Percy's eyes fluttered open, immediately met with a pounding headache. A deep groan escaped his lips. "Ow, crap... what happened?" He slowly sat up, scanning his surroundings.
The room around him was sleek and modern, a testament to the branch office's cutting-edge medical technology. From robotic surgical arms to AI-assisted diagnostic screens, the facility was pristine, sterile, and eerily efficient—like something out of a sci-fi medical bay.
Before he could process further—
"Master, you're okay!"
A blur of light collided with his face as Beta hugged his head, practically buzzing with relief.
Percy let out a weak chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I'm alive... I think. Where am I? This looks like a medical bay."
Beta nodded rapidly, her glow pulsing with emotion. "You've been unconscious for several hours!" She projected the time in front of him: 5:30 PM.
Percy blinked. "That long, huh? Must've really overdone it." He flexed his fingers, feeling a lingering dull ache but nothing excruciating.
Then a new thought struck him. "Beta, what happened after the fight? Did I... pass?"
Before Beta could respond, the door slid open with a soft hiss, and Lucas Bennett stepped in.
The examiner's usual composed demeanor held a trace of genuine satisfaction. "Mr. Parker, good to see you're awake."
Percy sat up straighter, wincing slightly. "Still sore, but I'll live." His eyes flickered to a nearby mirror—relief washing over him as his Ethan Parker disguise remained intact.
Lucas leaned against the holo-panel, arms crossed. "You put on quite the show today. The amount of mana you channeled was immense, like a whirlpool breaking through a dam."
Percy rubbed his temples. "I see…" Internally, he reflected, "Honestly, fainting might have been a blessing. I probably would've collapsed anyway."
Then Lucas dropped the news. "Regarding the combat exam—you technically passed."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "Technically?"
Lucas smirked. "Joseph Toll forfeited after that last attack. Said he 'wasn't getting paid enough to deal with that kind of nonsense.'"
Beta snickered, whispering telepathically, "Coward."
Percy, holding back a grin, simply replied, "I'll take it."
Lucas tossed something his way. Percy caught it with ease, flipping it over in his palm—a sturdy, black-and-silver ID card.
"Normally, you'd receive an F-rank ID, but after that impressive display—specifically your variation of 'Earth Spikes'—the higher-ups decided to start you off at D-rank."
He gave Percy an approving nod. "Congratulations. You're officially an adventurer."
Percy turned the ID card over between his fingers, feeling the weight of his new reality.
An adventurer, huh?
He hadn't exactly planned on it, yet here he was.
Lucas, catching his subdued reaction, quirked a brow. "You don't seem too thrilled?"
Percy flashed a small, forced grin, rubbing his sore shoulder. "It's just the lingering pain making it hard to celebrate properly. Trust me, I'm thrilled on the inside."
Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "Right. Well, now that you've passed, you're eligible for your first mission."
He pulled up a holographic tablet, scrolling through various quest listings.
But Percy gently pushed the tablet down, shaking his head. "I'd appreciate a few days to recover before jumping into missions."
Lucas nodded in understanding, swiping the screen away. "Reasonable. After what I saw today, I'd say you've earned some rest. When you're ready, Carla at the reception desk will assist you in selecting a mission."
He turned toward the door but hesitated. "Oh, and one more thing."
Percy tilted his head, waiting.
Lucas shot him a knowing smirk. "I look forward to discussing your… future prospects." Then, without another word, he exited the room, leaving Percy to contemplate the meaning behind those words.
As the door slid shut, Beta huffed dramatically, crossing her arms. "Hmph. I wanted to be the one to tell you that you passed."
Percy, grinning, reached out and ruffled her glowing hair. "It's okay, Beta. I could already tell something good happened based on how excited you were."
Her pout lingered for a second, but she eventually smiled, nuzzling against his head.
Percy sighed, finally allowing himself to relax, his body sinking into the plush medical bed.
"An adventurer, huh? Guess I'll roll with it."
Closing his eyes, he let the exhaustion take him, finally drifting into a well-earned rest.
After a deep, rejuvenating sleep, Percy woke up feeling replenished and sharper than ever. "That was exactly what I needed," he muttered, stretching out the lingering stiffness in his muscles. Despite the demanding trials of the past day, his body had already adapted to the strain—his constitution and mana-infused physique working overtime to repair any lingering fatigue.
