"Damn… it's always because of my low cultivation."
The system's words lingered in Blake's mind as he resumed cultivation, forcing himself into calm until morning arrived.
But the unease didn't fade.
The moment he stepped out to begin his daily work, Blake felt it again—eyes on him.
Not openly.
Not directly.
From a distance.
Maids whispered when he passed. Guards lingered longer than necessary. Even nobles of the mansion cast subtle, measuring glances his way.
This had been happening for days.
Today was no different.
Except this time, Blake was certain.
Someone was watching him deliberately.
Who?
He frowned inwardly. He hadn't offended anyone. He hadn't revealed his strength. He had stayed cautious, quiet—almost invisible.
Then why now?
Blake didn't react. Instead, he worked as usual, movements steady, expression neutral, giving nothing away.
Only when he returned to his dorm in the evening did the sensation finally vanish.
The instant it did, Blake moved.
He slipped into a secluded corner where no one would pass, equipped the Viltronium Suit, activated its camouflage mode—and disappeared.
Soundlessly, he followed the direction from which that gaze had been coming.
Moments later, he spotted a blond man standing alone.
Jake.
The commander muttered under his breath, unaware he was being observed.
"I still can't feel anything from that kid…"
"And today, when I stared at him… it felt like I was staring into a bottomless abyss. Like something that could devour everything."
Jake clenched his fist.
"There's something seriously wrong with that child."
"It's better to report this to Lord Baron before it's too late."
His voice dropped further.
"First, the kid with the Ancient Bloodline. Then that flaming pillar. Then the red lightning yesterday…"
"And that—that primordial fear I felt deep in my soul."
"And now him."
Jake exhaled slowly.
"Something is happening. Something huge."
He turned and headed toward the secret cave.
Blake watched silently from the shadows.
So… you noticed something.
He followed Jake all the way without being detected, maintaining perfect concealment.
When Jake reached the inner grounds, he moved straight toward the core area—Baron Red's courtyard.
"Subordinate Jake requests an audience with the Lord."
He knelt on one knee, fist cupped.
"What is it, Commander Jake?"
The doors opened, and Baron Red stepped out, his expression calm—and unreadable.
"I have something important to report, my lord."
"Speak."
"It's about that child," Jake said carefully. "The friend of Young Master Ethan."
Baron Red's gaze sharpened.
"What about him?"
Jake hesitated, then continued. "From a young age, I've possessed keen instincts. They're the reason I stand here today."
"And my instincts are telling me that child is hiding something… something dangerous."
Silence fell.
Baron Red's eyes narrowed slightly.
"When did this feeling begin?"
"A-around the time Young Master Ethan awakened his Bloodline."
Jake answered quickly, his heart pounding. He didn't understand the question—but he didn't dare ask.
As for revealing his true innate talent—
Impossible.
No matter how serious the situation was, unless his life was directly threatened, he would never expose it.
After a long moment, Baron Red spoke.
"You may go. Do not mention this matter to anyone else."
He tossed forward a pill and a small box.
"You are already at the 3rd Rank Peak—Grade. Take this pill, along with two hundred grams of 4th Rank demon meat."
"With your foundation, breaking through the 4th Rank tribulation will not be difficult."
"The family will need more strong warriors and mages in the near future."
Especially for the coming war.
Jake's eyes lit up as he accepted the items, excitement surging through him. He bowed deeply before leaving in a hurry, eager to begin his breakthrough.
Once he was gone, Baron Red stood alone in the courtyard.
His expression hardened.
"So it's true after all…"
"The legend wasn't a myth."