The next evening, Evan Windback stood before the grand entrance of the Windback family estate.
The mansion was unusually lively.
Golden lanterns lined the pathways, servants hurried back and forth, and luxurious carriages filled the spacious courtyard. From nobles to influential merchants, guests from various circles of the city had arrived.
It was obvious—
His father had gone all out.
Evan adjusted his clothes slightly before entering. Unlike the other guests dressed in extravagant attire, he wore simple formal clothing. Nothing too plain, but nothing that would draw attention either.
That was how he had lived his life here.
Unnoticed.
The banquet hall was dazzling.
Long tables were filled with rare delicacies, expensive wines, and exotic fruits flown in from distant regions. Soft music echoed through the hall as guests chatted enthusiastically.
At the center of it all stood his father, James Windback, smiling proudly as he spoke with guests.
Beside him—
His eldest son.
Evan's gaze paused for a moment.
Tall, confident, and calm, the man stood straight with an air of superiority that came naturally to those accustomed to praise. His clothes bore the insignia of one of the top academies, marking him clearly as a distinguished student.
This was Leon Windback.
Almost twenty-one years old.
A prodigy.
A high-grade Water affinity Awakened.
Leon was only half a year away from graduating from the academy. Most students enrolled at the age of fifteen and graduated around twenty-two, completing the full six-year academic cycle from awakening.
Graduation was not merely a formality.
It determined future prospects, faction recruitment, and resource allocation.
Tonight's banquet existed for one reason alone.
Leon Windback's success.
Evan took his seat quietly near the side of the hall. As servants poured wine and guests praised Leon endlessly, Evan listened in silence.
"Such talent at such a young age."
"A high-grade Water affinity—truly rare."
"He will surely become a Tier 2 at graduation."
James Windback's smile never faded.
Every compliment directed at Leon seemed to fill him with pride.
Evan watched calmly, but something heavy settled in his chest.
The favoritism was not hidden.
It was displayed openly, without shame.
To his father, the rest of the children were merely supporting characters in Leon's story.
When the banquet finally came to an end, servants began guiding guests out. Laughter faded, and the hall slowly emptied.
Soon, only the Windback family remained.
James Windback cleared his throat.
"All family members are to remain," he said. "We will hold a private meeting."
The servants withdrew.
The doors closed.
Silence fell.
Evan sat among his siblings, his posture relaxed but attentive. His second brother was noticeably absent, as usual. No one commented on it.
James Windback stood at the head of the table.
"As you all know," he began, "Leon is six months away from graduating."
Leon remained silent, but his expression was composed.
"Graduation is the most critical stage," James continued. "Performance during the final evaluation determines future opportunities. Resources will play a decisive role."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"For that reason," he said firmly, "the family will redirect resources to support Leon."
Murmurs erupted instantly.
James raised a hand.
"I have decided," he said, "that all allowances for the other children will be cut by half."
The words struck like thunder.
"What?!"
"That's unreasonable!"
Several voices rose at once.
One of Evan's siblings slammed a hand on the table.
"Father, this isn't fair!"
James Windback's expression remained unchanged.
Leon did not speak.
Evan remained silent.
As the fourth son, Evan's allowance had never been much to begin with. And with his admission to the Broken Sword Academy nearly confirmed—and 300 merits per month awaiting him—this decision would not affect him significantly.
Still—
Disappointment crept in.
Not because of the money.
But because of how easily his father discarded the others.
"Father," another sibling said tightly, "why should we all suffer for one person?"
James's gaze turned sharp.
"This family exists to rise," he said. "Leon represents that rise. Your sacrifices are necessary."
"What about us?" someone protested. "Don't we matter?"
James Windback's voice hardened.
"This discussion is over."
The room fell silent.
"The decision is final," he continued. "Any further objections will not be entertained."
No one dared to speak again.
Evan lowered his eyes slightly.
So this was how it was.
When the meeting ended, the family members left one by one, expressions dark and resentful. Leon left without looking back.
Evan returned to his room.
He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
A family… in name only, he thought.
The next morning, Evan's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
Austin Jade.
Evan answered immediately.
"Evan," Austin said, sounding unusually serious, "my father wants to meet you."
Evan sat up.
Austin's father was no ordinary man. He was a well-known figure in the city—wealthy, influential, and deeply connected.
"I understand," Evan replied. "When?"
"As soon as possible," Austin said. "He already knows about the examination… and the crystal."
Evan exhaled slowly.
Delaying was not an option.
"I'll come today," Evan said calmly.
After ending the call, Evan stood by the window.
In the span of a few days, his life had shifted dramatically.
Academy admission.
A-Level treatment.
Family pressure.
And now—
A meeting with a powerful figure of the city.
Evan's eyes hardened slightly.