immediate reaction, however, wasn't one of alarm but rather an awkward attempt to make himself less conspicuous.Danial’s gaze wandered around the room as if he were suddenly interested in the architecture, the patterns on the walls, or even the way the light flickered from a nearby lamp. He cleared his throat, admiring the ceiling. "Nice ceiling... uh, great craftsmanship here," he mumbled, his voice trailing off. It was an entirely unconvincing attempt to divert attention from the uncomfortable scene that had just unfolded.Rowan, having quickly regained his composure, moved to Crystal’s side and gently took her hand. "Come, Crystal," he said, his voice soft and reassuring. "Let’s get you dressed and comfortable."As Rowan led Crystal out of the room, Danial was left standing alon
Rowan stood up from his seat in shock, his eyes wide with disbelief. Crystal's mouth fell open, her eyes equally wide as she stared at Danial. The room was filled with tension so thick it could be cut with a knife, yet the sheer surprise on their faces made the scene oddly comical. It was as if they had just witnessed a cat tap-dancing on the ceiling.Crystal, still processing what Danial had just said, finally found her voice. "Then… will you teach me that technique?" she asked, her tone a mix of hope and wonder.Danial nodded confidently, though he felt a little overwhelmed by the sudden attention. "Of course," he replied.Rowan, still slightly dazed, managed to compose himself enough to express his gratitude. "Danial, we will be eternally grateful to you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity as he sat back down, eyes fixed on Danial, waiting for him to say more.But before Danial could respond, the door to the lobby burst open with a loud bang. All heads turned to see a young
As Danial made his way back to the academy, the events of the evening replayed in his mind. The encounter with Taoist Hao, the unwavering support from Rowan, and the responsibility now resting on his shoulders weighed heavily. But instead of heading straight to his quarters for some much-needed rest, Danial felt a pull towards the training hall. He knew that training would help clear his mind and allow him to focus on what lay ahead.The academy was unusually quiet at this hour, with most students either resting or studying in their rooms. When he arrived at the training hall, the silence was almost eerie. Danial glanced down at his casual attire, realizing he was not dressed for training. With a sigh, Danial retreated to the locker room, where he quickly changed into his training outfit—a simple yet functional set of clothes that allowed for ease of movement. Danial still wondered who left his training clothes. He shook his head and said, "Whatever happened, happened"Upon re-enterin
As he approached the library, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Pushing open the heavy wooden doors, he stepped inside, immediately greeted by the familiar scent of old books and parchment.Marvin was seated at a large oak desk near the back, his attention fully absorbed by a stack of documents spread out before him. Danial hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and bowing respectfully. "Master, I have some questions."Marvin didn’t look up from the documents, his voice clipped and distant as he responded, "Speak."Danial could sense the tension in Marvin’s tone. Something was clearly bothering him, and Danial wasn’t sure if it was his place to probe. Nonetheless, he pressed on, hoping to gain some insight. "Master, what does the fifth level of Titan's Endurance represent?"Marvin remained silent for a moment, his eyes still fixed on the papers in front of him. When he finally spoke, his words were curt and final. "You will find out when you reach that lev
Leo’s voice dripped with condescension as he casually surveyed the scene. "Surprised to see me, Danial? I must say, you picked a rather humble spot for our little chat." His eyes wandered over to Sophie and Natasha, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Wow, Danial, I didn’t know you were a playboy. Maybe you should hand over the girls to us and kneel for now."Danial’s frown deepened as his anger began to simmer just beneath the surface. “And why do you think I would do that?”Leo, oblivious to the true identity of the women, chuckled as he stepped closer, his confidence growing with every word. “Because you’re surrounded. Did you think I came to Somerland without any protection or didn’t bring anyone with me? Did you think I’m that dumb?” His voice was dripping with mockery, and he glanced around at the group of ten suited men who were now closing in around Danial, Sophie, and Natasha.Danial’s frown turned into a scowl as he quickly assessed the situation. Leo had caught him off g
