Inside, another awakened stepped forward, looking at Mike and Lily with a calm but serious expression.

"I will activate my skill," he said. "It will tell me how many lives connected to Dark Gods you have killed."

Mike and Lily listened quietly.

"When someone kills an apostle of a Dark God," the awakened continued, "a mark is left on the killer. These marks are invisible to most people, but my skill can see them."

He raised his hand slightly.

"This way, I will know how many Dark God apostles you have killed," he said. "I will also remove those marks afterward, so you won't be targeted by them in large numbers later."

Mike understood immediately. 'Now, I know why most barked 'others will find me and kill me' when I killed them'

He nodded. Lily nodded as well.

"Go ahead," Mike said calmly.

The awakened placed his hand in the air, and a faint light spread out, covering Mike first.

His eyes narrowed slightly as information appeared before him.

"…This is unexpected," he said in mild surprise

Then he turned to Lily and activated the skill again. His expression changed once more—this time with clear surprise.

After a moment, the light faded.

He looked at both of them seriously.

"I've confirmed it," he said. "You have both killed Dark God apostles."

He paused, then added, "More than what would be considered normal for your rank."

With a wave of his hand, the air shimmered briefly around Mike and Lily.

"The marks are removed," he said. "You won't be easily tracked by them now."

Candace let out a small breath of relief.

"Thank you," she said.

The awakened nodded. "You may proceed. The City Lord is waiting."

At the same time he informed the other man following behind him as the guy noted the number with clear surprise as he looked at Lily.

Then he led them inside.

Inside the grand hall stood five throne-like chairs.

Mike immediately recognized two of the people seated there.

One was the Twilight Priestess, a very famous figure among priest-class awakened. Her class was unique—a fusion of holy and demonic powers, allowing her to wield both light and dark. Because she stood between both sides, her class was known as Twilight.

Another was John Mercer, the head of the Mercer family.

As for the others, Mike had only heard their names before.

One was David Drake, a powerful knight—specifically a Titan Knight, an evolved form of the Guardian Knight.

Next was Leon Silverester, a Storm Archer.

These four were the highest powers of Lionheart City.

At the center sat the City Lord himself.

"Welcome," City Lord Arnold said calmly.

"John told me about you—and about your item," Arnold continued, looking at Mike. "I will also be present to bid for it at the auction."

Mike nodded in acknowledgment.

"As for you," Arnold said, turning to Lily, "we would like you to join us and live in Lionheart City."

Lily listened attentively.

"We made this decision after a lot of consideration," Arnold continued. "Normally, higher-ranked awakeners are not allowed to sponsor lower-ranked ones. But you are a special case. After yesterday, we are certain many Dark Gods will target you."

Lily nodded. "I accept the offer."

Arnold then turned to Mike.

"As for you, we cannot invite you openly like we did with Lily," he said. "However, because of your item, and your value, the Mercer family may officially invite you as their sponsored awakened."

Mike thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I accept as well."

"Good," Arnold said. "Now, for your rewards."

He gestured toward the awakened who had recorded their kills earlier. Everyone present had already seen the results.

"Both of you are impressive," Arnold said. "Lily's achievements are understandable—she commanded an army. But you," he said, looking at Mike, "how did you do it?"

"I'm a knight with summoner talent," Mike replied simply, shrugging.

The others nodded in understanding.

"Because of your contributions," Arnold said, "we can offer you a choice: three Legendary rewards, or one Mythical reward. Choose."

Mike and Lily looked at each other, smiled, and spoke at the same time.

"We'll take three Legendary rewards."

The Twilight Priestess blinked. "Normally, people choose Mythical."

John Mercer shrugged. "They're awakened—and powerful. Death Lords and Eldritch Liches are already Mythical-tier."

"Not to mention," David Drake added, "Mike has a Mythical Doppelganger King, a Mythical Lich skill, and dual elemental systems—Inferno and Ice."

The others looked surprised but understood as Mythical skills need more mana so they must be choosing the Legendary rank.

None of them knew how wrong they are as both Mike and Lily clearly were planing to use Mike's Midas Touch to upgrade the legendary ranks to Mythical ones.

"Very well," Arnold said. "What would you like? Legendary items, skills, or pets?"

"You can decide by the evening banquet if you need time," John added.

Mike nodded slowly.

"I will also tell at evening" Lily said as Arnold nodded " you can go for now then" He said as Mike and Lily nodded and left.

After they stepped outside, Lily turned to him. "So, what should we choose?"

"If we can get Empty Skill Books," Mike said, "you and I can each choose skill books. With my Midas Touch and your Empty Skill Books, we could end up with twelve skills total."

Lily nodded—but then smiled. "But I want a dragon pet."

Mike thought for a moment. "Alright. One dragon pet, and two skill books."

"I want an Undead Creation Skill Book," Lily said. "One that lets me combine multiple bodies into a single undead chimera. The best traits will merge."

Mike nodded. "I'll choose a skill that strengthens my summons."

Then he added, "And if possible, I'd also like a disguise mask—or a disguise skill."

"So," Lily said, "two skill books and one item of our choice?"

Mike nodded. "Yes."

The decision was made.

"How did it go?" Candace met them again as she asked.

"It was good" Mike shrugged and then asked " So, where is Jordan I haven't seen him since yesterday?"

Candace smiled bitterly as she said " he was injured last day so he is healing currently"

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