Temud Arahan is considered the starting point of the "Last Saber." The official lore of this world began after his death. He was the strongest being in a world where he stood shoulder to shoulder with the emperor.
His mysterious death serves as a significant thread connecting the beginning and end of the game.
"Temud, huh...?"
"Surprised? Since you're an Arahan, you probably know more about Temud than I do. He was a unique figure in the history of the empire. I believe you can grow to that level."
"But Temud is just a legend, isn't he? How can you say that without having seen him?"
"Hey! That's not what I meant! I'm saying you can become that strong!"
So, he thinks so highly of me?
I was momentarily taken aback but then nodded in agreement.
Breaking a 2-circle mana stone with a mana stat of 5 was certainly not something ordinary.
'Could it be because of this trait…?'
The "Blessing of the Archmage," which had never activated before, might be the key. As an S-rank trait, its abilities were likely extraordinary.
If it were a continuous effect rather than an activated one, it would explain why I could break a 2-circle mana stone.
If we interpret "blessing" literally, it suggests that some great archmage is helping me.
'It's strange that I suddenly gained magical traits after being pulled into this game.'
While I had received traits like "Immortal Gambler" and "The Tenacious Challenger" from my previous life, "Blessing of the Archmage" seemed unrelated to my past experiences.
Moreover, I had hardly played as a mage character at all.
'It doesn't seem to simply enhance magical power...'
Suddenly being drawn into this game felt significant.
Though it was still just speculation, I felt strongly that there was more to it.
"Have you ever seen such an arrogant brat? You're thinking about other things while your master speaks?!"
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Klang's reprimand snapped me back to reality.
If I continued to dwell on these thoughts, I wouldn't find any answers here.
Klang turned away and waved his hand dismissively. "You can go now. Have a good trip tomorrow."
"Thank you for today's lesson. It was a valuable opportunity for me."
"Forget about lessons. Prepare yourself for what lies ahead; I will too."
Klang gritted his teeth.
Was he truly planning to raise me to Temud's level?
The thought of undergoing rigorous training made my heart race with anticipation.
Given the training area we were in, it didn't seem like he would subject me to mere meditation exercises.
"Hey, Master."
"What is it?"
I paused on my way down the mountain and turned back to Klang, asking as politely as possible, "Do you have time tomorrow?"
The Next Day
Zed and Tunda arrived at the mansion early in the morning. They were waiting in the head's office on the seventh floor, and Tunda looked pale with fear.
"Why so nervous? Are you scared?"
"I-I'm not scared! And don't speak to me informally!"
Tunda's voice trembled noticeably.
His anxiety was distracting, and Zed chuckled as he patted Tunda on the shoulder.
"Has your hypnotic magic worn off or did you release him? You wouldn't want to show yourself like this in front of the head."
"W-What are you saying?! If you use informal language again, I'll really get mad!"
"You're adorable. Don't worry; I have no ill feelings toward you."
"You think I'm cute...? You'll regret saying that—!"
-Thunk!
At that moment, the office door swung open.
The previously chaotic atmosphere fell silent as a chilling aura filled the room. Tunda visibly shivered from across the room.
As someone approached, it felt as if the entire building shook from their presence.
Both Arahan brothers immediately knelt before the imposing figure who entered—the head of their family, Geneadin—who looked down at them with an expressionless face.
"Hmm."
Both were kneeling; one held his head high while the other stared at the ground with pale features.
Geneadin's gaze settled solely on Zed.
"Do you know what the ceremony at the tomb entails?"
"Yes, it's an authentication ceremony for confirming Arahan's pure bloodline."
"Correct..."
Geneadin briefly appeared pleased with Zed's confident response but frowned upon hearing Tunda's answer.
The head of Arahan was not known for being lenient toward incompetent offspring.
"You're pathetic. Tunda won't answer; I'm not asking you."
"Wha...? Oh... yes...!"
Tunda's face flushed with embarrassment and fear as he realized he had been reprimanded publicly by his father.
Zed glanced at Tunda, who looked utterly defeated and terrified.
He wanted to finish this meeting quickly and return home.
Geneadin asked Zed again, "What do you gain from this ceremony?"
"I will gain eligibility for becoming a successor and earn the right to wear Arahan's cloak."
The cloak itself was an excellent magical item—fireproof and capable of deflecting most swords and arrows.
For Zed, wearing that cloak held greater significance than merely becoming a successor; it represented power and protection from their enemies.
Geneadin smiled approvingly. "The cloak has been passed down since our first head, Temud. Wearing it signifies your membership in Arahan. From now on, you'll be judged by the same standards as your siblings."
"I understand."
Zed grasped what that meant: no more leniency for childish mistakes or misdeeds would be tolerated moving forward.
It also meant severe consequences for misconduct or failure—an indirect warning considering Zed had killed Dvito and accepted Bahal's invitation previously without repercussions thus far...
"It looks like today will be tough. You may leave now."
"Yes."
Zed stood up and bowed before exiting. However, Tunda remained frozen in place as if his legs were glued to the ground.
I almost ignored him but felt a pang of sympathy and helped him up instead.
'Hmm.'
Zed supported Tunda as they walked out together while Geneadin observed their retreating figures closely.
'He doesn't even see Tunda as competition anymore; how amusing.'
It wasn't common to see an Arahan sibling caring for another openly like this...
As Geneadin smiled slyly at their departure, Kalris Leal—the head of the magical unit—stepped out from within shadows nearby.
He knelt before Geneadin. "My lord, please give your orders."
"I need time to think," Geneadin replied thoughtfully.
"We should punish anyone who contacts the Billy family," Kalris insisted firmly.
"I'm not worried about that; I simply want to see how my youngest responds," Geneadin said with interest shining in his eyes as they followed Zed's progress closely...