Swinging his legs over the bed, he stood up and made his way toward the exit of the medical bay, ready to leave.
Or so he thought.
The moment the doors slid open, Percy was met with a swarm of representatives—men and women donning various insignias and guild emblems, their eyes alight with calculated excitement.
"Mr. Parker, we represent the Midnight Sun Alliance and would love to discuss—"
"Hope you're feeling better! We're from the Golden Dawn Guild and would like to invite you—"
Voices overlapped, offers poured in, and hands extended with sealed envelopes, recruitment tokens, and enchanted business cards.
Percy blinked, overwhelmed by the sudden ambush of guild recruiters.
This is a bit much…
Beta's voice flickered in his mind, "Master, you've already attracted attention, but this is beyond what I anticipated. Your combat performance must've left an even bigger impression than expected."
Just as the pressing crowd seemed unrelenting, a commanding voice cut through the noise like a blade through silk—
"ENOUGH."
The room fell silent instantly.
Helen Hippolytus stepped forward, her piercing gaze sweeping the crowd, filled with authority and thinly veiled amusement.
"Have you people no shame?" she continued, her voice as calm as it was merciless. "Mr. Parker has just recovered from an exhausting examination, and you're all hounding him like starved hyenas. Give the man some space."
The guild representatives, now visibly uncomfortable, murmured half-hearted apologies before quickly dispersing, leaving only Helen standing in their wake.
Percy let out a small sigh of relief. "Thanks for that," he said, side-eyeing her.
Helen smirked, falling into step beside him as they exited the branch office. "Aren't you curious why I did that?" she asked, amusement lacing her tone.
Percy glanced at her, then shrugged. "I assume your intentions aren't much different from theirs."
Helen let out a rich, genuine laugh, shaking her head. "Smart, but not entirely right." Reaching into her coat, she produced a sleek, azure-colored card, handing it to him.
"I'd like you to consider joining my guild—the Azure Dragon Syndicate."
Percy turned the cool metal card over in his hand, inspecting it. The dragon insignia shimmered faintly in the light, carrying an air of mystique and exclusivity.
Helen continued, her voice carrying a subtle weight. "We may not have the sheer resources of the larger guilds, nor the raw might of the Grand Mage families, but we have something unique to offer. You, in particular, might find it... interesting."
Percy raised a brow. "Oh? And what exactly is that?"
Helen's smirk deepened, but instead of answering, she simply stepped ahead. "Take your time to think it over. But don't keep me waiting too long."
Percy tucked the card into his pocket. "How long do I have?"
Helen threw him a playful look over her shoulder. "Give me an answer by next week."
She then strode off, leaving Percy to mull over her offer.
Beta hummed in his mind. "Master, despite my earlier warnings, Helen seems to have piqued your interest."
Percy rolled the Azure Dragon Syndicate card between his fingers. "I don't know, Beta. Something about her just feels… different."
Beta sighed. "Even so, caution is necessary. The Infinite Omega System must remain hidden."
Percy, feeling the weight of multiple converging interests, shook his head. "For now, let's just get home."
With a quick glance around to ensure he wasn't being watched, he ducked into a nearby alleyway.
"Teleport."
The next thing Percy felt was the cool, familiar air of his own room. Letting out a sigh of relief, he collapsed onto his bed, feeling the comfort of home settle over him.
Beta, floating beside him, observed as he removed the Mask of 10,000 Faces, his disguise melting away to reveal his true features.
"You've made quite the impression today, Master."
Percy huffed a small laugh, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, no kidding. This whole adventurer thing… kinda just happened, huh?"
Beta nodded. "Fate works in strange ways."
Deciding to review his system notifications, Percy pulled up his status screen.
"Level 5, huh? And two countdowns are active—one for the job class trial, another for the system upgrade."**
A flicker of excitement passed through him. These weren't just numbers on a screen—they were proof of his rapid growth.
His eyes trailed to his mana abilities, scanning the updated stats.
✔ Mana Mastery:50%
✔ Basic Mana Abilities Unlocked (Upgraded from 'Inferior')
✔ Faster Mana Recovery & Reduced Consumption
Percy grinned. "Mana control feels sharper, and my spells drain way less energy than before. I can also sense ambient mana more clearly now."
Extending his hand, he focused on the mana strings drifting invisibly around him. Where once they had been intangible, now he could almost see the web of energy connecting all things.
