Proposal

When the older Adventurers heard Brien's words, their gazes snapped toward him, sharp as blades.

They were no fools. Each immediately understood the implication behind the boy's question.

And they did not appreciate it.

Brien was trying to sow doubt about Finn's origins—questioning whether someone from a Ordinary Clan like the Azure Wood Clan could ever ascend to such heights.

But the elders knew the Azure Wood Family well. Weak though they were, they had always been loyal to the Sacred Dragon Kingdom.

In fact, if there was anyone in this generation whose identity was worth scrutinizing, it was Brien himself.

His sudden appearance—his unexplained apprenticeship under Morris—had always been something of a riddle.

Yet no one dared voice such thoughts aloud. No one wished to provoke Morris to anger.

Besides, even if the chances were slim, it wasn't impossible for an extraordinary genius to be born in an Ordinary Clan.

Finn had the Blue-Green Alchemy Flame, and he had discovered a mysterious alchemy book—factors that made the improbable slightly more believable.

Almost all of the older Adventurers were irritated by Brien's insinuation. Even Alicia and Morris were glaring coldly at the boy.

Brien's behavior had already tarnished the Alchemist Association's reputation. The association prided itself on integrity—but this petulant child was rapidly turning them into a laughingstock.

If he hadn't been Morris' student, someone would have beaten sense into him by now.

Despite the humiliating defeat Finn had dealt him, Brien still had the gall to spit venom.

Facing all those scornful eyes, Brien's courage withered. He staggered a step back, his chest tightening with dread.

It was obvious no one believed him. Worse—his words only deepened their contempt.

Jaw clenched, he retreated to one side, fists curling as fresh waves of hatred burned through him.

Finn, meanwhile, didn't so much as glance at him.

He owed no explanations to anyone.

He alone knew how he'd come this far.

It wasn't by luck, nor by birthright.

It was because Kurt had entrusted him with the last of his strength.

And as Finn sensed the elders' sudden warmth—their thinly veiled attempts to ingratiate themselves—he remained outwardly calm, inwardly unmoved.

He understood perfectly why they acted this way.

It wasn't out of kindness.

If he were just an average adventurer, would they be treating him like a priceless treasure?

Of course not.

This was the reality of the world.

In this realm of adventurers, only the powerful were valued.

The rest were nothing.

Only Marcus and Noah, Finn felt, had earned any genuine trust.

From the start, they had respected his choices. They had never pressured him to reveal his true power. Never tried to pry into his secrets.

They could have forced the truth from him. But they hadn't.

And for that, he was grateful.

The other faction masters and Elders, seeing how little warmth Finn returned, could only sigh inwardly.

They had approached him out of self-interest. He knew it. And they knew he knew.

Embarrassment flickered across several faces.

Yet none dared withdraw.

This young man was no ordinary prodigy.

If they waited too long, they might lose the chance to curry his favor altogether.

But Finn was not so easily swayed.

He was no longer an impulsive youth.

He weighed every decision carefully.

Better to keep a distance—and no regrets—than be ensnared by false alliances.

He didn't need them to grow stronger.

With the system and Kurt's memories of the Rise of Gods game, there was nothing they could offer that he could not learn on his own.

A long, awkward silence stretched between Finn and the elders—until at last, a golden-robed figure drifted down from the clouds.

His wizened face was wreathed in a broad, delighted smile.

Helbram.

He had lingered aloft to relay reports of this astonishing competition to the Royal Clan itself.

"Finn Doria, Finn Doria… you've truly impressed me," Helbram said, his voice rich with satisfaction. "None of us ever imagined an Adventurer so young could be so strong."

He fixed Finn with a grave, almost reverent gaze.

"Young people like you… you are the hope of this kingdom."

He paused, then continued in a calm voice that carried over the ruins of the arena:

"With that, I believe it is time to declare the Seven Great Faction Games concluded."

"I've already sent word to the Royal Clan. Soon, the heirs of the Sacred Dragon Family will arrive via the Teleportation Array."

