Raze stood in his room the morning after his breakthrough, the residual energy from his advancement still humming through his newly expanded pathways. His body felt different—stronger, more responsive, as if every cell had been upgraded to a superior version of what it had been before.

He focused his intent, summoning the interface he'd dismissed the previous night.

"Status."

Ding.

The translucent window materialized before him, text organizing itself into familiar categories that only he could perceive.

[Status Window]

Name: Raze Dragonheart

Age: 17

Rank: Expert (Low)

Core: Tempered (Low)

Bloodline: [Unawakened]

Authority: [Dormant]

Talent: [Absolute Genius]

Strength: A-

Agility: A-

Endurance: A

Mana: A

Mana Well: S

Perception: B

Charm: A+

Will: A+

Skills:

[Swordsmanship A]

[Mana Manipulation A]

[Inspect B]

[Combat Reflex A]

[Scarlet Leap A]

[Instant Transmission B]

[Inventory]

Raze stared at the display, genuine shock washing over him as he processed what he was seeing. This was not the modest improvement he'd expected—this was a transformation.

His Strength and Agility had rocketed from C all the way to A-, jumping multiple grades in a single advancement. That represented a multiplication of capability that exceeded anything he'd experienced before. His body could now move with speed and power that would have seemed impossible just days ago.

His Endurance and Mana had both reached solid A rank, the cultivation breakthrough enhancing his body's resilience and magical capacity to levels that put him on par with cultivators who'd spent years at Expert rank refining their foundations.

Even his Perception had jumped two full grades from D to B, his senses sharpened to the point where he could track movements and details that would have been invisible to his previous awareness.

But the skill improvements were what truly amazed him. Swordsmanship had leaped from C to A rank, representing mastery that typically required decades of dedicated practice. The combination of his improved physical stats and his Absolute Genius talent had apparently compressed years of potential development into a single breakthrough.

Combat Reflex and Scarlet Leap had similarly jumped to A rank, his enhanced Agility and Perception making those movement-based skills devastatingly effective. He could predict attacks and respond with precision that would make him dangerous even against opponents of higher rank.

Mana Manipulation reaching A rank meant his magical control had achieved levels that Master rank cultivators would respect, his ability to shape and direct energy now refined to exceptional degree.

Even his supporting skills had made massive jumps—Inspect climbing from D to B meant he could analyze targets with depth that would reveal most hidden details, while Instant Transmission reaching B rank suggested his spatial displacement technique had become reliable enough for sustained combat usage rather than desperate emergency activation.

This was the power of Expert rank combined with his exceptional talent, the synergy between his natural gifts and the breakthrough creating results that defied normal progression curves.

Raze dismissed the interface, his mind already moving beyond simple amazement toward practical application. The engagement ceremony was approaching in six weeks, and tradition dictated that he present Fedora with an engagement token of significant value and personal meaning.

Jewelry was common, but felt impersonal—just throwing money at a requirement without demonstrating genuine thought or effort. He needed something that showed understanding of who she was, something that carried meaning beyond simple material worth.

Then it struck him.

There was a dungeon. Titan Heart, if he remembered correctly from the game. The lore had described it as containing exotic beasts from prehistoric times, monsters that had existed when mana was still in its purest form, before the world had diluted that primal energy through countless generations of use.

The dungeon had five floors, each progressively more dangerous. But it was the final floor that held what he needed—a creature called Bephemoth, a Grandmaster rank apex predator that dropped an item of exceptional quality upon defeat.

The Bephemoth Heartstring. A necklace crafted from the creature's crystallized essence, possessing three powerful enchantments that would provide both protection and enhancement to whoever wore it. That was what he needed for Fedora—something rare enough to demonstrate serious effort, powerful enough to actually provide meaningful benefit, and thematic enough to carry symbolic weight about protecting what was precious.

The dungeon also dropped other items tailored to each floor's particular beasts, equipment that would be useful for his own advancement and his companions' development.

In the game, he'd cleared Titan Heart but only barely, the challenge rating appropriate for a full party of Expert rank players with optimal coordination. Attempting it now with just a small team would be dangerous, but the rewards justified the risk.

The problem was power. Bephemoth was Grandmaster rank, which meant facing it required capability equal to that level. Right now the strongest member of his group was Oziel, who remained at Master Peak despite clearly having the potential to advance.

