In the private chamber of the famed Crimson Hearth restaurant—a luxurious venue on the fifth floor overlooking the vibrant city—three young figures sat, though the atmosphere was far from casual.
Leona, her black hair tied neatly behind her, wore a fitted black jacket over a loose T-shirt and dark jeans. Her gaze was sharp, posture perfect, like a trained swordswoman even at fifteen. Beside her sat Drake, his black eyes gleaming beneath streaks of dyed red hair, dressed in a red jacket over a crisp shirt, loose-fit jeans completing the casual yet striking look.
A knock echoed softly against the door.
As it opened, the two stood, not out of fear, but respect.
Arthur stepped in—shorter than both, looking younger, yet undeniably more imposing. In his calm presence, there was something regal… something dangerous.
"Hello, Drake. Leona."
"Arthur," they both replied in unison.
Arthur didn't waste time. He walked past them and took a seat, motioning for them to do the same.
"You know why I've called you."
They nodded.
"So… do you accept?"
Drake leaned forward slightly. "Just one question. We'll be like employees, right? Forty-five days off a year, including weekends, and a monthly salary of a thousand gold crowns?"
Arthur met his gaze. "Yes."
"I'm in," Drake said without hesitation.
Leona, however, narrowed her eyes. "Why are you offering us so much? That kind of money is only earned by Rank 3s or above. We're still at Rank 0."
Arthur looked at her calmly. "Because I've seen potential in you."
Leona folded her arms. "Potential? There are hundreds—no, thousands—with the same or greater potential."
"I know," Arthur said with a smile, "but what I've seen in you two… is something more. Something more valuable than raw talent."
Her expression shifted, uncertain now. "What exactly have you seen?"
Arthur's eyes glinted. "If I'm wrong, you're free to leave after four years. I'll even provide resources for your breakthroughs, no matter what you choose."
Leona went silent, deep in thought.
Elaris, Arthur said mentally, show me their current status.
A faint flicker passed in his vision.
⸻
Name: Leona Valtara
Affiliation: Valtara Merchant Family (sword and artifact trade)
Rank: 0 (9th mana circuit opened recently)
Class: Swordsman
Affinity: Wind
Unique Skill: [swordseer's Eye Unawakened — will awaken at Rank 1]
Loyalty:- 50%
Extra Skills:
•C-Rank Skill: Wind Fang Slash (Mastery: 20%)
•D-Rank Skills:
•Quickstep Edge (30%)
•Flowing Counter (25%)
•E-Rank Skills:
•Blade Art: Basic Form (100%)
•Wind Pulse Strike (80%)
•Guard Breaker (80%)
•F-Rank Skills:
•Basic Slash (100%)
•Mana Infuse (100%)
•Speed Stance (100%)
⸻
Name: Drake Ferian
Affiliation: Crimson Magic Tower (his father is a Rank 4 mage there)
Rank: 0 (8th mana circuit opened)
Class: Mage
Affinity: Fire
Unique Skill: [crimson will Unawakened —
awaken at Rank 1]
Loyalty:- 50%
Extra Skills:
•C-Rank Skill: Flame Bolt Surge (Mastery: 15%)
•D-Rank Skills:
•Ignite Zone (25%)
•Fire Whip Control (20%)
•Burning Grip (15%)
•E-Rank Skills:
•Fireball (70%)
•Heat Flash (65%)
•Flame Step (60%)
•F-Rank Skills:
•Mana Focus (100%)
•Heat Touch (100%)
Arthur looked at the pair sitting across from him—Leona, with her sharp, perceptive gaze, and Drake, calm but brimming with untapped fire.
He leaned back in his seat, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"An Insight-based unique skill… and a fire-born will forged at Crimson Tower…"
He closed his eyes for a moment, processing the information Elaris had just provided through their mental link.
Even though their unique skills had yet to awaken, he could already tell—they were valuable.
"With just these alone," Arthur muttered under his breath, "I can say it's worth the gold."
The smile lingered on his face. Their loyalty—measured at 50% for Leona and 50% for Drake—was higher than expected.
Perhaps, he thought, his leadership in Round 2 had left a deeper impression than he realized.
He folded his arms.
"By the way, I did invite the others from Team 12," he added casually, "except Julian. But none accepted."
There was no bitterness in his tone—just calm clarity.
He looked at them again.
"So. Have you decided?"
Leona took a breath. Her sharp eyes didn't waver.
"Yes," she said simply. "I'll join."
