Third-Person PerspectiveAfter Arai concluded his awakening rite, he completed some official documentation. Afterward, he descended to the ground floor and, with the help of one of the staff members, reached Verdi's assigned chamber."How did it go?"The moment he returned, Verdi asked eagerly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.Arai didn't speak; simply raised his hand, revealing the golden sun emblem.Verdi's expression turned peculiar, gradually shifting before he let out a sigh."…"Arai was slightly taken aback. This wasn't the reaction he had anticipated from Verdi.'Hey, what's with that expression? Aren't you supposed to be astonished right now?' Suppressing a growing sense of unease, Arai asked, "…Is something wrong?""No, not at all!" Verdi quickly denied it, though his face betrayed him.Before Arai could probe further, Verdi grabbed his hand and said, "Let's head back to the estate first.""Alright." Arai didn't argue.Before they left the chamber, a member of the Truth Court approached Verdi, speaking with visible tension. "Pardon me, Lord Verdi, but regarding the… uh…""No worries," Verdi interrupted with a dismissive wave. "I'll handle it. This is my jurisdiction, after all.""Understood." The man exhaled in relief and left hastily.'Hmm? What's going on?' Arai raised a brow curiously.As they exited the room and walked through the hallway, a hooded figure approached Verdi.This figure wore the signature black-and-white attire of the Truth Court but with a distinct black hood embroidered with golden patterns draped over his shoulders. A black mask concealed the upper half of his face, leaving only his mouth and a sliver of his nose visible."Ha!"Arai staggered, overwhelmed by an oppressive aura that bore down on him. He stared at the man in terror as if a feral beast stood before him.Verdi frowned and tapped Arai lightly on the head, dispersing the pressure, allowing him to breathe freely again.The black-clad sorcerer didn't seem to notice Arai, as his gaze never wavered from Verdi. With a frosty tone, he said, "Don't forget to submit the reports on schedule.""And I hope you find him soon because many lives depend on it.""I'll do my best," Verdi replied earnestly."You'd better." The sorcerer's voice remained cold as he turned and left.The moment he was gone, Arai let out a relieved breath.'What in the world was that?! I thought he was going to kill me…'Even recalling the suffocating atmosphere around the man sent chills down Arai's spine. The overwhelming malice and dark aura left an unsettling impression.Sensing Arai's fear, Verdi chuckled and patted his head. "That man you just saw was Clayton, a member of the Law Enforcement Division of the Truth Court.""Are you familiar with the divisions of the Truth Court?""Yes," Arai nodded affirmatively, recalling what Kuban had mentioned earlier about the 'Law Enforcers' and the 'Mystery Researchers.'"Good. Then you must know what the Law Enforcers do, right?" Verdi continued, "What you felt around him are the lingering malevolent emotions that come from slaying countless warlocks. Killing so many leaves them with an aura of perpetual dread.""But it's truly remarkable…" Verdi sighed in admiration. "Normally, when children your age encounter a Law Enforcer, they either wet themselves or faint from fear because of that aura.""Your mental fortitude is commendable."Verdi looked at Arai with genuine praise.'Should I tell him I'm actually a grown man?'Arai mocked silently but instead smiled and said, "Maybe I inherited it from one of my ancestors? After all, they were wartime leaders, and this level of intimidation would've been nothing to them.""Maybe. Or perhaps you're just an old monster in a child's body?"The father and son shared a laugh as they climbed into the carriage to return to the estate.Despite everything, Verdi couldn't hide his happiness."Arai, as a reward, take this book.""Hmm?" Arai glanced at the book with indifference before his expression brightened.[Beginner Spells]"Spells?" Arai couldn't hide the smile that spread across his face.The spells from Introduction to Magic had been rubbish, unworthy of his time or effort. They were nothing more than basic, non-combative examples, akin to children's educational models.But this book? This was the real deal!"I haven't given you a birthday present yet, have I?" Verdi handed the book to Arai, saying, "Consider this a reward for your patience over the past three years.""I'll give you your actual birthday gift later.""Thank you." Arai expressed his gratitude sincerely."What's with the formality?" Verdi laughed, ruffling Arai's hair. "You're my son; no need for such decorum between us."'Son…' Arai didn't respond but pondered the word for a moment before nodding silently.