From what Raze understood, Oziel had been stuck at the cusp of Grandmaster for years. The psychological weight of his failure and disgrace had created a mental block that prevented him from attempting the breakthrough, the fear of failing again apparently worse than remaining stagnant.

But that situation had changed. The corruption investigation had vindicated Oziel publicly, restoring his honor and proving that his so-called failure had been the result of impossible circumstances rather than personal inadequacy. The psychological barrier should be gone now, which meant Oziel could finally attempt advancement without that mental block sabotaging the process.

Raze would need to approach him about it. Not today—he needed to organize his thoughts first, plan out exactly how to present the dungeon expedition to his group. But soon. Very soon.

He spent the rest of that day handling administrative matters with his new steward, reviewing the territorial assessments and financial projections that would guide his governance going forward. The work was tedious but necessary, establishing foundations that would allow his domain to function properly while he focused on cultivation and combat development.

The next morning, Raze gathered his core group in the estate's main sitting room. Oziel, Mariabel, Kael, and Aslan assembled with varying expressions of curiosity about why formal meeting had been called.

"I'm planning an expedition," Raze announced once everyone was settled. "A dungeon raid that will be dangerous but offers significant rewards for those who participate."

He noted the immediate shift in attention, all four of them focusing completely on his words.

"The dungeon is called Titan Heart, located in a forest close to the capital. It contains five floors of progressively difficult encounters, culminating in a Grandmaster rank boss creature. The loot includes equipment and materials that will benefit our continued advancement."

"Grandmaster rank," Kael repeated, his analytical mind immediately recognizing the implications. "That's considerably beyond what most of us can handle safely."

"Which is why I'm being selective about who participates," Raze confirmed. "This isn't an expedition for everyone. I need people who can operate at the highest levels of combat effectiveness, who won't become liabilities when facing creatures that can kill Expert rank cultivators with single attacks."

He looked at each of them in turn, letting the assessment linger before continuing.

"Oziel, I need you as primary combat force. Your Master Peak cultivation and sword mastery make you essential for handling the upper floors."

Oziel nodded, no hesitation in his acceptance. "Of course. When do we leave?"

"Mariabel, I need you as secondary combat specialist and tactical flexibility. Your fire techniques provide area control and damage output that complements Oziel's precision strikes."

Mariabel's golden eyes brightened, pleased at being selected. "I'm ready whenever you need me."

"Kael, Aslan—you're not coming on this expedition," Raze said, noting their reactions. Kael showed visible relief while Aslan looked slightly disappointed. "Kael, I need you here managing alchemical production and supporting the estate's operations. Aslan, I need you providing security while we're gone and handling any issues that arise in our absence."

"Understood," Kael said quickly, clearly happy to avoid facing Grandmaster rank monsters in confined dungeon spaces.

Aslan nodded more slowly, accepting the logic even if he would have preferred inclusion. "I'll keep everything secure until you return."

"The expedition leaves in three days," Raze concluded. "That gives everyone time to prepare equipment, rest up, and ensure we're at peak capability before attempting the dungeon."

The meeting dissolved after that, his companions dispersing to handle their various preparations. But Raze caught Oziel's attention before the swordsman could leave.

"Can we speak privately?" Raze asked. "There's something specific I need to discuss with you."

They moved to Raze's private study, ensuring the conversation would remain confidential. Oziel settled into a chair with the patience of someone who'd learned to wait for important information rather than demanding it immediately.

"This dungeon expedition requires Grandmaster level capability to succeed," Raze began without preamble. "Specifically, we need that level of power to face Bephemoth on the final floor. Master Peak cultivation won't be sufficient—the gap between ranks is too significant when facing an apex predator in its own territory."

Oziel's expression became guarded, recognizing where this conversation was heading. "You want me to attempt breakthrough before we leave."

"I know you've been at the cusp for years," Raze said carefully. "And I know why you haven't attempted advancement despite being ready physically. The psychological weight of your past failure created a barrier that made the risk seem too great."

"That assessment is accurate," Oziel acknowledged, his voice neutral despite the personal nature of the topic.

