After countless trials and turmoil that befell Rey and Clan Origin, the time had finally come for the clan to prepare themselves for the arrival of foreign nobility.

  The guests’ arrival was formally welcomed by the Royal Family of Christope, accompanied by several prominent noble houses—including the House of Arden and the House of Hartz.

  These were no ordinary visitors.

  From the distant land of Xylndra, the formidable Duke Rosenveil Family had arrived.

  From another powerful nation, Hyleos, came the Raven Family, the royal bloodline of their country.

  Each delegation consisted of ten to fifteen individuals, all of them elites.

  From the Kingdom of Hyleos, ten knights marched in disciplined formation, led by a man whose presence alone commanded respect—Lucas.

  Lucas was a player who bore the role of a Warrior, wielding two swords with masterful precision. His armor shimmered with a radiant golden hue, each step echoing with authority as he led the procession toward the Kingdom of Christope.

  Meanwhile, the Rosenveil delegation was escorted by seven knights. At their forefront stood a woman whose beauty was as striking as her power.

  Her name was Katarina.

  A Mage—one of the three strongest Mages in the entirety of Xylndra.

  When Lucas and Katarina’s gazes met, the air itself seemed to tense.

  Lucas felt it instantly.

  An overwhelming aura radiated from Katarina, cold and domineering. Despite his experience as a seasoned warrior, Lucas could not help but feel slightly intimidated.

  At the gates of the royal palace, King Carlos of Christope personally stepped forward to greet them.

  “Welcome to the Kingdom of Christope,” the king said warmly. “We are honored by your presence.”

  The guests were escorted into the palace, where a grand feast awaited them. Afterward, King Carlos led them into a private chamber—one reserved exclusively for nobles and their personal guards.

  Once everyone was seated, King Carlos began the formal discussion.

  “Welcome once again to the Kingdom of Christope,” he said with a genial smile. “We are truly pleased to have all of you here.”

  A noble from Xylndra rose to speak.

  His name was Yuri Rosenveil.

  Clad in elegant aristocratic attire, Yuri appeared refined, yet beneath his calm exterior lay immense power.

  “Thank you, King Carlos, for welcoming us,” Yuri said politely.

  Soon after, another man spoke.

  King Hareth of Hyleos, ruler of a powerful nation, leaned forward slightly.

  “King Carlos,” he said, “it has been a long time since we last met. The Kingdom of Hyleos is also deeply grateful for the opportunity you have given us.”

  King Carlos laughed heartily.

  “Hahahahaha! It is no trouble at all. So, may I ask—what brings our two esteemed guests here today?”

  King Hareth was the first to answer.

  “Yes,” he said calmly, “we from Hyleos were quite shocked by the recent achievements of Christope. You have risen to become a high-ranking nation, leaving us behind.”

  Yuri nodded in agreement.

  “That is correct,” Duke Yuri added. “We too were surprised by this accomplishment. That is why we came—to see with our own eyes the Clan and the individuals who managed to clear Floor Seven.”

  King Carlos chuckled.

  “Hahahahaha! Thank you for your interest. As for that matter, you should ask Clan Origin yourselves—a newly risen clan that emerged after the dissolution of Clan Rose.”

  Both men widened their eyes in surprise.

  “Then you mean to say,” Duke Yuri asked carefully, “that Clan Rose has been replaced by Clan Origin?”

  King Carlos nodded.

  “Yes.”

  He continued, explaining that Clan Origin was not bound to the Kingdom of Christope nor affiliated with any Guild. The clan had been formed by what was once considered the strongest party five years ago.

  Furthermore, they possessed a Duke of their own—Duke Ace.

  King Hareth’s expression darkened slightly.

  Duke Ace… I have never heard of such a noble, he thought.

  King Carlos went on.

  “Duke Ace only recently obtained his title after slaying a Frost Dragon, Level 120.”

  The room erupted into shock.

  Every noble present stiffened.

  Even Katarina—who herself stood at Level 123—opened her eyes wide at the revelation.

  (Note: In this world, a monster’s power far exceeds that of an individual human. Even a Level 123 human cannot defeat a Level 120 monster alone.)

  King Hareth spoke carefully.

  “May we see the monster?”

  King Carlos shook his head.

  “We did not preserve the body.”

  Suddenly, Duke Yuri let out a light laugh and turned toward Helberg of the Arden Family.

  “So the Arden Family has kept it?” Yuri asked, his gaze sharp and piercing. “May the Rosenveil Family have the honor of seeing it?”

