Garran's expression was grim.
If Lucas truly intended to clash with the Abyssal Dominion Order, this would no longer be a simple visit. It would be a national-level incident.
"Young master," Garran said seriously, "don't act rashly. Our family is powerful, but going against the Abyssal Dominion as a whole won't be easy."
Lucas waved it off calmly. "Relax, Uncle Garran. They don't want open conflict either. And neither do I."
"Then why go at all?" Garran pressed. "What's the point?"
"It's essential for my cultivation," Lucas replied. "As I told you earlier, I'm effectively an ordinary person. Recovering my strength the conventional way would take too long. But I know something. And for that, I need to go there."
Garran studied him for a moment.
Lucas had changed. Dramatically.
After a brief pause, Garran nodded. "How many people do you need?"
"Anyone as strong as you?" Lucas asked. "Or stronger."
Garran shook his head. "Only your grandfather and the grand elder is stronger, but they're out of the question."
He took out his phone. "I'll call Rowan."
Lucas fell silent.
Garran's words lingered. If only his grandfather and the grand elder stood above him, then even his father fell short.
And then there was the name.
Rowan Drakebane.
Son of the grand elder. Lucas didn't know him well from the original timeline, but Garran trusting him meant only one thing, he was reliable.
The call connected quickly.
"Garran?" a deep voice answered. "What's going on?"
"I need backup," Garran said. "We're heading to the Abyssal Dominion Order."
There was a brief pause.
"The Abyssal Dominion?" Rowan repeated. "Why?"
"It concerns the young master. We're short on manpower. With you and me present, they won't dare overstep."
The tone on the other end sharpened instantly. "Is Lucas in danger?"
"No," Garran replied. "This is a visit. Still, get here fast. Don't use a vehicle. Run."
"…Understood."
The call ended.
Garran turned to Lucas. "He'll be here soon."
Lucas nodded.
---
Ten minutes later, as Lucas and Garran spoke quietly in front of the estate, the air suddenly shifted.
A figure dropped from the sky.
The man landed lightly, cloak fluttering as he straightened. He was middle-aged, dressed entirely in black, and carried himself with effortless confidence.
"Sorry," Rowan said with a grin. "Had to take care of a few things first."
"No problem," Garran said, glanced at Lucas. "Ready?"
Lucas stood. "The sooner, the better."
Rowan turned to greet him, then froze.
He frowned sharply.
"…Lucas," Rowan said slowly. "Why can't I sense any mana from you?"
Lucas answered casually, "Because Uncle Garran shattered my mana core."
Silence.
"…What?!"
Rowan's gaze snapped to Garran.
"Hold your conclusions," Garran said quickly. "I'll explain in the car."
Lucas added calmly, "I'll explain everything. Let's move."
Rowan hesitated, then followed them into the car.
---
Two hours later, dawn broke across the horizon, warm sunlight spilling over the land.
They arrived at a mountain range near Fallowridge Village, the outer boundary of the Abyssal Dominion Order.
During the drive, Lucas had explained everything, his shattered mana core, its rebirth, and why they were heading here.
Rowan listened in stunned silence.
A shattered core restoring itself was unheard of.
And yet, Lucas stood before him.
They stopped near the village and stepped out.
Rowan smirked. "So this is the Abyssal Dominion. Honestly, wouldn't it be easier to just wipe them out? I've heard they have plenty of techniques vulnerable to direct counters."
Garran slapped him across the back of the head.
"Don't be an idiot," he snapped. "We didn't come here to start a war."
Rowan laughed. "Fine, fine. But if they try anything, I'll handle it."
They began walking toward the mountains.
Like the Creed Mountain Order, the Abyssal Dominion was hidden deep in the highlands. But unlike the orderly paths of the Creed, this route was harsh and steep.
Stone steps climbed endlessly upward, disappearing into the mist like a stairway to the clouds.
---
Before long, they reached the main gate.
Four magus stood guard, expressions sharp and alert.
"State your business," one of them demanded.
Before Garran could answer, Rowan stepped forward arrogantly.
"We're from the Drakebane family," he said. "We're going in."
The guards stiffened.
"The Drakebanes?" one muttered, glancing at the others. "That ancient family?"
Their posture changed instantly.
"What do you want?" the lead guard asked carefully.
"Just entry," Rowan replied with a smile. "We won't cause trouble."
The guard hesitated, then nodded. "Very well. You may enter. Others are already inside as well."
Lucas's eyes narrowed. "Others?"
"A woman," the guard replied. "From the Crowford family. She arrived with a young man about your age."
Lucas's expression darkened.
Sullen Crowford.
And that meant...
Leon.
His thoughts raced.
This shouldn't be happening.
Leon wasn't supposed to be here. He didn't have the demonic blood. He wasn't meant to cross paths with the Abyssal Dominion Order yet.
The timeline was shifting faster than expected.
Lucas clenched his jaw.
"Uncle Garran. Uncle Rowan," he said sharply. "We're going in. Now."
Without waiting for a response, he stepped past the gate and into the mountains beyond.
The Abyssal Dominion awaited.