"And as for the points remaining to be awarded…"

He turned his gaze upon the gathering of battered youths.

"I think it is clear they all belong to Finn Doria. Does anyone wish to object?"

Silence.

Not a single adventurer dared make a sound.

How could they object?

Even united, all of them together could not have scratched him.

He could have slain them all with a flick of his wrist.

When no protest arose, Helbram spoke again, solemn and final.

The Cloud Soaring Sect had claimed first place.

For the first time in recorded history, they had surpassed the Immortal Sword Pavilion and Ancient Darkness Island.

Second and third place followed, then the Alchemist Association, Soul Puppet Sect, and finally the Ice Feather Sect and Burning Heaven Sect.

It was the first time in centuries the Cloud Soaring Sect had stood alone at the top.

The Immortal Sword Pavilion and Ancient Darkness Island had long dominated the Games.

But today—a new legend had been written.

Even the Cloud Soaring Sect disciples were slow to react, too dazed by disbelief.

Yet as the realization sank in, joy blossomed across their faces.

They had been part of history.

And the one responsible was the calm boy standing at the center of it all.

Slowly, every member of the Cloud Soaring Sect turned to look at Finn.

Their eyes were full of awe and gratitude.

It was because of him—only him—that they had won.

When the other young Adventurers finally recovered their wits, many stole furtive glances at Finn.

Soon, he would be famous across the kingdom—perhaps beyond.

And while some felt only despair, others clung to a fragile ember of determination.

They could never match him.

But they could still grow stronger in their own right.

Helbram's voice rang out once more, drawing every eye.

"This land we stand upon is called the Ancestral Continent," he began, his tone low and thoughtful.

"It is vast—home to hundreds of kingdoms, ranked by their strength. And whether we wish to admit it or not… our Sacred Dragon Kingdom is among the weakest."

The young Adventurers stared, wide-eyed.

Few had ever been told this truth.

"By all measures," Helbram went on, "we are only a third-rate kingdom—perched on the outermost fringe of the continent. And our nearest neighbor…"

"The Crimson Blood Kingdom—a second-rate kingdom."

He let the name hang in the air.

"They have long coveted our lands. And were it not for the threat of their own enemies, they would likely have invaded already."

A heavy quiet settled over the field.

"The Royal Clan has feared this day for generations. And so, they have sought out young talents—to nurture them. To prepare for the trials that will surely come."

Helbram turned back to Finn.

"And now… I have seen for myself what this generation holds. So many bright seeds of promise."

His gaze softened.

"But among you all… there is one whose potential eclipses any I have known."

"You, Finn Doria."

His words were quiet—but carried across every broken stone.

"You are the first youth in all of our kingdom's history to reach the 5th Level Profound Rank before your eighteenth year. You are a blessing—a miracle."

"If nothing goes awry… within five years, aided by the Sacred Dragon Family, you will surely become the youngest Sky Rank adventurer our kingdom has ever known."

"And so… we must protect you. Nurture you. Shield you from all who would do you harm."

Every elder nodded solemnly.

They all understood:

Finn was the kingdom's hope.

As an Adventurer.

As an Alchemist.

As the future.

Even the experienced Adventurers could not help but feel a pang of envy.

Some had labored decades to reach Profound Rank—and still saw no sign of ever rising higher.

Yet here was a boy, not yet grown, who stood poised to surpass them all.

In the distance, Tiffanya's face darkened, her jaw tight.

She knew exactly who Helbram's warning was meant for.

The Nine Ice Family would not rest easy while Finn lived.

Meanwhile, Brien's lips curved in a secretive, hateful smile no one noticed.

'You dared to reveal your true strength, Finn Doria… Soon, it will be your downfall.'

But no one saw his expression.

All eyes were on Helbram, waiting.

At last, the old man met Finn's gaze.

"To keep you safe," he said gently, "I propose that you come and reside for a time within the territory of the Sacred Dragon Family."

Then he paused, smiling faintly.

"And one more thing, Finn Doria…"

"Would you consider becoming…my personal student?"