Roman walked toward his room, exhaustion finally catching up to him.
The courtroom drama, the political tension, the exposure of secrets, the constant pressure it weighed heavier than he admitted. On top of that, the Shadow System's message echoed in his mind.
Train.
He sighed.
"I'll train tomorrow morning," he muttered to himself.
For once, he ignored the system's urging and collapsed onto his bed.
Sleep came instantly.
Morning arrived with persistent knocking.
"Young master! Young master!"
Roman groaned, pulling a pillow over his head.
The knocking continued.
Finally, he opened his eyes in irritation.
"What is it, Lyra?" he called out.
The door opened slightly as Lyra, his maid, bowed politely.
"Good morning, young master. The Duke has called you to his office. He will be giving a formal speech to the people of Great Presia. He also sent new clothes for you and asked you to come quickly."
Roman sighed.
"Alright. I'm coming."
He rose, walked toward the bathhouse, and washed away the remnants of sleep. After bathing, he wore the formal garments his father had sent — dark royal fabric embroidered with gold patterns representing the crest of Great Presia.
When he entered Duke Jacob's office, all important figures of Great Presia were already assembled.
The moment Roman stepped inside, the room fell silent then erupted into applause.
They stood.
They clapped.
They greeted him for his achievements in Ephor.
For bringing justice to the people.
For punishing Noah Rockson.
Among them were new members former officials under Noah's rule. After careful investigation, Jacob had absorbed those who were competent and not corrupt into the new administration.
Roman's eyes moved across the room and landed on Selena.
She was dressed in an elegant formal gown regal, refined, dignified.
Roman smirked.
"Well, well… Deputy Duke Selena looking like royalty. I didn't know you liked dresses."
Selena narrowed her eyes.
"I don't."
Roman leaned closer. "You look like you're being forced to attend your own wedding."
The next second
Smack.
Selena hit the back of his head.
"Shut up."
The room chuckled softly.
Roman rubbed his head. "Violence in front of officials? What a deputy duke."
She raised her hand again.
He immediately retreated.
Roman walked toward Jacob.
"It's the new dawn of our dukedom, Father. We have to change many things from the old system. After the meeting and public briefing, we should inspect the bunkers and safe houses."
Jacob nodded.
"Yes. But first… we greet our people."
Jacob stood and walked toward the estate gallery.
Roman walked on his right side.
Selena stood on his left.
Behind them followed:
Tower Master Velkan
Head Knight Captain Zion
Captain Allen
Josey, now training a new batch of knights
Jeremiah, the spatial mage
Andrew, officially appointed Second Head Knight Captain
They stepped onto the grand gallery.
Below them, thousands had gathered.
People waved the flags of Great Presia.
They chanted:
"Long live the Crowells!"
"Long live Clover Kingdom!"
Even former citizens of Ephor had joined, waiting to hear about their future.
Jacob raised his hand.
Silence fell instantly.
He stepped forward.
"People of Presia… and now, people of former Ephor."
His voice was steady, powerful, yet calm.
"Today marks not conquest but correction."
Murmurs spread.
"For too long, corruption poisoned parts of our kingdom. For too long, fear replaced justice."
He paused.
"No man stands above the law. Not a knight. Not a noble. Not even a duke."
The crowd listened in complete silence.
"Great Presia shall stand on three pillars: Justice. Protection. Accountability."
He gestured toward the crowd.
"You will not be taxed beyond reason. You will not be silenced by power. You will not be abandoned in crisis."
The people began cheering.
"We will strengthen our defenses. We will protect every civilian. And when danger comes and it will come Great Presia will stand united."
Roman's eyes narrowed slightly at that line.
Jacob continued:
"Freedom is not given. It is maintained. And from today onward we maintain it together."
The crowd erupted.
Cheers echoed across the estate grounds.
Jacob ended with:
"Enjoy your freedom. Great Presia rises today."
The ceremony concluded.
Inside the estate, a formal gathering had been arranged.
But Roman excused himself.
"I'm heading to the training grounds."
Selena grabbed his arm.
"Roman, at least relax for one day."
He shook his head.
"There's no time."
He changed into training garments and walked alone toward the training grounds.
The air felt heavier.
Then
The Shadow System activated.
"Remove the Veil Bracer."
On Roman's right wrist, the Veil Bracer manifested the artifact suppressing his true power.
He stared at it silently.
Then removed it.
The bracer vanished.
In that instant
His body shifted.
Muscles tightened.
His physique became sharper, carved like stone.
Not a trace of softness remained.
His hair grew longer, flowing past his shoulders before he tied it back.
Golden and black aura erupted around him far denser than before.
He summoned the Archon Sword.
The blade ignited.
His movements became faster.
Sharper.
His senses heightened.
This was Roman's true form.
For five years inside the Third Gate Dungeon, he had trained relentlessly. Slaughtered countless monsters. Sharpened his skills beyond mortal limits.
The Shadow System had ordered him to suppress this power.
But now
The time had come.
The Second Dungeon Breakout would not resemble the first.
It would be catastrophic.
Roman raised his hand and cast a massive barrier spell, sealing the entire training ground to prevent collateral damage.
Golden-black energy surged violently within the barrier.
He lowered his stance.
His eyes sharpened.
"Let's begin."
And the ground beneath him cracked as he launched forward.