Inside Clan Glory, Marek laughed in satisfaction.

  The woman he had long desired was finally in his grasp.

  Melvin and Luna lay before him, badly abused—their bodies covered in wounds, their spirits trembling.

  Marek sneered coldly.

  “Woman… you rejected me before, didn’t you? Today, you will receive your repayment.”

  Melvin and Luna were overwhelmed by fear, tears streaming down their faces.

  Suddenly—

  BAM!

  The door to Marek’s residence was knocked violently.

  Marek froze.

  “Who dares disturb me at a time like this?!”

  When he opened the door, several high-ranking members of Clan Glory stood before him.

  One of them spoke firmly.

  “Marek, come with us. Lord Tristan wishes to see you.”

  Marek was shocked that Tristan had summoned him.

  “Very well… but give me some time to prepare.”

  The clan officer replied coldly,

  “Lord Tristan requests that you bring the two women who are currently with you.”

  Marek’s heart sank.

  “So Tristan already knew about this woman.”

  Though unease crept into his mind, he had no choice but to comply. He brought both women along—first giving them potions to make them appear unharmed, ensuring no one would notice their true condition.

  Along the way, Marek overheard conversations spreading through the streets.

  All clans and guilds were searching for two women named Melvin and Luna.

  At that moment, Marek became certain—

  Tristan had summoned him because he knew the truth.

  They soon arrived at Clan Aegis.

  One of the high-ranking members went ahead to inform Tristan.

  Inside the grand hall, silence reigned.

  The atmosphere was heavy and suffocating.

  Rey stood there with his eyes closed, unmoving.

  His aura was savage—uncontrolled, oppressive.

  Suddenly, a knock echoed through the hall.

  Permission was granted, and the Clan Glory officer entered.

  “Lord Marek has arrived, along with the two women.”

  Tristan ordered calmly,

  “Bring Marek and the two women inside.”

  The moment Marek, Melvin, and Luna entered—

  Eris immediately rushed to the two women.

  Without hesitation—

  BAM!

  Tristan punched Marek square in the face.

  “You—what have you done to these two girls?!”

  Marek panicked.

  “Lord Tristan, I did nothing! They were searching for something, so I merely brought them to Clan Glory to help them!”

  Willson, Drax, and Vincent remained silent, watching without interfering.

  Marek, Melvin, and Luna failed to notice Rey’s presence.

  Tristan turned to the two women.

  “You two… is what Marek said true?”

  Melvin and Luna trembled in fear, remaining silent for a long time—too afraid to speak the truth.

  Eris stepped forward gently.

  “Melvin… Luna… be honest. I’m here. He can’t do anything to you.”

  Inside, both Eris and Tristan thought the same thing—

  I hope Marek didn’t do something foolish… If he did, I don’t know what will happen.

  Luna finally spoke, her voice shaking.

  “We… we were tortured—”

  Before she could finish—

  CRACK!

  The floor of the hall fractured.

  A terrifying aura exploded outward.

  A cold, merciless voice echoed through the hall.

  “Tortured? Good… very good. You’ve irritated me again and again… and now—do you no longer wish to live?”

  The entire hall fell silent.

  Melvin and Luna felt relief and joy upon hearing that voice.

  Marek was utterly terrified.

  Eris turned angrily toward Tristan.

  “You failed to manage your own member? Even the Vice Leader of Clan Glory committed something so inhuman!”

  Tristan replied coldly.

  “Marek. From this moment on, you are no longer Vice Leader of Clan Glory. You are expelled from the clan. I never want to see your face again.”

  He leaned closer to Marek’s ear and whispered,

  “You chose the wrong enemy.”

  Then—

  Rey began to walk forward.

  With every step he took, the floor beneath him cracked.

  His aura crushed everything around him.

  Marek collapsed in fear.

  “Ace… Ace, I beg you… I did nothing to them!”

  Rey replied coldly,

  “You don’t need to explain anything. Let them explain.”

  He walked toward Melvin and Luna and asked softly,

  “Are you both alright? Tell me how he tortured you.”

  Luna spoke through tears.

  “He beat us… forced us to become his servants… and demanded that we leave Ace’s party… then—”

  Rey gently interrupted her.

