As the news of Finn's 9th Level Gold Rank spread, many were shocked and found it hard to believe. Those with strong connections were the first to hear about it. For Ordinary Clans and even Aristocrat Clans, this was huge news. Ordinary Clans were poor and lacked influence, making it hard for them to gather wealth or raise powerful young Adventurers.
As for Aristocrat Clans, their situation was better because they had the resources to support training, making it more likely for them to produce strong Adventurers.
Naturally, because the news involved Finn and the Azure Wood Family, it quickly reached the ears of the Black Tiger Family. A discussion was currently taking place in Grey Stone City, within the Black Tiger Family's territory.
"First Elder, did I hear that right? The boy from the Azure Wood Family is a 9th Level Gold Rank?!"
"But I clearly sensed only the aura of a 7th Level Bronze Rank when we were at the Heavenly Auction House!"
In a large hall, two elderly figures stood talking seriously. One of them wore an expression of disbelief—it was Frederick, head of the Black Tiger Family.
"I couldn't believe it either when I heard the news," replied the First Elder. "But many witnessed the competition at the Sacred Dragon Institute. Even the Outer Instructors didn't deny it," he added.
"It's likely that the boy has something on him that conceals his true level and rank—that's why we didn't sense it back at the auction house."
"If that's true, it's no wonder Xuan failed to kill him! First Elder, that boy must be eliminated from this world as soon as possible!" Frederick said, deeply alarmed.
They were panicking over the news that Finn had reached the 9th Level Gold Rank. In the future, this boy could become a serious threat to their clan. After all, how old was he—sixteen? He still had countless chances to grow even stronger.
In their entire clan, only one young Adventurer had reached 1st Level Scarlet Gold Rank—and he only achieved it with pills gifted by a Noble Clan.
That Adventurer was Singh Marren, Frederick's eldest son, now twenty years old and a core member of the Ice Feather Sect, where he was making a name for himself.
"There's no need to worry, Family Head Frederick. It may be difficult to act against him inside the institution, but I learned that he left the Sacred Dragon Institute. I've already sent someone to take care of him," the First Elder said with a confident smile.
Seeing the First Elder's grin, Frederick felt relieved and spoke seriously, "Thank you, First Elder. It looks like I'll have to hasten my use of the Profound Nurturing Pill. While I'm in seclusion, I'll leave the management of the Black Tiger Family to you."
"Aren't you even going to ask about your son, Seve? He suffered severe injuries and nearly became crippled," asked the First Elder.
Frederick frowned when he heard his son's name.
--
A day had passed since Finn left Heavenly Sky City. He had been traveling through the forest toward the Golden Lion Family's territory.
The reason he chose to go to the Golden Lion Family before returning to his own clan was to offer an alliance between their families. Of course, Finn had the means and strategy to convince Augustus to accept such a proposal.
He temporarily needed the Golden Lion Family's help against the Black Tiger Family.
Since he would soon become a member of the Cloud Soaring Sect, he needed a temporary protector for the Azure Wood Family—and the Golden Lion Family was his best option for that.
Everyone knew that the Golden Lion Family and Black Tiger Family were bitter rivals in almost everything. While the Golden Lion Family couldn't match the Nine Ice Family, they could stand toe-to-toe with the Black Tiger Family.
This would give Finn peace of mind before his departure. If he succeeded in forming an alliance, the Black Tiger Family would think twice before acting against his clan.
As he walked on, Finn suddenly stopped and spoke.
"You've been following me ever since I entered this forest. Aren't you going to introduce yourself?" Finn said with a smile.
Moments later, a loud, echoing laugh erupted from behind a large tree.
"HAHAHA! Remarkable! Even my Concealment Skill didn't work on you. Not even a 1st Level Scarlet Gold Rank would sense me when I use this skill. You truly are a talented young man," said an old man stepping out from behind the tree. He smirked and added,
"What a shame that you must die by my hands."
The old man wore a tattered black cloak and had a face as plain as any stranger on the street.
Finn had sensed the old man long ago but allowed him to follow until they were deep in the forest. Now that they were there, he chose to reveal that he had noticed.
"Only a 2nd Level Scarlet Gold Rank? Disappointing," Finn said disinterestedly after sensing the old man's strength.
"Boy, you can eat anything you want, but you can't say anything you want. Your mouth will only make your death quicker. You're just a 9th Level Gold Rank—ending you will be easy for me!
Before you die, I'll let you know my true name. I'm an assassin. I kill for money. Be grateful you'll die at the hands of Great AssassinAlaric!" the old man growled, proudly announcing himself.
"Great Assassin Alaric?" Finn frowned.
Alaric smirked and proudly said, "That's right. I kill without mercy—innocent or not. But don't worry, I'll let you die without pain."
"Could you be quiet? Sorry, but I've never heard of you," Finn replied with a scowl. Then, in a cold tone, "And since you kill innocents for money, I won't hesitate to end your madness."
"Hmph! You don't know me? After this, my name will be etched into your very soul!" Alaric snapped.
He grabbed his interspatial ring, and a rusted sword appeared in his hand.
"This is my partner in slaughter—I've lost count of how many times it's been drenched in blood. Now, I'll use it to cut off your head and offer it to my client!" Alaric lunged toward Finn.
Blood Sword Slash!
Alaric swung his sword, emitting the stench of blood, and its movement sped up. But just before the blade could reach Finn's neck—
Alaric froze.
His face turned pale. He couldn't move. His sword was only inches from Finn's throat, yet an invisible force held him in place.
He tried to break free—but the force was far too powerful.
"W-What did you do?! Why can't I move?!" Alaric asked, panicking and trembling.
Finn didn't answer. He simply smiled and slowly walked toward the old man. He calmly stroked his fist and took the sword from Alaric's hand.
"What are you going to do with my sword?! Let me go!" Alaric screamed.
[???]
Armament Grade: Rare
Quality: High-tier
Damage: 520
Information flowed into Finn's mind the moment he touched the sword. These were the details of Alaric's weapon, now easily revealed.
"Oh? A Rare Armament—high-tier. Hm," Finn said, nodding while inspecting the rusty blade.
"Let me go! I swear I'll never come near you again—I'll even tell you who hired me to kill you! Just please promise to spare my life!" Alaric begged.
He now fully understood his situation. He couldn't use his soulforce, and Finn could end his life anytime.
If only he had known this would happen, he never would've taken the mission. But now, all he could do was plead. In this world, there is no medicine for regret. If you're ready to act, be ready to face the price.
"You really think you still have the right to bargain? Now tell me—who sent you to kill me?" Finn asked, grinning.
When Alaric saw that grin, cold fear crept through his body. He closed his eyes and yelled,
"The Black Tiger Family! It was the First Elder who ordered me to end your life!"
"Hmph. Them again? They really won't stop until I'm erased from this world," Finn muttered in frustration.
"C-Can you let me go now?" the old man pleaded weakly.
"Who said I would? If I let you live, more innocent lives will be lost," Finn said sternly.
He raised the sword.
"YOU—" Alaric couldn't finish. His body collapsed to the ground. His head had been severed, rolling across the forest floor. A small pool of blood formed around his corpse, and the metallic stench of blood hung in the air.
"May the souls of those slain by this sword finally rest in peace," Finn said.
With all his strength, he destroyed the sword and turned it to ash. A strong wind blew the ashes away. Destroying a Rare Armament was easy for Finn. He did it because he didn't want anyone else to ever wield that cursed weapon again.
He picked up Alaric's head and placed it in a bag made of animal skin, storing it inside his interspatial ring.
"Black Tiger Family. Just wait—your day of reckoning is coming."