A subtle shift in his fingers caused a ripple, a faint distortion that traveled across the room like a drop in still water.
Beta observed silently before commenting, "You're beginning to understand mana on a fundamental level."
Percy smirked. "And we're only getting started."
Curious about the special reward, Percy summoned the reward box, watching as a glowing orb of light emerged, illuminating his dimly lit room with a gentle golden radiance. As the brilliance faded, an object materialized in his hands—a key.
"...A key?" Percy murmured, turning it over between his fingers. Its design was intricate, incorporating an infinity symbol that pulsed faintly with latent energy.
Beta, hovering nearby, tilted her head in intrigue. "Master, this key is unique, but I have no immediate data on what it unlocks."
Percy frowned. "So it's just... a key to nothing?"
Beta's interface flickered for a moment. "Not necessarily. If it came from the system, it must have significance. Its purpose may reveal itself later."
Deciding not to dwell on it, Percy stored the key in his inventory. "Alright. I'll keep it safe for now."
Turning his attention away from the mystery, Percy examined the newly acquired ID card that Lucas had given him. The polished surface reflected the artificial light of his room, showcasing his disguised persona:
✔ Name: Ethan Parker
✔ Element: Earth
✔ Adventurer Rank: D
✔ Secondary Career: None
Percy snorted at the sight. "Fate sure has a sense of humor."
Beta, slightly puzzled, floated closer. "What do you mean, Master?"
Percy merely shook his head, grinning. "Nothing, just ironic."
Shifting gears, he asked, "Tomorrow is the entrance exam, right?"
Beta nodded. "Yes, and there's something else critical for you to focus on afterward."
Before Percy could press further, a new interface window materialized:
📖 "Forging Fundamentals: Anvil and Flame's Guide to Blacksmithing"
Percy groaned. "You want me to start blacksmithing now, don't you?"
Beta crossed her arms, her holographic expression stern. "Master, while you've honed your swordsmanship and magic, your blacksmithing skill has remained untouched for three weeks. It's time to start progressing in it."
Percy sighed, rubbing his temples. "I still don't get why this is such a big deal. I only took it up because of the Alpha Quest for Hephaestus's Successor."
Beta's tone shifted, more serious than before. "Master, do you know how many blacksmiths currently exist in this world?"
Percy shrugged. "I don't know… a few thousand?"
Beta's response was swift and startling. "No. Among 9 billion humans and elves, there are only 20 blacksmiths left globally."
Percy froze. "…Wait. What?"
Beta continued, her tone heavy with revelation. "Half of them work under direct contract with the FGA, leaving only ten free blacksmiths in the entire world."
Percy's brows knitted together. "That doesn't make sense. With all the wars, monsters, and the need for better weapons, blacksmithing should be a thriving profession."
Beta nodded. "Logically, yes. But blacksmithing is a lost art. It's more than just forging metal—it involves enchanting, rare materials, and knowledge that has been forgotten over time. And, more importantly, it was systematically destroyed."
Percy's eyes narrowed. "Destroyed?"
Beta's holographic screen flickered, pulling up archived historical data. "Master, do you remember the note at the bottom of your quest?"
Percy, already anticipating something significant, opened the quest details:
📜 Quest: Learn Blacksmithing from the Grand Clan Elder of the Dwarves.
📌 Reward: Title – Hephaestus Successor.
📖 "A forgotten art, essential for advancing mage civilization and aiding modern inventors."
Something clicked in Percy's mind. "Dwarves… Wait, weren't they wiped out centuries ago? I always thought that was just a legend."
Beta's tone became grim. "It's not a legend. The dwarves were indeed real… but their extinction was orchestrated."
Beta's voice softened, the weight of history pressing down. "Five centuries ago, the dwarves thrived as the world's greatest blacksmiths. Their craftsmanship was unrivaled, and they supplied weapons and armor not just to humans, but also to elves, beastkin, and even certain non-hostile magical beings."
Percy leaned forward. "So what happened?"
Beta paused, then continued, "The demons happened."
A holographic display illuminated the room, showing ancient battlefields bathed in fire, dwarven cities crumbling, and demon hordes sweeping through underground forges.
"The Demon Lords realized that humanity's greatest advantage lay in their weapons and enchanted gear. Instead of targeting mages or warriors, they launched a coordinated extermination against the dwarven blacksmiths."
Percy clenched his fists. "They cut off the supply line."
