Defying the changes of Seven Rivers

Athena also sighed once Theodore made the dreaded images disappear.

"The gap between him and me continues to grow," she muttered with sadness in her heart.

When they had first met, Theodore and she were at the same levels; some days she might be slightly stronger, but as time passed, her progress faltered and Theodore continued to grow like a rocket.

Sometimes Athena would feel guilty; she felt as if she was being a burden.

Thinking up to this point, her heart grew heavy. Theodore seemed to have noticed her mental state and immediately took her in a warm embrace and gently kissed her forehead.

Caught unprepared, Athena was left stunned, and then a warm feeling rose in her heart.

Athena closed her eyes, allowing herself to bask in his warmth, if only for a fleeting moment. But deep down, the thought took root in her heart—no matter how much love he showed, the distance between them would only continue to grow

Dawn also looked at this scene and had the urge to roll his eyes. Looking at this old man's actions, he was starting to understand where he got those new habits.

"My old father was definitely a playboy when he was young, who played with ladies' hearts," Dawn internally muttered and focused once again. He definitely wouldn't just be here to embarrass his son like this; there must be another purpose, but one could never be too sure he might be here just for this.

Fiona, who was standing on the side, closed her eyes to let her lordship enjoy his loving moment.

After some time, Athena seemed to have realized something and immediately let go of Theodore with a flushed face and muttered something in a mosquito-like voice that no one was able to hear.

After that remembering why he was here, Theodore light coughed to clear his throat.

Dawn, who was intently looking at his father's figure, suddenly felt his demeanor completely transform.

In just a moment, Theodore had changed from a loving husband to the ruthless head of the Skylar family.

"My son, forgive me for not being able to attend your birthday," he apologized in a plain tone; indeed, he hadn't come to celebrate the birthday of his son.

Hearing his apology, Dawn's expression remained unchanged; he knew in his heart this man wouldn't be here just for this.

And indeed, in the next moment, Theodore Skylar revealed the real reason for coming here.

As Dawn with slight anticipation filling his heart.

Theodore flicked his wrist and a wooden box appeared in his hands.

Looking at the box in her husband's hand, Athena let out a sigh and turned her gaze away.

Fiona's eyes also shook; although the box looked ordinary, she instinctively knew inside was something precious... something that she deeply desired.

Theodore held the wooden box firmly, his fingers tracing its surface for a moment. The air grew still. Fiona's breath hitched. Athena averted her eyes. And then—click. The box opened.

As soon as the box opened, a bright white light gushed out like flood water, filling everyone's vision.

"This is it..." Dawn smacked his lips and internally thought. He knew whatever this was, it was going to be an immense help to him.

Before he could say anything, the light disappeared and the crystal slowly hovered in mid-air as if it had a mind of its own and slowly moved towards Dawn.

Theodore Skylar calmly watched and didn't interfere, but from how his lips curled upward, anyone could tell just how happy he was watching the scene.

"As expected, the inheritance crystal resonated with my son..."

Even though Dawn was drooling over the crystal in his head, he pretended to be slightly wary of it and even took a couple of steps back.

He even said in an annoyed tone, "Don't try to get close to me, you North mountains ghost, or I will beat you to pulp."

While saying these words, he meaningfully glanced in Fiona's direction.

Dawn's eyes flickered toward Fiona, his words carrying a weight only she could understand. The message was clear—'Play along.' And from the way her fingers subtly twitched, she had understood perfectly.

Noticing his actions, Fiona stiffened, but still she chose to follow his lead.

Theodore, however, didn't pay attention to this and lightly said, "My son, there is no need to be nervous; calmly accept the inheritance of your ancestors."

Hearing his father's words, Dawn immediately stopped acting and solemnly nodded.

As soon as he did, the crystal was just in front of his forehead, and before he realized it, the crystal burst into numerous tiny particles that entered his body through his upper orifices.

As the crystal's particles melted into him, an unfamiliar presence settled in his soul—a weightless yet profound force, like the whisper of ancestors echoing through time.

Dawn felt a calming sensation filling his head, and before he realized it, thousands of scenes of a figure meditating upon a sky-high peak appeared in his head, followed by a bunch of foreign memories.

"Defying the Changes of Seven Rivers Meditation technique," Dawn silently muttered while feeling awed in his heart.

[Skill acquired - Defying the Changes of Seven Rivers Level 1.]

The meditation technique was too profound; Dawn almost felt his head burst as soon as he tried to process the memories.

Theodore showed a smile and slowly said, "Don't be in a rush, my son; take your time. It's not easy to understand the contribution of thousands of ancestors in a few minutes."

Hearing his words, Dawn immediately stopped trying to understand the technique and ignored it for the time being.

"Good..." Seeing his son act sensibly, Theodore immediately showed a gratified smile.

After that, Athena walked forward and stopped when she was just in front of him.

With a reluctant sigh, she flicked her wrist and a small wooden sword appeared in her hands.

"My son, this is your training sword; from today you can begin training."

She didn't want her son to begin training at such a tender age, but alas, she just couldn't do anything about it.

Athena thought that her son would hesitate when he saw the sword; contrary to her belief, Dawn immediately took the sword from her hands with a smile.

"Thank you for the gifts, Father and Mother."

After accepting these gifts like a sensible little kid, he quickly expressed his thanks.

Upon seeing his smile, Mother Skylar's worries were somewhat eased.

"As long as my son is happy."

Fiona watched this scene from the sidelines and couldn't stop herself from feeling slightly jealous, but even then she felt happy for her little young master.

Just as she was thinking, Lord Skylar, who had fallen silent, called out her name.

"Fiona, I'm deeply impressed by your loyalty; from now on, as a result you will be responsible for protecting young master Dawn."

Hearing Theodore's words, Fiona's eyes widened in surprise, and in the next moment, she hurriedly bowed.

"This servant will forever be grateful."

Athena walked up to her and helped her rise up.

"There's no need for formalities. From today you are no longer a mere servant but someone with a noble duty to protect the heirs of the Skylar family."

Fiona only nodded with a dazed expression; the change of situation was too fast for her to process.

She pressed a hand to her chest, steadying her breath. She was no longer a mere servant. The weight of her new duty settled upon her shoulders, heavier than any blade she had ever carried.

Theodore Skylar the head of family was not a simple man, behind him each of his actions there was deep reason.

"A noble duty."

The words rang in Fiona's head like a solemn vow. Although No longer a mere servant. But with honor came responsibility—and responsibility demanded sacrifice. Was she ready?