As they made their way back to the hotel, Danial couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief that the immediate danger had passed. Sophie and Natasha were in high spirits, chatting animatedly about their day. But Danial’s moment of peace was short-lived.“Danial,” Sophie said suddenly, her tone turning serious, “Just so I remind you, I will be accompanying you to your workplace tomorrow, so be ready.”Danial’s smile faltered, and his eyes widened in panic. “Mom, you really shouldn’t come. There’s nothing to be worried about. It’s just a normal day at work.”Sophie’s expression remained unwavering. “I do not care. I will be coming with you whether you like it or not.”Danial’s mind raced. He was already juggling enough without adding his mother’s presence to the mix. He tried to think of a way to dissuade her, but Sophie was as determined as ever.“Mom,” Danial said, trying to sound convincing but failing to hide his desperation, “It’s going to be a boring day. You’ll be so bored you migh
Santigo leaned back in his chair, the flickering light casting long shadows across the room. His smile stretched wider, full of mockery and malice, as his gaze shifted lazily between Danial, Pavan, and Crystal. "Took you long enough," he drawled, tapping his fingers on the armrest. "I was almost about to start another session with Kuro, but you arrived on time. Tsk tsk, what a pity."Danial’s eyes darted to Kuro, his chest tightening at the sight of his friend slumped over, bruised and barely conscious. Rage bubbled beneath his calm exterior, his fists clenching so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. He knew what "session" meant—and judging by Kuro’s state, it was far worse than he’d imagined.Gritting his teeth, Danial stepped forward, his fists clenching at his sides. “What do you want from us, Santigo?” His voice was low but edged with anger. “We’ve never crossed paths. We have nothing to do with you. So why drag Kuro into this?”Santigo waved his hand dismissively as if bru
The trio made their way through the desolate industrial district, their steps echoing faintly against the cracked asphalt and rusted pipes that sprawled across the ground. The Lapanzo Foundry loomed in the distance—a massive husk of steel and concrete, its faded name barely visible on the old factory’s rust-eaten board. Broken windows and gaping holes in the walls stared back at them like the hollow eyes of a corpse, and the air was heavy with a metallic tang mixed with an unexplainable decay that clung to their senses.There were no birds, no stray dogs, not even insects. The silence was unnatural, almost suffocating. Each breath they took felt too loud as if the factory itself might hear them.Pavan looked around, his face pale and his voice just above a whisper. "Yeah, this is the place where I’m going to die."Danial shot him a sideways glare. "No one is going to die." His voice was steady, but his jaw was clenched.Ahead, the board with “Lapanzo” scrawled in faded letters jutted
Danial sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers interlocked and his face stoic, though his mind churned with conflicting thoughts. Pavan, pacing back and forth like a caged animal, threw his arms up in frustration. "Danial!" Pavan snapped, his voice rising. "Are you even listening to me? How can you sit there so calmly when Kuro’s life is on the line? And Crystal—she’s a target too!" Danial finally looked up, his eyes sharp and cold. "Calm? Do I look calm to you, Pavan? I’m just not panicking like you are. If we lose focus now, Kuro’s as good as dead. And if Crystal gets caught in this... it’ll be worse." Pavan stopped pacing, running a hand through his hair. "Then tell me, what’s the plan? What are we doing? Because I can’t just stand here waiting for them to kill Kuro." Danial leaned back, exhaling deeply. "We can’t afford to act recklessly. Whoever this is, they’re not some common thug. They know Kuro’s strength, and they still managed to take him down. That tells me this is pers
Santigo paced around Kuro, his leather boots thudding against the cold, damp concrete floor. The dim overhead light flickered sporadically, casting ominous shadows across the room. The sharp edges of Santigo's features seemed exaggerated in the erratic glow, giving him an almost predatory appearance."Ah, cousin," Santigo drawled, his tone mockingly sweet as he circled Kuro. You look so pitifully tied up like this. I must say, it suits you—a star brought down to earth, groveling in the dirt."Kuro's wrists were bound tightly behind his back, and his legs were shackled to the chair he was forced to sit on. His clothes were torn, and his breath was ragged, but his eyes burned with a fiery defiance that refused to be extinguished.Santigo crouched down to meet Kuro’s glare, his grotesque grin widening. "Tell me, cousin," he whispered, his voice laced with venom, "how does it feel to have the tables turned for once? To be... insignificant?"Kuro’s chest heaved, his breath shallow but stead