  Helberg froze.

  The intensity in Yuri’s eyes made him uneasy.

  Before he could respond, Duke Edric of the Hartz Family interjected.

  “Oh, regarding that matter,” Edric said calmly, “Clan Origin kept it as a memento of their victory after clearing Floor Seven.”

  A flicker of irritation crossed Yuri’s face. He quickly adjusted his expression, replacing it with a polite smile.

  “Then tell me,” Yuri asked, “how many casualties did Clan Origin suffer while clearing Floor Seven?”

  King Carlos burst into laughter.

  “Hahahahaha! You would not believe it even if I told you. Clan Origin suffered zero casualties. Every member returned full of spirit.”

  Katarina slammed her staff against the floor.

  “What nonsense!” she snapped. “Are you trying to deceive the nobles of Xylndra?”

  Sweat formed on King Carlos’s brow.

  “Lady Katarina,” he said carefully, “everything stated here is true.”

  Duke Edric nodded in agreement.

  Despite this, disbelief spread throughout the room.

  “I wish to see Clan Origin immediately!” Katarina declared.

  Inside Duke Yuri’s mind, laughter echoed.

  Excellent, Katarina. Your hot-headed nature never disappoints. Bringing you here was the right choice.

  Without further delay, the delegation set out for Clan Origin’s territory.

  The Territory of Clan Origin

  Upon arrival, the nobles were greeted by a sight they did not expect.

  The civilians within the territory were smiling. Laughing.

  The atmosphere was peaceful—almost joyful.

  At the center stood a massive, magnificent gate engraved with the emblem of Clan Origin.

  A dragon.

  Katarina scoffed.

  “Tch. A small clan daring to use the symbol of a dragon?”

  A voice echoed from within.

  “Hey, miss. Don’t say it like that.”

  The massive doors slowly opened.

  Six figures stood inside.

  They were the upper echelons of Clan Origin—Willson, Drax, Tristan, Vincent, Evelyn, and Eris.

  Katarina’s eyes narrowed.

  “Willson! You dare speak so casually to me?”

  She released a fraction of her aura.

  The pressure surged.

  Willson stiffened, momentarily intimidated, yet he forced himself to remain composed.

  “Lady Katarina,” he said respectfully, “please forgive us. We welcome you with sincerity.”

  Duke Yuri smiled faintly.

  “Oh? So you are Willson—the one who established Clan Origin.”

  Before Willson could reply, Helberg interrupted.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “Duke Yuri, Willson is merely the leader on the surface. The true leaders are Ace and Rockers.”

  Edric frowned.

  “Rockers?”

  Even the leaders of Clan Origin exchanged confused glances.

  Behind the Curtain

  Elsewhere.

  Deep within a concealed chamber, Rey, Alex, Floryn, Luna, Melvin, Elysa, and Emily sat together.

  Emily clung to Rey’s arm, while Floryn hugged him from behind.

  In front of them floated a glowing crystal, projecting the scene unfolding outside like a screen.

  Rey rubbed his forehead and glanced at Alex.

  “Hey,” Rey said flatly, “are you joking? Rockers?”

  Alex laughed awkwardly.

  “I didn’t know what alias to use,” he admitted. “When I first registered at the Guild after coming to this world, I just used the name Rockers.”

  Rey and Alex burst into laughter at the same time.

  Their voices echoed lightly within the hidden chamber, momentarily easing the tension that had been building since the arrival of the foreign nobility.

  Yet, not everyone shared their amusement.

  Across from them, Elysa lowered her gaze, her expression subtly clouded with sadness. She said nothing, but the faint tremor in her eyes betrayed her emotions.

  Beside her, Melvin noticed it immediately.

  He hid his own unease behind a gentle smile—one practiced through years of restraint.

  Meanwhile, Luna sat stiffly, her fingers clenched against her robe. Her eyes flickered toward Emily, who was still clinging to Rey’s arm with an almost possessive warmth. Luna’s cheeks flushed faintly—not only with sadness, but embarrassment as well.

  Rey finally noticed.

  His laughter faded as he looked at the three of them.

  “I’m sorry,” Rey said quietly. “I… I don’t know what’s going on.”

  Before the mood could sink further, Emily spoke up cheerfully.

  “Hey, you three,” she said, tilting her head with an innocent smile. “Why don’t you sit with us? Haven’t we always been together?”

  Her words made the room fall silent.

  Everyone exchanged uneasy glances.

