THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

The castle was silent as he navigated through the dimly lit halls, each casting warm, flickering shadows on the stone walls from the setting sun. He reached the grand corridor that led to the dining hall. Deciding to open his status window along the way, he scanned the interface as it materialized before him, hoping to understand the newfound energy coursing through him.

Name: David De Gror

Race: Human >> [New]

High Human

[New]

Physique

:

Aurumaris Empyreal core

class: Ascendant >> [New]

Ember Divine

class division: Awakened, Type: [Vortex Adept]

Role: [New]

Chronomancer of the Tapestry

[New]

Job:

Spross Des Banners

LV: 50 [500/10,000] >> 60 [0/100,000]

Skills: Eternal Gluttoney, Celestial Wheel, Wolf\'s grace, Heaven Whispering Plam, Sacred Essence Cultivation, Eyes of Veilborn Dissonance.

Aetenus: Blood Alpha ⬆️

(Lv up)

, Draven The Fallen ⬆️

(Lv up)

HP: 5000/5000

MP: 2000/2000

Stamina: 1000/1000

Strength: 1500

Agility: 4000

Intelligence: 1000

charm: 999

As David examined his status screen, he was struck speechless. Level 60? He blinked, almost convinced he was seeing things. It had been a while since he last checked his status window, but this level boost was staggering—he was now on the verge of surpassing Elder Tyron himself.

His fingers hovered over his status display, slowly scrolling through the new attributes that had appeared alongside his core stats. There were fresh additions under unfamiliar categories: a "Physique" indicator, a "Job" role, and more refined breakdowns of his power sources. Each new element felt like uncharted territory, yet it intrigued him. These classifications represented growth, evolution—each was a sign of the transformation he\'d undergone since beginning his journey.

"Physique... Aurumaris Empyreal core," he murmured, reading it aloud. The title rang in his ears with a potent gravity, resonating as if the very essence of fire and life pulsed within him. He wondered what this Physique signified in practice; would it enhance his natural strength, his resilience, or perhaps unlock abilities yet unknown? The possibilities unfolded like a vast landscape, each potential path awaiting his exploration.

The "Job" category shimmered, a steady glow radiating from the words

"Spross des Banners."

The title felt charged, as though brimming with unclaimed power, and its meaning stirred something profound in David. This wasn\'t just a label; it was a role etched into the essence of his very being, as if the world itself had acknowledged his transformation and granted title.

The job resonated with his newfound ambitions, an invitation to step into a role that carried both prestige and responsibility. A thrill coursed through him as he understood that this was more than a title—it was a calling.

Excitement bubbled up in him, tempered by a hint of trepidation. He knew these newfound strengths were essential pieces of the puzzle to mastering his evolving battle style, and to realizing his potential. Each aspect, from Physique to Job, would need to be honed with precision, wielded in harmony with his core abilities.

Already, his mind raced with possibilities. Integrating these elements into his combat style would be an art form in itself, merging brute force with calculated precision.

His aura, now more intense than ever, had to be carefully managed. How would this searing flame align with his current tactics? Could he amplify his strikes with the essence of his Physique, or perhaps manipulate the battlefield itself through sheer presence?

As his gaze lingered on his stats, David felt a surge of ambition. He would learn to master these new strengths, to wield his title with pride. This world offered trials at every corner, and with each level gained, he grew more prepared to face them.

As David\'s fingers brushed the dining room door, ready to push it open, his eyes caught on an intriguing line in his status window. He froze, rereading it with a mix of disbelief and excitement.

"Is this for real?" he muttered, unable to keep the thought contained. Luna and Draven… had leveled up.

The realization sent a thrill down his spine. Luna—his loyal companion, who he had often held back from assisting him in battles to foster his own growth—had reached a new level of strength.

Luna wasn\'t a mere beast or warrior of this world; she was a being from the tower, her power formidable and refined, a match perhaps for a King-ranked swordsman of the third tier. And now, she had become even more powerful.

The implications stirred a mixture of awe and curiosity within him, though he decided to ponder it later. Right now, his focus shifted back to his immediate need—food.

Taking a breath, David pushed open the dining room doors. Warm rays from the setting sun spilled across the polished table, casting a soft glow over the room\'s ornate furnishings. His eyes adjusted to the light, and just as they did, a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Katrina was there, busily arranging plates and silverware, each movement precise and practised. She appeared fully immersed in her work, her slender hands positioning the delicate crockery with care, completely unaware of David\'s presence.

An idea sparked in his mind, and a playful glint flashed in his eyes. He quietly closed the door behind him and wrapped the handle in a thick shadow, a clever trick that would keep any unwelcome interruptions at bay. Moving soundlessly, he stepped closer to her, weaving through the dappled patches of light until he was within arm\'s reach.

Without warning, David wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her snugly against him.

Katrina\'s gasp of surprise was soft but audible, her entire body going tense for a moment before relaxing into his embrace. She tilted her head slightly, catching a glimpse of his reflection in the polished silver tray before her.

"David!" she exclaimed, her tone carrying equal parts surprise and delight. Her cheeks flushed with color, the warm light only accentuating her sudden blush.

David chuckled, leaning down to speak near her ear. "Couldn\'t resist, Katrina. It\'s been far too long since we had a moment alone, hasn\'t it?"

Katrina\'s lips curled into a shy smile as she placed her hands over his, her fingers warm and delicate against his. "It has, my Lord," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

With a gentle turn, she faced him, her eyes glinting with a mix of affection and lingering surprise. David\'s gaze traveled over her face, taking in the flush on her cheeks, the soft glisten of her eyes, and the faint smile that played at her lips. The tenderness in her expression filled him with warmth and a sense of peace he rarely felt elsewhere.

"I know you\'ve been busy," she whispered, her fingers tightening around his as she looked up into his eyes. "Preparing for the ceremony, leading the household… it\'s all so much." Her words were laced with an understanding that touched him deeply.

David nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I wouldn\'t have managed any of it without you, Katrina. You\'ve been my anchor through it all."

Katrina\'s smile softened, and she reached up, fingertips brushing along his jaw. "Then let me continue to be, in whatever way I can," she replied, her voice tender but resolute.

David leaned closer, his hands slipping from her waist to cradle her face. "I know I don\'t say it enough," he began, his voice low, "but I\'m grateful for everything you do, Katrina. And… I missed you."

Katrina\'s cheeks grew even warmer, and she closed her eyes briefly, as though savoring his words. When her gaze met his again, there was a flicker of resolve within it, mingled with something else—something more daring. She leaned up, brushing her lips softly against his in a gentle, unhurried kiss, and David reciprocated, feeling the warmth of her affection pour over him like sunlight.

In that quiet embrace, time felt like it slowed. The world outside, with its duties and battles, faded into insignificance as they shared this intimate moment, bound by an understanding deeper than words. The pressures of his life melted away, and for a fleeting moment, David was simply David—not the Spross des Banners, not a fighter or a noble, but just a man, reveling in the warmth of someone who understood him entirely.

As they pulled apart, Katrina lowered her gaze, still shy but radiant with happiness. She gestured toward the table, her voice soft yet resolute. "But, unfortunately, my lord…" she murmured, her hands beginning to glow with a faint light.

"Wait, what? She\'s using mana!" David thought, startled, just as glowing bindings of light coiled around him, holding him in place.