Training Ground – Morning
Ray stood in the training field, covered in bruises and shallow cuts. The soft morning light made the rising dust glow faintly around him. He was panting heavily, bent over with his hands on his knees, eyes locked on his father with a hint of stubborn defiance—Just once… let me hit you once.
On the other side, Robert stood relaxed, arms folded, wearing the same knowing grin he always used whenever Ray attempted something hopeless. There was amusement in his eyes, but also a touch of warmth.
Ray's legs finally buckled. He fell onto the ground with a rough exhale.
Robert approached, boots crunching lightly in the dirt. "I am teaching you all I can before I leave the lower realm," he said calmly. "Even after slowing my cultivation, I have about four years. After that… I'll have no choice but to go. My four wives will take over the estate. I can already predict the chaos."
Ray chuckled breathlessly. "Two out of four will leave the estate and join the Inventor Guild. Unlike you, I planned things ahead for both my mother and third mother. As for your duke estate? Haha! Your first two wives are going to go to war. Hopefully the third mother's kids won't get dragged into that storm."
Robert's grin twitched. Without warning, his hand came down on Ray's head—chop!
Ray flinched. "Ow! What was that for?!"
"I guess I'll have to fix this mess before I go," Robert said with a sigh. "You don't want the estate. Diana wouldn't bother. Selene will take the children and move to her parents' home or the Inventor Guild." His tone lowered. "The estate will fall into the hands of the first wives and their sons. John, Ethan, and Alex are strong… and ambitious. I hope they settle the matter peacefully."
He smiled at Ray. It wasn't a pleasant smile.
"Or else…"
A chill crawled down Ray's spine.
Nope. Don't want to know what "or else" means.
He quickly got up and retreated to the comfort of his room before his father decided to resume training.
Days Later—With His Mother
Ray visited Diana to relax and learn more about formations. As always, her gentle voice soothed him. Her eyes lit up with passion whenever they discussed runes, and Ray enjoyed these moments more than he admitted aloud.
Fifth Month—The Ancient Library
Ray finally got a chance to visit the library and greet Alfred again. The ancient hall was silent except for the faint rustling of countless pages. Alfred greeted him with the same calm smile that somehow felt both warm and terrifying.
Ray chatted with him for a long time.
He learned Alfred had lived for more than twenty thousand years—yet spoke of books the way a child spoke of sweets.
Ray always made sure to be polite. Something deep inside warned him that Alfred was not merely strong—he was something ancient.
After their conversation, Ray left respectfully. "I'll be leaving soon, so… thank you for everything."
Alfred only nodded, eyes half-lidded as if holding secrets he would never speak.
Summons From the King
Ray requested an audience with the king and was granted one almost immediately. Butler Norris came personally to escort him. His footsteps were steady, echoing lightly across the palace floors.
"This time," Norris said, "the king and his wives will not be the only ones present. Guests from the other kingdoms, sects, a village, and a valley are attending."
Ray froze. "I—I can come another time—"
"The king asked for you specifically," Norris replied.
Ray sighed. "I had a feeling you'd say that."
When the large ornate doors opened, Ray stepped inside—and felt as if he had walked into another world. The pressure in the room was suffocating, thick with presence. These were not just nobles—they were the strongest individuals from the entire continent of Elarion.
Nine groups sat in a circular formation:
three kingdoms, four sects, one village, and one valley.
Ray spotted his father and mother among the representatives of Richard Kingdom. A seat had been placed between them. Relief washed over him—safe zone located.
But as he took a step forward, a heavy aura crashed down on him from across the hall.
The Barbarian King.
The man stared at him with a predatory smirk, unleashing oppressive energy meant to crush Ray's spirit.
Ray turned his head slowly… and smirked right back.
The Barbarian King blinked, confused—until two overlapping auras exploded at once.
Robert's.
Diana's.
The pressure evaporated instantly, smothered like a flame in a storm.
Ray hurried to his parents' side, not wanting to test anyone's patience further. The Barbarian King stared at Robert and Diana, baffled until realization dawned—he had just attacked their son.
King Daymond leaned forward with a mocking smile.
"What is the meaning of this, Barbarian King? Ray is the person I invited."
The Barbarian King growled, "Why is there a child in a meeting for adults?"
The king of the Ironholt Kingdom spoke, his voice like striking iron:
"You clearly didn't research him. This boy is the strongest young genius who just made a breakthrough. Son of Duke Robert and the Chaos of Storms, Diana. And he is also the inventor who caused chaos for the Montclair family. The Inventor Guild banned the prince for harming him. The reason we are here is to negotiate for the wristwatch and crystal vision. Haha! I wonder if they would ban you too."
Shock washed over the Barbarian King. His subordinates had reported these things before—but he had brushed them off. Now, realizing he'd offended the person he should have befriended, he looked toward Ray, who gave him a perfectly wronged and pitiful expression.
Before the Barbarian King could figure out how to salvage the situation—
The doors swung open.
Five vice leaders of the Inventor Guild entered the hall. Their steps were synchronized, their presence sharp and commanding, different from warriors or mages—precise, calculating, and unwavering.
King Daymond rose slightly.
"Welcome, esteemed guests."
And just like that, the negotiations were about to begin.