Arahan

I returned to the lodging with the Kinzer brothers behind me, carrying a thick bundle of papers. These were notes about Arahan that Eddie had written. Before heading to the manor, I planned to memorize the contents thoroughly. 

"Once inside, you'll find a young brother and sister, along with an elderly person. They are all my people, so be respectful." 

"Yes, sir!" 

The Kinzer brothers had been calling me "sir" throughout our journey. The term felt unfamiliar, but they said it was a long-held dream of theirs. They had always hoped to serve a good master and showcase their talents. 

"Well, the title doesn't matter." 

Since it was their dream, I decided to allow it, especially to maintain order. 

Before heading inside, I stopped by the stables to visit Jinju. 

"Heehee!" 

"Is this a white horse with blue eyes?" 

"Could this horse be...?" 

"Sir, is this perhaps Bahal's white horse?" 

As I nodded, the three brothers exclaimed in amazement. 

"How did you come to possess Bahal's white horse, sir?" 

"It just happened." 

"Wow! Indeed, our sir is an extraordinary person! We knew it from the moment you possessed the artifact." 

"This kid is quite chatty." 

I fetched water and poured it into Jinju's bowl. Jinju seemed delighted by my return, purring and making eye contact. After a brief reunion, I headed up to the second floor. 

"Hey, Zed?!" 

The door opened, and Rio greeted me first, followed by Lisa and Lakto, all looking pleased. 

"What's with your appearance? Did you sell your clothes?" 

"Who are those gentlemen behind you?" 

"Haha, it seems you've brought new companions." 

I briefly introduced the brothers and gave my companions time to chat with them. I reserved a room for the brothers and treated them to a meal. After showering, I lay down on the bed, savoring its softness after spending half a day sitting in an alley. 

"What happened outside? What's with those papers?" 

"They're my lifeline." 

Rio kept asking, but I didn't have the luxury to spin tales. I needed to quickly absorb the information about the brothers. 

"Indeed, the king of the alley." 

The contents were astonishing, detailing the brothers' allies in the city, their expenses, and even information about the staff at their small mansion. I wondered how they gathered such intel. 

"This is why someone obsessed with a field can be intimidating." 

I felt reassured to have such a person on my side, ensuring I wouldn't make judgment errors due to lack of information. 

Two days later, my companions were busy preparing from early morning. Today was the day we would return to the Arahan manor. I hadn't slept well the previous night. 

"Wow! We're finally entering Arahan's territory! I wonder what Zed's small mansion looks like?" 

"Brother, are we going to be the servants of the young master?" 

"Yes, we'll be high-class workers!" 

Rio and her brother were excited, but Lakto and the Kinzer brothers remained solemn, fully aware of the harsh reality. We weren't returning to a welcoming home but were voluntarily entering a place that could be our prison. 

"Let's go. To Arahan's territory." 

I took a deep breath and mounted Jinju. I couldn't escape Arahan's grasp, so my only option was to gain strength within their territory and survive the brothers' power struggle. 

"Look! There it is!" 

Rio shouted as we saw the Arahan's guardian tower in the distance. The tower was a structure that created barriers and alerted against external invasions, meaning the only way into Arahan's territory was through this gate. 

"Halt! Dismount and identify yourselves!" 

As we approached the gate, the guards shouted. When I drew closer, they saluted but eyed my companions. 

"Ah, you must be Young Master Zed. We've been expecting you." 

It seemed the Black Knights were watching. I glanced at the empty air, feeling a bit annoyed. 

"If my magical stats increase, I'll be able to sense their presence." 

I turned back to the guards. 

"By the order of the head of the house, I am returning. Guide us." 

"Yes, but those behind you cannot enter." 

"They are my companions. I vouch for them." 

"I apologize, but without the head's permission, outsiders cannot enter." 

This was starting to go awry. Forcing my way in wasn't a good option, as violating the rules within Arahan's territory wasn't wise. 

