Chapter Thirteen: The Beginning of Transformations
Silence filled the arena as the remnants of mana pressure slowly faded from Ren's body.
Cecilia lay on the ground, gazing at him with wide eyes, breathing heavily… She hadn't expected to be defeated — not this easily.
Galin Kramora, who had been watching quietly, muttered softly:
"Rank B-…?"
He exchanged glances with his wife Mariana, then added with a mixture of surprise and suspicion:
"That's rare… extremely rare."
Mariana responded in a whisper-like tone:
"Cecilia is rank D, and she is considered one of the greatest prodigies at her age… but him…"
Malphus remained silent for a moment, then said coldly:
"Ren shattered all expectations… again."
**
Ren quietly stepped forward toward Cecilia and gently helped her to her feet.
His gaze didn't change, his eyes calm… almost too calm.
Despite her usually cold demeanor, Cecilia lifted her head toward him and smiled lightly:
"You are perfect."
He did not reply. He didn't know why he helped her… he just did.
**
After a moment, they all moved to the dining hall.
The long table was adorned with luxurious dishes, sharp aromas, and noble silverware etched with intricate patterns.
Ren sat next to Cecilia. As soon as he settled, she quietly began placing food on his plate… as if she already knew exactly what he liked.
He said nothing.
But Galin… noticed everything.
**
He observed his daughter silently, then looked at Ren and asked with a barely concealed tone of jealousy:
"Ren… who trains you? This level at this age… it can't be gained alone."
Ren almost answered, but Malphus interrupted quietly:
"He receives some guidance from Kiran von Hilgard."
Mariana raised an eyebrow:
"The Black Flame Knight? The one who fought the Demonic Marquis on the plains of Mordec?"
Malphus nodded, but added:
"But Ren reached this level shortly after he began his training."
Ren said in a neutral tone:
"What I've reached wasn't through traditional training… it was something else. More special."
No one responded, but the glances changed.
Galin pressed his cup, silently.
**
After dinner, in Galin's office, Malphus and Galin met quietly.
Galin said seriously:
"If others find out that Ren has reached this rank, many problems will arise. There are ongoing attempts to eliminate him, assassination attempts."
Malphus looked firmly:
"Whoever dares to assassinate my children will meet their death—even if it is the Emperor himself."
Then Malphus began creating a mana barrier around himself, skillfully isolating the surrounding energy.
He unleashed a destructive mana barrier, revealing an astonishing level of power.
It became clear that Malphus had broken through to rank SS+.
Galin stood stunned, his eyes widening:
"You've reached the level of that foolish Emperor…"
**
The day ended with tension enveloping everyone, and it became clear that the game of power was no longer just words… but actions and danger.
**
Ren walked silently through the palace corridors… but his mind was filled with one question:
"Why… did I help her stand?"