When Leon arrived at the grand dining hall, the long mahogany table was nearly empty—except for one figure seated at its far end.
His mother, Selena Kael.
She was already halfway through her meal, dressed in an elegant house robe that matched the morning light pouring through the estate's crystal-paned windows. Her silver utensils moved with practiced grace, each motion measured and quiet.
Leon approached and offered a short bow of greeting. "Good morning, Mother."
Selena gave him a gentle smile. "Good morning, Leo."
He sat down beside her, and within moments, the household staff began serving his breakfast—a rich spread of eggs, grilled meat, steamed vegetables and fruit nectar.
As he dug in, mouth half-full, Selena looked up from her plate. "You weren't in the training ground this morning," she said casually, slicing into her meat. "I assume you used your talent to accumulate points instead?"
Leon gave a small nod in reply, chewing silently.
Selena watched him for a moment, a wistful smile forming at the corners of her lips.
'It's a blessing he awakened such a talent,' she thought. 'At least now, he no longer has to break his body just to grow stronger. Someone his age shouldn't have had to endure so much hardship just for power.'
She took a slow sip from her glass.
'I always wondered what fueled his obsession with strength... But if he can achieve it easily now, maybe he can finally live like a child again. My baby boy should remain my baby boy, after all.'
A soft chuckle escaped her lips.
Leon raised an eyebrow mid-bite but didn't comment. As they continued eating in peaceful silence.
Once their plates were cleared, Selena dabbed her mouth with a napkin, then looked up. "Leon, we've been invited to the Feran Domain."
Leon paused just as he was about to rise from his seat, already thinking about heading back to his room—maybe even playing a few games to pass the time.
He turned toward her. "What's the occasion?" "The Feran family is celebrating their son. He achieved the highest rank at his training center, he completed his trial in four days."
Leon blinked once. His expression didn't change, but the look in his eyes said everything:
'That's it? They're throwing a party for something that minor?'
Selena caught the look and laughed quietly. "Don't give me that face. I know how you feel about these things."
He didn't answer. He didn't have to. Leon had always disliked social gatherings—pointless formalities filled with noble heirs posturing for attention, forging shallow alliances, or trying to impress someone with family connections.
"I'd let you skip it," she continued with a playful tilt of her head, "but your father, your sister, and I are all going. So, you have to attend too."
Leon groaned softly, leaning back in his chair. 'Great. There goes every excuse I had.' With his sister on a mission, he'd thought he might escape the formality—but of course, she'd be back just in time. And training was no longer a valid excuse now that he could gain points easily.
"...Fine," he said with a sigh. "I'll ask Mary to get my clothes ready."
"Good," Selena said, her smile brightening as she leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Just think of it as a family outing. We won't get many more of those for a while."
Leon gave a small nod, his gaze drifting toward the tall windows.
Just one more week until deployment, he thought, a quiet fire lighting in his chest. I can't wait.
The Federation was vast, structured like a great wheel with a shining capital at its heart and four massive sectors—North, South, East, and West—radiating outward like spokes.
Each sector was a realm unto itself, governed with near-autonomous authority, but all ultimately answered to the central power: the Governor of the Federation, head of the Yakamoto family.
The Governor ruled from the capital, a place where politics ran as deep as the foundations of its citadel. He held absolute authority, and his words alone could shake the entire foundation of the Federation.
Beneath him, four of his most trusted vassals—each a Yakamoto in blood—managed the four sectors.
Within each sector were three domains, sovereign territories controlled by noble families. In total, there were twelve domains spread across the Federation, each a pillar of regional power.
The Kael Domain belonged to the East Sector, sharing its borders with two others: the Queens Domain—Elizabeth's family and the Feran Domain, the host of the upcoming celebration.
The Ferans had sent invitations not just to share in joy, but with political intent. They had invited both the Queens and Kaels to flaunt their rising star—their heir who had reportedly completed his first trial in just four days.
A record-worthy feat, no doubt.
It was a clever move.
The Federation held a well-known truth: the faster a trial taker completed their first trial, the more promising their future accomplishments would be.
It wasn't just rumor—it was statistically backed, heralded in reports from the Federation's own Evaluation Bureau.
The Ferans intended to use the event as a stage. To shine a light on their future. To brag. To boast. And perhaps, to quietly belittle their neighboring domains, casting shadows over their slower heirs.
But if the Feran family thought they could use the occasion to undermine the Kaels, they were sorely mistaken.
And if they believed they were the only ones with a rising legend... they were in for a surprise. A very big one.
The event hall was a masterpiece of opulence and grandeur, built to impress and overwhelm. Gleaming marble floors stretched out beneath a crystalline chandelier the size of a carriage, casting brilliant light across the golden patterns etched into the towering pillars.
Velvet drapes of deep crimson lined the walls, embroidered with the insignia of the federation glowing softly under enchantment.
Long banquet tables were arranged in a wide arc along the sides of the hall, covered with silver platters of delicacies and glasses filled with glittering wines.
A raised dais stood at the far end, clearly meant for the Feran family and honored guests.
Nobles from Rank 2 families filled the hall. Clad in luxurious robes and tailored military uniforms, they whispered among themselves—not just about the food or the decor, but the true stars of the night.
The Queens and the Kaels had not yet arrived, and their absence thickened the air with anticipation.
Then the grand hall clock struck eight. The bell's chime echoed once... twice...
And on the third chime, the main double doors slowly creaked open.
And in walked the Kael and Queens families side by side, a display of unity and authority. Their entrance was no accident—it was calculated, powerful, and impossible to ignore. The nobles quieted instantly.
They didn't need to speak. Their clothes, crafted by the Federation's finest hands, already spoke volumes—not just of wealth, but of class, power, and legacy.
They moved through the crowd with quiet grace, finding their places near the head of the hall, while the other nobles bowed or offered polite greetings, careful not to overstep.
Then the doors opened once more.
All eyes turned again.
This time, the Feran family entered—heads held high, smiling proudly.
It was their event, their hall, their celebration.
But even they could feel it.
The atmosphere had changed.
Because now, more than one powerhouse was gathered in the room.
A/N: Wow all that just for an entrance this nobles really know how to show of.
Anyway you guys should please send power stones golden tickets or gifts.
Thanks a lot for reading