"Please wait for a moment. I'll be right back." 

"Don't worry about us; take care of yourself. An old man's intuition isn't reliable, but I have a bad feeling." 

"Don't worry; nothing will happen." 

The atmosphere was tense, with fear in the eyes of the young siblings. I patted their backs and advised the brothers to be cautious. It dawned on me that their lives were also dependent on me. 

"Let's go, Young Master. The head is waiting." 

"Lead the way." 

As we followed the guards, the grandeur of the main mansion came into view. It was a seven-story structure, comparable to a high-rise apartment building, with a striking black and red two-tone design. The mansion was majestic, rivaling any palace. 

Despite its grandeur, my mouth felt dry, and my chest tightened. 

"Don't tense up. I've prepared enough." 

The head of the house would certainly interrogate me about the Dvito slave trader issue and the invitation from Bahal. As a magician, it was unlikely that things would pass without incident. I mentally prepared plausible answers. 

"What drives magicians is self-interest. Focus on that." 

I had coincidentally entered Arahan's body, but from now on, I had to act like an Arahan. As the youngest child, I needed to prioritize self-interest and survive by playing the role of a magician who values utility. 

The door to the main mansion opened with a creak. 

Geneadin Arahan was the head of the Arahan family and one of only two great magicians in the empire. Historically, Arahan had many children, throwing them into a competitive arena from birth. Only the strongest survived to become the head. Those who failed to become the head were killed in the process. 

Geneadin was a survivor of this brutal tradition, learning cunning and coldness by having to kill his siblings. Only such a person was qualified to lead Arahan. 

"Come in, youngest." 

His voice echoed through the mansion, sending a chilling aura that felt like magic. 

I bowed my head, trying not to tremble. 

As I looked up, Geneadin sensed the determination in my voice. 

"How do you feel about returning to the family after so long?" 

"It's the same as before." 

"What is?" 

"The strong aura of the head and the biting cold are still there." 

"Ha! It seems you can feel my energy like your father's." 

Geneadin burst into laughter, causing intense vibrations that made my ears ring and my vision blur. My throat constricted, but I clenched my fists. 

"How could I possibly gauge the level of a great magician?" 

"Hmm, you've changed a lot. In my memory, you were a weak child." 

"A weak person doesn't fit in Arahan." 

Geneadin laughed again, his voice like a beast's roar. 

"Ha! That's right! My child wouldn't be someone who can't even sense mana!" 

Geneadin's expression shifted to surprise and delight as a smirk formed on his lips. 

"You've opened your artifact. What do you know about its energy?" 

"I know it surpasses the existing four elements." 

"There's no precedent in Arahan's history for obtaining an energy other than fire. How did you acquire the artifact?" 

This was an unexpected question, and I hadn't prepared for it. I thought quickly. 

"I believe the blood of Arahan holds infinite possibilities, so it's not surprising." 

"Weren't you surprised to obtain the artifact?" 

"It's said to be a blessing that occurs once in a hundred years. Such a blessing should naturally belong to Arahan." 

Geneadin laughed heartily, his laughter causing internal pain each time. 

As I watched him calmly, I felt a sense of relief that I had passed this hurdle. Geneadin's curly black hair, like a perm, and his vivid red eyes became clearer. 

I lowered my gaze slightly, waiting for his next words. 

"Ah, it's been a while since I've laughed. I called you here because of the artifact. Study and develop it. If you achieve meaningful progress, it will be more valuable than any record." 

I understood Geneadin's intention. He wanted to use me for his own achievements. But at least it meant I wouldn't be killed immediately. 

"I will follow your orders." 

Geneadin's voice suddenly turned dry and serious. 

"I must address your misconduct. Tell me, did you know that Dvito was connected to our family?" 

"Yes, I did." 

"You still executed the slave trader, using that wretched Bahal?" 

The mansion turned icy at his sharp voice. 

Yes... this is where the real game begins.