The Mystic Treasure Realm

When Diana heard Helbram's words, she pouted and stomped the ground in frustration, returning to the side of the two princes with a sulky glare.

Helbram could only shake his head. Though the princess was already nineteen, her behavior still resembled that of a spoiled, childish girl—something that caused a few in the crowd to stifle a laugh.

They had expected the princess to be cold, arrogant, and prideful due to her high status and strength. But now… they realized they had greatly misjudged her.

She was playful, noisy, and full of curiosity—traits often seen in spirited girls who just found a new playmate.

And because of that, many in the crowd found themselves admiring her even more.

But—

"Hmph. What are you looking at?" she said coldly, her eyes narrowing. "Want me to gouge your eyes out?"

A chill ran down the backs of the boys staring.

'…Wait, does this princess have two personalities?' they wondered in unison.

Their thoughts were cut short when they noticed Helbram's cold, piercing gaze sweeping across the crowd.

They all flinched back in unison, their faces pale with fear.

Finn let out a soft chuckle at the scene.

It was entertaining to watch, but more than that—it stirred something in his chest.

'Meiyin…'

A memory surfaced—his little sister's smile.

Four months. It had been four long months since he last saw her.

He missed his father's voice, his mother's home-cooked meals, and the way Meiyin would chase after him like a little shadow.

His smile faded. A sigh escaped him.

His gaze turned distant, the weight of his purpose grounding him once more.

He had left home to grow stronger—not just for himself, but to protect the people he loved.

And now that his true strength had been revealed to the world, his path of vengeance was beginning in earnest.

The war between the three clans would come. It was inevitable.

But Finn had resolved: he would not allow his mother or sister to be caught in that storm.

While Finn and others sank deep into their thoughts, Helbram's voice suddenly rang out again.

"The Seven Great Faction Games have concluded, and with the arrival of the Sacred Dragon Family's heirs, all sixty participants have gathered."

He swept his gaze across the young adventurers, pausing slightly when he met Finn's eyes.

"It's time you understood the kind of place you'll be entering."

"The Mystic Treasure Realm is perilous. You will face trials, fierce battles, and beasts of all ranks. You must exercise great caution—the creatures within show no mercy."

The young adventurers grew quiet, absorbing every word.

Some had questions, but none dared speak.

Until—

"Lord Helbram," a girl in red uniform spoke up, "I'm confused. How did the Mystic Treasure Realm end up in the Sacred Dragon Kingdom's territory?"

Heads turned toward the speaker.

When the boys saw who it was, their eyes lit up.

Ashe Vermillion.

One of the most beautiful girls in the entire kingdom.

Even the two princes couldn't help but admire her the moment their eyes landed on her.

Tenth Prince Theo, swept away by her charm, stepped forward with a gallant smile.

Taking Ashe's hand like a noble gentleman, he bent forward as if to kiss it—only for Ashe to smoothly pull it away, her expression unimpressed.

Theo froze, coughed awkwardly, and puffed his chest.

"Good day, Lady Ashe Vermillion," he began proudly. "I am Prince Theo Vildar, the Tenth Prince. I've long been a great admirer of your beauty. I'd only heard rumors, but seeing you in person, I must say those rumors are truly—"

"Tenth Prince."

Helbram's voice cut through the air like a blade.

Theo froze as the terrifying aura of his Lord Uncle bore down on him.

Wordlessly, he scurried back to his place.

He had grown up under Helbram's strict guidance. He knew better than to interrupt him mid-lecture.

Helbram sighed and turned back to Ashe.

"That's a good question. Unfortunately, no one knows. The entrance to the Mystic Treasure Realm has existed for thousands of years. We have no idea how or why it came to reside in our kingdom. The ancient symbols inscribed on the gateway remain indecipherable to this day."

Ashe nodded respectfully. "Thank you."

Helbram continued.

"The Mystic Treasure Realm is dangerous—but within it lies opportunity. Legendary herbs, rare pills, ancient armaments…

Those who take risks may reap great rewards.

But you must also be ready to face death."

The Adventurers grew silent.

They understood the risks—and they also knew: without challenges, there would be no growth.

Then—

"Lord Helbram, what happens if someone dies inside?"

"They die," Helbram said flatly. "And unless their corpse is brought back, their remains will be devoured by Vicious Beasts."

Another Adventurer asked, "What if conflict breaks out between participants over treasure?"

"That's… inevitable," Helbram replied. "The one who secures it with strength is its rightful owner."

That was the world they lived in—where strength ruled and greed often led to bloodshed.

Many exchanged wary glances.

Even friends might turn to foes.

"If you aren't prepared to risk your lives, you may withdraw now," Helbram said solemnly. "There's no shame in valuing your life. But those who fear every shadow will never reach the peak."

Silence.

Then—firm eyes, clenched fists.

No one would back down.

Then came a sharp voice from the crowd.

"Forgive me, Lord Helbram," said Sheeha coldly, "but I fear for my members. Given the enmity between Finn Doria and Tiffanya, it's possible he might… act rashly within the realm."

Finn's gaze turned glacial.

He had no intention of harming Tiffanya—not yet, not like this.

He wasn't so low as to seek petty revenge while inside the Mystic Treasure Realm.

His grudge was deeper than that—he wanted the whole Nine Ice Family to fall, not just her.

Helbram narrowed his eyes. "Then what do you suggest?"

"I simply want assurance," Sheeha said with a forced smile. "That Finn Doria will not act against any member of the Ice Feather Sect."

Finn stepped forward, his expression like ice.

"Hmph. Don't compare me to you. All you do is prey on the weak. But if it will silence your whining—fine."

He raised a hand and declared:

"I, Finn Doria, swear before the heavens that I shall not harm any fellow Adventurer inside the Mystic Treasure Realm—unless provoked or threatened. Should I break this vow, may the Heavens bring judgment upon me and my clan."

The crowd stirred.

They hadn't expected him to agree.

Finn was known for his ruthlessness in battle. Yet now… he calmly made a vow.

"Is that satisfactory, Sect Mistress Sheeha?" he asked coldly.

Sheeha's expression darkened.

No one spoke to her that way. She was the leader of the Ice Feather Sect.

Yet—reluctantly—she nodded.

Oaths before the Heavens were not taken lightly.

None dared defy them.

"Any other concerns?" Helbram asked.

After a beat of silence—

"I have none," said Morris. "But I do have a request… for Finn Doria."

Finn furrowed his brow but said nothing.

Morris continued.

"As we elders know, many perish in the Mystic Treasure Realm. Sometimes, only half survive. But this time… we have someone like you."

"You're a 5th Level Profound Rank Adventurer. With your strength, many could make it out alive. So I ask—"

"Finn Doria, should your fellow Adventurers find themselves in mortal danger… would you help them?"