In the Imperial Capital, within a secluded and highly secure residential compound, a teenager under twenty sat rigidly on a spacious sofa. His posture was straight and serious, as if he were being reprimanded by a superior or listening intently to a leader's instructions.
Yet, the living room was empty.
This young man was Sven Fang.
Two months ago, the name Sven would never have been mentioned in the core discussions of the Imperial Court.
At best, he was known as Minister Fang's spoiled son, Lieutenant Colonel Fang's useless younger brother, or simply the Fang family's insignificant little brat.
That was all.
But now—just two months later—everything has changed. Sven had become one of the most critical figures within the Imperial Court's inner circle.
Even in this prestigious compound, Sven had earned his own private residence, equal to that of his father and sister. This alone spoke volumes about his newfound status.
The Imperial Court had undergone undeniable transformations. In just over a month, power had been consolidated, and a new circle of influence had formed—one in which Sven's father played a significant role.
However, Sven wasn't concerned about political power. His mind was entirely focused on something else—the attitude of a certain individual, far beyond his reach, toward the Imperial Court and, more importantly, toward him.
This mattered more than anything.
He had heard his father and sister emphasize repeatedly that the Imperial Court's stance toward Group 001 must be one of respect, caution, and neutrality.
Never offend them. Never provoke them. Never become their enemy.
These were the three unbreakable rules.
Sven's elevated status was not merely due to his rare talent or his control over the Imperial Treasury. Half of his importance stemmed from being the only person within the Imperial Court with direct contact with Group 001.
And now, for the sake of acquiring the precious S-rank demon blood, Sven had made a bold decision—to reveal his true identity, no matter the risk.
With that power in their possession, the Imperial Court's strength would soar to new heights. More importantly, it would enhance his sister's abilities, ensuring her safety.
For once, he could finally protect his sister.
As expected, after a short wait, a new message popped up.
[White Emperor]: I see. Don't worry—I won't kick you out of the group over this.
Novak wasn't just being polite.
In the apocalypse, the Imperial Court undeniably held an advantage. But sometimes, an advantage could become a burden. In this world, power was determined solely by strength.
Novak had no intention of meddling in such affairs.
After all, this Gods and Demons Proving Ground was nothing more than a speck of dust in the grand scheme of the heavens and myriad realms. Its significance and value had only shifted due to its sudden emergence.
As the Master of the Abyss, Novak ruled the bottomless abyss as his divine kingdom. There was no need for him to concern himself with political struggles or conflicts with the Imperial Court.
Still, the influence of the Imperial Court couldn't be ignored—Origin City in his previous life was proof of that.
[White Emperor]: I do have one request. There are certain matters I don't want the Imperial Court to interfere with—or even be aware of—unless I allow it. For instance, Mount Somi. I don't want to see any non-Group 001 members on Mount Somi. Of course, I trust you'll have no involvement in that.
Sven let out a long breath, relief and excitement flickering in his eyes.
Previously, hiding his identity within the group had felt like living under a cloud of guilt. But now, with everything laid bare between him and White Emperor, a weight had lifted from his heart.
[The Only Trash in the Group]: Got it, Brother White! Don't worry, my old man knows better than to pry into Group 001's business! By the way, Brother White, can I give the demon blood I bought to my sister? I'm not using it myself.
[White Emperor]: You bought it with your own money. Who you give it to is entirely up to you. But just so you know, getting something this valuable at such a low price won't be easy next time. Keep that in mind.
[The Only Trash in the Group]: Understood! Don't worry, I'll use it for my sister!
This kid is actually a sis-con? Novak chuckled to himself but didn't dwell on it any further.
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital, Sven finally laid eyes on what he had obtained.
A pitch-black heart, pulsating faintly as if still alive, rested in his hands.
Before he could take a closer look, a familiar voice called out from the doorway:
"Sven, Dad's calling you for dinner."
The door swung open, revealing a woman in her twenties. She wore a military uniform, and her specialized boots were still stained with blood, adding a chilling edge to her already formidable presence.
Her demeanor bore a striking resemblance to Nicole's—cold, stern, and unyielding—but perhaps even more intense. Her long ponytail swung freely behind her, emphasizing her straightforward and decisive nature.
This was Svana Fang—once an instructor for a special forces unit within the Imperial Court.
Now, she was the backbone of the military training corps.
She was the only commander who had successfully led the remaining evolutionary soldiers and surrendering forces in the Imperial Capital to eliminate the surrounding zombie threats.
Moreover, Svana was a powerful evolutionary, ranked 29th on the national leaderboard, having reached level 12.
But at that moment, Svana's sharp eyes widened in shock as she noticed the heart-like object beating in her brother's hands.
"Sven… what is that…?"
Sven immediately jumped to his feet, his excitement barely contained. This was his sister—the one who had protected him since childhood. Because of her, he had never fallen into the debauchery and corruption that consumed many second- and third-generation heirs of the Imperial Capital's elite circles.
At most, his vices were limited to gaming and hoarding money.
With a wide grin, Sven eagerly handed the object over to her.
"Group 001 held an auction earlier, and this… this was the grand finale item from White Emperor himself! It's for you, sis!"
Svana instinctively took the item, but the moment she realized what it was, her usually composed expression crumbled. Her sharp, narrow eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the pulsating heart.
An S-rank bloodline…?!
Her mind raced as she pieced things together.
"Wait… White Emperor and the 001 chat group—they know who you are?!"
Sven nodded, then hesitated before clarifying, "Yes, they know. Well, White Emperor knows for sure, but… he doesn't seem to mind."
Svana's eyes narrowed as her mind quickly processed the implications. Born into a noble family, her political instincts were razor-sharp. Without wasting another moment, she grabbed Sven's arm and the priceless bloodline.
"Come on. We need to talk to Dad."