"The reason he is an essential part in this is because there is one inheritance in the secret realm,the one who was the master of the secret realm,that needs the light attribute to enter which Richard over here just so happens to possess.I read this in a journal we recovered from ruins previously explored by my shadow(1) and others I hired."
They finally looked at Richard in a new light since people with the light attribute are rare especially in the human race.Just having the attribute means you can go far even if you have poor talent.
Awakened abilities are by no means weak or useless since everyone of them can become either strong or essential for different purposes.The light attribute are most importantly sought after for their fast healing effect.
"So what is his ability?"
"That is what I would also like to know since the last time we met he was only at level 3.So Richard,what is your ability?Speak truthful now because I hate liars."
Theo looked at Richard with a cold look as he questioned him.Richard started to sweat again because of the pressure Theo released.At first he wanted to lie about his ability and say he could create and shoot light needles but hearing Theo's threat he knew Theo must have a way to find out if he is lying.
"My ability is called [Light blades],I can create blades made from light in different shapes and sizes."
Everyone gasped when they heard this.This was an offensive light attribute ability meaning it was strong and fast at the same time and it had unlimited potential.
"What was the rank of your ability?"
Theo asked as he narrowed his eyes since the rank of your ability decides if you are a genius of not.S-rank abilities are what makes awakened truly geniuses while A-rank are normal geniuses.Anything below that you would just be an ant or a faster cultivating ant.Since Theo had a S-rank and an A-rank ability he was above other geniuses in terms of speed of cultivation and strength of combat power.He often fights with Awakened above his level.
"It's B-rank."Richard answered while trying to calm himself down.
Theo could tell he wasn't lying since he wasn't informed by one of his shadows who had the ability to detect people's hart rate he wasn't lying.
"It's a pity,if it was A-rank or even S-rank you could've been far in terms of cultivation right now.However it must not be easy for you to find a meditation method,where did you get one?"
"I meditated with a Refinement stage non-attribute meditation method I got from my father."
Theo then let the matter go since he found Richard wasn't lying and went ahead to explain to them about the secret realm and when they would set off.
Richard however was sighing in relief when he saw Theo wasn't asking further questions and that he didn't notice Richard said "meditated" instead of "meditating" in his previous sentence meaning he did not lie.Richard was beside himself with glee as he praised himself for his intellect.
"Since you all understand then after you are marked by me you are free to go and wait for our gathering in three days."
Everyone's expressions drastically changed when they heard this.
They had to be marked!?They didn't sign up for this!
Nicholas threw out a 1 star dagger with all his might at the window braking it and ran toward it in an effort to escape.
'If I can sell this information on the black market I would make enough money to live in luxury for five lifetimes.Hehe.'
However just as he jumped out he felt a sting on his neck and grabbed it.A line appeared and blood started to gush outas he lost his consciousness and died.He fell from the air and landed hard on the ground causing panic for people on the street.
"Now if there is anyone else who wishes to go then feel free however you will have to leave your life behind I'm afraid."
Everyone had frightened expressions when they saw this,they didn't even know how he died.Infact they didn't even see anyone attack yet Nicholas died just like that.
They stayed since they knew it was futile to try and escape,they should have known information like thus would not come for free for them to do anything with it.
"Since everyone is willing to cooperate then come one by one to be branded with my Law seal.Don't worry it will only last until we meet again,I will remove it before you enter the secret realm.If you do try to betray me though this mark will sense when you even think of it and it will kill you."
"That's not possible even if you are a Law stage expert,your bluffing."Beth said.
"While that would be true for others for me however it is easy."
He then grabbed Richard's arm without permission and gathered his Law myriad energy in the palm of his hands.
"Axillary art - Rune brand - Pressure seal!"
A circle then appeared on Richard's arm exuding the same energy Theo just showed.Richard flinched at the pain of being branded by the seal.
"You should know thus since your at the pinnacle of Refinement stage,after you break through you learn more than just combat arts."
Everyone couldn't begin to comprehend what they just saw and although Richard is also from the Wake family he has never saw someone use arts other then combat arts,even his father who is a Law stage expert.
Richard grumbled at the fact he was used as a demonstration for the others but had to accept it since he didn't want to die yet.
"Now then,since everyone understands,who shall be first?"
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After everyone got their seals and left only Theo and his shadows,three of them including Theo,were left.
"You did great with your amicable act young master."
"Did I?I thought I was a bit over the top though."Theo said coldly.
Silence then took the room as Theo sat down and his shadows disappeared leaving him alone.
'They think they can live after this?How foolish!After I get what I want I will kill all of them but not without taking all of the opportunities they gained.'
He thought as he sneered and read a journal,the exact one he talked about during the meeting.
"Though,I should keep Richard around after we are done.He might be useful in the future with that attribute and ability of his.It is rare after all."
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(1)Shadows in this case are assassins