The Badnikers' Council of Elders rarely gathered in one place. Most were occupied with their own duties, but the blessing ceremony was a grand enough event to bring them all together.
After the ceremony, most elders returned to their responsibilities, leaving only five in the Trial Room.
"Luan won," declared Agenor Badniker, who had called today's meeting. "It wasn't just a victory—it was a complete triumph."
"The result is surprising," remarked another elder. "Hector couldn't fully demonstrate his abilities."
"Even so, the outcome remains unchanged," Agenor replied.
Surprisingly, someone interjected, "Still, I think that Luan's fighting style is questionable."
Agenor turned to the speaker. "What?"
"He deliberately provoked Hector, focused on defense, and used words to unsettle him. It wasn't a fair fight," the elder continued.
"It was fair and square," Agenor countered, smiling. "Listen, Zenon."
"Yes?" asked the middle-aged man called Zenon.
"Do you think this is the Goodspring family?" Agenor snapped.
Zenon's expression hardened.
"In a match, winning or losing is everything," Agenor said. "Of course, poisoning an opponent before a duel or giving them a rusty sword would be despicable. But provoking, focusing on defense, and disrupting their composure are legitimate strategies."
Zenon remained silent.
"I know how much you care about Hector. However, this is the Council of Elders of the Badniker family. Maintain your impartiality," Agenor berated.
Zenon Anatos was Hector's maternal grandfather and the head of the Anatos family, one of the Badnikers' supporting families. Yet, he bowed his head and murmured, "I apologize."
The Council of Elders operated as a horizontal body, with one exception—Agenor Badniker. As a blood relative of the previous family head, he effectively served as its chairman.
Therefore, every member respected him, except for Assad, an honorary member.
Phyllis, the youngest of the elders, interrupted sharply, "Even so, it was a close match. Luan's level was below average at the start of the year. Meanwhile, everyone here is well aware of Hector's skill and genius."
Zenon nodded eagerly.
"I know Luan's personality well. He is not the type to engage in bold psychological warfare or mercilessly trample a defeated opponent."
"That's right."
"I share the same opinion."
Agenor glanced at those who had voiced their agreement. "What are you implying?"
"Do you recall the Jewel Mountains incident?" Phyllis pointed out.
"Are you talking about what Luan reported?" Agenor asked.
"Yes. At the time, Luan claimed that assassins sent by the church had disguised themselves as Fang Knights. That was why he nearly died," Phyllis said.
"Are you questioning that? The family head confirmed Luan's testimony," Agenor countered.
"Yes, but we only know that what he said was true. We don't know what he left out," Phyllis shot back.
Only then did Agenor realize what Phyllis was implying. "Are you suggesting Luan is a church member?"
"It's just a hypothesis, but I believe the possibility is high," Phyllis said. "Chairman, you must know that there's a type of black magic in the church that allows for soul transference."
Silence ensued.
"A year is certainly not a short period, but even taking that into account, Luan's transformation is too dramatic," another elder asserted. "There is reason for doubt."
"I understand your point, but some parts feel far-fetched," Agenor replied, shaking his head. "If what you say is true, then Luan killed the subordinates he had planned to infiltrate the Badniker family? Even for a believer, that's too extreme."
"There's no rule that says they must be subordinates," Phyllis countered. "Everyone here knows the church has multiple factions. They don't hesitate to kill members of rival factions. They might form temporary alliances, but in the end, they're enemies."
Agenor couldn't outright dismiss Phyllis' argument. After all, the latter was the most knowledgeable on this subject in the room.
At that moment, the previously silent elder spoke cautiously. "If we ask the family head to discern the truth once more—"
Phyllis interjected, "It will be difficult. Also, if a god of disaster's curse has afflicted Luan, the Blessing of Truth may not work reliably."
" Hmm ..." Agenor murmured, his expression unreadable as he pondered.
Five people, including himself, were present at the meeting. Three were clearly intent on removing Luan, while Agenor and one other remained neutral. Though decisions were typically made by majority vote, Agenor felt uneasy.
A rat... Agenor thought.
Agenor was well aware that a traitor lurked within the Badniker family. Yet, even after living for over 200 years, he couldn't identify the culprit.
Only two individuals were beyond suspicion—the Iron-Blooded Lord and Archmage Assad. This meant even the Council of Elders wasn't free from doubt.
It is a tricky situation.
The elder's demands were both questionable and reasonable. If the traitor had planned this far and executed it, they were no mere rats.
After a moment of thought, Agenor opened his eyes. "I understand your concerns. However, Luan has already proven himself. We have no justification to pressure him further."
"What if we avoid overt action for now?" someone proposed. "Let Luan believe he's eased our suspicions."
"And then?" Agenor prompted.
"We continue to apply subtle pressure while monitoring him closely. Starting tomorrow, we will also have Luan participate in the family's training course."
Naturally, the Badnikers' training course referred to the infamous Six Weeks of Despair.
"The Great Masters will likely comply with our request," another elder added.
Agenor nodded. "I suppose so."
The decision was made.
For a brief moment, Agenor felt a pang of sympathy for the young Badniker. The training would be arduous but could also serve as an opportunity. Luan was of Badniker blood—he should be capable of enduring it.
***
After completely obliterating Hector in the duel, I left the training ground, which was eerily silent—no cheers, no applause.
I decided to rest for the day.
Although the physical exertion from the match wasn't overwhelming, I had shed some blood due to the Afterimage Sword. Fortunately, thanks to the First Fire Technique, such minor injuries healed within a day.