  “That’s enough. You don’t need to say anything more. Don’t worry. I’m here. I’ll handle the rest.”

  Rey turned his gaze toward Marek—merciless and cold.

  He stepped closer and spoke firmly,

  “You—and everything related to you—will be erased from this world.”

  Willson stepped forward urgently.

  “Ace, wait! You can’t act like this. There are laws!”

  Rey sneered.

  “Laws? What kind? Prison for twenty or thirty years, only to be released and live freely again? Or pay compensation set by law and repeat the same sin?”

  “Laws… laws that only protect nobles and the wealthy. For the poor and powerless, they are cast aside.”

  Willson replied solemnly,

  “Don’t worry. The Adventurer Guild itself will take legal action against Marek for what he has done.”

  Rey’s gaze remained cold as he stood in the grand hall.

  His aura had receded slightly, but the pressure it left behind still weighed heavily on everyone present.

  After a long silence, Rey finally spoke.

  “Can I really trust the law and the Guild?”

  Willson inhaled deeply before answering.

  “Ace… you must follow the law. This country has a system—laws that govern everyone. Even the King himself would be punished if he violated them.”

  Rey’s eyes narrowed.

  “Fine. I’ll take your word for it.”

  His voice lowered, carrying a quiet threat.

  “But if the law you speak of fails to deliver justice… then I, Ace, will enforce my own law.”

  The air instantly turned heavy.

  Willson, Tristan, Drax, and everyone else fell silent, intimidated by Rey’s words.

  Not a single person dared to respond.

  Meanwhile, Marek clenched his fists tightly, his head lowered—but his heart burned with hatred.

  “You… you’ll pay for opposing me.

  Tristan… you don’t even know who I truly am.

  You expelled me from the clan? You and your clan will suffer the consequences.”

  Willson finally broke the silence.

  “Alright… I’ll do my best to see this through properly.”

  Rey stared at him.

  “Good. You’d better do your best.”

  His tone sharpened.

  “Don’t make me step in personally.”

  Rey then turned toward Melvin and Luna.

  Drax stepped forward, his expression serious.

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  “Ace, I suggest bringing the two women to the medical ward for a full health examination. I can also offer them a place to rest here in Clan Aegis until everything is settled.”

  Before Rey could answer, Eris immediately objected.

  “No.”

  Her voice was firm.

  “They are VIP guests of Clan Rose. Before they disappeared, they were already under Clan Rose’s protection. Their companions are there as well. They should rest at Clan Rose.”

  The two began arguing—nothing major, but persistent.

  Rey rubbed his temple, exhausted.

  “Seriously… even over something like this?”

  “Alright, enough.”

  Rey raised his hand, silencing both of them.

  He turned to Drax.

  “I appreciate your offer, Drax. But after their medical check-ups, I’ll be heading to Clan Rose to see another member of my party.”

  He shook his head.

  “So I’ll have to decline staying here.”

  Drax sighed deeply.

  “Haaaah… very well. If that’s your decision, I’ll respect it.”

  He smiled faintly.

  “And I’ll give you the Grand Potion I promised.”

  Rey nodded.

  “Thank you, Drax. I won’t forget this favor.”

  He paused.

  “I’ll also compensate you for the damage I caused to your clan’s building.”

  Rey placed a pouch filled with 5,000 gold coins into Drax’s hands.

  Drax was startled.

  “Ace—this is too much. I can’t accept—”

  Rey shook his head.

  “I’m giving this willingly.”

  Then he added calmly,

  “If I ever cause trouble again… I hope you’ll help me.”

  Drax burst into laughter.

  “Hahahaha! It’s fine. We’re friends.”

  He placed a hand on Rey’s shoulder.

  “As long as you need help, I’ll be there.”

  Not long after, Melvin and Luna completed their medical examinations.

  The healers confirmed the presence of severe abuse—bruises, internal injuries, and trauma. Thankfully, all wounds were treated successfully at Clan Aegis.

  With the Grand Potion in hand, Rey departed for Clan Rose alongside Eris.

  Marek, meanwhile, was taken into custody and brought before the court.

  His trial was expedited, and punishment was promised for his crimes.

  Upon arriving at Clan Rose, Rey immediately went to where Elysa was being treated.

