?

Vikirs mouth slightly hung open in amazement. It was because Hugo, the host of the family and the one organizing the grand banquet, was watching his younger siblings argument with a smug expression.

Boston Terrier and Great Dane continued their quarrel. Both Counts were known for their fierceness, which had a disposition to show their teeth rather than bark, but it seemed they were restraining themselves somewhat in Hugos presence.

Vikir observed Hugos expression carefully. Why is he smiling like that? Ah, could it be?

And soon, Vikir came to a conclusion. In Baskerville, fierce disputes occurred daily. Among the heads of the family and the seven Counts, numerous factions existed, including independent ones. They engaged in battles of intrigue, assassination, duels, acquisitions, and mergers.

Therefore, it was the family heads duty to control and monitor their half-siblings and the factions beneath the seven Counts.

Ironically, the closest siblings were the most formidable adversaries within Baskerville.

So, Hugo, the pinnacle of the Baskerville family, wouldnt be overly concerned about such power struggles among the Counts. He might even encourage and incite them.

As cunning as ever, Vikir thought, his tongue clicking in amusement.

While Vikir was deep in thought, Hugo suddenly turned his gaze towards him. When Vikir lowered his eyes back to his plate, Hugo spoke in a subdued voice.

Its pleasing to see my son being acknowledged.

?

What kind of statement was this? Vikir couldnt help but be bewildered. Hugos face still displayed a faint smile, quite out of place.

Vikir remained silent, looking puzzled. Beside him, the butler Barrymore approached and whispered in his ear.

All seven Counts expressed their desire to attend the grand banquet, but its all to see you, my lord. The other five couldnt make it due to their distant locations.

Is that so?

The younger siblings, usually proud and aloof, are now showing signs of unease. It seems even the family head is pleased with this situation. Ah, one never knows whose offspring you are.

Vikir turned his head again. So, that smug smile wasnt about enjoying their infighting, but rather about being pleased with his sons acknowledgment?

Impossible.

Vikir shook his head. Theres no way the bloodless and unfeeling Hugo could be pleased about something like that.

He pushed aside these pointless thoughts and decided to focus on his meal. Eventually, the meal progressed to the main courses, and a lavish feast was set before them.

At least its not Haggis this time, Vikir thought, feeling a bit relieved that he didnt have to eat the tasteless and filling Haggis anymore.

Meanwhile,

Our Sweet Count Great Dane seems to want to eat the dishes raw again. His true nature cant be hidden.

Hes already on how many glasses of wine? Seems quite drunk. He should go to bed soon.

Boston Terrier and Great Dane were still arguing. Eventually, they realized that growling at each other would only lead to losses.

And from that moment on, both of them tried their best to say even a single word more to Vikir.

Yeah, Vikir. What about your experiences in the past two years, surviving in enemy territory and the Black Mountain?

Your old man is quite curious. How many barbarians did you kill back then? And monsters, how many did you tear apart?

Ah! Just thinking about it makes my blood boil!

Pit Bulls blood, mind you! Back in my day! When I was just eight years old, they dropped me deep into enemy territory and I had to take the proficiency test and all that. I even competed with our family head for hunting game, you know!

But our nephew has achieved even greater things! Im so proud!

A brave and clever nephew you are. Your uncle wont ask you about those trivial matters. Of course, Im really curious about what my beloved nephew went through in those perilous territories. But that can wait until I read the report youll submit later. However, your uncle here wants to ask something else first. It might be awkward coming home after two years, so is there anything you need? If there is, just say the word. Your uncle can get you anything you want

And, to the surprise of even the servants, who were always reserved, they showed such a warm side that some of them were startled. Vikir gave a faint smile.

Boston Terrier was openly curious about Vikirs life in the past two years, and Great Dane also seemed to be pretending not to care, but he had a subtle interest. However, Hugo cut them off.

First, let the child eat. Dont bother him too much.

It was a protective gesture around Vikir. While Vikir was still adapting to this unfamiliar kindness, the two barons withdrew with a grumble.

