Inside the governor's office in Dreville, Baron Aritz Erkhan was shouting at his subordinates.

  "Hurry up! Get the residence prepared immediately—or you'll answer for it!"

  The officials scattered at once, fully aware they had less than an hour to report success.

  Andrea, Aritz's daughter, tried to calm him.

  "Father, there's no need to get so angry. It's not that urgent."

  "It is," Aritz snapped. "And you—stay in your room and don't come out until that Douglas leaves."

  Andrea blinked in surprise.

  "You're acting as if some kind of demon is coming. Why are you so tense?"

  Aritz exhaled sharply.

  "You don't understand, foolish girl. That young lord can do whatever he pleases here—and I can't say a word against it."

  Andrea frowned.

  "Father, we have two thousand soldiers, and you are a loyal subordinate of the king. If that boy misbehaves, you can detain him and report it to His Majesty."

  Aritz shook his head.

  "You truly don't understand—you're too young. That young lord is arriving with three hundred soldiers. And from what I've heard, Duchess Sofia assigned only her finest guards to protect her son—each of them Lord-class or higher. Our forces would not be able to defeat them, let alone restrain him."

  Andrea's expression tightened.

  "Lord-class? What does that mean exactly?"

  Aritz looked at her patiently.

  "Listen carefully. Every warrior possesses a power rank that reflects both combat ability and magical aptitude.

  "Ranks one through nineteen are Amateurs—novices without real battlefield experience.Twenty through thirty-nine are Legionnaires—properly trained and dependable in combat.Forty through fifty-nine are veteran Legionnaires, more disciplined and battle-tested.Sixty through sixty-nine are Lords—capable of commanding troops and facing lethal situations without hesitation.Seventy through seventy-nine are Magisters—masters of advanced tactics and magic.Eighty through eighty-nine are Champions—feared across the kingdom.And ninety through ninety-nine are Omicron… living legends whose power borders on the impossible."

  He paused.

  "If Lusian's guards are Lord-class or above, that means level sixty and higher—trained, disciplined fighters with superior magic and strategy. We cannot confront them directly."

  Andrea slowly nodded.

  "Then… you're not exaggerating."

  She hesitated before asking, "Father, we mustn't offend him. What is this young lord's full name?"

  Aritz answered solemnly, "Lusian Douglas The Mondring."

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  Recognition flashed in Andrea's eyes.

  "I've heard of him at the academy. First-year, Class A. One of the top fifteen students. He's also the one who struck Prince Leonardo."

  Aritz finally looked satisfied.

  "Now you understand. Go to your room."

  At Dreville's main gate, Iker Erkhan, the governor's son, waited to receive the unwelcome guest.

  "Good day. My name is Iker Erkhan. On behalf of my father, welcome to Dreville," he said with strained politeness.

  Leonidas Kash, speaking as Lusian's representative, responded courteously.

  "A pleasure. I am Leonidas Kash. Please lead us to the residence prepared for my lord."

  Iker escorted Lusian and Emily through the estate arranged for them. As they walked the corridors, Emily glanced around.

  "It's quite lovely, isn't it, Lusian?"

  "Yes, it is," he replied. "I'm sorry I dragged you along."

  She smiled gently.

  "It's alright. I understand. But tell me—why did you really want to come here?"

  Lusian chose not to reveal his true motives.

  "I wanted some fresh air. A chance to relax away from the capital's noise."

  Emily studied him for a moment.

  "It sounds like you also wanted distance from your family."

  "It's… complicated," Lusian admitted. "Let's leave it at that. Shall we walk through the village?"

  Dreville was home to fifteen thousand residents and protected by a sturdy wall built to withstand monster attacks. Its greatest treasure was a healing waterfall descending from the mountain, its waters infused with a steady flow of mana.

  As they approached, Emily admired the scenery.

  "It's beautiful."

  "It is," Lusian agreed. "But you must be careful. Staying in the water too long is dangerous. The body can only absorb mana up to a certain limit—beyond that, it becomes poisonous."

  "Really?" Emily asked, intrigued. "I've never heard that."

  Lusian smiled faintly.

  "It's one of the many peculiarities of this world."

  When they reached the waterfall, Adela stepped forward.

  "My lord, allow me to inspect the area for safety."

  "It's just water," Lusian replied. "What danger could there be?"

  Albert chuckled. "Let her be. She prefers it that way."

  Lusian sighed.

  "She's going to be this intense the entire trip, isn't she?"

  Emily watched Adela curiously.

  "You seem close. How long have you known her?"

  "Since she was ten," Lusian explained. "My mother tested her magical affinity and took her in as a disciple. She's trained at our castle ever since—and Mother gifted her that tiger."

  Emily nodded.

  "She seems excited."

  "Yes," Lusian replied dryly. "She's playing the role of devoted escort… and becoming unbearable."

  A guard approached them near the water.

  "Welcome. I am assigned to the waterfall. If you wish to enter, you must first hear the safety instructions."

  "Is that really necessary?" Adela asked.

  "Absolutely," the guard replied firmly. "Your life depends on it."

  He continued, "The duration of immersion depends on individual strength. Exceeding your limit can be fatal. If you feel dizziness, headaches, stomach pain, numbness, tremors, or chest pain near your mana core, exit immediately. Those are signs of mana poisoning."

  Adela returned and relayed the warning.

  Lusian's eyes gleamed with interest. "I'd like to try."

  "Me too!" Emily said eagerly.

  "It purifies mana and aids healing if used correctly," Adela added. "But excess is dangerous."

  Emily changed into a bathing robe and stepped beneath the cascade. She endured four minutes and fifty seconds before emerging. As she approached, her robe clung to her from the water. Lusian flushed faintly and quickly handed her a towel.

  "Change. I don't want anyone looking at you like that."

  Then Lusian entered and lasted five minutes and twenty seconds.

  Adela and Aureus followed together, remaining for four minutes and forty-five seconds.

  Albert stepped in next—and stunned everyone by lasting seventeen minutes and thirty-five seconds.

  Lusian muttered, "How irritating… now we have to wait for Albert."

  Charles seized the opportunity and endured fifteen minutes and ten seconds, proving his exceptional mana control.

  That evening at dinner, as conversation flowed peacefully, Charles suddenly clutched his chest and nearly fell from his chair. Leonidas caught him immediately as alarm spread across the table.

  Albert remained calm.

  "Relax. Everything is fine. Charles has just advanced to Magister. Congratulations—though it took you a little longer than usual."

  Lusian frowned.

  "What happened to him?"

  Albert explained patiently,

  "Don't you remember? It happened to you as well when you advanced ranks and your mana core expanded. It's painful at first, but once it stabilizes, everything returns to normal."

  Lusian nodded, feigning recollection.

  "Ah, right… that's exactly what happened when I advanced."