Beta nodded gravely. "Exactly. They didn't just kill them. They annihilated them. Entire mountain strongholds collapsed overnight. Forges that had burned for centuries were drowned in abyssal corruption. The demons didn't just wipe out the dwarves—they ensured that no one could take their place."
Percy's voice was low, laced with an anger he didn't quite understand. "So the reason blacksmithing is nearly extinct today…"
Beta finished the thought. "Is because the demons wanted it that way."
For a moment, silence stretched between them.
Then Percy, voice firm, asked, "But… you said there are still 20 blacksmiths alive?"
Beta nodded. "Yes. The surviving blacksmiths either went into hiding or were smuggled into protective custody by powerful factions. The FGA controls half of them, ensuring the production of high-quality weapons for demon suppression missions. The rest? Scattered across the world, operating in secret, their knowledge fading with each passing year."
Percy let out a breath, his mind racing. "And my quest… It says I have to learn from the Grand Clan Elder of the Dwarves. But if they're all dead…"
Beta's eyes glowed with mysterious energy. "That's the thing, Master. If the system issued that quest… then it means the Grand Clan Elder is still alive."
Percy's heart skipped a beat.
A dwarven survivor. A master blacksmith from an extinct race.
And he was meant to find them.
Percy's mind was still reeling from the history of the dwarves, their near-extinction weighing heavy on him. Yet, he resolved, "After the entrance exam, I'll focus on developing my blacksmithing skills."
Beta, perched nearby, nodded approvingly. "Thank you, Master. Though the quest seems challenging, the system wouldn't assign something unachievable. I believe you can fulfill it." Her words carried unwavering faith in him, bolstering his determination.
As Percy emerged from his room, expecting nothing more than the comfort of solitude, he halted in his tracks. Angelica sat at the dining table, waiting.
"Angel?" he blurted, taken aback.
Her silver-crimson eyes flickered with hesitation before her cheeks flushed. The mere sound of his voice brought a fresh wave of emotions to her face. The memory of their last intimate encounter surged forward, flustering her even more. Gathering herself, she managed a quiet, "Hey, Percy."
Percy hesitated. His instincts screamed that this conversation wasn't going to be easy. Slowly, he gestured for her to sit across from him. She nodded, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as if grounding herself.
The silence that followed was suffocating.
He had faced death, fought towering golems, and gone toe-to-toe with an A-rank adventurer… and yet, none of that compared to the sheer terror of navigating whatever this was.
"Come on, Percy," he scolded himself internally. "You've fought monsters. You can survive this, too."
But could he?
Angelica was the first to break the silence. Her voice was fragile, a sharp contrast to the warmth she always carried.
"First… I want to apologize," she said, her gaze fixed downward. "For how I've been acting."
Percy stayed quiet, letting her speak.
"The memories of that day… they kept replaying in my mind. I kept seeing it over and over again, and every time I did… I wished I could forget it."
Her voice cracked, and she clenched her fists in her lap. Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
Percy opened his mouth to say something—to fix whatever was hurting her—but no words came.
"What am I even supposed to say?"
Angelica took a deep breath before finally lifting her gaze to meet his. And for the first time since that day, she didn't look away.
"I've been thinking a lot about us, and…" Her lips parted as she hesitated on the next words. "I think we need some time apart."
A deafening silence filled the room.
Percy felt like he'd just been punched in the gut.
His mind scrambled to process her words, but nothing made sense. Time apart? After everything?
He hadn't expected this.
Angelica saw the confusion flash across his face and swallowed hard.
"I remember when I first met Camilia," she started again, "She was so warm, so smart. She was the first real friend I ever had. She made me feel like I belonged somewhere."
She let out a bitter laugh. "And then… she introduced me to you."
Percy's heart clenched.
"Do you remember when we met?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Percy did.
He remembered it like it was yesterday.
"…You were getting bullied," he murmured, "Waiting for Camilia after school."
Angelica nodded, her fingers trembling slightly against her lap.
"You saved me."
Her voice carried something raw—something fragile.
"After that moment… something inside me changed," she admitted, her cheeks turning the soft shade of sunset. "Even after I met Camilia, you were always there. Not just as her brother, but as something more. I started seeing you differently, even when I didn't want to."
She bit her lip. "And that scared me."
Percy's stomach twisted as she continued.
