Chapter 4: Blood of the Virel
Sanat was still staring at the floating hologram of the Virel crest.
A silver star surrounded by five orbiting rings.
A symbol of power.
A symbol that now belonged to him.
He leaned back in the chair.
"Alright," he said calmly. "Explain the family."
Boba immediately activated another hologram.
Images of enormous palaces, fleets of ships, and powerful warriors appeared in the air.
"The Virel Noble House is one of the oldest noble families of Astra Prime."
Kyala stepped forward and continued.
"The house was founded over nine thousand years ago."
Sanat blinked.
"Nine thousand?"
"Yes."
Sanat scratched his head.
"Hold on. Humans don't live that long."
Kyala smiled slightly.
"Not ordinary humans."
Boba projected a chart of lifespans.
Lifespan by Power Tier
Tier 1 — Awakened
Life expectancy: 120–150 years
Tier 2 — Evolved
Life expectancy: 200–300 years
Tier 3 — Ascendant
Life expectancy: 600+ years
Tier 4 — Celestial
Life expectancy: 1,500–2,000 years
Sanat stared.
"And Tier 5?"
The hologram flickered.
Tier 5 — Transcendent
Estimated lifespan: Unknown
Kyala folded her arms.
"Some are believed to live thousands of years."
Sanat leaned back slowly.
"So basically the stronger you get…"
"The harder it is to die."
"Correct," Boba replied.
Sanat nodded.
"Okay. Now explain my family."
The hologram changed again.
A tall man appeared.
Sharp eyes.
Long silver hair.
An aura of overwhelming power.
"This was Lord Arcturus Virel," Boba said.
Sanat felt something strange in his chest.
"Your father."
Kyala spoke softly.
"He was one of the most powerful beings in the history of Astra Prime."
Boba continued.
"He reached Tier 5 — Transcendent."
Sanat's eyes widened.
"That's the highest level, right?"
"Yes."
"Your father was considered one of the five strongest humans on the planet."
Sanat looked at the hologram again.
"So what happened to him?"
Kyala's expression darkened slightly.
"He died two years ago."
Sanat frowned.
"A Tier 5 died?"
Boba answered calmly.
"The exact circumstances remain classified."
Sanat folded his arms.
"That's suspicious."
Kyala nodded.
"Yes."
The hologram changed again.
Now it showed an older man.
Long white hair.
Eyes that looked ancient.
But the aura around him felt terrifying.
"This is Lord Valerian Virel," Boba said.
"Your grandfather."
"Current head of the Virel Noble House."
Sanat stared.
"And his level?"
Kyala answered.
"Tier 4 — Celestial."
Sanat nodded slowly.
"So he runs everything now."
"Yes."
Kyala continued.
"After your father's death, the leadership returned to him."
Sanat rubbed his chin.
"And I'm the heir?"
"Yes."
Boba nodded.
"You are the only direct successor of Lord Arcturus."
Sanat leaned back.
"So let me summarize."
He raised his fingers and started counting.
"My father was basically a god."
"He died mysteriously."
"My grandfather is currently running one of the most powerful families on the planet."
"And I just woke up after almost dying."
Kyala nodded.
"That is correct."
Sanat sighed.
"Yeah… nothing suspicious about that."
Suddenly—
The door of the medical chamber opened.
Kyala and Boba both turned immediately.
Their posture straightened.
Sanat looked toward the entrance.
Slow footsteps echoed through the room.
A tall elderly man walked inside.
Long silver-white hair flowed down his back.
His presence alone made the air feel heavier.
Sanat immediately felt something strange.
Pressure.
Not physical pressure.
Something deeper.
Power.
The man's sharp eyes locked onto him.
Kyala bowed instantly.
"Lord Valerian."
Boba also lowered his head.
"The head of the Virel House has arrived."
Sanat remained standing.
The old man slowly walked closer.
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
Then the old man finally said:
"So…"
His voice was calm but heavy with authority.
"You finally woke up."
Sanat stared at him.
This man…
This was his grandfather.
One of the strongest beings on Astra Prime.
Valerian studied him carefully.
Then he asked a single question.
"Tell me, boy."
"Do you remember who tried to kill you?"
The room fell silent.
Sanat slowly smiled.
"Not yet."
"But I'm very interested in finding out."
Valerian's eyes narrowed slightly.
And for the first time—
The old man smiled.