Blackwell's Hope?

[ Name: Vahn Neco Drakos (Davis Blackwell) ]

[ Age: 17 (1084) ]

[ Titles: ]

– The Radiant Hero, Dragon Slayer, Savior of Humanity, Thousand Weapons Master, Dragon Monarch's Lover, The Fallen, The Wicked One, and more…

[ Job: Villain ]

[ Traits: ]

– Return From Death (SSS), Instant Spell Casting (S)

[ Mana Core: Abyssal Immortal Dragon Core (Origin) ]

[ Affinities: Space, Time, Darkness, Life, and Death ]

[ Mana: 167 Units ]

[ Physical Index: F ]

[ Magical Index: F ]

[ Spells: ]

– Memorized Record; Greater Teleportation (F)

__

Vahn suppressed a wicked grin beneath his calm, smiling façade.

He had done it.

He had awakened the strongest core in existence—and deceived the entire world into believing it was merely a Hybrid Gold Core.

But it was far more than that.

Even he hadn't fully grasped its potential yet. But deep down, Vahn knew—this core transcended everything. Beyond the ranks of Gold and even Platinum, there existed only one other known tier: the mythical Divine Core, said to be reserved for the True Hero chosen by the heavens.

But his Origin Core… was greater still.

He had achieved, in this moment, a beginning more powerful than even Leonis—the so-called Chosen One of this era.

Revealing such a world-shattering truth was not an option. Not yet. Not in front of this crowd.

So Vahn, with the skill of a master deceiver from past life, wove a subtle illusion. He manipulated the perceptions of the Head Priest and those observing, making it appear as though he had awakened a Hybrid Gold Core—with perhaps two or three rare affinities.

A feat impressive enough to earn respect… but not fear.

In reality, he possessed five affinities: Space, Time, Darkness, Life, and Death.

Each one, on its own, was capable of reshaping kingdoms or bringing about mass extinction.

Together?

They were calamity incarnate.

Vahn stepped down from the formation pillar with a calm yet slightly nervous expression.

But the crowd was anything but calm.

The so-called useless young master of the Blackwell family had not only succeeded in forming a Mana Core—but a Rank 8 / Gold Core, no less.

Even the sky had dimmed, as if nature itself couldn't believe what had just occurred.

Yet perhaps… miracles really happens sometimes, even to the most unlikely.

The spectators erupted in a wave of applause and astonished cheers. Some clapped out of genuine awe, others out of polite shock, but all eyes were now fixed on the boy who was once mocked as a failure.

Vahn looked toward the cheering crowd and let a flicker of visible happiness appear on his face.

But inside, he was quietly amused.

"Haha… These bugs are cheering for their own demise? How ironic. Still… I don't dislike it at all."

But suddenly, a soft body wrapped around him in a gentle embrace.

"You did it, Davis. I'm proud of you. You didn't let anyone down," Noel whispered beside his ear, her voice trembling with warmth.

For a moment, Vahn froze. His thoughts drifted into the depths of memory.

A face surfaced. A woman's face, radiant and serene.

Calypso.

She used to hug him like this too… soft, sincere, full of love that warmed his hollow, battle-worn heart.

His chest tightened.

"Could it be her?"

But he clenched his jaw the next instant, crushing the thought.

"No… Impossible. No one can replace her. No one is worthy."

Vahn casually stepped back, putting a comfortable distance between them. The sudden movement caught Noel off guard, stunning her slightly.

Just then, Max stormed toward them, his expression a mix of disbelief and frustration.

"How did you do it?" he demanded forcefully as he stared at Vahn.

Vahn raised an eyebrow. "I worked hard, of course."

"Just hard work? Don't screw with me, Davis!" Max snapped, voice rising.

Noel quickly stepped between them, placing a firm hand on Max's chest.

"That's enough, Max. You awakened a Rank 5 Orange Core. That's still respectable. So there's no need to be envious of Davis."

Max clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Noel sighed and looked back at Vahn with a faint smile.

"We should get going too, little brother. The sky looks like it might rain soon."

Without waiting for a response, she gently took Vahn's hand and began leading him down the ceremonial steps.

Vahn grinned evilly, his expression hidden beneath a facade of innocence, and followed Noel without resistance.

High above, in the ceremonial tower, nobles and high-ranking officials crowded around Dominic Blackwell, their faces bright with flattery and feigned respect.

"Congratulations, Dominic! At last, a worthy successor for your prestigious house!"

"President Blackwell, may the Gods bless your bloodline for generations!"

Dominic shook hands with each of them, offering polite smiles, though his mind was still reeling in disbelief. He could barely feel his arm after the endless stream of greetings.

The very nobles who had ignored or scorned him before were now bending over backwards to make conversation, their sudden interest as transparent as glass.

He felt overwhelmed as this kind of attention wasn't something he had experienced for years.

Some even went so far as to casually suggest marriage alliances, hinting at daughters, nieces, and heirs as though dangling golden prizes before him.

'So quick to grovel,' Dominic mused silently, trying not to show how bitterly amusing he found it.

In the long history of the Blackwell family, only one person had ever awakened a Golden Mana Core—their founder, Blackwell himself.

A legendary hero, far beyond the fabled S-Rank, Blackwell had earned eternal glory and honor for his descendants.

But over time, that legacy had faded. The bloodline weakened. For generations, no Blackwell had awakened a Mana Core stronger than Rank 6, the Purple Core.

Until now.

In this generation, his daughter had awakened a Dual Elemental Silver Core—already a rare feat. And his son, Davis, had gone even further… forming a Multi-Elemental Hybrid Gold Core.

Together, they were seen as the family's new hopes, the ones who might restore the Blackwell name to its former prestige among the nobility.

Dominic allowed himself a moment of pride.

Finally… the Blackwells were rising again.

Or not?