As Ace picked up the letter, he began to read:
To whoever picks up this letter,
I hope this message finds you in favorable conditions and that you are a member of my human tribe. It has been ten years since the disaster, and I have finally sealed the abyss ground here. I was only able to achieve this through great sacrifice, but for the survival of humanity, it was worth it.
The rewards I have gained and my legacy are now yours.
On the back of this letter is a rune mark. This mark will grant unimaginable strength, but it reacts differently for each individual. I suggest you apply it under the most optimal conditions.
The second part of my legacy is the Fruit of Evolution. This fruit will upgrade your physique. If you are lucky enough to have a unique physique already, excellent. If not, I urge you to find someone deserving and give of the fruit with them. This fruit is of great value to our race—it not only upgrades one's physique but also helps achieve 100% bloodline assimilation. Please be responsible with its use.
Finally, my last legacy is my sword, The Great Demon. This weapon contains my personal weapon art, best suited for swordsmen classes. If it is incompatible with you, I urge you to pass it on to someone who can use it.
May the glory of Gaia be with you.
Sincerely,
David Huntsmen
Ace's eyes widened as he processed the contents of the letter.
OMG, this is the legendary sword art, fruit, and rune of the greatest swordsman of the next generation. So this is how he gained his qualification? Humph. No wonder he could never surpass the protagonist—he was just lucky, not truly talented.
Ace clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes.
Don't worry, Sir David. I already plan to help humanity advance. This world is in danger, and I refuse to die just watching. This is my second life, and I won't waste it. I will not be a slave to fate. I will take charge. Life will not dictate me—I will dictate life!
Sebas's Perspective
While Ace was lost in thought, Sebas was having his own inner monologue.
Young Lord has truly changed over the past few days. He's back to his ambitious and charismatic self. Master and Mistress always told me to train him and watch over him because they believed he would lead humanity forward. And now… I believe it too.
Young Lord has immense talent—a once-in-a-century genius. But over the years, I watched him drown in grief and recklessness after the family's betrayal and his parents' loss. It broke my heart to see him fall so far.
Humanity has stagnated, content to defend rather than attack. Our ancestors clawed their way to carve out the human boundary, but now, the council and families squabble for power while delaying reinforcements. Their cowardice cost us two heroes and precious ground to the abyss.
Yet, despite everything, I see hope in Lord Ace. His resolve is stronger than ever, and I believe he will surpass even his parents' achievements.
Back to Ace
"Let's head to the next location, Sebas," Ace said, his voice calm yet resolute.
Leaving the cave, Ace and Sebas set out for their next target: the Incubus Bloodline.
The author of the novel had dropped its location during Yoohee Yang's reminiscing. The exact words were: "Who knew her partner's bloodline was hidden in the Woodland Forest, beneath the massive Lake Frost, in an underwater cave?"
Ace smirked. "Time to find the last treasure, Sebas."
He had already briefed Sebas on his backstory—a fabricated one, of course.
"When I was, uh… sleeping around, I came across a map with these treasure locations," Ace had explained. "I burned it to keep it for myself."
Both Ace and Sebas knew someone in the family had sabotaged him, so it was essential to power up and rely on no one but themselves. Ace had even offered the treasures to Sebas, but the loyal butler refused.
"I'm old, Young Master," Sebas had said. "It's better for you to grow strong and thrive."
Though Ace had expected this answer, he appreciated Sebas's loyalty. However, he remained wary—trust was a luxury he couldn't afford right now.
At Lake Frost
Ace and Sebas reached the lake and quickly identified a spot where an underwater cave might exist. Without hesitation, they dove in and began searching.
Luck was on their side.
"First try, baby! Hahaha!" Ace laughed as they surfaced inside a hidden chamber. "Maybe I am the protagonist. Nah, I need to stop. Fifteen years from now, that guy can take the lead—I'll help from behind. Being in the spotlight always ends badly."
Sebas raised an eyebrow but said nothing, used to his master's ramblings.
Inside the Cave
As they explored the chamber, their eyes fell upon a chest at the center.
Inside it lay the Incubus Bloodline.
Bloodlines were rare in this world, though not unheard of. Boss monsters in dungeons or abyss trials occasionally dropped bloodlines. However, assimilation was the tricky part. A bloodline's strength depended on three factors:
Talent and Class Ranking: Higher-ranked classes could endure more, leading to higher assimilation rates.Physique: A compatible physique greatly increased assimilation.Class Synergy: A bloodline needed to complement one's class to maximize its potential.
Even with these factors, the highest recorded assimilation rate was 90%. Out of the 12 SSS-class awakened, only three possessed bloodlines, and their existence was a closely guarded secret.
"Yoohee Yang should have consumed her bloodline by now," Ace muttered. "Right now, she's probably a struggling assassin. With her unique yin physique, she'll hit 90% assimilation and climb to SS with her future class advancement. For now, though, she's still unranked—completely under the radar."
Ranking and Power
Ace paused, reflecting on the ranking system.
In this world, awakened individuals were divided into ranked and unranked. Ranked individuals belonged to reputable organizations, while unranked individuals had no affiliations.
Being ranked came with significant advantages: preferential treatment, emergency authority, and the ability to command others during crises. As a Lionheart outcast, Ace was unranked. Sebas, once ranked 51, was now also unranked due to his loyalty to Ace.
"Finally, I have everything I need," Ace said, standing tall. "Let's head home, Sebas."
"Yes, Young Master," Sebas replied, bowing slightly.
With the bloodline secured, Ace's plan was falling into place.