"But that barrier is gone now," Raze continued. "The investigation vindicated you publicly, proved that your so-called failure was result of impossible circumstances rather than personal inadequacy. Everyone who matters knows the truth—you weren't the Failed Knight, you were the scapegoat for a corrupt system protecting itself."

Oziel was quiet for a long moment, his scarred face showing conflict between years of internalized shame and growing recognition that Raze was right.

"The psychological block is removed," Raze pressed. "Your honor is restored, your capabilities are recognized, and you serve someone who values you appropriately. There's nothing stopping you from attempting Grandmaster advancement except residual fear that no longer has foundation in reality."

"Breakthrough to Grandmaster is dangerous," Oziel said, though his tone suggested he was arguing against himself more than against Raze. "The failure rate is significant even for those without mental barriers complicating the process."

"But you've been ready for years," Raze countered. "Your cultivation base is as solid as anyone could hope for, your foundation is pristine, and your combat experience exceeds what most Master Peak cultivators accumulate in entire lifetimes. The only thing that's been holding you back is psychological, and that barrier no longer exists."

Oziel's hands clenched briefly, decision warring with caution in his expression. Then something settled, determination replacing the uncertainty.

"Give me two days," he said finally. "I'll need time to prepare properly, ensure everything is optimal before attempting the advancement. But yes—I'll do it. I'll finally break through to Grandmaster."

Relief washed through Raze, though he kept his expression neutral. "Take whatever time you need. The dungeon can wait until you're ready."

They discussed logistics briefly before Oziel departed to begin his preparations, leaving Raze alone with growing anticipation about what was coming. A Grandmaster cultivator sworn to his service would change the equation dramatically, elevate his household's capabilities to levels that would make even high nobility take notice.

Two days passed in relative calm, the estate settling into routine while Oziel sequestered himself for the breakthrough attempt. Raze continued his own training and administrative work, maintaining normalcy even as anticipation built toward what was coming.

Then, on the morning of the third day, it happened.

BOOM.

The sound was beyond thunder, beyond any natural phenomenon Raze had ever experienced. It was cataclysmic—reality itself seeming to shudder as enormous power manifested somewhere nearby. The windows of his study rattled in their frames, papers scattered from desks, and for a heartbeat the world held its breath.

Raze was moving before conscious thought caught up, racing toward the source of that earth-shaking detonation. The training yard, where Oziel had chosen to attempt his breakthrough in open space that wouldn't be damaged by overflow energy.

He burst through doors to find his knight standing at the yard's center, body radiating power that made the air shimmer with heat distortion. Silver light blazed around Oziel like a second sun, his cultivation pressure flooding outward in waves that were almost physical in their intensity.

This was Grandmaster rank. This was power that transcended normal cultivation, capability that placed someone among the legendary figures who shaped kingdoms through personal strength alone.

Servants were emerging from the estate buildings, drawn by the impossible sound. Raze could see guards rushing from the street beyond the property walls, royal forces responding to a detonation that had been felt across the entire district.

Even from the castle itself, King Harold had undoubtedly registered that signature. A new Grandmaster had just been born in his capital, and everyone with cultivation sense would know it.

The silver radiance began fading as Oziel gained control over his newly expanded power, the overflow energy being drawn back into his transformed cultivation base. His breathing steadied, posture straightening as he adjusted to capabilities that exceeded everything he'd possessed before.

Raze activated Inspect almost unconsciously, his enhanced skill allowing him to perceive details that had been invisible at lower ranks.

Ding.

The information that appeared made his breath catch.

[Oziel Radcliffe]

Rank: Grandmaster (Low)

Core: Crystalline (Low)

Bloodline: Heavenly Sword Master (Fully Awakened)

Authority: Severance (Advanced)

Strength: SS

Agility: SS+

Endurance: SS

Mana: SS

Will: SS+

Perception: SS+

Skills:

[Sword Mastery SS]

[Combat Intuition SS+]

[Flash Step SS]

[Killing Edge SS]

[Perfect Counter SS+]

[Speed Enhancement SS]

[Battle Focus SS]

[Sword Intent S]

Every single stat had jumped to SS rank or higher, representing power that dwarfed what Master Peak cultivation had provided. His skills had similarly transcended previous limitations, achieving mastery that few cultivators worldwide could match.