"I was terrified, Percy," she whispered. "Because how could I fall in love with my best friend's younger brother?"
The words hung heavy between them.
"How could I betray Camilia like that?"
She exhaled sharply, struggling to contain the flood of emotions threatening to spill over.
"But then… you were gone."
Her voice wavered, and for the first time, a tear slipped down her cheek.
"Your uncle took you and Camilia away, and I—I didn't know what to do. I felt like someone had ripped away the sun and left me in the dark."
Percy's hands curled into fists beneath the table. He had never known.
"The bullies came back after you both disappeared," Angelica continued, her voice empty now."But this time, it was worse. They saw me as an easy target. And without you two there to protect me… I was alone."
Percy's jaw clenched. He had never imagined what she had gone through in his absence.
"Rumors spread," she whispered. "People turned away from me. I didn't just lose you and Camilia… I lost everything."
She wiped her tears away harshly, frustration evident in her expression. "And yet, despite everything… despite all the pain… I still love you."
Her confession shattered the air between them.
"…But it's not just you."
Percy inhaled sharply.
"I love Camilia, too."
There it was.
The words that had been suffocating her for so long were finally out.
Angelica Warren was in love with both siblings.
And now, she had no idea what to do.
Angelica's voice trembled as she continued, "And just when I thought it couldn't get worse, after my parents got involved in the inheritance case against your uncle, he made sure our lives became even harder. From the shadows, he pulled the strings, ensuring my family suffered."
Percy's hands curled into fists beneath the table, his nails digging into his palms. His uncle. Again. The thought of that man—his power, his cruelty—made Percy's blood boil.
Angelica took a shaky breath. "I won't lie. There was a time, even if just for a fleeting moment, when I blamed you and Camilia for everything."
Percy sucked in a breath, his throat constricting. Guilt crashed over him like a tidal wave.I should've done more for her. I should have been there.
"I lost myself for so long," Angelica admitted, her silver-crimson eyes glistening with emotion. "And then you came back. It felt like… like I could finally breathe again. But at the same time, everything I had buried—everything I had tried to forget—came rushing back."
She looked at him now, searching for something—understanding, maybe forgiveness.
"Losing my virginity to you… it felt right," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. But then, her expression twisted with pain. "And yet, thoughts of Camilia haunted me. It was like betraying her."
Percy felt his chest tighten. Angelica loved him, that much was clear—but she also loved Camilia. And in that love, there was conflict. A war that neither of them could win.
Then, her next words hit him like a knife to the gut.
"I'm moving out today."
Percy inhaled sharply, forcing himself to stay composed.
"I'll apply for a dorm after the entrance exam."
For a second, the air between them felt suffocating, thick with unspoken words and emotions too tangled to unravel.
But Percy… Percy wasn't going to make this harder for her.
"If that's what you want," he said, his voice measured, controlled. Don't break, don't let her see how much this hurts. "You can talk to the RA about your living arrangements."
Angelica held his gaze for a long moment—as if memorizing him, as if hesitating. But then, she reached into her pocket and set the dorm key on the table.
A finality settled between them.
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
The door shut softly behind her, but the silence it left behind was deafening.
Percy remained seated, staring at the key, his chest tightening. He wouldn't chase her. He wouldn't stop her.
He had fought demons, battled adventurers, even defied fate itself.
But this? This was a battle he couldn't win.
Beta, watching him intently, opened her mouth to speak—but Percy raised a hand, stopping her.
"Not now." His voice was steady, but Beta could hear the storm beneath it. "Tomorrow's important."
He stood, making his way to his room with slow, deliberate steps. Each step felt heavier than the last.
As he collapsed onto his bed, he closed his eyes, hoping for rest, but knowing it wouldn't come easy.
Outside, thunder rumbled.
Beta remained by his side, watching over him as silent tears soaked into his pillow.
Tomorrow would come.
But tonight?
Tonight, Percy grieved.
In the depths of Perish City, where secrets slithered through dimly lit corridors, a clandestine meeting unfolded.
A man knelt on the cold marble floor, his posture submissive, his head bowed in reverence. Jared Sathe, a figure accustomed to wielding power from the shadows, now deferred to another.
Seated before him, a striking woman draped in an alluring, yet dangerously elegant ensemble regarded him with amusement. She was no ordinary mistress—her presence alone commanded obedience, her crimson-painted lips curling into a smirk that spoke of both indulgence and cruelty.
