The soft glow of crystal lamps illuminated the grand dining hall, their light dancing across the marble floor like ripples on still water.
At the far end of the long table stood Sera Valcrest, her silver hair cascading like threads of moonlight over her violet robes.
Her presence alone was enough to silence the servants that moved about the hall.
> Sera Valcrest (Level 80) — High Mage of the Pearl Throne.
Feared by her enemies. Revered by the court. The mother of Seraphina Valcrest.
Across from her stood Wizz, his expression calm yet laced with unease.
He bowed slightly before speaking.
Wizz: "My lady, the mission was successful, but… what we found was far beyond what we expected."
Sera raised a brow, her tone soft yet commanding.
Sera: "I've already heard rumors. A man who killed an entire division of Zero… alone. Is it true?"
Wizz: "It is."
He sighed, the memory of Haru's killing intent still fresh in his bones.
"That man—no, that monster—moves beyond human measure. Even I couldn't sense when he vanished."
For a moment, silence filled the room. The air grew heavy with restrained curiosity.
Sera turned toward the window, her gaze cold and contemplative.
Sera: "A human strong enough to silence the battlefield… And now he stands beside my daughter."
Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Perhaps fate truly wishes to test our bloodline."
Wizz hesitated before asking, "Do you wish me to keep him under watch?"
Sera turned, her eyes glowing faintly with arcane light.
Sera: "No. Bring him to me."
She paused, her lips curling into the faintest smile.
Sera: "I want to see with my own eyes what kind of man could turn an army into ash.
Morning, Valcrest Manor.
Wizz knocked on Haru's door, his voice echoing through the quiet hall.
"Lady Sera wishes to meet you," he said.
Haru stopped his morning training, wiped his sweat, and silently followed.
When the doors to the grand chamber opened, the sight was like a palace — tall marble pillars, faint golden light, and the scent of old mana lingering in the air.
At the far end of the long table stood Sera Valcrest, mother of Seraphina, one of the strongest mages in the empire — Level 80, Mage among Mages.
She studied Haru quietly as he approached. The air grew heavy.
Sera had heard the report — a man who slaughtered seventy-three people in under a minute — but she hadn't believed it. Not until now.
Without using any detection spell, she could feel it.
The mana rhythm around Haru wasn't human — it moved like a storm trying to hold itself together. It was impossible.
Finally, she spoke, her voice calm but wary.
"Are you… also from another world?"
Haru's gaze met hers, cold and steady.
"…Yes."
Sera took a slow breath, crossing her arms. "Then tell me—what do you need from my daughter? If it's help you seek, you can ask me directly."
Haru's tone didn't change; his words were calm, yet they carried a chill that filled the entire room.
"I just want to go home. That's why I'll use your family… to gather information."
The silence that followed was heavy — even Sera, who had faced countless demons, felt a faint shiver from the calmness in his eyes.
Sera leaned back in her chair, her sharp eyes fixed on Haru.
After a long silence, she finally spoke, "I've decided to change your position."
Haru tilted his head slightly, saying nothing.
"You'll no longer serve as Seraphina's personal guard," Sera continued. "From today onward, you'll be one of the Elders of the Valcrest Family."
The room fell silent for a heartbeat.
A man with no background — no records, no name in their history — suddenly being elevated to the highest ranks of Valcrest. But no one could deny it. His strength alone had shattered every question of legitimacy.
Haru's expression didn't change.
Inwardly, he thought, She wants to tie me to this family… bind me with power and status. Interesting.
Sera smiled faintly, seeing through his calm.
"When you become one of our Elders, you'll have full access to our intelligence network and authority over certain divisions. Not a bad position, right?"
Haru replied simply, "Alright."
Her expression softened, but only for a moment. "Then, I want you to protect not just Seraphina—but the entire Valcrest Family. You must have noticed—the pearl of this region is in critical condition. We're running out of capable people to defend it."
Haru's eyes sharpened slightly. He didn't need to ask.
"Who's behind this?" he said coldly. "If you need this much protection… then the enemy must already be inside your walls."
Sera froze for a brief second—surprised and impressed.
He already figured that much out, she thought. He's not just powerful… he's perceptive.
With a wave of her hand, she cast a high-level Sound Barrier spell. The air shimmered faintly, sealing the room in absolute silence.
Her tone shifted—now calm, but heavy.
"I'll be honest with you, Haru."
She stood, walking toward the window where sunlight barely touched the curtains.
"The reason we were attacked… and why the King of Valcrest lies in critical condition—"
Her voice hardened, anger buried beneath the surface.
"One of the Seven Noble Families has betrayed us. They've allied with a High Demon… and one of the Seats of Paradox—the Third Seat, Rebecca, the Queen of Vampires. They joined forces to strike down my family… and nearly killed my husband."