Still, Im curious about how my nephew has grown over the past two years

Thats true. Im so eager to find out how my nephew, who was amazing two years ago, has achieved even more. So I rushed all the way here

But even so, the two Counts couldnt let go of their lingering feelings. At this, Hugo furrowed his brow slightly.

So, are you saying you want to grill my son right here during the meal?

N-No, its not like that

Shut it.

In the face of Hugos imposing presence, even though they were both barons, they couldnt help but feel intimidated. Boston Terrier and Great Dane slyly averted their gazes.

At that moment, there was a voice that came to the rescue of the two barons.

Its about proving your accomplishments; its not that difficult.

It was Vikir.

At Vikirs words, both Boston Terrier and Great Dane turned pale. Surprisingly, Hugos voice carried a note of concern.

Well, my son, proving your accomplishments means you have to go out to the training grounds. Isnt it tiring to talk about it during a meal after such a long journey?

Its alright, Father. And

Vikir put down the fork he had been holding and began to speak.

I can demonstrate my skills anytime, anywhere. Isnt daily training always a form of practice?

Hugo, Boston Terrier, and Great Dane all looked pleased at Vikirs words.

Youve raised your child very well, my lord.

Yes, if I had a son like that, I wouldnt wish for anything more.

Ahem. Enough of that. Dont make a big deal out of this.

Hugo rubbed his mustache and turned his face. Barrymore, the head butler, watched this with a satisfied expression.

But, how do you plan to prove your skills? Boston Terrier asked. Great Dane also looked at Vikir with a curious expression.

Vikir didnt respond immediately. He simply raised his hand and placed it quietly on the table.

A brief silence fell. Eventually, Vikir, who had maintained his silence, spoke.

Dane Uncles steak seems slightly undercooked.

At the same time, Vikir turned his head and looked at Boston Terrier.

Terrier Uncles wine glass seems to be filled a bit too much.

Upon hearing Vikirs comment, Boston Terrier and Great Dane looked at each others steaks and wine glasses. Then, something astonishing happened.

Ts-ts-ts-ts-ts

Vikirs hand trembled slightly, and the tableware on the table shook ever so slightly. Boston Terrier and Great Dane immediately withdrew their hands from the table. Mana emitted from Vikirs body flowed onto the table.

And then, a strange phenomenon unfolded before the eyes of the two Counts.

Chiiiiiiik

Great Danes steak started sizzling, making sounds as if it were cooking. Although there was no change in the objects around, one side of the steak, in particular, was being cooked by intense heat. The juices evaporated, and steam rose. What was once a perfectly browned rare steak had transformed into a well-done steak.

Ugh

Great Dane picked up his fork. Even though the fork was right next to the steak plate, it was not hot at all. When he pierced the meat, it had a firm texture, and a faint smell of grilling wafted through the air.

Meanwhile, Boston Terrier burst into laughter.

Hahaha!

He was also looking at his wine glass. Bubbles were forming in the silverware, and the grape wine inside began to boil, turning a deep purple color. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into sweet-smelling steam, spreading throughout the dining area. The boiling wine ceased precisely when half of it had evaporated.

With just the touch of his palm on the table, Vikir had cooked the meat and boiled the wine. Manipulating mana into objects, controlling the exact points of release, and determining the strength and density of the aura at those pointsa state of mastery.

What would happen if this concept was applied to swordsmanship? Injecting mana into a blade and creating precisely controlled auras with the desired intensity and sharpness.

This level of mastery was known in the world as a Graduator, a stage beyond Swordexpert. It was the most mature stage that a swordsman, even one ranked among the Empires elite warriors, could hope to achieve.

Vikir had reached the level of a Mid-Tier Graduator, a realm that even the geniuses of Baskerville could only aspire to reach at around the age of thirty-five.

Mid tier Graduator at the age of seventeen, the youngest in history. This achievement would obliterate all official records held by baskerville to date.