"That monster of the Royal Family!!"
"As long as he's alive," Ivan said grimly, "no one in this empire would ever dare question the throne."
Their voices had barely fallen when—
Whoosh!
A figure flashed through the air and landed before them.
"Elders," the man said calmly, though his gaze was sharp as a blade.
"What happened here?"
He stood tall, his presence commanding without effort.
Crimson hair flowed to his shoulders, bound neatly into a bun, while his eyes gleamed with the cold ferocity of an ancient beast that had long stood at the apex of the food chain.
He wore a suit of royal nobility—simple, austere, immaculate. There was no excessive ornamentation, yet every line carried the dignity of unquestionable authority.
At his waist rested a sword.
It radiated no killing intent—yet its very existence pressed down on the surroundings like a silent decree. It was less a weapon and more a symbol of kingship itself.
Slake chuckled faintly.
"It was nothing," he said casually. "Just an unexpected encounter with a senior."
Then he glanced at the newcomer, eyes narrowing with amusement.
"Though I must ask—how does my precious grandson suddenly have the time to come here? Weren't you busy guiding that new disciple you fought half the household to accept?"
Ivan smirked,then asked Baron Red with a curious face.
"Heh. Just like you, elder brother—domineering to the bone."
"But I've heard that he possesses an ancient Bloodline,Is it true?"
Baron Red nodded to Ivan then sighed helplessly.
"Yes,that's why I took him as my disciple,Also—
"Who wouldn't rush over after hearing such a disturbance? I was merely faster than the rest. They're still on their way."
His tone shifted, turning solemn.
"But Grandfather… what exactly happened for you to use that spell?"
Slake's smile faded.
"As I said," he replied, turning away, "It was merely a friendly exchange."
He took a step forward.
"But it was also the first time I came so close to death."
Baron Red's pupils shrank.
"That brush with death allowed me to glimpse something beyond my limits," Slake continued calmly.
"I'm confident… I can challenge the Fifth Rank."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Neither Baron Red nor Ivan reacted immediately—because they understood what those words truly meant.
Slake was already at the peak of the Fourth Rank.
If he broke through…
The Fifth Rank.
There had never been a Fifth Rank existence openly walking the empire.
If Slake succeeded, the Rodrick family would stand untouchable for generations.
A First Rank human could live 120 years.
Second Rank—180.
Third Rank—250.
Fourth Rank—350.
But the Fifth Rank…
Five hundred years.
An era-defining existence.
Baron Red's blood boiled with excitement—but Slake's voice cut through it like ice.
"Do not spread word of this."
He glanced back, eyes sharp.
"Every breakthrough is as difficult as ascending the heavens. When the Tribulation descends… the world will automatically know and this will also serve as a deter to those against the Rodrick family."
With that, they departed, their figures disappearing into the night.
From the shadows, a faint chuckle echoed.
"So the old man was already at the peak of the Fourth Rank…"
Blake slowly emerged, his suit fading out of camouflage mode.
"And that was Baron Red, huh? No wonder his presence felt oppressive."
"An ancient Bloodline discipline..."
His gaze lifted toward the distant royal district.
"And above even him… there's a monster guarding the Royal Family."
A cold glint flashed in Blake's eyes.
"Tch. As long as he doesn't provoke me, I don't care."
"I'll just cultivate here."
"Until even monsters kneel."
He vanished quietly, returning to the dormitory.
The children were still awake, buzzing with excitement.
"Did you see that explosion?!"
"It was a pillar of light!"
"No, flames! Flames reaching the heavens!"
Blake blended in effortlessly, nodding and laughing at the right moments.
Then—
Clang.
The sound of armor echoed through the corridor.
Everyone turned.
A squad of soldiers entered.
At their front walked a familiar face.
"Ethan?"
"Blake!" Ethan rushed over. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Blake replied slowly, eyes drifting toward the soldiers.
"Who are they?"
Ethan lowered his voice, unable to hide his pride.
"My master assigned them to protect me."
"Your master?" Blake frowned. "Since when did you have a—"
He stopped.
Five First Rank peak warriors.
Three Second Rank early.
Two Second Rank mid.
Blake's heartbeat skipped.
A disciple… guarded like this…
Ethan inhaled deeply, chest puffing out.
"My master is Baron Red," he said.
"Baron Red Rodrick."
The hallway seemed to fall silent.
Blake stared at him.
Then—
A slow, knowing smile formed.
"So that's how it is…"
"So you're the one with the ancient Bloodline."
The Rodrick family… the Royal monster… and now Ethan with an ancient Bloodline.
Blake let out a quiet chuckle.
"This empire just got interesting."