Born in Blood

"Someone will show you how to work. That is all."

Edwin waved a dismissing hand – as those present left through various backdoors, a plump maid led Liam to his new room, which resembled the interior of a six star hotel.

Alone again, Liam couldn't care less about his new luxury living conditions – his face turned dark, bloodlust and pressure tainting the air crimson.

'Celebrity? Do you really think I give a damn about any of that? Laws… don't make me laugh! You're just afraid I'll grow stronger than you will.'

Liam ground his teeth, eventually forcing a sigh to calm himself. Part of his plan worked. He wasn't going to be under any threat of assassins… not with Edwin expecting him to survive.

Moreover, there were bound to be better techniques and spells available for him to choose from.

His uncles and aunts weren't that dumb to attempt anything… were they?

Nevertheless, he rearranged his room to create space for his martial arts – instantly unsheathing his blades and practicing.

Dusk would arrive soon, and he would continue his cultivation and Psionic Rune training.

'At least he can't sense my King's Eye… or second element.'

The eye had become a sensory organ stuck to his mental sphere, making it a part of him. His second element on the other hand… he had no clue why.

At the same time, learning more about the location he needed to escape from was crucial. The surrounding landscapes, cities to go through, cities to avoid.

'I'll wait for an opportunity. My escape is close!'

///

Within the same mansion, an individual was violently ravaging his surroundings, seething with rage.

Adrian Royce's office didn't resemble one any longer. Tables and furniture were turned to splinters, books and documents torn to shreds.

"Why is he such a brute?! Doesn't he understand? The bloodline needs to be pure! Letting that bastard mix in with us, father is corrupting his own family!"

Indeed, Adrian Royce was a purist of the worst kind… even resorting to attempted murder of his own son due to his half-blooded lineage.

The Royce's had many branches where each of Edwin's sons and daughters controlled an aspect of.

Richard Royce, Edwin's eldest son, was in control of the Guild and all functions.

Lisa Royce, Edwin's eldest daughter, had power over the political field of Ucladd – deals with the surrounding cities, trade, and more.

It was through her wicked idea that the assassins guild formed, supported by her brother Richard.

Adrian was in charge of economics.

The reason was simple… his talent in cultivation had been disappointing, showing no motivation or willpower to work hard for power.

Fortunately for him, Adrian had a talent for numbers and business, controlling the family finances and gradually growing the Royce name.

Still, he was a bit of a black sheep in the family… mainly because of his inability to control his temper and lusts.

Calming himself down, his face grew dark, a sinister gleam in his eyes. 'If I can't kill the boy, I can make his life worse than death.'

///

A carriage had brought Eve back from the peasantry the same night, bringing her to the room next to Liam's.

She looked fearful, confused, angry, but seeing her son there gave her a jolt of shock.

'He knew all along?' Eve's brows creased with conflicting emotions, but Liam calmly explained the situation.

Thankfully, before she could ask questions or point anything out, a happy group of maids that seemed to know her pulled her away for a chat.

"I'll be safe, ma," said Liam, seeing the reluctant and pained look on her face.

'You'll be free from this... soon.'

///

The next day, a knock surfaced on Liam's door.

A youthful looking man met his gaze when Liam opened it – his eyes narrowed slits, head devoid of any hair, and a friendly smile on his lips.

He wore a tight black robe, and his aura – a wind element – was much more powerful than Liam was used to with the noble guards.

"Young master Liam, we finally meet! I'm Samuel Horis, the head guard for the Royce family," Sam introduced with a respectful tone and gesture. "I've been told by patriarch Edwin to show you around?"

Liam greeted the man respectfully and nodded – causing the man to look slightly embarrassed.

'Strange. Is he not used to getting respect?' 𝙗𝙚𝙙𝒏𝙤𝒗𝒆𝒍．𝒄𝙤𝙢

Awkwardly, Samuel gestured for Liam to follow him as he explained. "If you'd like, we can start with exploring the mansion."

Liam shook his head. "That's fine. What kind of missions do I have to do during my time here? I take it they're much more political in nature?"

Samuel nodded with a growing smile. The two exited the mansion.

"You're absolutely right, young master. Here, you—"

Liam raised a hand. "Just call me by my first name."

Samuel nodded. He liked the kid's straightforwardness. "Here, you'll be able to work as a hunter, mercenary, escort and more. The missions are obviously more difficult, but equal rewards are given."

Liam paused, then asked with a hopeful tone:

"Do you offer Rank 4 techniques?"

Samuel rubbed the back of his head, responding bitterly:

"Zenith ranked techniques are a bit more complicated than that, lad. The Royce family decided to give me one after I spent nearly a decade in their service."

'Thought as much. He doesn't look a day above twenty, though.' Liam thought.

Samuel decided to change the topic again, so as not to disencourage the boy.

In the distance, a large rectangular building grew closer, surrounded by robed guards entering and leaving.

"Most issues nowadays are political. Conflicts between families and clans, inner strife… the upcoming tournament between the cities doesn't help much either."

Liam raised his brows. In a curious tone, he questioned:

"What tournament?"

"Ah, the Regional Power Tournament between the six major cities. It happens once a year, and each time there's an uproar of excitement among the nobles."

Noticing his silent gaze, Samuel smiled awkwardly and continued:

"The winner receives a Rank 4 body tempering method, a huge sum of 'Ora' Stones, and an honorary title."

Liam's ears perked up. He desperately needed a tempering method.

He'd just completed the third Rank at a very young age, but that advantage would be lost if he stagnated for too long.

"When is this?" Liam asked after a pensive pause.

"In four months."