  Without hesitation, he gave her the Grand Potion obtained from Drax.

  Moments later, her wounds began to heal rapidly.

  Her breathing stabilized.

  Color returned to her face.

  The three girls were given accommodations within Clan Rose.

  They remained there for nearly three days.

  On the second day after receiving the Grand Potion, Elysa finally awoke.

  Rey, Melvin, and Luna were at her bedside.

  They felt overwhelming relief when they saw her conscious.

  Elysa, her voice weak but sincere, spoke with gratitude.

  “Thank you… I’m glad I can still travel with all of you.”

  On the third day, Elysa began regaining her strength and rhythm.

  She trained lightly, testing her condition.

  She was almost fully recovered.

  That same day—

  The legal verdict delivered by the Guild and the government was announced.

  The moment Rey heard it—

  His fury erupted.

  Without explanation, he ordered the three girls to remain at Clan Rose.

  He had urgent business to attend to.

  Eris tried to stop him.

  But she failed.

  Rey’s aura surged outward—so oppressive that Eris froze in fear.

  Rey marched straight toward the Adventurer Guild.

  His aura flooded the building as he entered.

  Adventurers instinctively stepped aside, unable to block his path.

  At the counter, Rey spoke coldly.

  “Is Willson here?”

  The receptionist stammered.

  “L-Leader… Leader is upstairs. But you need an appointment to see him—”

  “Appointment?”

  Rey’s eyes glinted.

  “Call Willson now.”

  His voice left no room for refusal.

  “Tell him a guest has come to discuss an important matter.”

  Inside Willson’s office sat four people:

  Willson.

  Tristan.

  Victor.

  Drax.

  Willson slammed his fist on the table.

  “Tristan! Why didn’t you tell me Marek was from a noble family?!”

  Tristan frowned.

  “Willson, listen to me first. I truly didn’t know.”

  He spoke earnestly.

  “Before recruiting him, I checked his background thoroughly. There was no information stating he belonged to a noble family.”

  Drax crossed his arms.

  “This will cause chaos.”

  He looked at Willson.

  “Can’t you meet the King?”

  Victor shook his head grimly.

  “I tried.”

  His expression darkened.

  “The response was disappointing.”

  He clenched his fist.

  “They refuse to interfere in matters involving a Duke family.”

  He hesitated.

  “Marek belongs to the Arden Family.”

  The room stiffened.

  “You all know the Arden Family holds absolute power… even behind the scenes.”

  Victor continued.

  “They control the royal family itself.”

  He looked around.

  “Can’t we turn a blind eye in this case?”

  Tristan scoffed.

  “Turn a blind eye?”

  He stared sharply.

  “Have you ever seen Ace’s true strength?”

  His voice dropped.

  “What if he already knows?”

  Suddenly—

  A terrifying aura surged from below.

  The entire building trembled.

  Rey was ascending the stairs.

  No one dared to stop him.

  His presence alone crushed their courage.

  The office door swung open.

  Willson stood.

  “Ace… you’re here. Come in.”

  He gestured inside.

  “We were discussing Marek and preparing an answer for you.”

  Rey entered, aura blazing.

  Tristan swallowed hard.

  “Ace… can you calm down for a moment?”

  “Calm down?”

  Rey’s voice was ice-cold.

  “I won’t calm down until Marek is sentenced to death.”

  Willson wiped sweat from his brow.

  “Ace… please calm yourself first.”

  He forced himself to speak steadily.

  “We’ll explain everything.”

  Rey exhaled slowly.

  “Fine. I’ll calm down.”

  His eyes hardened.

  “But if your answer isn’t satisfactory… I’ll handle it myself.”

  His aura receded slightly.

  Everyone let out a silent breath of relief.

  Willson began.

  “Ace… I know you’re angry. We truly did our best to give Marek a punishment befitting his crimes.”

  He hesitated.

  “But…”

  Tristan continued.

  “Ace… we didn’t know Marek belonged to a Duke family.”

  He clenched his jaw.

  “Even the King is afraid to make a decision.”

  Rey frowned.

  “A noble family?”

  He questioned sharply.

  “Aren’t noble families forbidden from joining clans or guilds?”

  “That’s the problem.”