And there was a new skill—Sword Intent, rated at S rank. That was a Grandmaster-exclusive ability, the manifestation of will made so absolute it could affect reality through sheer conviction about the nature of swordsmanship.

Oziel had become a monster in the truest sense. Not just strong but transcendent, capability elevated to levels that made him genuine threat to kingdoms if he chose to exercise that power destructively.

"Congratulations," Raze said, approaching as the light fully faded. "How do you feel?"

"Different," Oziel replied, his voice carrying undertones that hadn't existed before. "Everything is sharper, more vivid. I can perceive details that were invisible before, sense connections between cause and effect that I could only guess at previously."

His scarred face showed something approaching wonder beneath the professional composure. "This is what I should have achieved years ago. This is what I was meant to become before circumstances and politics derailed my advancement."

"Better late than never," Raze observed. "And the timing works perfectly for what we need."

They would depart tomorrow. With Oziel's breakthrough complete and his power stabilized, there was no reason to delay the dungeon expedition further. Three days to prepare had become three days of waiting for exactly this moment.

That evening, Raze took Sophie to the palace. The royal family needed to be informed about the expedition, and more importantly, Sophie needed somewhere secure to stay while he was facing Grandmaster rank monsters in confined spaces.

King Harold received them in one of the smaller audience chambers, Queen Eleanor and Fedora present as well. The informality of the setting suggested this was family meeting rather than official state business.

"Count Dragonheart," Harold greeted warmly. "And young Sophie. What brings you to visit us this evening?"

"I'm planning an expedition to a nearby dungeon," Raze explained. "Titan Heart, located in the forest several miles east of the capital. The raid will take approximately three to four days depending on how quickly we clear the floors."

"A dungeon raid," Harold repeated, interest evident in his expression. "Those are uncommon in civilized territories—most accessible dungeons were cleared generations ago by adventurer parties seeking loot and glory."

"This one remains active because the difficulty exceeds what normal parties can handle safely," Raze said. "The boss creature is Grandmaster rank, which historically has deterred attempts by anyone lacking equivalent power."

"But you have Grandmaster capability now," Harold observed, clearly having sensed Oziel's breakthrough earlier that day. "That detonation this morning announced the birth of a new legend quite dramatically."

"Oziel has advanced, yes," Raze confirmed. "Which means we now have the capability to attempt Titan Heart with reasonable expectation of success."

"And you're here because you need somewhere secure for Sophie while you're facing mortal danger in monster-infested dungeon passages," Eleanor said, already moving toward where Sophie stood beside Raze. "Of course she can stay with us. We'd be delighted to have her."

Sophie looked up at Raze, seeking confirmation before accepting. He nodded encouragingly, and she allowed the Queen to guide her toward where Fedora was already smiling welcomingly.

"How long will the expedition take?" Harold asked, returning to practical matters.

"Three days minimum, four or five if we encounter complications," Raze estimated. "The dungeon has five floors with progressively difficult encounters. Clearing each level properly rather than rushing will ensure we don't miss valuable loot or trigger avoidable complications."

"Sensible approach," Harold approved. "Though I'm curious what motivates this particular expedition. Dungeon raids are profitable but also extremely dangerous—what makes Titan Heart worth the risk?"

"Personal advancement and equipment acquisition," Raze replied, keeping his answer truthful while vague about specific objectives. "The loot drops will benefit my continued development and provide resources for my household's operations."

The King seemed to accept that explanation, recognizing that young cultivators often took calculated risks in pursuit of power and wealth that would establish their positions.

They discussed logistics for another few minutes before Raze requested a moment alone with Fedora to say proper goodbye. The King and Queen excused themselves tactfully, taking Sophie with them and leaving the betrothed couple with privacy that was unusual for unmarried nobility.

Fedora led him to a small balcony overlooking the castle gardens, the evening air cool and pleasant. They stood in comfortable silence for a moment before she spoke.

"I tried to see how the expedition would unfold," Fedora admitted quietly, her Precognition talent clearly having attempted to preview the dungeon raid. "But I can't perceive anything about it. The future is completely blank regarding Titan Heart, as if the dungeon exists outside normal causality."

"That's concerning," Raze said, though he'd suspected something like this might happen. Dungeons in the game had always operated under different rules than the open world, isolated pocket dimensions where normal progression and prediction didn't apply reliably.