"Is everything prepared for tomorrow, Jared?" she inquired, her voice a silken purr, yet laced with a warning.
Jared lifted his head just enough to meet her gaze. "Yes, Mistress. All preparations are complete." His voice was steady, but beneath the surface, there was unease.
Her smirk deepened. "Excellent." She leaned back, her long fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest. "Then we shall await the results."
But Jared, for all his loyalty, hesitated. A flicker of doubt crossed his face.
"Mistress… Forgive my presumption, but why take such extreme measures against a child?"
The room grew colder.
The woman's gaze turned sharp, piercing through Jared as if he were made of glass. "Unusual it may be, but an arrangement has been struck. A substantial sum was offered for this task." Her tone carried a finality that brooked no argument.
Still, Jared pressed on, albeit more cautiously. "And the old beast…? Does he suspect anything?"
The question drew a long pause. Then, shaking his head, Jared answered himself.
"The principal remains oblivious, as does his insufferable butler, Joffrey." His lips curled in distaste at the mention of the ever-watchful servant. "I've operated undetected for months now."
The woman considered this before issuing her decree.
"Jared Sathe, failure is not an option."
Her words were not a threat—they were law.
"Ensure the plan unfolds flawlessly tomorrow."
And with that, she rose, her presence vanishing into the night like a whisper of perfume on the air.
Jared, left alone in the suffocating silence, exhaled slowly. Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a sleek tablet.
On the screen was a photo of Percy.
His brows furrowed.
"Who would go to such lengths against this boy?"
Tucking the device away, he stood, straightened his suit, and disappeared into the shadows.
But Jared had not been alone.
A tiny, concealed eyeball, embedded within the room's ornate decor, blinked once.
It had been watching. Recording.
And its master had been listening.
Within the grand, opulent office of Solarskis University's Headmaster, the air was thick with the scent of aged wine and something far more ancient.
A glass of deep crimson liquid swirled lazily in the hand of the Principal, his expression unreadable as he twirled three blood-stained rings between his fingers.
Joffrey, his ever-loyal butler, stood nearby, his head bowed.
"Headmaster," Joffrey murmured, his voice smooth as silk, "it appears that Nova's Beauty Emporium has been contacted by a third party."
The principal did not look up. Instead, he took a slow sip of his wine, his expression one of indulgent amusement.
"Yes," he mused, swirling the liquid in his glass. "I know who initiated this contract."
A dark chuckle rumbled in his chest.
"But I shall not intervene."
Joffrey's hollow eye socket throbbed momentarily before a new eye regenerated in its place, twisting and shifting until it settled.
"Should I alert the trio?" he asked, referring to those with vested interest in the boy's fate.
But the headmaster merely smirked.
"No need."
His gaze flickered, eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Their influence is limited in my domain."
Setting his wine glass down, he exhaled softly. "Besides, those three children are already connected to the boy. If interference arises during the third exam…"
A slow, wicked smile curved his lips.
"…it will only make the spectacle more entertaining."
He leaned back, his rings clinking against each other.
"And should the need arise, I doubt they'll sit idly by while their potential disciple faces true danger."
Joffrey stood silent, processing his master's words.
After a moment, he sighed. "I apologize, Master. My vision is not as sharp as it once was."
A flicker of genuine fondness passed through the principal's otherwise chilling demeanor.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared before Joffrey, gently lifting the butler's chin with a cool, gloved hand.
"Nonsense, my dear Joffrey."
His tone was almost affectionate—dangerously so.
"You remain the most astute butler I have ever had."
And then, without hesitation, he tilted Joffrey's face upward and pressed a slow, deliberate kiss against his cheek.
Joffrey did not flinch. He did not react. He simply accepted the touch with his usual impassive grace.
The principal, ever pleased, withdrew with a satisfied hum. "Perhaps it's time for your sustenance?"
He unbuttoned the collar of his immaculate suit, baring the pale skin of his neck. A single vein pulsed temptingly beneath.
Joffrey's lips parted slightly, his breath hitching as hunger clawed at his insides.
For centuries, he had resisted. But this man… this master…
He was the only one Joffrey had ever allowed himself to indulge in.
And so, with reverence, with hunger, with unwavering devotion…
Joffrey sank his fangs into the principal's throat.
The headmaster let out a contented sigh, fingers threading through Joffrey's dark locks as he fed.
