Zero walked into the sprawling garden of the mansion, a stark contrast to the simple garden of his former cabin. Though situated in the heart of the city, far from the forests he once knew, the garden still held a breath of nature that captivated the senses. The air was infused with the fresh scent of flowers he had never seen before—an elegant display of the Landhart clan's wealth and power.
As Zero admired the strange flora, something began to stir within him. He felt an unusual energy emanating from the plants, a subtle pulse that he had initially ignored. Upon closer inspection, he realized it wasn't just the plants themselves—it was mana. The air around him seemed alive with it, particles flowing and dancing like ethereal threads.
Mana was the essence of all energy in the world, used for constructing powerful mana cores and martial techniques. It was a force that could bend the elements and laws of nature to its will, a foundation of power in the hands of those who could control it.
Could I use this energy? Zero wondered. It might be useful for protecting myself, especially with everything going on around here.
He closed his eyes and focused, feeling the pull of the mana surrounding him. Slowly, he began to form a connection with the energy, allowing it to flow through him. The mana responded, entering his body and merging with his spiritual core. It was as if his very being resonated with the energy, drawing it in like a magnet.
Zero's skin began to glow faintly, his body becoming lighter and filled with an unfamiliar warmth as the mana coursed through his veins. The connection grew stronger, and he could feel his mana core expanding, reaching a size he had never imagined. What had once been a modest 2-star core was now nearing the strength of a 4-star.
So this is what it feels like to be truly talented… Zero thought, his mind buzzing with newfound clarity. He felt more attuned to the elements, his connection to the world around him deepening.
After a moment of quiet awe, he opened his eyes, feeling more alive than ever. The bonds he now shared with the mana were powerful and intimate. Satisfied with his progress, Zero stood and headed back inside the mansion, his mind racing with possibilities.
---
Meanwhile, on the mansion's top balcony, two men were engaged in conversation, surrounded by a feast of fine delicacies.
"I see your son's talent has finally surfaced," Don said, eyeing Uno with a knowing look.
"How about you take him under your wing?" Uno replied, his voice casual but with an underlying seriousness.
"Why me?" Don raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"I was going to train him, but plans have shifted. I want you to protect him—keep his abilities under wraps until we figure out how to handle this," Uno explained.
Don's eyes narrowed, his interest piqued. "I think I know what you're talking about."
"Hmm?" Uno leaned in, sensing his father's insight.
"I've seen it before," Don said, his voice soft but heavy with meaning. "The divine power of the saints."
Uno froze, his expression hardening. "You mean…"
"Yes," Don nodded. "Your son... his mana core is extraordinary. It's not just the typical mana we deal with. It's intertwined with divine energy."
"That's impossible," Uno muttered, shaking his head. "Mana and divine power shouldn't coexist. They fight for dominance."
"But your son…" Don smirked. "His mana core didn't reject the divine power. It accepted it—coexisted with it."
Uno stared at his father in disbelief. "So it's true…"
Don leaned back, savoring the moment. "Well, he's my grandson, after all. It was only natural for him to inherit greatness."
Uno scoffed. "He's my son, so his greatness comes from me."
Don chuckled softly. "Of course. It's my genes that made you great, after all."
The conversation was interrupted as the butler entered, announcing the arrival of a guest.
"Grandmaster, your visitor has arrived," the butler said, bowing.
"Visitor?" Uno asked, confused.
"Oh, I forgot to mention," Don said nonchalantly. "I have a guest from the Valdez clan."
Uno's eyes narrowed. "Those leeches again?"
Don smiled slyly. "Yes, but it's different this time."
---
Outside, a voice cut through the air as a group approached the mansion.
"This place never fails to draw attention, does it?" a man said as he entered the front yard, his daughter, Leslie, at his side.
"Dad, did you buy this house for us?" Leslie asked, her tone sarcastic.
"Careful, Leslie," her father, Tony, warned. "This isn't our home, remember? We are guests here."
Leslie scowled, her gaze landing on a boy sleeping on the sofa inside the mansion. His shabby appearance caught her attention, and she sneered. "How dare such a dirty, insignificant boy be allowed to stay here with us nobles?"
As she moved to confront Zero, her companion, Tobey, suddenly jumped in front of her, hissing and scratching her hand.
"What the—?" Leslie yelped, stepping back.
"Meow," Tobey warned, clearly protecting his master.
Tony, not tolerating the disrespect to his daughter, summoned a blast of water, sending it toward Zero. He believed the boy was a mere servant, and it would be no trouble to deal with him.
But before the water could reach Zero, a powerful figure appeared, landing in front of Tony with terrifying speed. It was Don, his eyes burning with fury.
"Did you just attack a member of the Landhart clan, you lowlife?" Don's voice was low and dangerous.
Tony stood frozen, his eyes wide with shock. "What—what is this?!"
Before Tony could react, Uno stepped forward, his own anger rising. "And what's this about trying to harm my son? What, exactly, are you trying to accomplish here?"
Zero, still half-soaked from the water attack, woke up, groggy but unfazed by the commotion around him.
The room fell silent.
"...Meow," Tobey muttered, his tail flicking as he kept watch over Zero.