Chapter 61 Return

The event had become a monstrous spectacle. What started as a cruel game had turned into a monthly bloodbath. Ryvaris, often bored, delighted in changing the competition,introducing death machines, mutated monsters, and forcing brutal prisoner-on-prisoner battles.

Two years had passed.

Tens of thousands had died beneath the cold laughter of nobles. Their blood pooled in the underground vats, refining a power that slowly carved the future.

Rin, watching from above, remained silent but focused. His Tyrant Path advanced steadily. The system pushed him to 55%, while the blood rituals elevated him to 59%. The prisoners, however, were too weak to offer him a breakthrough. Their deaths no longer nourished his evolution as they once had.

But his wings were growing.

The two he had chosen,Orien and Aiven had become sharper, faster, and fiercely loyal. Aiven, who followed Rin like a shadow, had reached 39% blood purity. Orien, the eldest brother, was nearing 45%. The rest of the small guild, now more than a cleaning crew, hovered in the 30% range. Rin had given them strength, and they repaid him with silent loyalty.

Yet he had been stuck at 59% for half a year.

Sitting atop the highest balcony of the blood arena, arms crossed, Rin narrowed his eyes at the field below. The slaughter continued, but it was no longer enough. He knew it was time.

"I must return," Rin murmured. "It's time to deal with Kaelion."

Before leaving, he summoned Orien and the others and gave them their final instructions. He wanted them to expand their guild, recruit more people and nourish them with the blood lake water.

"Keep the event running," Rin said firmly. "Use the blood lake to evolve. But be cautious when recruiting."

They all nodded.

Aiven, however, stood still, lips trembling. "Y-Your Highness… are you really leaving?"

Rin turned to him. "Just for a while."

Aiven took a step forward, fists clenched. "when Will we see you again?"

Rin placed a hand on his shoulder. "Of course. You're my wings, Aiven. I'll need you more than ever soon."

Aiven nodded slowly, eyes glistening. "Then I'll be stronger when you return. Stronger than now."

"I expect nothing less."

That night, Rin left in secret. No farewells, no ceremony. Only Varros and the Crown Prince were told. He traveled alone through the moonless roads, thoughts consumed by Kaelion,the traitorous brother ruling his homeland.

When he arrived near the borders of his old domain, a caravan of cloaked soldiers met him.

"We've been expecting you, Your Highness," one of them said with a respectful bow.

They guided him swiftly to a hidden compound, where Isen Varros awaited. The veteran noble embraced Rin warmly at the gates.

"Welcome back, Your Highness. You've been missed."

"How are things?" Rin asked, voice low.

Varros smiled. "The special forces are more than i thought. The noble families have begun shifting. The people,well, they remember your name fondly. I have only good news."

Rin allowed himself a rare, quiet smile. "Then we begin."

Far away, in a lavish golden palace, the Crown Prince sat beside Ryvaris. His eyes were fixed on the horizon.

"Just a few more years," he said softly. "With Varros and Rin holding Kaelion, everything falls into place. When the time comes... every domain will be under my rule."

He raised his cup, and Ryvaris clinked his own against it with a grin.

"To the future Emperor."