Catherine stared at her young master in shock. Just minutes ago, he was no longer breathing, but now he was not only alive but looked better than ever.
Ryan stared down at his new body. His old, frail form was now on par with that of an Olympic athlete.
His arms, once as lean as a broom, had buffed to a size that would strike fear into anyone attempting a fistfight. His stomach now sported well-sculpted abs, and his leg muscles had grown impressively.
It wasn't just his muscles. His hair had turned golden blonde, and the color of his eyes had become more vibrant.
"Master Ryan, what happened to you?" Catherine asked. She had visibly witnessed the changes in her master's body, and it defied all logic.
"Well, I don't really know what happened, but it has something to do with my system," Ryan responded. He didn't want to reveal too much information because, truthfully, he himself didn't understand the full extent of his power.
And there was another major problem: humanity had rebelled against the gods, burning their temples as a way to honor the Beyonders. If people discovered that Ryan could summon the same gods they saw as evil, he would be eliminated instantly.
Ryan didn't care if the gods were viewed as villains. They had given him a healthy body and the power to surpass those who had mocked him.
While Ryan was still debating the origins of his powers, a knock sounded outside his room, drawing everyone's attention.
"Let me get that," Catherine said. She cautiously made her way to the door, preparing herself in case of trouble.
The door opened to reveal a man adorned in metallic armor. He was one of the kingdom's foot soldiers guards assigned to menial tasks.
"The King has requested to see Master Ryan," the guard stated his purpose and vanished before any questions could be asked.
"Why would my father want to see me?" Ryan asked. The last time he'd seen his father, he was seven years old, and he could barely remember the man's face.
"I don't know, but it seems important. You should go," Catherine said. It would be beyond foolish to decline or postpone the King's invitation.
"Well, let's go," Ryan said as he walked toward the door. But he stopped when he realized Catherine wasn't following.
"Catherine, you are aware that I don't know my way around the palace?" Ryan said. The last time he stepped outside his room was when he was forced to attend a royal event 11 years ago.
Catherine nodded and decided to escort him. She initially hesitated, as the King had summoned only Ryan, not her.
Ryan moved through the palace with Catherine leading him. His eyes darted around like those of a child from a small village stumbling into a grand city. It had been so long that he'd forgotten how the palace looked.
"Who's that handsome man?" a random lady asked, staring at Ryan. But it wasn't just her. Almost every woman he walked past turned their head to look at him, all wondering the same thing: Who is he?
Ryan ignored the stares. At last, they arrived at the throne room. He took a deep breath, bracing himself for what was to come.
The throne room was massive, with soaring ceilings supported by intricately carved marble columns. Golden chandeliers hung from above, their warm glow reflecting off the polished black and white tiled floors. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting past kings and glorious battles, each a reminder of Valeria's history.
At the far end of the room, atop a raised platform, sat the throne, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Made of silver and gold, it shimmered under the light, its backrest shaped like a phoenix with its wings spread wide. The King sat on it with an air of authority, his pale blue eyes scanning the room like a predator surveying its territory.
"Who are you?" one of the two red-armored knights asked. The red-armored knights were the third strongest knights in the kingdom, the first line of defense for the King, and highly respected.
"I am Prince Ryan Royalblood," Ryan said. It wasn't shocking that the guards didn't recognize him. In fact, he'd be surprised if they did.
"Lies. The second prince is just a myth," the guard said confidently. Without hesitation, he drew his sword and pointed it at Ryan, while his colleague took a step toward Catherine.
[Hostile Intentions Detected.]
[Inspect activated.]
[Enemy is leaps and bounds above you. Inspect has failed.]
"Ryan, pull out your crest," Catherine said calmly. She wasn't the least bit intimidated by the guards' hostility. She knew their strength well, and they were no match for her.
Catherine's voice snapped Ryan out of his thoughts, pulling his attention away from the system message.
He reached into his shirt and pulled out a necklace. Raising it, he revealed the Royal Crest, a talisman granted only to those with royal blood. Each royal family had its own crest, serving as proof of their lineage.
"My prince, I apologize," the guard said, sheathing his sword. His colleague did the same, bowing and offering apologies to both Ryan and Catherine.
With the misunderstanding resolved, Ryan and Catherine entered the throne room. They were flanked by a red knight, ready to neutralize them should they attempt anything.
"Ryan, I see you've been taking good care of yourself," the King said as his eyes landed on his son. He hadn't seen Ryan in years and had nearly forgotten his existence until news of his awakening reached him.
"I'll cut straight to the chase. I heard you awakened a summoning talent," the King said bluntly, not even waiting for Ryan or Catherine to acknowledge him.
"Yes, that's true," Ryan said confidently, staring into the King's cold, pale blue eyes.
There was little resemblance between the two. While Ryan had green eyes and golden hair, the King's hair was stark black, and his features carried an icy sharpness. Many had speculated whether Ryan was truly his son.
"This kingdom cannot have a summoner as a prince. You'll need to prove yourself to the people of Valeria," the King said dismissively. It was clear he wanted Ryan gone.
Ryan frowned. "And how am I supposed to do that?"
"You must accomplish something powerful enough to solidify your place or face banishment," the King said with a cruel smirk.
Ryan's patience was wearing thin. "Once again, how do I prove myself?" he asked, frustration seeping into his voice.
The King leaned forward, his pale blue eyes narrowing. "You will clear the Paradox Dungeon."
The room fell silent. Catherine's gasp was the only sound that broke the tension.
"No," she said firmly, her voice trembling with disbelief. "You can't ask this of him!"
Ryan glanced at her, a mixture of gratitude and resignation in his eyes. He turned back to the King, his jaw clenched.
"And if I refuse?" he asked.
The King's expression hardened. "Then you will leave this palace as a prince no longer."
Ryan's heart sank, but his resolve solidified. If clearing the Paradox Dungeon was the only way to prove himself, he would face it no matter the cost.