"It means I can't warn you about specific dangers or provide tactical advantages through foreknowledge," Fedora continued, worry evident in her expression. "You'll be operating completely blind regarding what comes next, without my ability to help navigate around worst outcomes."

"Then I'll just have to be extra careful," Raze assured her, taking her hand gently. "Oziel is Grandmaster now, Mariabel is exceptionally capable, and I'm significantly stronger than I was even a week ago. We'll handle whatever the dungeon throws at us."

Fedora studied his face for a long moment, her blue eyes searching for something she could trust. Then she rose on her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, the contact lasting longer than the previous brief pecks they'd exchanged.

"Return that when you come back safely," she said, pulling away with blush coloring her face. "I'll be waiting to collect."

Raze felt his own face heating, the simple gesture affecting him more than it probably should. They stood close for another moment before embracing, the hug conveying worry and reassurance and growing affection that transcended their arranged engagement's political origins.

They separated eventually, both slightly flustered by the intimacy despite it being relatively chaste by any objective measure. Fedora returned inside first, leaving Raze alone on the balcony to compose himself before rejoining the others.

He found Sophie in a sitting room, already deeply engaged in conversation with Queen Eleanor about the school she'd be attending soon. The easy rapport between them suggested Sophie would be well cared for during his absence.

"Be good," Raze told his sister, kneeling to meet her eyes at the same level. "Listen to the Queen and Fedora, don't cause trouble for the servants, and I'll be back before you know it."

"Promise?" Sophie asked, her small hand gripping his tightly.

"Promise," Raze confirmed, hugging her before standing and preparing to depart.

King Harold walked him to the courtyard where Oziel waited with the carriage. The King's eyes tracked to Raze's knight with obvious appreciation for what he was seeing.

"Your breakthrough was impressive," Harold said, addressing Oziel directly. "The signature was felt across the entire castle district. Grandmaster advancement always announces itself dramatically, but yours carried particular power."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Oziel replied with respectful bow. "I've been ready for years but only recently found circumstances that allowed the attempt."

"Count Dragonheart's influence, I presume," Harold observed. "He seems to have a talent for drawing out potential in those around him."

He turned to Raze, his expression becoming more appraising. "You're fortunate to have secured Grandmaster service at your age. Most nobles spend decades building relationships before attracting that level of capability to their households. And Oziel is young for his rank as well."

"I'm aware of how lucky I am," Raze said honestly.

"We should spar sometime," Harold said, returning his attention to Oziel. "After you've had time to stabilize your advancement properly. I enjoy testing myself against other Grandmasters when opportunity presents—there are so few of us that finding worthy opponents becomes challenging."

"I would be honored, Your Majesty," Oziel replied, genuine interest evident beneath the formal courtesy.

They took their leave after that, returning to the estate where final preparations for tomorrow's departure were already underway. Mariabel had assembled equipment and supplies, organizing everything with efficiency that spoke to extensive adventuring experience.

Raze spent the evening reviewing what he remembered about Titan Heart from the game, refreshing his knowledge of the floor layouts and monster behaviors. The information was years old and might not translate perfectly to this world's version of the dungeon, but any advantage was worth pursuing.

He slept fitfully, anticipation and slight anxiety warring for dominance in his thoughts. Tomorrow they would enter Titan Heart and begin the descent through five floors of prehistoric monsters culminating in a Grandmaster rank apex predator.

Tomorrow the real test of his new Expert rank capabilities would begin.

And somewhere in those monster-infested passages waited the Bephemoth Heartstring—the perfect engagement gift for a princess who deserved something extraordinary.

Morning came with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect conditions for the journey to the dungeon entrance. Raze, Oziel, and Mariabel assembled in the estate's courtyard, their equipment checked and rechecked to ensure nothing critical had been forgotten.

"Ready?" Raze asked, looking at his two companions.

"Ready," Mariabel confirmed, her golden eyes bright with anticipation that bordered on eagerness.

"Ready," Oziel said, his new Grandmaster aura carefully suppressed but still perceptible to those who knew what to sense for.

They departed through the estate gates as the sun rose fully above Castle Town's distinctive skyline, three cultivators heading toward a dungeon that would test everything they'd become.

The adventure was beginning.

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