Mike's father took a slow breath, then asked the question that had been bothering him the most.

"Then… how did he clear a Rank 4 dungeon?" he asked carefully. "Did he just summon you and escape?"

Roselia shook her head.

"No," she replied calmly. "He cleared it."

Both of Mike's parents stared at her.

"He has many other summons," Roselia continued. "Undead beings—soldiers, casters, and commanders. The dungeon boss was vulnerable to undead-type attacks."

She spoke as if explaining something simple.

"He analyzed the dungeon, identified the boss's weakness, and used his undead to overwhelm it. I didn't even need to assist him. He let his undead handle everything while he relaxed in the back. It was the most absurd sight I have ever seen in my life. Not even summoners fight the way he does."

For the first time, there was clear emotion in Roselia's voice—genuine surprise.

Only then did she fully understand why Jace, someone who changed contracts as easily as changing clothes, had stayed bound to Mike for so long.

Mike's father let out a long breath. "At least he went in with a plan. I was worried he was relying too much on that immortality of his."

Mike's mother also sighed in relief, placing a hand over her chest. "As long as he's thinking things through…"

They continued talking heartly, the tension in the room finally easing.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the estate, Mike had already left the mansion.

He walked beside Candace as they headed toward the main building of the Glorious Merchant Auction House.

Inside the luxurious hover car, Mike leaned back into the seat and closed his eyes.

"…Do I really have to wear such a formal dress?" he asked with a sigh.

He glanced down at himself.

The suit he was wearing had been made only a few minutes ago—right after he had taken a quick bath. It fit him perfectly, as if it had always belonged to him.

That was thanks to Knes, the tailor-class Awakened assigned to the Jordan's estate. A high-level specialist, she had finished the entire outfit in less than ten minutes.

Even Mike's hair had been fixed. His black hair was neatly styled, and his blue eyes stood out sharply against his fair skin. The usual casual look he preferred was gone, replaced by something far more refined.

Handsome—undeniably so.

Candace, sitting across from him, tried very hard not to stare.

But every now and then, her eyes still drifted back to him.

I know that Knes and other high-rank specialists can enhance appearance a little and the more one grow, the higher their life origin increases which in turn makes one perfect, Candace thought, but he's only Rank 2… and he's already this charming.

She looked away, her expression calm, but her thoughts were anything but.

If he grows stronger, she realized, he'll be a real killer of hearts in the future.

Mike opened his eyes again and noticed her looking away.

"…You didn't answer my question," he said.

Candace smiled politely. "Unfortunately, Sir Mike, you do. The auction committee is very traditional. Appearances matter a lot to them."

Mike groaned softly. "Figures."

The car moved smoothly through the air, passing floating platforms, glowing bridges, and towering buildings infused with both mana and advanced technology. Lionheart City spread out beneath them—a perfect blend of fantasy and sci-fi.

Mike looked out the window and whistled quietly. "No matter how many times I see this place… it's ridiculous."

Candace nodded. "Lionheart is one of the core cities of the White Lion Empire. Rank 6 city standards."

Mike leaned back again. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

The hover car slowed as it approached the auction house.

From outside, the Glorious Merchant Auction House looked massive—layers of white stone, gold-lined pillars, and floating mana sigils rotating slowly around the structure. Guards in formal armor stood at every entrance, their presence calm but heavy with authority.

The car came to a smooth stop.

Candace was the first to step out. She straightened her posture and turned to Mike.

"We've arrived, Sir Mike," she said. "Please follow me. The committee members are already waiting."

Mike stepped out after her. The moment his feet touched the ground, several nearby attendants glanced his way. Some were curious. Others were openly surprised.

He noticed it and frowned slightly. "…It seems like you have high standing here."

Candace shook her head lightly. "It's not that. I was assigned to Young Master Jordan as both his attendant and his bodyguard. It's normal for people to get curious when I arrive with someone other than the usual guests."

Mike nodded in understanding.

Under the gazes of many, they walked through the VIP entrance.

The moment they passed, whispers erupted behind them.

"Woah… who was that guy?"

"He looks like the prince of some noble house."

"Damn, is he Rank 6 or 7? I've only seen people with that kind of presence at those ranks."

The others nodded in agreement as Mike continued forward, completely unaware that he had left a deep impression on everyone watching.

As they moved deeper inside, the noise of the entrance faded.

Before long, Mike spotted a familiar figure walking toward them.

Jordan was already there.

He was dressed formally as well, wearing a dark tailored coat with silver trims that marked his status. The usual carefree look was gone, replaced by something sharp and authoritative.

Jordan smiled when he saw Mike. "You're finally here."

Mike nodded. "Looks like I'm not the only one forced into formal wear."

Jordan chuckled softly, then gestured forward. "Let's go. The elders and the other guests are already waiting."

He turned and led the way.

They passed through several guarded corridors before entering the main auction hall.

Mike paused for a brief moment.

The room was massive.

A long circular table dominated the center, made of black crystal-like material that faintly reflected mana. Each seat was wide and spaced far apart, clearly designed for people used to commanding space.

Around the table sat individuals whose presence alone made the air feel heavy.

Every single one of them was Rank 5 or higher.

Some radiated sharp, aggressive pressure. Others were calm but deep, like still oceans hiding storms beneath. A few glanced at Mike briefly, their eyes sharp with curiosity, before losing interest.

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