"That's it, my beautiful Joffrey…" he whispered, his voice laced with satisfaction.
His grip tightened ever so slightly.
"You mustn't perish. You're far too precious to me."
The storm outside howled in tandem, as if nature itself trembled beneath the weight of the night's sinister whispers.
Elsewhere in the city, a fire raged—not in the streets, but within a grand, opulent estate where fury crackled like a tempest.
Carlos Astaroth stood motionless, his head slightly bowed, his fists clenched tight enough for his nails to dig into his palms.
Across from him, his father, Damien Astaroth, was a storm of barely contained wrath.
"Carlos, how can you be so incompetent!"
The words sliced through the air, sharp and venomous.
Carlos knew better than to retaliate. Speaking now would only fan the flames of his father's anger. He had learned long ago—silence was survival.
Damien took a slow breath, reigning in his frustration. He had no patience for failure, but today, there was something more important to discuss.
"Never mind that," Damien finally said, his voice shifting to something colder, more calculating. "You're now eligible for the third event of Solarskis University's entrance exam."
Carlos stiffened. That meant—
"Our sponsor has made a special request."
His father's gaze bored into him, the next words spoken with deliberate precision.
"You are to eliminate a specific child. One from your past."
Carlos's brow furrowed. A child from his past?
His father slid a sleek black folder across the table. Carlos reached for it, flipping it open—only to feel the air in the room vanish.
Percy Magus.
The name alone made his blood boil. That bastard. That miserable, arrogant bastard.
Carlos's grip tightened on the folder, his nails digging into the paper.
"Him." The word dripped with venom.
Memories resurfaced—memories of humiliation, of defeat, of standing in the shadow of someone he despised.
"I'll humiliate him in the third event, Father."
A dark grin stretched across Damien's lips. "Perfect."
But then, his father leaned forward, his tone turning almost… conspiratorial.
"Succeed, and our sponsor promises first access to the ancient ruins off Mystic Reef Isles."
Carlos's breath hitched. The ruins of Mystic Reef?
His father wasn't finished.
"Not only that—you will receive priority entry into several high-rank dungeons and labyrinths."
The weight of the words settled over Carlos. Mystic Reef Isles. High-rank dungeons. This wasn't just revenge. This was an opportunity. A future. A way to surpass Percy not only in battle—but in influence, wealth, and power.
Carlos nodded sharply, his resolve solidifying into something unbreakable.
"Understood, Father."
Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out of the grand chamber.
But as he walked, his father's smirk deepened.
Damien Astaroth was not a man who took gambles. He was a man who made sure the game was rigged before the first piece was moved.
And Carlos had just stepped onto the board.
Carlos, now alone in the cold corridors of his family's estate, clenched the folder tighter.
This time, Percy, you're finished.
The thought echoed in his mind, growing sharper with every step.
This time, you won't walk away victorious.
This time, I will make sure you suffer.
His murderous intent pulsed through the air, so thick that even the shadows seemed to retreat from his presence.
A storm was brewing, and at its center stood Carlos Astaroth—driven by fury, by ambition, and by a singular goal.
The utter destruction of Percy Magus.
Under the dim glow of amber-hued chandeliers, Camilia Magus sat poised at an elegant dining table, her posture regal, yet rigid with impatience. Her gold-haloed eyes, gleaming with a celestial brilliance, flickered briefly as candlelight reflected against their amber-red inner rings. She idly swirled the red wine in her glass, watching it lap against the sides before setting it down without a sip.
Across from her, a dark-skinned man with sharp, chiseled features and twin scars slashing across both eyes studied her with interest, a wry smirk playing on his lips. He was dressed in a tailored obsidian suit, exuding power with an effortless charm that might have swayed others—but not Camilia.
"My love, how are you finding the steak?" he inquired smoothly, his deep voice laced with something between amusement and adoration.
Camilia's gaze snapped to him, her piercing golden irises narrowing like a lioness sizing up her prey. "It's edible," she replied coolly, slicing through the tender meat with surgical precision. "Now, tell me about the merger between VitaGenix Pharmaceuticals and NeuroSynth Labs."
The shift in conversation was immediate and deliberate, a clear dismissal of his attempts at charm. The man exhaled, his smirk never fading. "Straight to business, as always," he mused.
