Chapter 16: A-Rank Frost Sword & A Fake Relationship!
Hearing her words, a complex emotion surged in Alex's heart. The corners of his lips curled into a smile that was not quite a smile.
He was laughing at the indescribable gap between people in this world.
He had saved Sia, and in return, she stood by his side regardless of the strange looks from the crowd, offering him genuine help.
Yet, his parents had saved the lives of the Vance couple years ago, and what he got in return was their betrayal, their distortion of the truth, and their biting of the hand that fed them...
"It seems saving you was incredibly worth it," Alex said calmly.
"You bet! Saving me was a bloody good deal for you!" Sia's face beamed with a playful smile.
"Ahem. Sia, you two pause for a second. You can chat later."
Cyrus watched his precious daughter chatting enthusiastically with Alex, and a sour feeling rose in his heart.
It felt as if the little cotton-padded jacket he had meticulously cared for was about to be stolen away!
Sia made a cute grimace at her father and replied crisply, "Oh!"
Cyrus ignored his daughter's playfulness and turned his gaze to the onlookers. "Everyone, today's son-in-law selection ends here. I have arranged a luncheon at the Sunshine Grand Hotel nearby. Those who wish to attend may proceed there. Now, please disperse in an orderly fashion!"
Originally, the crowd looked dejected, feeling they had wasted a trip and gained nothing.
But hearing Cyrus's arrangement, the gloom on their faces was instantly swept away.
The Sunshine Grand Hotel was a luxury five-star establishment. Getting a free meal there meant the trip wasn't a loss at all!
They could take photos, post them on social media, and flex a little!
Just as the crowd turned to leave, Alex suddenly raised his voice. "Wait!"
Everyone froze, turning back to look at him with confusion.
"Two days from now, I will duel the Vance family. At that time, the whole truth will come to light!"
"I will make certain people clearly understand that it is the Vance Clan that is unworthy of me, Alex Whitefield!"
At these words, the entire square fell silent.
Everyone was awed by the powerful aura radiating from Alex. For a moment, no one made a sound.
The high-spirited vigor of youth was displayed vividly in this moment!
Looking at Alex in front of her, Sia couldn't help but hum lightly. "Heh, are you really confident?"
"Confidence? What I want is absolute domination!"
By the day of the Three-Year Pact, with his point-adding speed, he would reach at least Tier 1, Rank 5!
How could Elara compare to him?
He wasn't just going to slap Elara's face; he was going to slap the faces of that ungrateful Vance couple!
"That's a big tone, but I believe in you!"
Sia's eyes were full of trust. Of course she believed in Alex.
He was already at Tier 1, Rank 4, and his Shadow Claw had just reached the Proficient level!
Just ask around—in the entire Federation, how many people could achieve such a feat?
"Sia, take Alex into the manor. We need to have a good talk," Cyrus ordered.
"Got it, Dad!"
Sia turned to Alex, her eyes smiling. "Let's go, Little Alex."
Alex played along, smiling teasingly. "Tsk, after you, Queen Sia."
Sia covered her mouth and giggled, then walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Alex into the City Lord's Manor.
Inside the Vance Clan Manor.
"Oh? Alex actually participated in the City Lord's son-in-law selection? And made such bold claims?"
Victor Vance listened to his subordinate's report, raising an eyebrow slightly, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Yes, Master. Furthermore, he defeated Young Master Liam Lee in a single move using a Tier 2 Shadow Claw at the Proficient level. Do you think the duel between him and the Young Miss in two days will be..."
"What? He cultivated Shadow Claw to Proficient?" Victor stood up abruptly.
It was only the second day since Alex awakened. To reach the Proficient level in Shadow Claw already... how could he cultivate so quickly?
"What about his realm? Did you investigate that?"
"Master, we don't have detailed information on his realm. However, it's highly likely he spent all his time cultivating combat skills, which is why his skill mastery progressed so fast!"
Hearing the butler's explanation, Victor frowned slightly, thinking it made some sense.
Usually, focusing on skills meant neglecting realm advancement.
However, thinking about it carefully, it still felt unreasonable. That skill cultivation speed was too fast!
Reaching Novice was fast enough, but Proficient?!
But soon, he calmed down, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes. "Go get the A-Rank Combat Weapon I've been treasuring—the Frost Sword—and give it to Elara. Tell her to use it during the duel with Alex."
"Master... if the Young Miss uses an A-Rank weapon, won't people gossip?"
"So what? If Alex had one, I'd let him use it too! It's a pity he doesn't. Sometimes, background is a type of strength! Blame him for being an orphan whose only uncle makes a living hunting beasts."
Just in case, he had to resort to this strategy.
With the boost from an A-Rank weapon, his daughter's strength would reach a higher level!
"Master is right. There's no rule saying the opponent can't use one. Who told him to be poor?" The butler hurriedly agreed.
"Alright, go give the weapon to the Young Miss!"
The butler nodded and was about to turn away when Victor called out to him again.
"On the day of the duel, find a reason to invite Alex's uncle to watch as well!"
Didn't Alex make bold claims that the Vance family was unworthy of him?
Then inviting Alex's uncle to watch his nephew fail wasn't excessive, right?
Seeing his failure witnessed by his only family member—Alex would surely feel devastated...
He wants to make my Vance Clan look bad? Let's see if he has the capability!
"Yes, Master..."
City Lord's Manor.
Cyrus and Elena sat in the main seats, their eyes fixed tightly on Alex and Sia. The atmosphere was somewhat oppressive, silence spreading through the air.
"Dad, why did you call us here? What's the matter?"
Sia finally couldn't stand it and broke the awkward silence first.
"You tell me. What exactly is the relationship between you and Alex?"
"We're in a romantic relationship, obviously!"
Hearing this, Alex froze slightly, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
What the heck? When did we suddenly become a couple?
Just as he was about to ask, he saw Sia winking at him frantically, her eyes full of hints.
Seeing her like this, Alex's mind moved, and he roughly understood what was happening.
Simply put, her family was probably pressuring her to marry, so she was using him as a shield, pretending to be boyfriend and girlfriend.
"Alex, is what Sia said true?"
Cyrus stared intently at Alex, his eyes revealing a probing look.
"Yes. We are currently in a romantic relationship."
I'll help her out. Just this once.
Cyrus looked at the two of them, his eyes full of suspicion.
He didn't believe for a second that these two were truly dating—it was definitely an act...
But since his daughter had said so, he was helpless.
He would just let her be!
"By the way, Alex, what is the story with your engagement to the Vance family?"
"It's a bit complicated to explain. If City Lord Cyrus has time, come to Riverdale High in two days. You will understand everything then."
Cyrus nodded slightly. It seemed the rumors about the Vance family annulling the engagement because Alex was incompetent were false; there was a hidden story...
"Alex, dear, how is your cultivation coming along?" Elena asked at this moment.
"Tier 1, Rank 4."
Since they asked, Alex didn't feel the need to hide it.
Besides, he never planned to hide his strength!
He worked hard killing beasts to add points; why should he cover it up?
Elena smiled and nodded, speaking softly. "Not bad, already Tier 1, Rank 4..."
But a second later, the realization hit her. She stood up abruptly.
"What?! You've already cultivated to Tier 1, Rank 4??"