Chapter Three — The Viscount, A Genius
Azeroth also learned that he had a grandfather, the head of the clan, holder of the title viscount.
Viscount Alfred Clinton.
In just these days, Azeroth had heard whispers from servants-enough to know the old man was in some closed-door training, at a critical stage of progress that would raise the family's standing as surely as it would sharpen his power.
That was the reason he wasn't present at Azeroth's birth.
And ironically, that only made Azeroth want to see him more.
Every servant's voice carried awe whenever his grandfather came up. Every guard straightened their posture when speaking about him. To Azeroth, who had been a normal Earthling not long ago, the whole thing sounded like the setup for a legendary protagonist's grandfather. And, honestly? He couldn't help but be curious.
These past two months also gaze Azeroth time to slowly understand the mysterious energy he sensed around others. People here called it essence, a power source they could manipulate to surpass the limits of the human body. It was the kind of thing that would've sounded like nonsense back on Earth, but here it was everyday reality.
Sadly, knowing its name was about as far as his progress went.
He could maybe observe the soldiers but it was not like his mother or servants would take him there daily;
He wanted more.
He wanted to see real movement—fast strikes, explosive power, chaos, techniques.
Would they jump around like wuxia experts? Move at superhuman speed? Throw energy blasts like anime characters?
He didn't know, and as a baby, he had no way to find out.
"Sigh… Being a baby sure stinks."
If he could talk, he would've complained nonstop. There were so many things he wanted to do, touch, learn—but he was trapped in a tiny, soft body that could do nothing but cry, pee, and soil itself.
"Well… sucking boobs is a plus, I guess," he admitted mentally.
About a month passed quietly like that and he has been in this world three months. Every thing was calm and uneventful—until one morning, the atmosphere in the castle shifted.
His grandfather had come out of closed-door training.
And the first thing the he did… was come straight him him.
"Haha! Let me look at my grandson."
The room seemed to grow smaller as Alfred Clinton approached. Azeroth felt it instantly—an overwhelming presence that pressed down on his tiny body like a mountain leaning forward.
This man… is dangerous.
Alfred stood over the crib, studying him with sharp, almost predatory eyes. "Oh! Interesting…"
Normally, babies—and even young children— crumbled the moment Alfred Clinton stepped into a room. His presence alone was enough to make grown soldiers straighten their backs and swallow nervously. Children usually burst into tears, overwhelmed by the invisible weight his power radiated.
"It's seems my grandson is pretty talented"
Azeroth tried not to panic, but the pressure stirred every instinct he had. Something about his grandfather's gaze made him feel far too exposed, as if those elderly eyes could peel back layers of his soul and glimpse the truth he desperately needed to hide.
Calm down. Calm down. Don't look suspicious.
But how exactly was a three-month-old supposed to look "normal" under the stare of such a powerhouse?
Then Alfred suddenly reached out.
Azeroth froze.
A large, calloused hand wrapped around his small right hand—warm, steady, confident. Before he could react, a rush of energy burst from Alfred's palm and surged into his body.
Azeroth's mind went blank.
Warmth spread through him like a soothing spring, gentle yet overwhelming. Every nerve, every muscle, every bone felt as if it were being washed clean. His chaotic thoughts smoothed out instantly, replaced by euphoria so intense it almost made him melt.
It felt… insanely good.
Dangerously good.
A few seconds later, the warmth completed a full circuit in his body and gradually faded.
Alfred's expression lit up with excitement. "Good. Very good."
He straightened, pride swelling in his eyes. "Hahaha! The Clinton family will regain its glory at last! Leon, you useless brat, you finally did something right besides marrying Selena."
Leon and Selena, who had been standing nearby all this time, stared at him in shock.
"What is it, Father?" Leon asked. "Is Azeroth that talented?"
"Ha ha! Talented is an understatement," Alfred said, barely containing his grin. "Your son has a mutated physique. A positive mutation, not a deterioration. Such cases appear once in a million births."
Selena's eyes widened. "W-wait, are you certain?"
"Do you think your father makes baseless claims?" Alfred scoffed. "His blood vessels and nerves are three to four times wider and sturdier. His core is already in a semi-opened state."
"What?!"
"Does that mean he can use essence already?"
"Oh no—what if he accidentally uses it and hurts himself?!"
Selena nearly panicked on the spot.
"Calm down," Alfred said, waving a hand dismissively. "Semi-opened doesn't mean he can manipulate essence freely. He can't pull it out of his core unless he forces it—and he doesn't have the awareness or strength to do that."
His tone softened, becoming proud—deeply, unmistakably proud.
"In truth, this situation benefits him. When the time comes to unlock his core, he'll have a head start. His body will adapt to essence faster than other children. many years faster."
"In other words," he added, "your son is a prodigy. A once-in-a-lifetime genius."
Leon and Selena exchanged looks of disbelief and pride. Azeroth, meanwhile, was just relieved his secret was safe. For a terrifying moment, he thought Alfred had read his mind.
Leon stared at his son. "So… he can begin training early?"
"Yes," Alfred replied without hesitation. "After basic physical conditioning, he can begin true essence training. It should not be a problem."
His parents eventually quieted down after Alfred shot them a glare. They left the room once Azeroth closed his eyes, eager to let him "rest."
The moment they were gone, Azeroth opened his eyes again.
"Phew… Safe."
Just as relief washed over him—
A shadow lingered at the doorway.
Alfred turned back.
His sharp gaze swept across the crib—quiet, intense, lingering just long enough to make Azeroth's tiny heart convulse.
Then at last the viscount smiled faintly… and walked away.
Azeroth waited until the last echo of footsteps faded.
Then he exhaled.
"F**k… my delicate baby heart almost exploded…"
His first meeting with the strongest man in his new family had left him shaken to the core—but also strangely excited.
This world was getting more interesting by the day.