Adjusting his cufflinks, he leaned back against the velvet seat. "The merger is proceeding. There were… initial hurdles with the CEOs, but after some persuasive measures, they opted for early retirement."
Camilia lifted her fork, her demeanor unbothered, yet the sharp glint in her eyes revealed a mind that absorbed every detail. "By 'persuasive measures,' I assume you mean that their retirements weren't voluntary."
He chuckled, swirling his own drink. "You assume correctly."
"In that case, when do we anticipate beginning trials for the new drug?" she asked, carving her steak into smaller, precise portions.
"The timeline stands at a few weeks. The companies are still adjusting after the… unexpected merger announcement," he admitted, his lips quirking as he watched her methodically cutting her food.
Camilia didn't glance up. "By 'adjusting,' you mean there's resistance from the original staff," she deduced.
His smirk twitched. "Yes. There's been some friction over side effects observed in animal trials, especially regarding the integration of vampiric samples with human DNA."
Now, she finally looked at him. "You should have told me," she said flatly, slicing through the last of her steak. A deep crimson juice seeped onto the plate, pooling beneath the polished silver knife. "I could have easily dealt with those nuisances."
The man exhaled through his nose, pushing his chair back as he stood. "I don't need your intervention," he said, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit. "I can handle it." He reached for his coat. "I'll be traveling for the next few months on business. Keep the project on track."
Camilia didn't acknowledge his departure. Her focus was elsewhere. As the restaurant doors swung shut behind him, she was left alone with an empty chair—and an even emptier feeling gnawing at the edges of her mind.
She picked up a worn photograph from her purse, something she hadn't dared to look at in a long time. A younger version of herself, standing beside Percy.
Her lips pressed into a thin line.
"One day, brother. One day."
She gazed at the moonlit sky beyond the restaurant windows, her golden eyes gleaming against the night.
🔻 MEANWHILE, ELSEWHERE IN THE CITY 🔻
The scarred man—Enzo Castiel—sat in the backseat of a sleek black car, the city lights blurring into streaks of gold and crimson as they sped through the night. The tension in his shoulders never eased, not even when he loosened his tie and exhaled.
His thoughts, heavy with calculation, were interrupted by the ringing of his phone. Recognizing the caller, he accepted with a curt swipe across the screen.
"What do you want, old man?" he asked, his tone carrying a quiet, simmering disdain.
A pale-skinned man with abyssal-black eyes appeared on the screen, expression unreadable. "Your attitude remains unchanged," the voice on the other end remarked, cold and unimpressed.
Enzo clicked his teeth in irritation, resisting the urge to hang up. "I assume you're calling for a status update."
The pale man inclined his head. "Precisely. The companies?"
"I sent a detailed report along with a list of dissenters," Enzo answered, rubbing his temple. "My men were dispatched to eliminate them discreetly, but the old beast caught wind of our activities. He intercepted, injured some of my men, and whisked away half of our targets."
A long silence stretched between them before the pale man finally spoke.
"Have you looked into their families?"
"Yes," Enzo confirmed, his patience thinning. "But they were steps ahead. By the time we arrived at their homes, they had already evacuated." His irritation slipped through as he struck the car door with his fist.
"Among those who protested, who poses the most significant threat?" the pale man asked.
Consulting his tablet, Enzo skimmed through the list of names. "Three of them are crucial," he admitted. "They were part of the drug's original creation team, familiar with its alchemical structures and DNA sequencing. They also developed a cure to reverse the drug's effects."
A shadow flickered across the pale man's face. "That old beast seems intent on meddling in my plans again."
Enzo narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean 'again'?"
The pale man paused for a fraction longer than necessary. Then, calmly and dismissively, he replied:
"That's not your concern. Just focus on finding those three alchemists. They are now our top priority."
The call ended abruptly, leaving Enzo staring at the screen, the lingering unease settling in his gut.
'Again'?
What the hell did he mean by 'again'?
Enzo snapped his fingers, and the partition window rolled down.
"David," he called to the driver.
"Yes, Master?" came the professional response from the front seat.
"Have Natasha investigate exactly what our partner meant by 'interfering again.'"
David nodded, eyes flickering to the rearview mirror. "Certainly, Master."
As the car continued its silent journey through the city, Enzo exhaled, his jaw tightening.
He stared out at the endless sea of lights stretching to the horizon, the distant waves of the ocean reflecting the moon's glow.
He closed his eyes.
I need to prepare.