Pavan’s hands shook uncontrollably as he processed the words he had just heard. His friend’s life was hanging by a thread, and the weight of the situation bore down heavily on him. His normally composed demeanor was in tatters, replaced by fear and anxiety.Danial, though visibly calmer, felt a storm brewing within. His sharp mind worked through the possibilities, piecing together how this could have happened. Kuro is strong, far stronger than most people realize. For someone to have captured him, this isn’t just about strength—it’s planning, manipulation… or something far worse.Pavan’s voice broke through Danial’s thoughts. “D-Danial, we can’t handle this on our own. We need to go to the authorities, to someone who can—”Danial interrupted, his tone firm but low. “We can’t.” His eyes locked onto Pavan’s. “You heard him. If we go to the authorities, Kuro’s life is the first thing he’ll take.”Pavan clenched his fists, frustration, and helplessness written all over his face. “But… wha
The emissaries from Emsgate couldn’t hide their broad smiles as Tanya descended the arena steps. Their demeanor was almost triumphant, as though Tanya’s victory over Viktor was a personal affront to Somerland. Tanya, however, walked with a quiet pride, ignoring the subtle gloating. Behind her, the terrain of the arena shifted and morphed back to its original flat state, the transformation accompanied by a low rumble.Viktor, meanwhile, trudged down the steps on the opposite side, his head hung low. The sting of defeat gnawed at him, and the weight of representing Somerland felt heavier with each step. In his heart, he felt as though he had disgraced his homeland.Waiting for him near the entrance was his master, a tall man with graying hair. The master’s sharp eyes softened as Viktor approached, clearly burdened. Placing a hand on Viktor’s shoulder, he spoke firmly yet kindly:“Viktor, just because you lost does not mean you failed to prove your worth. Your worth is measured by how ha
Elyisa put her hand into the ballot and took out two folded paper slips. She unfolded the slips with an air of authority. “Tanya from Emsgate and Viktor from Somerland,” she announced, her voice echoing throughout the stadium. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the audience as she reached into the twist and terrain ballot. Unfurling the next slip, she declared, “They will be fighting in a mountainous area. They will have to complete the fight in under four minutes, or both participants will be disqualified.”The crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers and startled whispers.“Four minutes? Is that even enough time for a proper fight in such rugged terrain?” one spectator exclaimed.“And they’ll both be disqualified if no winner emerges? That’s brutal,” another muttered, shaking their head.The tension was palpable as Tanya, seated among the participants, felt a pang of nervousness grip her chest. Her hands balled into fists on her lap as she stared at the giant screen displaying her name
As the first rays of sunlight graced the sprawling Capital, a vibrant energy filled the air. The second day of the Tournament of Sovereign Might had arrived, and the anticipation was palpable. Crowds thronged the streets, surging toward the massive stadium like waves, eager to secure their seats. Yesterday's attendance had been monumental, but today, it seemed to have doubled. Vendors called out, selling snacks and memorabilia, while children tugged at their parents, buzzing with excitement. The tournament fever had gripped the Capital, and all eyes were on the arena.Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. Spectators filled the stands, the din of their chatter building into a crescendo. The VIP sections gleamed with luxury, reserved for the most influential figures in society: the Greatest Families. Clad in their signature styles, representatives from these families arrived in a display of opulence and prestige, each taking their place in the exclusive area.In the Kirk fami
Maria’s fingers gripped the arms of the chair tightly as she stared at her grandfather. Her usual composure wavered, replaced by a mix of shock and unease. It was rare for her to confront Quintan like this, but the stakes had grown too high. She needed clarity, not half-truths or vague reassurances.Quintan tapped his fingers rhythmically against the polished wood of the desk, his expression unreadable as he studied her. Finally, he leaned forward, his gray eyes sharp and piercing.“What questions do you want to ask, Maria?” he asked, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of weariness.Maria didn’t hesitate. She had been holding this in since the mission’s disastrous conclusion. “Grandfather, I want to know what’s going on with the Demonic Cult. Why are we conducting reconnaissance missions on them instead of mobilizing the Gods of War? They would annihilate the cult without a second thought. Why hold back? What is the status of Rowan and Lysandra? And what about Nina?" Her fis