The more Anthony praised Velen, the more curious the five became.
They were well aware of Duke Michelstein's personality—he would never easily praise someone, and this was the first time he had spoken so highly of a young individual.
Soon after, under Anthony's guidance, the group set out to find Velen.
On their way, the five Battleboard prodigies grew increasingly astonished, as everyone they passed was discussing Velen—and the content of their discussions was explosive!
"He can control four powerful and distinct types of elemental mana! He's at least an SS-rank bloodline awakener!"
"That's nothing compared to the three D-level Advanced attack skills he displayed! His comprehension ability is monstrous!"
"Exactly! He just defeated over 200 Ducal Manor members all by himself. That kind of combat prowess is utterly defying the heavens!"
Hearing these comments, Anthony and the five were stunned.
From what the crowd was saying, it seemed like they had missed a spectacular show!
"My lord, is Velen really just rich and resourceful?"
Hael, the leader, furrowed his brow and questioned again.
Anthony thought for a moment before replying, "As far as I know, those are indeed his only qualities. In any case, Velen is just ahead. Let's see for ourselves."
Even Duke Michelstein appeared intrigued.
He had only been away for a short while—what had Velen done to stir up such a commotion? Why was everyone in Ducal Manor talking about him?
Seeing Duke Michelstein's reaction, the five prodigies were even more shocked.
It seemed like the Duke didn't have a deep understanding of Velen, yet he still insisted on bringing him into their group.
What made Velen so special to warrant such attention from the Duke?
Not long after, when Duke Michelstein and the others arrived at the arena plaza, they were all stunned by what they saw.
The entire plaza was in utter chaos, a complete mess devoid of any semblance of order.
"What's going on? Wasn't this supposed to be a duel tournament? How did it turn into a free-for-all?"
The geniuses beside Hael all voiced their confusion.
At that moment, the assistant steward rushed over.
"My lord!"
Seeing the assistant steward, Anthony immediately asked curiously, "What on earth happened here?"
Hael and the others also turned their attention to the assistant steward.
The assistant steward took a deep breath, his mind flashing back to Velen's domineering performance, and said with a complex expression, "A genius. An unprecedented genius!"
"My lord, Velen singlehandedly injured over 200 members—both the outer circle and the core!"
His voice trembled as he spoke.
After all, Velen's overwhelming display had reignited a long-dormant fire in his heart.
Hearing this, Anthony and Hael were in disbelief.
It was important to note that becoming an outer-circle member of Ducal Manor already meant standing out as a top-tier genius in smaller regions.
And core members were one in a million!
Even within the Titan Galaxy, they were considered first-tier prodigies.
Moreover, they had a significant numbers advantage!
And yet, they had all been defeated by Velen?
Amid their shocked expressions, the assistant steward recounted the events that had just transpired, vividly describing every detail.
Though he was merely recounting Velen's actions, he couldn't help but feel as if he were standing atop a mountain, looking down upon the world.
Anthony suddenly remembered something Anastasia had mentioned before.
She had said that although Velen lacked a mana core, his mana patterns were unusually intricate—dozens of times more complex than hers!
The more mana patterns one had, the greater their capacity to manipulate mana.
This meant that Velen's mana reserves were dozens of times greater than Anastasia's—and Anastasia's mana reserves were already dozens of times greater than an ordinary awakener's!
In other words, Velen's mana reserves were hundreds of times greater than a typical awakener's!
Against others of the same rank, he was completely overwhelming!
Hael and the others noticed this detail as well. They frowned, exchanging glances.
Could someone's mana reserves really be nearly infinite?
To release so many powerful skills and grow stronger as he fought—this was beyond anything they could comprehend!
Moreover, they noted the variety of mana elements Velen controlled:
Earth! Thunder! Light! Ice!
And all of them were rare and powerful mana types.
For most awakeners, mastering even one of these elements could elevate them into the ranks of top-tier prodigies!
Yet Velen had mastered not one, but four.
And all of his skills were high-level, reaching D-level Advanced!
For Apprentice Rank awakeners, learning even one such skill was a monumental challenge.
But Velen had mastered three.
It was utterly mind-boggling!
Immediately, Hael and the others looked at Duke Michelstein with a sense of being played.
Rich! Resourceful!
These must have been surface-level qualities.
The Duke's earlier remarks now seemed like a joke to them.
Feeling their skeptical gazes, Anthony's pride was slightly wounded. He asked, "Where's Velen? Why don't I see him?"
"He's been arranged to rest in the VIP lounge," the assistant steward replied respectfully.
Hael and the five others exchanged glances, each filled with eagerness.
"My lord, let us go meet Velen—our new companion!"
With that, they darted off in unison.
"Companion?"
The assistant steward narrowed his eyes and quickly inquired, "My lord, aside from Lady Anastasia, these five are the current members of the Hatchling Order. Are you planning to have Velen join the Hatchling Order as well?"
The Hatchling Order represented Ducal Manor's future. Once inducted, members received extensive resources and nurturing.
"Velen is someone Anastasia values greatly. She's been so focused on leveling up over the years that she hasn't had many friends. Don't let the senators find out about this, or they might take him away."
The senators were known for their love of young prodigies. As long as someone had exceptional talent, they would go to great lengths to help them advance—but the process was extremely strict, leaving little freedom.
Seeing Anthony's growing appreciation for Velen, the assistant steward sighed bitterly.
"My lord, this matter has already caused a huge stir—it's spread everywhere. Even if I don't say anything, they're bound to hear about it!"
Hearing this, Anthony frowned.
A talent like Velen was someone Anthony naturally wanted to keep close. With Velen by Anastasia's side, he would feel much more at ease. There was no way he'd let the senators take him away!
Shortly after.
At the door to the VIP suite.
As Velen opened the door, he was greeted by five figures around his age standing at the entrance.
All of them were staring at him curiously, as if inspecting a rare creature.
"Velen, from now on, you're our companion. My name is Hael!"
"I'm Audrey, your future companion."
"I'm Austin, your future companion!"
"I'm William, your future companion!"
"I'm Jenny, your future companion!"
Watching the five introduce themselves, Velen was a bit puzzled. It hadn't been long—how had he suddenly gained so many companions?
Sensing Velen's confusion, Hael briefly explained the Hatchling Order.
Upon entering the Hatchling Order, they would become companions.
Velen nodded. All in all, he had gained a new identity, placing him in the same league as Ducal Manor's top-tier geniuses!
These individuals were clearly extraordinary. Velen glanced at his system and asked:
"Since they'll be my future companions, shouldn't I provide them with some support?"
The system didn't refuse.
Velen's heart leapt with joy. This was a great opportunity to show off his wealth and build closer bonds with them.
With a smile, Velen pulled out five storage bags and handed them to the group, one for each.
"You are all truly exceptional—dragons among men—and my role models. Please accept this gift as a token of my respect!"
Hael and the others, hearing this, were increasingly pleased with their new little brother. Not only was he strong, but he also seemed well-versed in social etiquette!
"Thank you for the gift!"
They accepted the bags. But as they opened them, they all froze in place, completely stunned.