  They found Emily’s suggestion strange—but none of them dared to respond immediately. Her emotional state was far from stable, and her memories were still fragmented. Any careless response could hurt her more than they intended.

  Before the silence could stretch too long, Alex shifted his attention back to the glowing crystal.

  “Rey,” Alex said, narrowing his eyes. “Look at that. The information was correct. That guy—Lucas. He’s leading the knight squad of the Kingdom of Hyleos.”

  Rey followed his gaze.

  The moment he saw Lucas clearly, irritation flickered in his eyes.

  “…That bastard,” Rey muttered.

  They had fought before.

  Back on Earth.

  The memory alone was enough to make his jaw tighten.

  Floryn crossed her arms and scoffed.

  “Lucas? He wasn’t even that good at games,” she said irritably. “Unlike you two. Pro Players, remember?”

  Rey shook his head slowly.

  “Don’t compare games to the real world,” he said. His tone was calm, but heavy. “We don’t know what happens if we die here. Whether we return to Earth… or if—”

  He didn’t finish the sentence.

  He didn’t need to.

  Everyone understood.

  The room grew quiet once more.

  Hall of Clan Origin

  The scene shifted back to the grand hall of Clan Origin.

  A lavish banquet had been prepared for the guests. Long tables were filled with food and drink, yet the air remained tense—thick with unspoken hostility and veiled contempt.

  Duke Yuri leaned back slightly, his eyes scanning the hall with casual arrogance before settling on Willson.

  “So,” Yuri asked smoothly, “where is Duke Ace?”

  Willson replied without hesitation.

  “Oh, Duke Ace is currently training with Lord Rockers.”

  Inside Willson’s mind, panic screamed.

  Alex! Of all names, why did you choose something so ridiculous?!

  Katarina’s staff struck the floor sharply.

  “Are you trying to deceive us?”

  Her gaze burned into Willson.

  “You lowly ones,” she said coldly, “do not ever attempt to lie to a Duke of the Kingdom of Xylndra.”

  She stepped forward, her aura flaring.

  “Do you truly believe that clearing Floor Seven alone gives you the right to be proud?”

  The pressure surged.

  Even seasoned nobles felt their breath catch.

  Duke Edric wiped sweat from his brow, struggling under the overwhelming presence.

  “P-Please forgive them, Lady Katarina,” Edric said carefully. “They are speaking the truth. Lord Ace and Lord Rockers are indeed in training at this moment.”

  Before Katarina could respond, Lucas suddenly stepped forward.

  “Do you think,” Lucas said loudly, “that the Kingdom of Hyleos lacks powerful individuals?”

  He stood tall, the emblem of Hyleos shining proudly upon his armor.

  At Level 77, Lucas radiated confidence—bordering on arrogance.

  Katarina turned her gaze toward him, unimpressed.

  “You little boy,” she said mockingly. “Do you truly believe a player like you could ever frighten me?”

  Her aura expanded.

  Just a little more.

  Lucas’s legs buckled.

  He was forced to his knees, the floor cracking beneath the sheer pressure.

  Gasps echoed throughout the hall.

  Fear spread like wildfire.

  Inside Duke Yuri’s mind, laughter rang out.

  Hahahahaha… Good, Katarina. Show these lowly people their place. Let them know not to toy with the might of the Rosenveil Family.

  Lucas grit his teeth.

  “Cis… You are strong,” he admitted bitterly. “But only because your level far surpasses mine.”

  Inside his heart, resentment burned.

  Just wait. Once my level reaches yours… I will make you kneel before me.

  Katarina withdrew her aura and laughed loudly.

  “Hahahahaha! Do you really believe you’ll survive if you remain trapped in that pathetic Kingdom of Hyleos?”

  King Hareth slammed his hand against the table.

  “That’s enough!” he said angrily. “Do not insult the dignity of the Kingdom of Hyleos!”

  Duke Yuri clapped his hands lightly, stepping between them.

  “Alright, alright,” he said with a smile. “That’s enough, Katarina. There’s no need to intimidate them further.”

  Yet his words were anything but conciliatory.

  They dripped with condescension—belittling both nations at once.

  Helberg quickly spoke up.

  “Oh, that is quite alright, Lord Yuri,” he said with a polite bow. “We understand our place. After all, our nation has only recently risen in rank. Comparing ourselves to Xylndra would be unreasonable.”

  His tone sounded supportive.

  Too supportive.

  Duke Yuri laughed heartily.

  “Hahahahaha! It’s fine. We understand. Newly promoted nations often grow arrogant—especially those that rely on outsiders for strength.”

