Marquis Arthur raised his glass and said, "Then I invite you all to celebrate this night." Everyone in the hall raised their glasses and joined Marquis Arthur, and the celebration officially began.People started to celebrate and continued to talk about Lucian among themselves. Serenna approached Lucian and said, "How do you feel? It's rare for our father to praise someone, you're quite lucky," she smiled.Lucian replied, "Yeah, you can say that…" but his facial expression clearly showed he wasn't pleased with the situation.The branch families were carefully observing Lucian, yet no one revealed their intentions, as showing any killing or hateful intent in such a setting would undoubtedly be seen as tactless. A few people from the tables of the branch families came to introduce themselves to Lucian.Four people had come to meet Lucian, and all of them bore snowflake symbols on their chests. The snowflakes were the symbol of the Wintergate family. Each branch family receives different snowflake crests based on the expertise they specialize in. The main family carries a perfectly white, six-pointed snowflake, considered the strongest, as their crest. No matter what their expertise, it is undeniable that this family is the strongest. Among the branch families: The Red Snowflake family is known as the wildest house. Their desire for war is so great that they often cause trouble during family meetings. The first leader of the Red Snowflake family developed a dangerous technique called "Overload," allowing them to achieve incredible power by overloading their aura for a short time. During this process, the aura they emit turns red. Although all other family leaders, aside from Arthur Wintergate, are 8th-level aura stars, it is said that the leader of the Red Snowflake family is the only one who can stand toe to toe with Arthur Wintergate due to this technique."Hello, I can call you Lucian, right?" one of them said loudly, bearing the red snowflake crest on his chest."Of course, and your name?" Lucian asked."Oh, how rude of me! My name is Arslan! Nice to meet you! HAHAHAH!"Arslan's appearance reflected both the might of a warrior and the fierceness of a lion. His long, red hair was wild and voluminous, flowing from his neck down to his shoulders like a lion's mane. This vibrant red hair mirrored Arslan's strong personality and energy. His bright red eyes seemed to burn like flames, and every glance exuded a determination and passion that belonged on a battlefield. Deep in his eyes, there was a constant desire for challenge and struggle.Arslan's face was defined by sharp, strong features. His powerful jawline and high cheekbones emphasized his solid, unshakable character. His thick eyebrows gave his face an even more pronounced fierceness. Though his smile was wide and genuine, there was always a sense of threat behind it. His grin was filled with both a warrior's joy and a subtle warning to any potential adversary.His body seemed to be made of pure muscle. Standing nearly two meters tall, he had an enormous physique. His muscles were clearly defined and tight, rippling with power and agility with every movement. His broad shoulders and powerful arms made it clear just how dangerous he was as a fighter. The clothes he wore were designed to reflect his warrior persona, fitted with a flexible armor that did not hinder his movements. The red snowflake crest on his attire symbolized the wild nature and battle-hungry spirit of the family he belonged to.Arslan's posture was always upright and self-assured, full of defiance. His steps were heavy and deliberate, as if the ground trembled beneath him with each stride. When he spoke, his voice was loud and reverberated, drawing the attention of everyone around. His massive smile might have softened the threatening expression on his face, but the burning passion for battle hidden in his eyes could always be felt.Lucian replied, "Nice to meet you too, Arslan. Are you here to challenge me to a duel after the Marquis' speech, perhaps?" he asked, half-jokingly."HAHAHAHA! That would be great. I never say no to a fight. I've never fought a mage before, so it would be an interesting experience, but for now, you don't interest me." He said, staring threateningly into Lucian's eyes.Lucian thought to himself, "So I don't interest him? He's clearly saying I'm too weak to be worth fighting. Can't say he's wrong. From what I can tell, he's a 6th-level aura user. He's not someone I can fight right now."Lucian responded, "Then I'll consider this a postponed duel." He looked Arslan in the eyes, and for a moment, they stared at each other in silence until Arslan broke it by saying: "HAHAHAH! You really are brave, just as expected from someone praised by Marquis Arthur!""Why does this guy laugh so loudly…" Lucian thought to himself.The girl who had come with Arslan stepped forward and said, "I'm Lily, a pleasure to meet you, Master Lucian."Lily's appearance was a mix of pure beauty and the cold persona of an assassin. Her long, silky, straight black hair flowed down her shoulders, perfectly smooth and neat, as if each strand was placed with special care. Her icy blue eyes reflected the calm, collected gaze of an assassin, though deep in her eyes, there