The afternoon sun spilled across the polished timber floors of the Clinton family estate, warm and golden, casting lazy streaks of light through the tall glass windows that looked out over the rolling fields of Melbourne's outer countryside.
Kain Clinton lounged on a deep leather sofa, arms crossed, expression sharp with a familiar mix of rebellion and confidence.
"An arranged engagement, Father? Really?" His lips pulled into a smirk. "We had a deal. I win the World Academy Championship, and you grant me three years of freedom. You're not going to pretend you forgot, are you?"
Kain understood exactly what he represented to the Clintons.
A legacy.
A burden.
A future patriarch, in a line where every generation bore the weight of expectation. His father, Daniel Clinton, was the current head; his grandfather had led before him. Unless fate twisted sideways, the mantle would fall squarely onto Kain's shoulders.
Some days that destiny felt like an honor.
Most days it felt like iron chains.
Daniel's voice held its usual measured calm—the tone of a man who thought through a problem three times before speaking once.
"I never said you had to marry now. It's only an engagement—an agreement of intent."
Kain raised an eyebrow. "An engagement at twenty is basically house arrest with paperwork."
His mind drifted far from the room—from Melbourne, from the estate, from responsibility. He imagined wind-swept cliffs, distant continents, magical ruins waiting to be breached, encounters with people he'd never met, flavors he'd never tasted. He wanted the world, not a cage crafted from tradition and alliances.
His uncle, Eric Clinton, seized the moment like a vulture spotting a scrap of meat.
"Freedom, huh? Haven't you collected enough romantic stories already?" Eric teased. "There's Hazel from the Arcane Guard, Aurora from England, and that Chiharu girl from Fiji's national delegation."
Kain resisted the urge to throw a pillow at him.
Eric loved stirring drama more than breathing.
"Thank you, Uncle," Kain said dryly. "Your loyalty is worth about 8.4 out of 10."
Eric cackled.
"I'm being serious! Hazel's from our own defense teams, Aurora and Chiharu were competitors you met on the international circuit. Friendship is one thing—but don't pretend you weren't popular."
Kain rubbed his temples. "They're all just friends. Competitors. Nothing else."
Daniel's tone softened. "Your private matters are your own. Handle them with discretion, and the Moore family won't mind either."
At that, a small spark of hope flickered in Kain's chest.
But it didn't change his long-term desires—nor the dangers waiting out there. The Coral Sea, stretching like a blue abyss, hid vast demon empires. The deep waters were a realm where humans were prey, not rulers. And across the world, ancient beasts and Monarch-level creatures carved their territories with blood.
If the world wasn't safe, freedom was just an illusion.
"I don't want an arranged marriage," Kain said. "Political games aren't my style."
Daniel inclined his head slightly.
"Then let's restructure our deal. Here's my condition: If you can reach Ascendant Rank within two years, I won't interfere in your choices ever again."
The room went dead silent.
"Two years?!" Eric nearly fell off the couch. "Daniel, be serious! That's something a thirty-year-old war mage might aim for—not a kid who just turned twenty!"
To reach Ascendant at twenty-two would be unheard of. Even reaching Warlock High Stage before age twenty-five was considered the mark of a prodigy.
Kain hesitated—but only for a breath.
Star-Sea Veins could accelerate breakthroughs, but they weren't miracles. Insight mattered more. Understanding. Resonance with magic. Entire academies were filled with geniuses who plateaued at Mage High Stage for decades.
Still…
Kain rarely backed down from a challenge.
He leaned forward, fingers tapping the armrest.
"If I succeed, I want a Monarch-grade Essence."
Eric choked on his own saliva.
Daniel's response was immediate. "Agreed."
Eric swiveled toward his brother with wide eyes. "You can't be serious!"
"However," Daniel continued, "if you fail, you will accept the family mantle and its responsibilities. No arguments. No escape clauses."
He stood slowly, the authority of a patriarch wrapping around him like a mantle of storm clouds.
Kain's grin returned.
"Father, you and Mother are still young. Why not have another child? Maybe give me a younger brother or sister to share the burden?"
Daniel actually staggered this time.
Eric burst out laughing. "You've been away for a week and return only to bully your father and elder brother? You little rascal."
Kain collapsed back into the sofa, exhausted from verbal sparring.
Dealing with family required a different kind of stamina—almost worse than fighting beasts.
Eric's expression turned serious, if only briefly.
"You probably don't realize this, but the Clinton family has an ongoing partnership with the Moore family. If things keep spiraling the way they are… the joint venture might collapse."
"Because of me?" Kain pointed at himself with exaggerated innocence.
"Not entirely," Eric admitted, "but many of the resources we have now came because of you. And most of them require cooperation with another major house… and frankly, the Moore family is the best option."
Kain shrugged. Business bored him.
Money intrigued him only when it turned into magical resources or battle gear.
"What about you?" Eric said suddenly. "Do you really think you can do it? Reach Ascendant Rank in two years?"
The question hung thick in the air.
Kain's heartbeat steadied. His breathing calmed. His confidence—tempered by experience—settled into place.
"Seventy to eighty percent," he answered.
Eric's jaw fell open so far it nearly hit the carpet. "Kain… I'm a prodigy myself. And even I only reached Ascendant at thirty. You're telling me you might pull it off at twenty-two?!"
Kain only grinned. "If I succeed, I'm still taking that Monarch-grade Essence."
"You think I can just buy one at the weekend market?" Eric barked, backing away as if physically threatened by the idea.
Kain's grin grew wider. "Then maybe a sub‑Monarch-grade Essence?"
"Fine, fine! I'll see what I can do." Eric threw both hands into the air. "But if you fail, you're mine. I'll drag you to every family meeting personally."
A heavy silence returned—this time not oppressive, but weighty with significance.
The Two-Year Pact had been sealed.
Kain leaned back once more, his eyes reflecting a spark of ambition.
Monsters could wait.
International tournaments could wait.
Arranged engagements could certainly wait.
For the next two years, every breath, every spell, every battle would serve one purpose:
To ascend faster than anyone in history.
The countdown had begun.