  Tristan replied bitterly.

  “I didn’t know he was one. I checked everything—there was nothing.”

  Drax spoke gravely.

  “Ace… I’ll be honest.”

  “The Arden Family is the strongest noble family in the nation of Christope.”

  He paused.

  “They control the royal family from behind the scenes.”

  His eyes narrowed.

  “I also learned that the Arden Family has ties with nobles from Xylandra—a Tier-1 nation in the Northern Continent.”

  Rey fell silent for a moment.

  Then he asked,

  “So what you’re saying is… the Arden Family has backing from a Tier-1 nation?”

  His brow furrowed.

  “Then why haven’t they taken the throne of Christope?”

  Willson sighed.

  “We don’t know.”

  “But if we provoke the Arden Family… the nobles of Xylandra won’t ignore it.”

  Rey leaned back.

  “Then tell me.”

  His gaze sharpened.

  “How strong is the Arden Family?”

  Willson answered carefully.

  “Ten years ago, when I was still Class B, I heard their leader was Level 78.”

  He swallowed.

  “Ten years have passed. I estimate he’s above Level 90 now.”

  Rey thought silently.

  Above Level 90? Troublesome… but something doesn’t add up.

  He asked again.

  “Then why is Christope ranked Tier 2?”

  Willson explained.

  “That ranking only reflects Adventurer strength for inter-country tournaments.”

  He continued,

  “Noble families don’t participate. They hide their power, using it only to protect themselves.”

  “If Christope enters a war, only guilds, clans, and adventurers are deployed.”

  “The nobles remain behind, safeguarding their own status.”

  Rey sneered.

  “How ironic.”

  His voice dripped with contempt.

  “They’re nothing but traitors to their own nation.”

  “If the country falls, they’ll flee and join stronger nations.”

  His eyes burned.

  “I despise nobles with rotten hearts like that.”

  Willson exhaled slowly, his expression heavy.

  “So now you understand,” he said quietly, “not through force alone… but through the power and influence of the Arden Family?”

  Rey did not answer immediately.

  Instead, he asked the only question that mattered to him.

  “So… what punishment did Marek receive?”

  Tristan turned his gaze away, his shoulders sinking.

  “Haaah…” he sighed.

  “He was sentenced to five years in prison.”

  After a brief pause, his voice grew even heavier.

  “And if the Arden Family intervenes… the sentence will be reduced to one year.”

  The moment those words left Tristan’s mouth—

  Rey’s aura erupted.

  The pressure surged violently, cracking the air itself.

  “One year?!”

  His voice thundered across the room.

  “How ridiculous!”

  “A crime like that can be reduced by disgusting nobles!”

  His eyes burned with fury.

  “I, Ace, will erase nobles like that from this world one day.”

  The four men present froze.

  Victor felt his heart pounding violently.

  This aura… it’s even stronger than Leader Willson’s.

  Who exactly is this boy? Why is his power so terrifying?

  Victor remained silent for several seconds before finally speaking.

  “Ace… there is one way.”

  He hesitated.

  “But…”

  “Victor!”

  Willson snapped sharply.

  “Have you lost your mind?!”

  Rey turned his gaze toward Willson, surprised by the rare outburst.

  “What is this way?” Rey asked coldly.

  Willson clenched his fists, visibly conflicted.

  He let out a long sigh.

  “The method… is to obtain recognition from the King.”

  His voice lowered.

  “You would receive a noble title of your own.”

  Rey’s eyes narrowed slightly.

  A noble title?

  Interesting.

  “How do I obtain such a title?” Rey asked calmly.

  “And I want a title equal to the Arden Family.”

  He continued, his voice firm.

  “A Duke.”

  The room fell into stunned silence.

  Drax was the first to react.

  “Duke?!”

  He stared at Rey in disbelief.

  “Ace, have you gone insane?!”

  “That title isn’t something you can just obtain!”

  “I’m already considered fortunate to receive a Baron title—and even then, I lost a great deal to earn it!”

  Rey glanced at him.

  “Oh? So you’re a noble as well?”

  Drax nodded bitterly.

  “Yes. But I don’t have a large family like them.”

  “I only received the title after reaching Class S.”

  Rey processed this information quickly.