was a flicker of curiosity and intelligence. Her elegant facial features were marked by a sharp chin and high cheekbones. Even when her slender lips curved into a slight smile, there was always a sense of distance and caution in her expression.Lily's body was slender and agile, yet it was clear she could move with deadly precision when needed. She wore a tight-fitting black outfit that didn't restrict her movements, with hidden details like small pockets and compartments to carry her assassin tools. The pink snowflake crest on her attire created a striking contrast against the sleek, dark outfit.Her voice was soft and measured, but there was an underlying threat in her tone. Each word was chosen with care, every sentence controlled. In her movements and posture, there was a natural grace, combined with the discipline of an assassin's training.The Pink Snowflake: Known as the expert assassins of the Wintergate family, they specialize in the use of poison and stealth tactics. The elite members of the Pink Snowflake family are required to serve the head of the main family, a rule that is deeply ingrained in their loyalty to the Wintergate house. Trained from birth to become assassins, the best three each year are given the right to choose whom they will serve, and to this day, they have always chosen the head of the main family. This is how the elite assassin group serving the main family has continued to thrive for years. "You can call me Lucian. I've heard countless stories about how much support your family has given to ours. Thank you for your help.""Thank you. However, I find it more appropriate to address the son of Arthur Wintergate as 'Master,' if you would allow me to continue in this manner," Lily said, her words spoken in a single tone with perfect diction.Lucian thought, "A 5-star aura user. Though her level is lower than Arslan's, she's still far more experienced than I am. These people don't seem like the type to joke around. They were probably sent here by the leaders of their respective families. Everyone is eager to show off their strength. Luckily, the leaders of the branch families didn't come here. Otherwise, I'd be stuck in the same room with two 8th-level aura users, as if dealing with Marquis Arthur weren't enough. Still, it seems like one person is missing. I thought representatives from all three branch families were supposed to be here today. Maybe they just don't want to meet me." Clearing his thoughts, Lucian looked at Lily and said, "As you wish."The last person was a young boy who appeared to be quite arrogant."He's probably about the same age as me. Look at that smug stance and threatening gaze. Unlike the others in the hall, he's not hiding his intentions. Is he brave or just stupid?""And you?" Lucian asked."Hmph! I don't need to tell my name to someone weaker than me," the boy replied arrogantly. From the snowflake on his chest, it was clear he also belonged to the Red Snowflake family.Arslan turned to the young boy and said, "Hey! What happened to respect, you little brat?""But he's just a mage! Do you really think he defeated a dragon? I'm sure he just got lucky. Marquis Arthur only praised him because he's his son!"Serenna, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, suddenly flared her aura and intervened. "Are you saying Marquis Arthur is playing favorites?" she said, placing her hand on her sword. At that moment, Arslan punched the boy hard in the stomach, causing him to drop to his knees, gasping for air.Arslan said, "I apologize on his behalf for his disrespect. We all know Marquis Arthur wouldn't show favoritism. I'll make sure he's properly disciplined and punished." After these words, Serenna withdrew her aura.Arslan then said, "If you'll excuse us," and turned to head back to his table. But just as he took his first steps, Lucian spoke up. "You've apologized for his disrespect towards Marquis Arthur, but what about the disrespect he showed me?"With his back still turned, Arslan tilted his head just enough so that only one eye was visible. Even with just a glance from that single eye, the threatening air he exuded was palpable. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked menacingly."I would have challenged him to a duel for his disrespect. That way, I could have shown him how strong I really am. But I don't bother with people weaker than me," Lucian said sarcastically, flashing a mocking smile."So, how do you want to settle this?" Arslan asked."I suppose if I defeat you, that would prove my strength, wouldn't it?" Lucian said.Arslan grinned widely. "Is that so?""Three days from now, when the sun is at its peak. I'll be waiting."Arslan turned without saying another word and walked away. Although he hadn't spoken, it was clear he was furious. Unlike Serenna, who restrained her aura, Arslan let his aura run wild. It was almost as if red flames were erupting from his body. The entire hall could feel the pressure he emitted, but no one dared to say a word. The only person who seemed unaffected, casually sipping his drink, was Marquis Arthur.Lucian looked over at Marquis Arthur and thought, "You monster. You're enjoying all of this, aren't you? Fine, keep watching, because I'm going to give you quite the show!"