Surprisingly, the elders were quiet. I had expected them to erupt in outrage, but their silence was unsettling
Had they acknowledged me? Or had the Iron-Blooded Lord intervened? I didn't know yet.
Regardless, my life at home changed after defeating Hector. Servants greeted me politely in the hallways, knights saluted me as I passed the training grounds, and the cook served me superior cuts of meat. Of these, I appreciated the last the most.
My mother, however, seemed less at ease.
"I feel so burdened these days," she admitted.
I asked, "Why is that?"
"It's just that the people in the mansion have suddenly changed their attitudes," she replied.
"Isn't it because they are opportunistic?" I chuckled. "It isn't their fault, though. Meritocracy is the Badnikers' family tradition, after all."
"That's true, but..." My mother sighed and looked at me. "Are you sure this is okay?"
"It is fine," I assured her. "Now I won't be beaten up wherever I go. Mother, you saw that yesterday."
"Yes. It looks like you've received a truly outstanding blessing."
My mother seemed to believe that my sudden strength came from the blessing.
In truth, most people probably thought the same. The once-notorious incompetent son of the Badniker family had defeated Hector, who was hailed as a genius. It was a misunderstanding I saw no reason to correct right away.
"Still, I wonder if there is any reason to continue staying here," my mother mused.
There was a reason. I still needed to speak with the Iron-Blooded Lord. While they wouldn't send a collector if I left now, my new goal was to gather information about the Forgotten Era or the demon kings.
The main house must hold a wealth of knowledge , I thought.
"Anyway, take care of yourself, Luan," my mother said.
I nodded, then glanced at Arjan, who stood beside her. She had been tasked with safely escorting my mother back to the mansion. Afterward, she would return to the main house to assist me fully.
Honestly, it felt somewhat unnecessary as I wasn't in a situation that required a subordinate.
Nonetheless, Arjan was highly capable, and having her by my side would be convenient. This trip home wouldn't involve traversing the mountains, so her return would take some time. As such, I decided to address the matter later.
The mountain range also brought one person to mind—Carzakh.
What on earth happened to him? I wondered.
His opponent was a priest, and Carzakh was likely exhausted since the battle occurred immediately after the Jewel Beast's defeat. Objectively, his survival chances were slim.
Still, wasn't he a Great Master? I couldn't believe someone acknowledged by the Iron-Blooded Lord would die so easily.
"We'll meet again, Young Master Luan," Arjan said.
"Yes."
After my brief visit with my mother and Arjan, only Kayan remained by my side.
"Sir Kayan, you've had a hard time," I ventured.
The atmosphere grew awkward with just the two of us now. Was it because he had severed the tendons in my arm in my past life?
Hiding such thoughts felt unnecessary, so I spoke openly. "Honestly, I'm a bit confused about the current situation."
"What do you mean?" Kayan asked.
"The fact that you are standing by my side now, for one," I clarified.
There were other questions, too—his sudden retirement, his help with my mother while I was away. I'd wanted to ask for a long time, but the timing had never been right.
"Did something change in your heart?" I pressed.
"Not particularly." I waited quietly as he continued, "Some people call me iron-blooded and perfect, bestowing undeserved titles. In truth, I'm not that great. There is no grand reason I worked as a collector for so long. I simply had nothing else to do."
Kayan's unexpected confession surprised me.
"So you retired from being a collector because you wanted to find something to do?" I asked.
"That's one way to put it," he replied.
"What is it?" I pressed.
For the first time, hesitation flickered across the stern old man's face.
"Someday, when you complete the White Sun Eclipse, Young Master Luan," he began cautiously.
"Yeah?" I prompted.
"I'd like you to meet my daughter," he said. "Would that be possible?"
"What?" I blinked, caught off guard. His words had far exceeded my expectations.
"You have a daughter?" I asked, incredulous.
"She is my adopted daughter," he clarified.
"Ah, I see."
Collectors rarely had families. After all, resentment often followed the profession. It was likely unknown that Kayan had an adopted daughter.
The sudden revelation left me both confused and intrigued.
"Who is your daughter?"
"Her name is Kaela. Young Master Luan, you might've heard of her."
The moment I heard this name, someone suddenly came to mind.
I blinked again and asked, "Are you talking about Mercenary King Kaela?"
Kayan looked slightly surprised. "How did you know? It hasn't been long since she earned that title. You probably wouldn't know unless you followed the mercenary industry closely."
I fell silent. At this point in the timeline, his words made sense. But there was no way I wouldn't know. After my family cast me out in my past life, I had worked as a mercenary myself. Her name had come up so often that it was almost exhausting.
She was a powerhouse who had earned the title of King in that vast, cutthroat industry. Though she wasn't quite there yet, her name would quietly emerge in discussions about the empire's strongest within a few years. She was that formidable.
In many ways, she was a monster on par with the Iron-Blooded Lord.
"What do you want me to do when meeting your daughter?" I asked.
"Please spar with her," Kayan replied. "If possible, I hope you can defeat her."
"Me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes." Kayan said, "I have seen many geniuses in the Badniker family, but I doubt they can beat her."
"What about the family head?"
"I'm talking about talents still in the process of developing," Kayan clarified.
"Then, you..." I trailed off intentionally, leaving the implication hanging.
Kayan nodded as if he had been waiting for this. "Yes. The moment I witnessed the White Sun Eclipse, I knew you could do it, Young Master Luan."
"I don't get it," I admitted. "Isn't it a good thing if your daughter excels? Why do you want her to lose?"
"I made a promise with her birth father."
I fell silent again. His tone signaled not to pry further, but something told me that if I didn't ask now, I would probably never get another chance.
"What promise?" I asked.