"Ever since you were young, I noticed something different about you."
"Your maturity far exceeded that of children your age, your thirst for knowledge—even mastering multiple languages of the northern and southern continents."
"And your yearning for supernatural power, and now becoming a Blessed of the Evernight. It all makes me feel as if something is constantly chasing after you."
"My child, you can confide your worries in me. Remember, no matter what happens, I and the Will family will stand behind you."
Looking at the concerned expression of Duke East Tucker across the desk, Aaron's Adam's apple moved slightly as he lowered his head.
"I know, Father. I love you, I love Mother, I love Aphne, and everyone who cares about me."
"That's precisely why I don't want to see tragedies unfold before my eyes while being powerless to stop them."
"I don't want to regret in the future. I want to change certain things, to protect those I care about."
The Duke glanced at the bowed head of the young man before suddenly rising and walking to his side.
With a gratified smile, he patted Aaron's head and said warmly, "Aaron, you've truly grown up."
"Everyone has their own secrets. I believe in you, my child. No matter what you wish to do, I will be your strongest support. Walk your path boldly."
Aaron looked up at his father beside him and nodded slowly but firmly.
---
After the conversation, Aaron returned to his bedroom. Aphne had already fallen asleep under the care of her maid and hadn't come to play with him.
Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the crimson moon outside, he reflected on the day's gains and losses.
First, he had confirmed his faith, successfully met with the Evernight Goddess, earned Her initial recognition and trust, and obtained the status of Her Blessed.
Second, he had spoken openly with his father, revealing his true thoughts and receiving his support and affirmation.
Finally, through this series of actions, Aaron had demonstrated to Duke East Tucker his close connection with the Evernight Goddess and the depth of Her favor.
This would pave the way for him to showcase his uniqueness to the true source of the Will family—Valna Will, the Night Emperor's child—and arrange an early meeting with that ancestor to secure the full backing of the Will family.
After all, in this Fifth Epoch where true deities have retreated to the astral realm to maintain the World Barrier, the assistance of an angel walking the earth was unimaginably valuable.
Even as a Blessed of the Evernight Goddess, the Church's support would only extend to certain conveniences.
The Church was the Church, and the Goddess was the Goddess. What the Evernight Goddess knew would not necessarily be shared with the Church.
Expecting the full support of the triple-crowned pontiff based solely on his Blessed status was wishful thinking. Direct aid from the Church would be limited, with most help being intangible and behind the scenes.
Therefore, since he had the means, he would make full use of them. His status as the Evernight Goddess' Blessed could serve as a stepping stone, allowing him to meet the progenitor of the Will family before reaching demigod status and potentially persuading "Him."
Securing the full support of an angelic family would greatly benefit his future plans.
---
After a moment of contemplation, Aaron quickly entered the smaller inner chamber adjacent to his bedroom. Retrieving four candles, he placed them at each corner of the room. Once prepared, he lit them one by one, picked up the silver dagger, recited the incantation in Hermes, and visualized his spirituality spreading outward from the blade's tip.
An invisible force surged as Aaron circled the room with the dagger. His spiritual intuition confirmed that a barrier had formed, sealing out all impurities and disturbances.
Sitting in the chair, he closed his eyes to meditate and recover his spirituality. Moments later, he shut his eyes, expanded his spirituality, and connected his consciousness to the boundless dark golden mist in the infinite heights of his spiritual sky.
Passing through the murmurs and howls echoing in the mist, Aaron opened his eyes again.
Within the grand hall, seated upon the towering throne, Aaron looked down at the four pulsating points of light below. After a brief hesitation, he extended his spirituality toward one of them.
---
Azshara, Capital of Lenburg
Chek Wald handed in today's assignment at Old John's Tavern and received his reward.
Clutching the coin pouch, he dragged his exhausted body back to his home in the southern district of Azshara. After greeting his mother, who was washing clothes, and his younger sister studying diligently under the gas lamp, he forced a relaxed demeanor under their worried gazes.
Returning to his small room, he retrieved a brown leather notebook and a black iron box from beneath his bed, along with an ancient knight's shortsword from his inner pocket, placing them all on the table.
As he stroked the shortsword and the iron box, he flipped open the notebook.
Its pages were filled with notes—his father's final gift before succumbing to severe injuries two years prior.
For the past two years, he had read it meticulously every day, engraving his mission into memory.
The Wald family had once been viscounts of Intis. During Emperor Roselle's reign, they supported reform and were deemed staunch loyalists.
Over a century ago, Roselle was assassinated, and the Wald family was purged by the Sauron royal family.
Under the desperate resistance of their then-leader, a Sequence 5 "Reaper," and other family Beyonders, a small number of descendants escaped Intis with valuables and some mystical materials, seeking refuge in Azshara, the capital of Lenburg.
His grandfather had died during that flight. Two years ago, his father—already a Sequence 7 "Pyromaniac"—ventured alone into Intis to seek advancement, only to return mortally wounded.
Following his father's dying instructions, he had placed the red crystal formed from his corpse into the black iron box, never opening it again.
The ancient shortsword was said to be a relic of the Wald ancestors, once enshrined in the family's inner tower until their downfall. He carried it close, praying for their protection.
Now, he worked as a bounty hunter, saving up to purchase the materials needed to become a Sequence 9 "Hunter."
As for joining the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, he had no intention of considering it. Membership would shackle his freedom, eliminating any hope of returning to Intis.
His sister, however, could join the Church. 'The family's burdens are mine alone to bear. At least this way, Mother can live more easily.'
Lost in thought at the table, the young man failed to notice the faint glow on the ancient shortsword—or the gaze observing him from beyond.
---
Above the dark golden mist, within the grand hall, Aaron withdrew his spirituality from the throne, deep in thought.
'Chek Wald, former Viscount of Intis, purged by the Sauron royal family. Confirmed—another mess left by Roselle.
'Hunter pathway, strong sense of responsibility, driven by vengeance. Good, he has potential.
'The Sauron royal family likely has an angel in the Hunter pathway... Father is only Sequence 4 now. This could be carefully planned.'