Two years later…

"Hey, have you heard the news?"

"What news?"

"The news about Young Master Merlin Clay defeating a horde of monsters on the south side of city!"

"A horde of monsters? How come I didn't know about that? When did this happen?"

"Two days ago. You're really out of the loop, tsk!"

In a tavern in the capital, people whispered excitedly.

Their conversation, of course, revolved around the recent incident.

A horde of level-four to five monsters had suddenly appeared and attacked the city of Droswen.

Fortunately, the attack had been successfully stopped by the Clay family—especially by one name that had been appearing everywhere lately: Merlin Clay.

The name that was once feared as a threat now shone like the sun in everyone's hearts.

It was hardly surprising, considering everything Merlin had done for the city.

His victory over the monsters that sought to destroy Droswen made his name known throughout the city.

At the far end of the bar, a man cloaked in black casually sipped cold chocolate.

While those around him drank wine or beer, the cold chocolate in his hand stood out—but no one dared disturb or mock him.

About a week ago, a burly man had tried—and received a lesson he would never forget.

Everyone who witnessed it took it as a warning, so no one dared to repeat his foolishness.

The man in the black cloak finished his glass of chocolate and placed a bronze coin beside it.

Without a word, he walked out of the tavern, under the watchful eyes of the people around him.

"His aura is terrifying. Just sitting near him makes me shake," muttered one.

The others nodded in agreement, too afraid to meet his gaze or speak to him.

After all, they had all seen how strong and merciless he was when he dealt with the burly man.

Outside, the cloaked figure walked to the right, hands tucked into his pockets.

"It seems you've succeeded in scaring them, Merlin," a playful voice echoed in his mind.

Buzz!

A soft red light shimmered on his right shoulder as a cute cat leaned against him, her body wrapping around his neck while she pressed her head to him in a gentle, affectionate rub.

"Really? Well, that's good. I was getting tired of being bothered when all I wanted was some peace," he said with a chuckle.

He lowered his hood, revealing the face of a striking teenager.

Every feature was flawless, with a perfectly symmetrical jawline.

His sharp, sword-like eyebrows gave him a stern yet captivating expression.

His purple eyes gleamed like sapphires, and his long white hair reached his earlobes.

A gentle breeze brushed against his face, ruffling his hair and adding to his charm.

The teenager was none other than Merlin—a name that was now on everyone's lips in Droswen.

Lyserra smiled slightly and said, "I agree. People like that need to be taught a lesson so they learn their place. Otherwise, they'll keep bothering you like moths."

If Merlin hadn't held her back, the burly man—and likely a few others looking for trouble—would have been crushed.

Merlin only smiled, gently stroking her head.

He lifted his gaze to the blue sky above.

'Two years already, huh? Time really flies,' he murmured.

Two years had passed since he returned from the royal palace and learned from his father about the Sky Wing's crack.

His father's guess had been correct—he couldn't enter the academy because of it.

Even so, Merlin had no regrets. Over the past two years, he had honed his strength to the fullest.

Even he himself hadn't expected to become this strong in such a short time.

'Status panel,' he whispered.

[Status]

Name: Merlin Clay

Identity: The First Son of the Viscount Clay Family

Age: 12 years old

Talent: S

Guardian Spirit: Primordial Chaos Dragon (???)

Rank: Fifth Spirit Core

Bloodline: –

As he studied it, he couldn't help but nod in satisfaction.

His talent, once rated only A, had now reached level S.

Thanks to his hard work and innate ability, he had achieved the Fifth Spirit Core just a few days ago.

He then opened the system shop and noticed he had only forty thousand points left.

'Tsk! I can't afford to slack off anymore. Killing those monsters will rack up points and finish the system mission,' he muttered with a satisfied smile.

He swiped his left index finger downward, and the mission panel appeared instantly before him.

[Emergency Mission Issued! Eliminate 3,000 monsters invading Droswen! Reward: 90,000 system points + 1x random legendary item. Monsters defeated: 2,000/3,000.]

'I've already defeated two thousand monsters. Just a thousand more, and the mission will be complete.'

About a month ago, the system had assigned him a mission to eliminate the monsters attacking Droswen.

At first, Merlin hadn't been particularly interested—he fought not just for the mission, but for the safety of the people.

Who would have guessed that each monster he defeated would grant him a hundred system points?

By the time he had slain two thousand monsters, he had accumulated roughly two hundred thousand points.

Unfortunately, most of the points had gone into increasing his strength, leaving him with just forty thousand.

"Hah…" Merlin sighed deeply and glanced at Lyserra perched on his shoulder. "Shall we head back?"

Lyserra merely nodded lazily. "Um…"

***

Merlin stepped into his mansion, and suddenly, Maya rushed toward him.

"Young Master, you're finally back! I have important news!"

Merlin raised an eyebrow, surprised and curious.

"What is it?"

Maya handed him a letter, and Merlin took it. He opened it and began to read.

A few moments later, his eyes widened in shock.

"Luna is coming here? And in just three days?"

They had exchanged letters several times to ease the longing between them.

By his count, Luna was the one who wrote most often.

She had also stayed at the Clay family mansion for a week.

His parents had welcomed her warmly, of course—but that had been a year ago.

Now, she was coming again, which clearly surprised Merlin.

"When did this letter arrive?" he asked, closing it.

"About two hours ago, right when you went hunting."

"Two hours ago, huh?" Merlin nodded slightly. "All right, I understand. Thank you, Maya."

Maya felt a wave of embarrassment and lowered her head, her cheeks flushing red.

Merlin's smile was so charming that every time she saw it, her heart skipped a beat.

"Oh, by the way, how is your power progressing? Any difficulties? If so, tell me—I'll help you," Merlin said, patting his chest reassuringly.

Not just him—Maya herself had changed significantly.

She was taller, more mature, and undeniably more beautiful than before. Her features could rival heroines like Luna or Charlotte.

The most noticeable change, however, was her fuller, more proportionate figure.

Maya now exuded charm and presence, like an older sister from a comic book who could effortlessly capture anyone's attention.

"I have no issues, Young Master," Maya said, shaking her head. Then, as if remembering something, she tapped her forehead.

"Oh, right! I just remembered something." She glanced at Merlin sheepishly. "I do need your help, Young Master."

Merlin: "?"

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