"So many techniques!" Ray exclaimed in shock as he stared at the piles of scrolls gathered on the table. His eyes sparkled with excitement and disbelief.

"Did you loot them?" he asked bluntly.

Ethan gave him a cold, murderous glance that made Ray immediately shut his mouth. The sharpness in his father's gaze was enough to silence anyone.

"It was gifted by my dear in-laws, your mother Diana's family," Ethan said calmly, his tone carrying a hint of pride.

"I see," Ray muttered, still looking around with curious eyes.

"Can I choose more than one?" he asked eagerly, his hands almost reaching for another scroll.

Ethan thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Not now. At an early stage, if you divide your focus between too many techniques, you'll only waste your time," he explained patiently.

He looked at Ray and added, "Your swordsmanship is already quite good. As for your breathing technique, it's one of the best. So for now, I suggest you choose only one technique and master it completely."

Ethan didn't mention the lightning movement technique he possessed. He had considered teaching it to Ray, but since his son didn't have lightning affinity, it would have been useless.

Ray's affinity was with wind and rock, so it was better to let him focus on those elements.

Ray walked around the table slowly, examining each scroll with serious eyes. His fingers brushed over the covers until one in particular caught his attention.

He picked it up and looked at it closely. "Gale Steps," he read aloud.

Ethan leaned forward slightly. "Gale Steps," he repeated under his breath, nodding. "It seems good."

Ray smiled and nodded back. "For now, this will do. I'll come back once I've mastered it." His voice was firm and full of determination.

Ethan watched him with quiet satisfaction. Ray's enthusiasm reminded him of his younger self.

Then Ray turned toward him again. "By the way, when will Miranda start training?" he asked suddenly.

Ethan blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the question.

'Right,' he thought. 'She's almost seven now. It's about time she starts learning the basics.'

Before he could respond, Ray spoke again. "Father, leave the matter of Miranda to me."

Ethan looked at him with a raised brow. "You?" he asked.

"Yes," Ray replied seriously. "I want to oversee her training myself."

Ethan thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. If that's what you want."

Ray's lips curved into a small smile, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief that didn't escape Ethan's notice.

.

.

.

Somewhere far away, Miranda was playing happily, twirling Lia's soft tail between her fingers. Suddenly, she paused and sneezed.

"Ah-choo!" she rubbed her nose and blinked in confusion. A strange chill ran down her spine.

"Huh? Why do I feel like someone's scheming against me?" she muttered softly, looking around with suspicion, though she had no idea that her beloved brother had just decided to become her 'trainer.'

...….

In the huge, spacious hallway, Ethan sat on a carved wooden chair, quietly overseeing the latest reports spread across the table before him.

"Sir, here is the list you asked for," Hall said as he approached, bowing slightly while handing over a stack of papers.

Ethan glanced at him sideways, his sharp gaze making Hall tense up instantly. "You didn't show any favoritism, right?" he asked in a calm tone, but the weight behind his words was enough to make Hall flinch.

"N-No, my Lord! I swear I didn't! I wouldn't dare to!" Hall stammered, sweat rolling down his forehead.

Ethan's expression softened slightly, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. After witnessing the extent of Ethan's power and the devastation he could cause, no one in their right mind would dare to deceive him.

Ethan nodded slowly. Out of the many candidates he had seen, Hall had proven himself to be reliable. He knew when to advance and when to retreat, and his ability to talk and persuade others was exceptional. For now, he lacked experience, but Ethan could already see that he had the makings of a capable man.

'Hm... If only I had those so-called protagonist eyes that can see talent at a glance,' Ethan thought with faint amusement.

He went through the list again, then looked up at Hall. "I'm quite satisfied with your work, so I've made a decision," he said calmly.

Hall straightened immediately, a nervous tension in his body. "My Lord?"

"I'm going to make you the leader of the shadow organization," Ethan said, his tone firm and final.

Hall froze hearing this and even rubbed his ears.

'Did I hear something wrong.'

His legs nearly gave out, and for a moment, he wondered if he had misheard. But Ethan's expression told him otherwise.

"You shouldn't jest My Lord!"

"I am not joking!"

"W-What! You mean—"

"What? You don't want it?" Ethan interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course not!" Hall quickly dropped to his knees, his voice trembling with excitement.

"My Lord, I'm honored beyond words! To be entrusted with such a responsibility... I swear, I will not disappoint you. I will do my best to live up to your expectations!"

Ethan watched him for a moment, then gave a small nod of approval. "Good…Very Good."

"I am quite pleased with your behaviour!"

"Now Listen.Hall, as the leader, what matters most is your mind. You will face problems, and you'll have people under you to handle the tasks. Your job is to manage and guide them. For that, it's better to stay in the shadows. Keep your identity hidden and maintain a calm, cold image. Do you understand?"

"I understand perfectly, my Lord," Hall said quickly, his voice steady now though his heart still pounded with disbelief and pride.

After explaining a few more details about the duties, Ethan reached into his storage and placed three rings on the table.

"These are for you," he said. "This one contains all the resources you'll need. The second should be distributed among the members you find suitable."

Hall carefully picked up one of the rings and sent a bit of mana inside to check its contents. His eyes widened immediately. Inside were countless scrolls, rare herbs, magical artifacts, and even breakthrough potions—items that were priceless in value.

"My Lord, this is... too precious!" he said, his voice trembling.

"So what?" Ethan replied casually, leaning back in his chair. "Since I expect you to do your best, I will also treat you with the best materials."

The breakthrough potions were not from his system but bought from merchants. There was a time when it was difficult for him to acquire even one. Now, with a single transaction, he could purchase hundreds of intermediate breakthrough potions without issue.

Ethan looked at Hall with a faint smile that carried both warmth and warning. "I'll provide everything you need," he said softly. "In exchange, I expect you not to betray my trust."

Hall bowed deeply, his voice firm. "You have my word, my Lord. I will never betray you. From this day forward, my life belongs to you and your cause."

Ethan nodded once more, satisfied by Hall's act.

But for some reason he felt that this guy had a habit of boot licking.

'Whatever!As long as he do his work well!'

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