"The War of Myriad Races."
The figure muttered to himself before slowly closing his eyes, resuming his cultivation.
I need to increase my strength as quickly as possible… before the apocalypse arrives.
****
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Blake questioned Ethan, surprised by the sudden invitation.
"I have a dream," Ethan said. "A dream where no child has to become an orphan. Where no human is sacrificed to demons, and no homes or lives are destroyed by those vicious creatures."
His gaze sharpened.
"I want every life to have meaning. To have value."
Ethan looked straight at Blake, his expression resolute, and extended his hand.
"Will you help me make this dream come true… as my friend?"
Holy shit.
What is a righteous hero?
Isn't the biggest example standing right in front of me?
The way he spoke… the sudden rise in his social status…
Isn't this exactly the basic requirement of a protagonist?
But..Should I join him?
Blake clenched his fist.
He knew nothing about the world outside this estate—aside from the direction of the Royal Palace. With his status, he didn't even have the right to ask.
But if he joined Ethan… he would learn many things. About this land. About its people. About the forces lurking in the shadows.
Just as Blake was about to answer, he sensed it—
Someone was watching him from the darkness.
He showed no reaction, careful not to startle whoever it was.
I have my answer.
Until I become strong enough, I'll continue to hide.
Even with the suit, he wasn't confident.
That old man alone had already damaged it by five percent. And there was someone even stronger than him within the palace.
Only when I reach the Fifth Rank… only then will I be free of worry.
"I… don't know if I'll be much help," Blake said slowly. "But since you asked me as a friend…"
He lifted his head and met Ethan's eyes.
"I'll do my best. I'll become stronger—and help you make your dream come true."
Blake smiled faintly as he shook Ethan's extended hand.
"Tha—"
"Haha! Excellent—truly excellent!"
A voice filled with pride and joy rang out from behind them.
Ethan turned, and Blake followed his gaze.
"Excellent words, my disciple," the man said. "Dreams are meant to be grand. For the higher they are, the harder we push ourselves to reach them."
It was none other than Ethan's master—Baron Red, accompanied by two attendants.
"Greetings, Master,"
Ethan cupped his fists and bowed deeply.
Baron Red's gaze shifted to Blake.
"As for you…" he said calmly. "To accept such an unreasonable request simply because he is your friend—even I am surprised."
He smiled faintly.
"Disciple, you are truly fortunate to have a friend like him."
Ethan's face reddened slightly in embarrassment as he glanced at Blake.
Blake, meanwhile, was thunderstruck.
"G-Gre… I—I… N-Nic… greetings, Lord—oh great Baron Red, sir!"
He dropped to both knee in a panic, bowing deeply.
"It is my greatest honor to meet you. Thank the heavens—thank the heavens!"
The act was flawless.
"Rise, child," Baron Red said gently. "You possess the heart of a true warrior—and a loyalty few ever obtain."
But it doesn't matter how benevolent you are…
Years of experience had taught Baron Red a cruel truth—
Without power, even the kindest soul is nothing in this world.
Baron Red kept those thoughts to himself as Blake slowly stood, his head lowered in apparent nervousness.
"There's no need to be afraid," Baron Red said softly, a faint smile on his lips.
Then his expression hardened as he turned to Ethan.
"Disciple, before anything else, his talent must be tested."
"If it is good, then all is well. But if it is not…"
His voice grew heavier.
"It may discourage him—or worse, haunt him because of the promise you made."
"…You're right, Master," Ethan replied quietly.
He turned to Blake.
"I'm sorry. I should have tested your talent before inviting you into my… unreasonable dream."
"I-It's alright," Blake said hurriedly. "I don't know what my talent is, but even if it's low… I'll still—help you"
Bro,
Since you asked me as a friend, I'll help you.
You helped me—and the previous owner of this body.
Even after becoming Baron Red's disciple, you still came to me.
If a friend doesn't help another friend… who will?
"Go. Bring the Mana Stone," Baron Red commanded.
"Yes, sir."
One attendant immediately left.
"Child," Baron Red said, gesturing to the stone once it arrived. "This Mana Stone is used to test your talent."
"Place your hand upon it and focus completely."
"The color it emits will determine your element, and the brightness will reveal the strength of your talent."
"Y-Yes, sir."
Blake stepped forward, his expression filled with nervousness, and placed his hand on the Mana Stone.
Now… system.