Drake grinned and leaned back in his chair.
"I was ready anyway."
Arthur nodded slowly, a quiet pride flickering in his eyes.
"Then it begins."
"So… should we go watch a movie or something?" Arthur asked, stretching casually.
Leona paused for a moment, thoughtful.
"Well… let's go."
After a relaxed lunch, the three of them—Arthur, Leona, and Drake—stepped into the sleek black Aether-powered levitation car parked just outside the restaurant.
As the vehicle floated smoothly across the stone-paved roads of Valerian County, Drake's eyes widened, leaning closer to the window.
"Damn," he muttered. "I've never even sat in something like this. This levitation car is seriously next level."
Leona, arms crossed, gave Arthur a side glance.
"Why are we accompanying you, Art—"
She paused, realizing how casual that sounded.
"Should I… call you boss or something?"
Arthur gave a small chuckle.
"Do as you like."
Drake grinned.
"Alright then, how about 'Young Master'? That's what your butler calls you, right?"
Arthur actually laughed at that.
"Fine by me," he said. "But show respect to Rein. He may be a butler, but he's no ordinary servant. He's higher ranked than both of you."
Drake and Leona glanced at each other, then at Rein, who was silently driving.
"Wait… what rank is he?" Leona asked.
Arthur smiled without answering. Rein glanced at them through the rearview mirror and chuckled softly.
"I'm Rank 5," he said. "Achieved it at age sixty."
Drake's eyes widened.
"Sixty? That's… crazy. So you're saying you only broke through recently?"
Leona looked stunned too.
"Then… may I ask—your core grade?"
Rein smiled kindly.
"Normally, you should never ask this to anyone. They might kill you for it."
He paused a second, then added, "But since you're his companions, I don't mind. It's Gold Grade."
A short silence.
Then—
"Gold Grade?!" both Drake and Leona said in unison.
Leona's eyes sparkled with realization.
"That's… that's enough to reach Rank 8 at the very least, with dedication."
Rein nodded, smiling with subtle pride. Arthur didn't say anything—he just looked out the window with a faint smirk.
When they arrived at the theater, Rein smoothly parked the car near the VIP entrance. The staff, recognizing Arthur instantly, led them through a private hallway.
The VIP seating area was already booked—spacious, quiet, and perfect for their little outing.
Just as Arthur and his group were about to enter the private VIP section of the theatre, the unexpected happened.
Two familiar figures appeared down the hallway, walking with elegance that didn't belong to the casual setting. Their presence was enough to draw attention—even here, where privacy was the standard.
Nyx Akers and Georgina Evans.
Arthur paused, his brows lifting ever so slightly.
"Well, well," he said with a small smile. "It's a surprise to see you here, Nyx, Georgina. I didn't expect to meet the heir of the Evans family in Valerian County. It's truly a pleasure."
Georgina, dressed in a crisp black outfit that matched her composed aura, caught his intent quickly and responded with practiced grace.
"We're here on some family business, Young Master Arthur," she replied smoothly.
Arthur gave a soft hum.
"Oh? Business in Valerian County… Forgive me if it's rude, but may I ask what kind of business brings the Evans family here?"
Georgina gave a polite bow of her head.
"Unfortunately, it's a family matter. I'm afraid I can't say more."
Arthur's gaze lingered a second longer, reading between the lines, then nodded with the calm of someone who understood power and privacy.
"Of course. Family matters are delicate. If there's anything I can do to assist, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll help as much as I can."
Georgina's smile softened, and her expression relaxed just a bit.
"Thank you for your generosity, Young Master Arthur."
Arthur then turned his eyes to the quiet girl beside her.
"And you must be Nyx. I believe this is our first official meeting."
Nyx, calm and mature as always, nodded once.
"Yes, it is. But I've heard about you… many times."
Arthur smiled, amused.
"That's my pleasure then. It's early, but… best of luck with Round 3."
"You too," Nyx replied, her tone cool but not unfriendly.
Georgina gave a small nod and stepped back.
"Now, if you'll excuse us."
With their aides close behind, the two girls walked gracefully toward their own reserved chamber.
Arthur's eyes followed them briefly before turning back. Leona raised an eyebrow.
"Friends of yours?"
"Something like that," Arthur replied.
With that, the group entered their own room, sinking into the comfort of velvet seating as the lights dimmed.
The movie began minutes later—a grand fantasy epic filled with swordplay, betrayal, and flying cities. But Arthur?
His thoughts drifted elsewhere.