Eryk De Nova.
The Grand Duke of the Nexarian Empire.
In terms of nobility, he held the highest seniority under the Emperor, and even his children were addressed as Princes.
According to lineage history, the Novas were a side branch of the Monarch Wrath lineage that separated and formed the Imperial Nova household, which throughout the centuries had acted as the sword and shield of the Emperor.
There was even a saying that the Prince who had Nova's support would most likely become the next Emperor. However, one of their ancestors drafted a law stating that the Nova household must remain neutral in crown succession, so that no overly ambitious member of their lineage could create a puppet Emperor.
From this, one could infer the sheer amount of power and authority they held.
And this authority was backed by immense strength.
Someone who was just a half step away from reaching Demi-God.
Beings with a thousand-year lifespan and true powerhouses of this world below Gods. On top of that, Eryk was only sixty years old.
So one could already imagine the level of devastation this man could cause when he became angry.
Yet now, this man who stood at the top looking down on everyone was doing something utterly unbelievable.
"How… how can you be so cruel?"
"You did this behind my back. Just why? Is my love not enough for you that you jumped into this shithole, or do you hate your father so much that you want to run away from home?"
"Have you ever thought of my poor heart and how lonely I would be without you?"
I sighed heavily, massaging my forehead as I watched my father shed tears while hugging me tightly. If anyone saw this scene, they might die of a heart attack.
I was loved greatly by my family.
Both of them were so doting that it felt suffocating. Sometimes, I felt as if I were a princess they wanted to protect.
"Dad, you know I have to enroll in the Academy. I can't just stay cooped up. I need to make connections and friends so the Nova household can function properly after I inherit the position."
Eryk's expression stiffened upon hearing this.
Remorse and sadness flashed across his face.
Demi-God.
The peak realm a human could reach.
A realm that transcended and trampled the laws of the world with absolute power. It stood just below Gods, yet a powerful Demi-God could still contend with one.
It wasn't just the realm that decided hierarchy, but also the Mystic Abilities one was born with.
At present, only the Monarchs of the Seven Sins and Seven Virtues firmly occupied the absolute peak because of their superior Mystic Abilities.
Very few could contend with them.
And many Monarchs were wary of Nova's power.
Therefore, according to the law, a person of this realm could not hold any official position. If not for worrying about me, my father might have already become a Demi-God.
I… I had been dragging him down.
Seeing me pace away, Eryk spoke bitterly.
"It's all my fault… If only I had given you my physique, my talent, and my mystery, you wouldn't have been shamed by the world, but…"
"You don't need to worry. My lifespan is already hundreds of years, and our forces are enough to keep the Nova household functioning. Any bastard who dares to harm you, I will slash that bastard into a thousand pieces and feed them to pigs!" Eryk shouted, his eyes burning.
"Pigs don't eat meat, Father…" My lips twitched after hearing his proclamation.
"Then we can feed them to—"
"Stop!" I shouted.
"Father, what's done is done. I will be fine at the Academy, so please…" I paused briefly and gathered my courage.
I raised my arms and held his palms, rough and filled with callouses.
"Please believe in me…"
Even though I was not someone capable of fully deserving his belief, I would fight until the bitter end.
Eryk's eyes softened. Raising his hand, he gently caressed my hair.
"I need to talk to your mother about this."
Nodding, I stood up.
"Okay, then I need to leave for a bit."
After calming him, I turned around, offered a courteous bow, and hurried away before he could cause another scene.
....
Arcadia Metropolis…
A highly developed urban city filled with towering buildings and lush greenery.
At the center of the city stood a gigantic skyscraper that pierced the sky.
Apollo Innovations.
A company that changed the very structure of the world.
Although the world still carried a medieval touch with many primitive species, humans had achieved technological development comparable to the mid-20th century. Then Apollo Innovations emerged and changed everything.
They invented electric trains, replacing steam engines. Mana-engine cars replaced traditional carriages.
Electricity was once a privilege owned only by nobles, as its generation caused heavy disruption and pollution, so it was restricted to curb negative effects. However, with the innovation of renewable energy and alternative sources, electricity soon spread across the world.
With it came modern gadgets, and within just thirteen years, technology leapt forward by miles.
At the center of all this stood Apollo Innovations, rumored to be the wealthiest company in the world.
Its annual tax contribution alone accounted for thirty percent of the Empire's revenue.
Staring at the marvelous building, I stepped out of the car with my knights a short distance from the parking lot.
The reason was simple.
The parking area was completely jammed with vehicles.
"Now what is this shit?" my most trusted knight, Jules, shouted in annoyance.
The rest of my knight squad cursed as well.
I decided to take a look, but soon a group stopped me.
"You can't enter."
"You—" Jules was about to draw his sword, but I stopped him.
Not because I was worried about him, but because I was worried about the other party.
It wouldn't feel good to have this lovely path painted in blood, would it?
"Why can't I enter?" I asked the large, arrogant man.
"Can't you see the symbol on the cars? We are the Marquis Roose Knights. My Lord is having a meeting with the head, so we were ordered to keep everyone away. You're just an ant here."
He sneered at our small squad.
Judging by our attire, he assumed we belonged to some insignificant noble house. But when he noticed the purple-haired figure, he hesitated.
After all, that was the famous Void of Nova.
"Do you know who you are speaking to?" Jules shouted, unable to endure it any longer.
"I don't care who you are. My Lord ordered me to stop anyone from entering until he finishes his business, so leave."
Jules was about to act when a hand grabbed his arm.
"Jules, leave him. Let's go. It seems we aren't welcome here."
Saying that, I turned away.
As I did, an eerie grin surfaced on my lips.
It feels fun…
Fun… It would be too easy to crush the ego of these fucking shits.
...….
Outside the main office, a well-dressed young man sat in the waiting area, swinging his legs.
His eyes shone with greed as he struggled to contain his excitement.
"Finally, I can make a deal with them. Once this succeeds, I will rise high and shove everyone else aside."
He was Richard Roose, the second son of the Marquis.
He glanced at his watch, frowning.
"It's already eleven AM… The meeting was delayed by an hour."
Feeling uneasy, he sent his men to inquire.
Moments later, an assistant rushed over with a pale face.
"My Lord, the meeting has been canceled."
"What?"
Richard shot up from his seat, eyes wide.
"Canceled? Why? Did we get a new date?"
The assistant shook his head.
"We weren't given any date. The staff said we don't need to come here anymore. They won't be signing any deal with us."
"What did you say, bastard?"
BANG!
Richard slapped the assistant, sending him flying with a loud crash.
The assistant crashed into the floor, rolling twice before stopping near the wall. He groaned softly, clutching his cheek, but did not dare to cry out. His body trembled as he lowered his head, fear etched deep into his posture.
Richard Roose stood still, his chest rising and falling heavily.
The silence that followed felt suffocating.
Several staff members nearby stiffened and quickly turned their gazes away. No one dared to interfere.
They had all learned long ago what kind of man the second son of Marquis Roose was.
Richard clenched his fists.
Refused?
His jaw tightened, and his nails dug into his palms.
Apollo Innovations refusing him was unthinkable.
This deal was supposed to be his stepping stone. His proof. His chance to finally rise above his elder brother and silence all those who looked down on him. He had planned everything carefully. The gifts, the bribes, the connections. Nothing was supposed to go wrong.
And yet…
"They won't sign with us?" Richard muttered, his voice low and dangerous.
He turned slowly toward the assistant and staff of Apollo innovation coldly.
"Say it again," he said coldly. "Slowly."