  “So… I can obtain the Baron title after reaching Class S?”

  Willson shook his head.

  “It’s not that simple, Ace.”

  “Even if you reach Class S, the people of the nation must acknowledge you.”

  “I see.”

  Rey nodded once.

  “Then how do I obtain the Duke title?”

  Willson spoke carefully, his tone humble.

  “There are several phases you must pass.”

  “But considering your strength, I’ll summarize them into three.”

  He raised three fingers.

  “First—reach Class S.”

  “Second—establish a great clan, comparable to Clan Rose, Clan Aegis, Clan Glory, or Clan Obsidian.”

  “Third—achieve something no one else has.”

  “Something extraordinary enough to elevate the nation of Christope to a higher-tier country.”

  “If you can do that… obtaining the Duke title will become far easier.”

  Rey remained silent.

  Inside his mind, calculations formed rapidly.

  I’m currently Level 51… reaching Class S is possible.

  For a clan… I’ll need support from major clans.

  Alex… Alex can help me establish my own clan.

  But the third requirement… that’s difficult.

  He looked back at Willson.

  “So… how do I raise the national ranking of Christope?”

  Willson sighed deeply.

  “Ace… I’ll be honest.”

  “To achieve all of this within one year is nearly impossible.”

  “One year is simply too short.”

  He looked straight at Rey.

  “Do you really think you can elevate this nation to a higher rank within a single year?”

  Rey did not hesitate.

  “I have to try.”

  His voice was resolute.

  “Do you all want to keep seeing your own country rot under unjust laws?”

  “This time, it happened to me.”

  He stared at each of them.

  “What if next time it’s your turn?”

  “What if your clan… or the people you want to protect… suffer the same fate I did?”

  Silence.

  No one could answer.

  Finally, Drax spoke quietly.

  “Ace… there is one way.”

  “But it’s extreme.”

  “Even I’m afraid to talk about it.”

  Rey’s gaze sharpened.

  “What is it, Drax? Just say it.”

  Drax swallowed.

  “Floor 7.”

  “If you clear Floor 7 of the dungeon…”

  “The national rank of Christope will rise to a higher tier.”

  Rey’s heart sank.

  Floor 7…

  Even Floor 8 nearly overwhelmed me.

  I haven’t even reached Floor 7 yet.

  This… is insane.

  Rey slowly sat down, the weight of the challenge pressing on him.

  “Floor 7…”

  He asked quietly.

  “What kind of monsters exist there?”

  Willson’s eyes widened.

  “Ace, have you lost your mind?!”

  “We’ve all entered Floor 7!”

  “Even twenty Class S adventurers couldn’t defeat what lies there!”

  Rey lifted his head.

  “Willson… I must try.”

  His voice carried absolute determination.

  “I’ve decided.”

  “I’ll raise my level.”

  “I’ll create my own clan.”

  “And I’ll clear Floor 7.”

  Shock rippled across their faces.

  Without further explanation, Rey stood.

  He said he was returning to Clan Rose.

  As he walked away, a single thought echoed in his mind.

  “I need to grow stronger.

  The Simulation Function… that will be the best way for me to train at full power.”

  Far away—

  Inside a grand palace.

  The residence of a noble family.

  The Arden Family—

  The Duke family of the Kingdom of Christope.

  A cold voice echoed through the vast hall.

  “Did this incident affect the reputation of the Arden Family?”

  A man knelt respectfully.

  “No, Lord.”

  “We have already controlled the information and spread our version of events.”

  “Marek will be released within one year.”

  Another figure spoke.

  His aura alone bent the air.

  “Good.”

  “Marek is one of our future leadership candidates.”

  “Give him whatever he desires.”

  “And…”

  His voice turned colder.

  “Clan Glory.”

  “I don’t want to see it standing in this nation anymore.”

  The kneeling man lowered his head further.

  “I understand.”

  Orders were immediately dispatched.

  Special operations were set in motion to bring down Clan Glory.

  The elderly figure chuckled softly to himself.

  “One clan has already fallen.”

  “Marek… you’ve done well.”

  “Next…”

  “…it will be your turn.” while looking towards the emblem of another clan.

  The aura within the palace surged violently—

  As if it would swallow everything within its walls.