Chapter 31 – The Gathering Storm

The air was thick with tension. The once-lively halls of the Luminous Estate had grown silent, the kind of silence that carried the weight of an impending storm. Servants moved cautiously, whispering rumors of the recent events. The news of Frank Luminous' true strength had begun to spread, and though many still dismissed it as nonsense, those who had been present knew better.

Leon stood in the courtyard, his thoughts a tangled mess. His body still ached from his battle with Frank, but the pain was nothing compared to the shock he had experienced. He clenched his fists, remembering the moment he had unleashed everything he had—only for Frank to stop it without even trying.

"Impossible…" Leon muttered under his breath.

"Still thinking about it?" A voice called from behind.

Leon turned to see Vera Nightshade, one of the continent's most powerful warriors. Unlike most nobles, she didn't wear extravagant robes or carry an air of arrogance. She was a warrior through and through, dressed in a simple combat suit, her twin blades resting on her back.

"You saw it, didn't you?" Leon asked.

Vera crossed her arms. "I saw a monster hiding in plain sight."

Leon exhaled sharply. "And yet no one realizes it."

"They don't want to," Vera said. "The idea that the so-called 'Lazy Lord' is stronger than kings, stronger than legends, is something they refuse to accept."

Leon remained silent. He had been the same. For years, he had believed the rumors—that Frank Luminous was nothing but a disgrace to his noble house. A man who wasted his days sleeping, reading, and eating while others fought for power. But now, he knew the truth.

"You came here for a reason," Leon said. "What is it?"

Vera's expression darkened. "The Gods are moving."

Leon stiffened. "You mean…?"

"They've caught wind of what happened," Vera continued. "You challenging Frank… him revealing a fraction of his power. They won't ignore this."

Leon cursed under his breath. "Then what are they planning?"

Vera's gaze sharpened. "They're gathering forces. An army."

Leon's breath hitched. "For what?"

"For him," Vera said simply. "Frank Luminous. The gods are afraid."

Meanwhile, in the Luminous Estate

Frank lay on a reclining chair, his eyes lazily scanning the pages of an ancient tome. His golden eyes flickered with amusement as he overheard the whispers of his servants.

"They think the gods can do anything to me? How adorable."

He turned a page, unfazed. He had already lived through countless wars, watched civilizations rise and fall. If the gods truly intended to make a move, then perhaps…

He might finally be entertained.