As Adrian watched through the window, the patriarch, surrounded by high-ranking bodyguards, walked into the mansion with a heavy, tired step.
The uncertainty of a future that deviated from his past timeline clearly troubled him.
'Hah, what is happening? This is not what happened in the past timeline' Adrian wondered, a note of frustration in his voice.
He sighed and left the room, offering a faint smile to Naz.
Naz was taken aback by the sudden change in Adrian's demeanor. He felt a familiar, unsettling sensation and noticed strange waves of mana surrounding Adrian.
'Hm, he is indeed an interesting person. I'll be joining you soon, brother' Naz thought, eager to leave the family residence and explore the outside world.
As Adrian walked down the hall toward the patriarch's office, he recalled the mysterious quest that had appeared earlier.
'What was that hidden quest? Prove your worth?' he pondered.
The nature of the quest and the mystery surrounding Naz's existence were both pressing concerns he needed to address.
When Adrian reached the gate leading to the main office, a row of stern guards stood watch. One of them asked, "What reason could you have for being here, young master?"
Adrian glanced at the butler accompanying him. After the butler clarified the purpose of Adrian's visit, the gate was opened.
"You may leave now," Adrian instructed the butler.
Inside the office, the patriarch, Xander Rael Zelais, sat behind a grand desk.
In his mid-30s, Xander was renowned as an S-ranked swordmaster with a powerful presence, dedicated above all to his family.
"I greet His Majesty," Adrian said, bowing in respect.
"It's fine. You may call me Father here, as no one else is around," Xander replied.
In the room, only Xander, Adrian, and Reginald, the head butler, were present. Xander's stern expression softened slightly.
"So, Father, what is the reason you called me here?" Adrian asked.
"Do I need any reason to meet my son?" Xander said with a touch of annoyance. "I thought you'd understand."
"N-No, but only the most important family members visit your office," Adrian stammered.
"Hahaha," Xander laughed, glancing at Reginald. "Look at what he's saying." The playful tone contrasted sharply with the gravity of the situation.
"Actually, I heard that your performance dropped significantly this semester. What's the reason?" Xander inquired, his tone turning serious.
Adrian recalled his academic struggles during this period. "Sorry, Father. I couldn't concentrate due to various reasons."
"Hmm, I see. If your grades drop again, you will be kicked out from the academy. Do you understand?" Xander said firmly. "You may go now."
"Thank you, Father," Adrian said quickly, exiting the room.
'Ha! this how a conversation between a normal father and son should be?' Reginald thought, observing the exchange with concern.
Moments later, Xander coughed, dark blood staining his handkerchief. Reginald's face turned pale with worry. "Are you okay, Master?"
"Oh, I'm fine," Xander said, gazing toward the ceiling. "I think it's my time, Reginald."
Reginald was stunned. "You're implying—"
"Yes," Xander confirmed. "The mana around Adrian has shifted. I can sense a deep-seated rage and a desire for revenge."
"Revenge? I noticed changes in the young master, but I didn't realize the extent," Reginald said, reflecting on Adrian's recent behavior.
"I suspect that both he and Naz will surpass me and uncover the family's secret arts," Xander mused.
Rumors about the secret arts were varied: some said they involved control over the undead or dark magic, while others believed it was a multi-magic technique.
The true nature of these arts remained a mystery.
As Adrian walked through the garden, he recalled the disturbing sounds of Xander's cough.
Concerned, he knew that without a cure, the patriarch's time would be limited.
"What can I do to find a cure?" Adrian wondered, feeling the weight of returning to the academy with its painful memories.
In the garden, surrounded by blooming flowers, Adrian's expression softened.
Meanwhile, from a shadowed corner of the palace, a young man observed him with a calculating gaze. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of curiosity and cold detachment.
He spoke to an indistinct figure behind him, partially obscured by the shadows.
"Isn't it time for the preparations? Why are you still lingering here?" the young man asked, his voice low and edged with impatience.
The figure, shrouded in darkness, responded with a cold, enigmatic smile. "The pieces are in place. But the true game is yet to begin. Ensure our plan unfolds as intended."
A flicker of something—perhaps anticipation or dread—crossed the young man's face. "And what of our... unexpected variables?" he asked, glancing toward Adrian and the enigmatic presence of Naz.
The figure's smile widened, revealing a hint of something sinister. "Let them think they are in control. The real forces at play are far beyond their understanding."
In an instant, both figures disappeared, leaving only an eerie silence in their wake.
Adrian, sensing an inexplicable chill, looked toward the distant window. A shiver ran down his spine as he felt the weight of unseen, dark forces converging on his world.
### Chapter 7-end ###