At the Duke's Mansion...
After the intense duel, the entire household was left in shock. Though Alaric left the Ravenshade estate on his own terms, he walked away victorious. Ivar was officially named heir, but the Duchess seethed in silence—despite everything, her stepson had stolen the spotlight.
Servants whispered about the confrontation for days, the echoes of Alaric's words and strength lingering like a ghost in the halls.
---
In the West, Ashvale Town...
Far from the noble courts, Alaric and Lyra arrived at a modest town tucked along the western edge of the Ravenshade territory—Ashvale.
They stepped into a small inn after a long journey.
"Do you have two rooms available?" Alaric asked the innkeeper.
"I'm sorry, dear customer. We only have one room left tonight," the woman replied with a polite smile.
"We'll find another place," Alaric said, turning to Lyra.
But the innkeeper quickly added, "Sir, you likely won't find anything else. Every inn's full tonight—travelers have flooded in."
Lyra tilted her head. "Is there some kind of event?"
The innkeeper nodded. "This town used to be one of the closed border crossings because of monster threats, but the Empire reopened it after building secure roads. Ashvale is now the fastest route to the capital—only 35 to 40 days on foot compared to the usual three to six months."
"I see," Alaric said. "We'll take the room."
After receiving the key, they headed upstairs.
"You should rest. Once you're up, practice your mana circulation. I want you breaking through to the Second Circle soon," Alaric instructed.
"Yes, Young Master," Lyra nodded.
Later, in the Town Streets...
Alaric wandered the busy town streets alone, quietly observing the people enjoying their evening—sharing drinks, laughing, and living freely. Despite being small, Ashvale was full of life.
"Stop that kid! He's a thief!" someone shouted nearby.
Alaric turned as a young boy darted past, clutching a small pouch.
"That brat's always stealing!" an old man grumbled behind him.
With mild curiosity, Alaric followed the boy into a narrow alleyway.
There, the child knelt, eagerly peeking into the bag.
"Hey, little thief," Alaric said, appearing before him.
The boy flinched. "Who are you?!"
"Just a traveler. Why are you stealing? Where do you live?" Alaric asked calmly.
The boy jumped up, ready to bolt. "You're not taking me back! No way!"
But Alaric caught him with ease, lifting him by the collar.
"Relax. I don't care if you're a thief. But why waste your time stealing when you could earn your meals honestly?" he said. "Work for me. I'll give you food, a roof, and coin."
The boy narrowed his eyes. "Yeah right. You must be a slave trader. Get lost."
Bonk.
"Ow—!"
"Shut it. You're working for me now. Or I really will sell you," Alaric muttered with a smirk.
With the boy still struggling, Alaric dragged him back to the inn.
"Young Master, you're back! Wait... who's this?" Lyra blinked in surprise.
"He's coming with us. He'll handle chores and errands for now," Alaric said.
"You damn slave trader! Let me go!" the boy protested.
Alaric rolled his eyes. "Stop whining and introduce yourself already."
The boy just turned his head and sulked in silence.
"Ugh..." Alaric sighed. "Anyway—Lyra, we're heading to the capital tomorrow. We'll find a place to stay and plan our next move from there."
"Yes, Young Master. We'll have many opportunities once we arrive," Lyra said.
Alaric looked at the boy again. "So? What's your name?"
"It's Cael," the boy replied with a pout.
Alaric raised an eyebrow. "Are you hungry, little brat?"
"I'm not," Cael muttered, though his stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.
"Tch, damn this brat," Alaric scoffed. "Let's head downstairs. I'll ask the innkeeper to prepare something."
"I'm only going to look, not to eat," Cael replied in a playful tone.
The three of them made their way down and took a seat at an empty table. They ordered roasted meat, a bowl of pottage, and some wine.
While Lyra and Alaric began eating, Cael just stared at the food, holding back despite the noise from his rumbling stomach. Eventually, he gave in and started digging in, unable to resist. Lyra smiled softly as she watched him.
"Kid, you don't need to act tough," Alaric said. "Travel with me. I'll teach you magic and swordsmanship. It's better than stealing in some backwater town."
"You know magic?" Cael looked up, interested. "Alright, I'll follow you for a while. I want to see if you're worth it."
Alaric chuckled. "You brats are always so full of surprises."
---
The Next Morning
Lyra and Cael were still sleeping peacefully while Alaric sat in silence, training his demonic energy.
"Just a few more days," he muttered. "Then I'll unlock my demonic sense and heart. After that, I can hunt demons, absorb their energy, and grow even stronger."
He began planning his next move.
The Elarian Empire... ruled by five ducal families and fourteen marquess houses. Ravenshade—one of the founding powers. They won't come after me yet, but I need to grow stronger. I could probably take on anyone, but not a duke like Ravenshade… not without using my soul power. I'll need a foundation. The capital is the best place to start.
Soon after, Lyra and Cael woke up. After breakfast, they headed out to hire a carriage.
"I want to go to the capital. Can you take us?" Alaric asked one of the carriage drivers.
"Sure, sir. That'll be one gold coin."
Just then, a girl's voice interrupted.
"Wait!" A small pouch flew through the air and landed near the driver. "Here's five gold coins. Take us instead."
The driver looked confused. "Sorry, miss. I've already accepted this gentleman's request."
"So what?" she snapped. "I'll pay more." She turned to Alaric. "I'm Reina Vaelsworth of the Vaelsworth Family. Could you let us take the carriage? I'll even give you some gold in return."
Alaric didn't bother responding. He simply turned to his companions. "Let's go."
Just as he was about to board, a hand grabbed his shoulder.
"Hey, didn't you hear what the lady said?" a guard growled. "Take the coins and get lost before you cause trouble."
Alaric turned slowly, his eyes cold as ice. A heavy, oppressive aura poured from him.
"Say that again," he said quietly.
The guard blinked. "W-What?"
"Touch me one more time… and I'll make sure none of you even see what hits you before you burn to ashes."
The guard froze, paralyzed by fear under the weight of Alaric's killing intent.
"I am Reina Vaelsworth, daughter of Count Vaelsworth!" Reina shouted, trying to regain control. "Do you know what happens when you threaten a noble?!"
Alaric narrowed his eyes. "I don't give a damn what noble house you're from. Get lost."
With that, he stepped into the carriage, and the door shut behind him.
Fuming, Reina ordered her guards to contact her father and claimed she had been harassed by commoners. She scolded them for failing to act.
---
Inside the Carriage
"Why did you do that?" Cael asked nervously. "They're nobles. They won't just let this go."
"It's alright," Lyra answered with a smile. "Our young master here is no ordinary man. He's Alaric Ravenshade, once part of the noble Ravenshade family."
Cael's eyes widened. "What?! He's a noble? I thought he was just some... well, never mind. And what do you mean was?"
As the carriage rolled on, Lyra explained Alaric's story to Cael. The boy listened in awe, silent for the rest of the journey.
That night, they set up camp deep in the forest, with the flickering fire casting shadows.