  The words struck like blades.

  A blatant provocation toward both Hyleos and Christope.

  Edric clenched his fists beneath the table.

  So that’s how it is…

  He had long known that the Arden Family maintained close ties with the Rosenveil Family.

  Katarina turned back to Willson.

  “Hey,” she said sharply. “I want to see the corpse of the Frost Dragon.”

  Willson swallowed hard.

  “Regarding that matter,” he replied nervously, “we do not have it. Lord Ace himself is the one who kept the dragon’s body.”

  The hall fell silent.

  Duke Edric stepped forward, his expression tense yet resolute.

  “Oh, that is true,” Edric said firmly. “I personally witnessed Duke Ace storing the head of the Frost Dragon.”

  Katarina clicked her tongue, irritation flashing across her face.

  “So?” she replied coldly. “Do you mean to say that you have no proper proof of killing a Level 120 Frost Dragon? You are aware, aren’t you, that the Boss of Floor Seven is the Orc General, Level 119?”

  She slowly lowered herself into her chair, crossing one leg over the other. Her gaze was icy, filled with contempt.

  “So tell me,” Katarina continued, “are you attempting to deceive every nation on the Northern Continent?”

  Without another word, Edric reached into his coat and produced a crystal.

  The crystal lit up, projecting a hologram-like screen—identical to the one Rey was using at that very moment.

  Gasps echoed throughout the hall.

  On the screen appeared the massive head of the Frost Dragon, its frozen scales shimmering with an eerie glow. Detailed status information hovered beside it, clearly displaying:

  Frost Dragon – Level 120

  Katarina clenched her fist.

  This was not enough.

  Years ago, when her own party had challenged Floor Seven, even the three strongest Mages of Xylndra had nearly been annihilated by the Orc General alone.

  Yet now—

  This was a small nation.

  A newly formed clan.

  Filled with members below Level 100.

  And still—

  Not a single casualty.

  Her pride screamed in denial.

  “I want to see the actual corpse,” Katarina demanded. “With my own eyes.”

  Willson swallowed.

  “I’m sorry, Lady Katarina,” he replied carefully. “The body is not in our possession. Lord Ace himself is the one who kept it.”

  At that moment, Helberg seized the opportunity.

  “Willson,” Helberg said sharply, “did you not hear her? Just bring out the corpse. They only wish to see it.”

  Edric’s eyes narrowed.

  “Hahahahaha,” Edric laughed mockingly. “Helberg, aren’t you a noble of Christope? Why are you meddling in their affairs?”

  He glanced sideways at Helberg.

  “You should be telling Lady Katarina that Willson is not the one storing the item.”

  Edric continued, his tone biting.

  “Besides, Duke Ace is currently in training. Naturally, he cannot appear at the moment.”

  Helberg clenched his teeth, anger rising—but he forced himself to remain calm.

  Duke Yuri finally spoke, his voice tinged with impatience.

  “Yes… yes… I understand that,” Yuri said. “But are we truly forbidden from seeing the monster’s corpse?”

  At that exact moment, Willson felt a faint vibration at his ear.

  A whisper.

  It came from a small crystal device—an improvised communication tool Alex had crafted using a resonance crystal, functioning like a concealed microphone.

  Rey’s voice reached him.

  Willson’s eyes widened slightly.

  Then—

  “Very well,” Willson said aloud. “I can show you the corpse.”

  The hall erupted in shock.

  Katarina’s lips curled into a smile.

  “Good,” she said mockingly. “This is how obedient subjects should behave.”

  Willson lowered his head slightly, frustration simmering beneath his calm expression.

  “Please wait here,” he said. “I will retrieve it.”

  Katarina scoffed.

  “Wait?” she replied coldly. “I dislike waiting. I need entertainment. Let one of your people fetch it instead.”

  Willson hesitated, then turned.

  “Evelyn,” he said quietly. “Please retrieve the item.”

  Evelyn stiffened.

  But she nodded.

  As she turned to leave, Katarina spoke again, her voice dripping with disdain.

  “So,” she said, “you five will entertain me, won’t you? Aren’t you the hosts?”

  Willson frowned.

  “What do you mean?”

  Katarina smiled—a cruel, twisted smile.

  “You will fight my team,” she said. “Don’t worry. I won’t interfere too much.”

  Willson immediately tried to refuse.

  But Helberg intervened, his words sharp and venomous.

  “Clan Origin is being extremely disrespectful to our guests,” Helberg said loudly. “Is this how you treat nobility?”

