THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

The air in David's room grew thick as the man stepped into view. His commanding presence seemed to warp the space around him, demanding attention without uttering a word. His sharply tailored black uniform, adorned with intricate golden trims and embossed patterns, was immaculate.

Each detail of his attire, from the metallic accents to the diagonal leather strap across his chest, spoke of a life honed in action and steeped in duty. The faint clink of metal from his boots punctuated each step, a reminder of his precision and authority.

His face exuded strength and wisdom. A meticulously groomed salt-and-pepper mustache and beard framed his resolute jawline, while his piercing silvery eyes gleamed with an unsettling depth. David's gaze lingered for a moment on the subtle silver streaks in the man's combed-back hair, which caught the ambient light like strands of moonlit steel. There was something almost regal about him, yet it was impossible to shake the oppressive weight of his presence.

David felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Beside him, a faint growl escaped Luna as his fists tightened instinctively. Her golden eyes flared with a predatory glint as she glared at the man. She had clearly sensed it too—the suffocating mana that radiated off him like an unseen storm. David shot her a sharp look, sending a mental command.

"Stand down."

Luna reluctantly eased back, her tension subsiding but her eyes never leaving the man.

The moment of silent tension was broken by the man's booming voice, directed at Mariana.

"Mariana, my dear niece," he said, his tone blending mockery with scolding. "Is this truly appropriate? A young lady in a gentleman's room at such an ungodly hour? Or… should I assume you spent the night here?"

Mariana's cheeks flared crimson. "Uncle!" she exclaimed, flustered. "I—no, of course not! That's absurd!"

"Is it, though?" he teased, his tone light yet laced with an undertone of dominance. "Your posture says otherwise. Perhaps you've grown bold in my absence?"

David suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and slit the man's neck. He found the exchange repugnant, though Mariana's embarrassment was almost comical. What truly unsettled him, however, was the oppressive mana that filled the room, making it difficult for both him and Luna to breathe with ease.

Worse still, when David activated his skill

[point of view]

to assess the man, a veil obscured everything—his abilities, stats, even his aura. It was as if he existed on a plane beyond comprehension.

He's stronger than Luna. Or worse, leagues beyond her.

The man turned to David, his eyes gleaming with a calculating sharpness that sent a chill down his spine. A theatrical bow followed, sharp and deliberate, breaking the tension.

"Forgive my intrusion," he said, his voice polite but carrying an unmistakable undertone of scrutiny. "It seems I've interrupted an important conversation between you and my niece."

David said nothing, merely narrowing his eyes as the man straightened.

"But perhaps," the man continued, a faint smile curling his lips, "this is fortuitous. I was planning to meet with you anyway. You've intrigued me, David of De Gor. And before the ceremony begins, I'd very much like to have a word with you."

Mariana shot a nervous glance between the two men. "Uncle, you—"

"Mariana," he interrupted, his tone softening only slightly. "Go prepare for the day. I will not detain your… friend for long."

David watched as Mariana hesitated, clearly torn between staying and obeying. Eventually, she relented, her shoulders slumping as she excused herself with a flustered bow. The man stepped aside, holding the door open for her with a flourish, his predatory smile never wavering.

As the door clicked shut, the oppressive mana seemed to pulse, pressing harder against David's senses. Luna tensed once more, her instincts screaming danger.

"Now then," the man said, turning his attention fully to David. "Shall we talk?"

David's fists clenched under the table, his mind racing.

Who is this man… and why does he feel like a demon cloaked in mortal flesh?

David's fingers tensed imperceptibly as he silently summoned

Frostfang

, the silver twin blades materializing within his grasp beneath the table. Its cold, familiar weight steadied him as he locked eyes with the man across from him. Mariana's uncle settled into the chair with a predatory smile, his posture relaxed yet exuding an unnerving sense of control.

The smile widened as the man leaned back, lacing his fingers together. "We finally meet," he said, his voice smooth, almost inviting, but with an edge that hinted at something far more dangerous.

David didn't respond immediately, his sharp gaze studying the man's every move. Beneath the table, hidden from sight, Frostfang's surface shimmered faintly, its edge humming with latent energy. Just in case.

Luna shifted subtly beside him, her eyes locked onto Nicalo. Her claws extended ever so slightly, the sound so faint it would be imperceptible to anyone who wasn't listening for it. Her body radiated tension, a coiled spring ready to strike at the first sign of danger.

David's voice, when it came, was calm but firm. "Your words make it sound as though we've known each other, yet I don't recall ever meeting you."

Mariana's uncle chuckled, a low, resonant sound that seemed to fill the room. "Ah, my apologies if I gave you that impression." He extended a hand in mock civility. "Nicalo Va Ironblade, at your service. Third council to the Archon, representative of Lysora County's noble faction, and, if I may be so bold, a man of particular curiosity regarding you."

David regarded the outstretched hand, noting the faint glow of mana coiled around Nicalo's fingertips like a hidden viper. Choosing not to take it, he kept his voice measured. "Curiosity, you say?"

Nicalo withdrew his hand, unbothered by the rejection, and leaned forward with the air of a man who held all the cards. "Of course. One cannot ignore the meteoric rise of a young man from the De Gor household. Particularly one with such… unique talents. Your name has reached even the furthest corners of the Empire."

Luna let out a low growl, her golden eyes flashing with restrained fury.

David's expression didn't waver, but inside, his thoughts churned.

So, the game begins.

"Well then," David said coolly, his grip tightening on Frostfang beneath the table. "Let's see where this curiosity takes us, Count Nicalo."

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