I was guided to the judgment hall, the sound of raised voices echoing through the corridors. As I approached, I could hear heated arguments spilling from within.
"That child has always been unruly—sleeping with prostitutes, maids, and even guests! No wonder he got such a disgraceful class," snapped one elder, his voice filled with disdain.
"Ahh," sighed another elder, older and seated to the left of the patriarch's main chair. "I don't know how his behavior spiraled like this. He was such a talented child. Even with his vices, his skill in swordsmanship and martial arts was remarkable. His parents were the pride of this family. What a waste of potential."
"Who cares?" a sharper voice cut in. "We did everything to honor his parents' legacy. If he doesn't appreciate the god-given opportunities we've provided, there's nothing more we can do. Family rules are family rules; no exceptions."
"The second elder is correct, Grand Elder," said Augustus Lionheart, the patriarch of the family. He sat in the central seat, his imposing figure commanding respect. As an SS-class Paladin Knight, his every word carried weight. "It pains me, but I can no longer protect Ace. As his uncle, I feel responsible. I should have guided him better."
"Patriarch, this is not your fault," interjected a third elder, seated closest to the patriarch. "We provided Ace with everything—resources, training, and opportunities—more than any other young master. If he failed, it is due to his own actions."
Standing just outside, I absorbed their words, my mind a storm of memories. The fragments of this body's past came flooding back, filling in the gaps. My family, their expectations, my mistakes—they all became painfully clear. Dread settled in my chest.
There was no way I was leaving this hall unscathed.
I was born into the Lionheart family's main lineage. My father, Leon Lionheart, was an SS-class Swordsman, a paragon of strength and discipline. My mother, Vanessa Winter, was an SSS-class Holy Priestess, the last surviving member of the Winter family—a first-tier house allied with the Lionhearts.
Her story was one of tragedy. After awakening as an SSS-class prodigy, she became a prime target of the abyss. A rift outbreak annihilated the Winter family, and they sacrificed everything to protect her. She married my father, solidifying the alliance between the families, but her status made her a constant target.
My parents were invaluable to humanity's battlefront. My father's unmatched skill and my mother's unparalleled support capabilities made them the strongest duo of their time.
But even legends fall.
When I was 12, my parents died in one of the heaviest monster offensives humanity had ever faced. They gave their lives to hold the line long enough for reinforcements to arrive, saving thousands at the cost of their own.
That loss shattered me. The old Ace fell into depression, and my jealous cousins exploited my vulnerability. What began as coping mechanisms turned into reckless behavior—gambling, partying, and flings. I became a disgrace to the Lionheart name.
Despite my fall from grace, the family tolerated me out of respect for my parents. But today? Today was the end of the line.
I sighed, processing it all. A tragic backstory, sure, but something about my situation didn't sit right. My class had two S-ranked skills and one A-ranked skill, yet it was labeled as F potential? That didn't add up.
Something smelled fishy.
But I wasn't stupid. If someone was working against me, the best move was to keep my head down, gather information, and plan my next steps. The Lionheart family wasn't the best place for me to grow my class anyway. My priority was leaving with as many benefits as I could secure.
When I finally stepped into the judgment hall, the elders fell silent. Their gazes locked onto me, a mix of scorn, pity, and frustration.
"Ace," Augustus began solemnly, his tone heavy with regret. "As the head of the Lionheart family, I am forced to make a difficult decision. Do you understand?"
"I understand… Uncle." I quickly corrected myself, adding with a slight smirk, "I mean, Patriarch."
Augustus's eyes softened briefly, but his expression quickly returned to its stony resolve. "Due to your parents' great contributions and your unique status as the last member of the Winter family lineage, I will grant you a large sum of money. Additionally, you may take your current butler with you.
"But from this day onward, Ace Lionheart—you are banished from the family."
The hall erupted. Murmurs, objections, and whispers filled the air, but Augustus silenced them with a wave of his aura. The pressure of his SS-class presence crushed dissent, forcing the elders into compliance.
I stood there, stunned. I'd been hoping for a small favor, maybe a token allowance to get me started. But this? A large sum of money and Sebas—an S-class Assassin and one of the strongest individuals I knew? This exceeded my expectations.
Sebas wasn't just a butler; he was my mother's personal guardian and fiercely loyal to me. With him by my side, I could ensure my safety and strategize my growth. And the "large sum of money"? Knowing this family, it had to be at least a billion credits.
This was more than I'd dared to hope for.
"I thank the patriarch and the family for their mercy," I said, bowing slightly.
With that, I left the hall to prepare for my departure.
When I returned to my room, a familiar figure was waiting.
Sebas knelt before me, his posture rigid and respectful. "Young Master, forgive this incapable one for failing to assist you during such dire times," he said, his voice steady but tinged with guilt.
Sebas was a middle-aged man with silver-gray hair, piercing black eyes, and a lean, muscular build—an archetypal assassin physique. He had served me since birth, having once been my mother's personal butler. His connection to the Winter family made him untouchable within Lionheart politics, ensuring Augustus could assign him to me without much resistance.
"Don't worry about it," I replied, waving him off. "Honestly, this is for the best. My actions determined my current class, but all hope isn't lost. This is a new opportunity to grow."
Sebas blinked, momentarily taken aback by my calm demeanor. Relief and pride flickered in his eyes.
For years, he had watched me spiral into grief and recklessness. Despite his loyalty, there had been little he could do. Even Mira, with all her affection, hadn't been able to pull me out of the abyss. But now? Now, he saw something different.
"Young Master," Sebas said, lowering his head further. "It is my honor to serve you. I will ensure you rise to the pinnacle."
I gave him a nod and began packing my belongings. With Sebas at my side and resources at my disposal, the next phase of my journey had already begun.