  Cornered.

  Willson clenched his fists.

  He could not allow Clan Origin to be looked down upon.

  Finally—

  They agreed.

  Katarina gestured, and four of her guards stepped forward. They quickly formed a formation, exchanging glances and silently preparing their strategy.

  The moment the signal was given—

  Willson moved.

  He shot forward like a bolt of lightning, targeting the enemy warrior in the front line.

  Drax and Tristan followed instantly.

  Vincent began chanting, magic circles forming beneath his feet.

  Eris vanished—Camouflage activated.

  She slipped through the battlefield, bypassing every movement, her target clear:

  Katarina.

  Suddenly—

  BOOM!

  Willson, Drax, and Tristan were slammed into the ground with terrifying force.

  The two opposing warriors moved effortlessly, overwhelming them with sheer physical power.

  Willson’s heart sank.

  Their levels… already over 90!

  Drax coughed violently—blood splattering onto the floor.

  Before Eris could strike, she was struck hard across the face, then kicked brutally.

  A sickening crack echoed.

  Her right arm shattered.

  “ERIS!” Tristan roared.

  He rushed forward, slashing toward Katarina in fury—

  But one of the warriors intercepted him.

  A single punch.

  Tristan’s armor cracked.

  His ribs broke.

  Vincent screamed as he unleashed his magic.

  “Fire and Frost Spear!”

  Flames and ice erupted simultaneously, distorting the air itself as scorching heat and freezing cold collided.

  Yet—

  With a single finger—

  Katarina erased it.

  The spell shattered instantly.

  She flicked her hand.

  A spark of flame struck Vincent.

  His clothes ignited.

  Vincent screamed in agony, collapsing as fire consumed him.

  “Vincent!” Willson shouted desperately. “Lady Katarina! What are you doing?!”

  Katarina looked down at them with utter disdain.

  “Oh?” she said mockingly. “So this is all the strength Clan Origin possesses?”

  Edric stepped forward urgently.

  “Lady Katarina, please withdraw your power!”

  She turned her gaze toward him, eyes sharp.

  “Do you want the same treatment?”

  Edric froze.

  Helberg smiled faintly.

  Duke Yuri remained calm on the surface, but inside his thoughts were filled with scorn.

  A clan this small dares to claim they defeated a Level 120 monster? Ridiculous.

  King Carlos stood up, his voice strained.

  “Lady Katarina, please be patient. This situation has already become critical.”

  Vincent writhed on the floor, burning, screaming in pain.

  King Hareth sneered.

  “So this is the true strength of Clan Origin,” he said mockingly. “I thought they would be far more impressive.”

  Moments later—

  Evelyn returned.

  Her face was pale, her body trembling.

  “Lady Katarina,” she begged, falling to her knees. “Please… save Vincent. Withdraw your magic.”

  Inside her heart, terror consumed her.

  I’m scared… Rey’s aura was suffocating when he handed me the corpse. If he finds out what happened here… I’m afraid…

  Katarina laughed coldly.

  “You lowly people,” she said. “With nothing but words, you think you can deceive us?”

  Evelyn bowed deeply.

  “The monster’s corpse… I have brought it.”

  Duke Yuri stepped forward, his voice turning sharp.

  “Clan Origin,” he said coldly. “After this incident, the nobles of Xylndra will not accept this.”

  He smiled—dangerously.

  “You will pay compensation.”

  His gaze locked onto Evelyn.

  “The monster’s corpse—we will take it. And you will also pay three Mana Stones as compensation. Do you understand, Clan Origin?”

  He turned toward Katarina, continuing coldly toward Evelyn.

  “This is all because of your rudeness and your attempt to deceive—”

  He never finished his sentence.

  A presence—

  No.

  A terror—

  Exploded throughout the hall.

  A horrifying, razor-sharp aura crushed everything.

  Those below Level 70 collapsed unconscious instantly.

  Helberg, Edric, King Carlos, King Hareth, and Lucas all fell to their knees, trembling in fear.

  Duke Yuri nearly fainted.

  Katarina’s subordinates dropped flat, screaming as they begged for mercy.

  Katarina herself froze.

  Her breath caught.

  Her heart pounded violently.

  This power… this terrifying power… who… who is this?!

  A deep, heavy voice echoed through the hall.

  “You are quite bold,” the voice said slowly, filled with rage.

  “To harm a member of Clan Origin.”

  The aura intensified, pressing directly onto Katarina.

  The voice continued—cold, lethal.

  “Have you grown tired of living?”