CHAPTER 38: I.. LIKE THEM... TALENTED.

"This batch... it’s one of the best we’ve had in a long time," Patriarch Artorias muttered, his eyes sweeping over the slew of youths who had respawned back at the Graeogor family residence.

"Yes, father," a bald-headed man on his right nodded, his gaze drawn to two particular figures that stood out in the crowd.

"Level 12 and 10. Not bad, not bad at all," a middle-aged woman with silky black hair added. The disparity in power made it impossible for the youths to conceal their levels from the elders.

"Still, there are many who didn’t make it out," another elder observed, noting the absence of a large portion of those who had entered the dungeon.

"Weak trash!" Artorias spat, his aura flaring as his eyes turned cold. "If they couldn’t withstand such feeble beasts, then they are nothing but useless in the cause of humanity!"

The last of his words rang, echoing to all the elders, silencing them for a bit. Though his words sounded harsh, the truth behind them couldn’t be denied.

Dungeon explosions, beast raids, rifts spawning suddenly, and all the dangers that erupted after the mana influx ten millennia ago made death inevitable for the weak. One could only rely on borrowed strength for so long.

Lifting his hand, an overwhelming aura rippled from Artorias, spreading to every corner of the Graeogor family compound, silencing everyone as he drew all the attention to him.

"You’ve all survived your first dungeon excursion," he began, his gaze sweeping over them. "But if you think you are anything more than survivors... you are delusional!"

"This power you wield is only the beginning. If you prove yourselves warriors, true heirs of Graeogor blood, you shall wield far more than you can imagine!" He paused letting the weight of his words settle, the reverence burning in the youths’ eyes feeding his pride.

"Your hard work shall be rewarded. Your potential nurtured. Now leave and rest! The academy selection trials begin in just over a week, prepare yourselves!"

"Huh? Wait... the academy selections have been moved up to a week?"

"No, this can’t be right!"

"Hahahaha, I can finally leave this wretched place and expose my talent to all..."

"Shut up, no one wants to see your trash D-rank."

"Hmmmm, something must have caused this... what could it be?!"

Murmurs rippled out as the youths drank in Artorias’ words, confusion laced with excitement bubbling deep within them.

Another stern wave from Artorias and the compound was once more engulfed with silence.

"Enough! Now leave!" he muttered, his voice echoing to everyone. Soon, all that was left were the elders on the podium, before Patriarch Artorias inhaled sharply, his gaze turning to another elder.

"The boy..." he whispered. "Where is he?"

As the words spilled from his mouth, a figure came to mind—sporting midnight-black hair and a pair of obsidian eyes.

"He..." the elder in question gulped before mumbling, "he..."

"He what?" Artorias snapped, already growing impatient. "Don’t tell me you didn’t keep an eye on him after he came out of the dungeon?"

"No... no... I did as instructed... it’s just that he..."

Right before he could finish his sentence, a sudden explosion rang out in the distance, followed by a streak that colored the sky. Before they could even blink, a shockwave rippled, sending dust and rocks flying as a figure landed on the earth.

And when the dust fully parted, a figure came into view.

"Greetings, Grand Elder Seraphina of the Grand Ancestral Academy!"

The elders voiced out immediately when they caught sight of glowing emerald eyes.

"Where is he?" Seraphina asked, cutting directly to the chase as she walked forward, her silky raven hair trailing behind her.

Draped in a black robe etched with the insignia of the Grand Ancestral Academy, she fully came into view.

"Argh... yes... we were just coming to that..." Artorias smiled sheepishly, contrasting sharply with the aura and presence he had given off a few minutes ago.

Then, turning to the elder, he barked, "Well, what are you waiting for? Spit it out! Don’t keep the Grand Ancestral Academy elder waiting. I’m sure she has better things to do than hear you stutter!"

The pressure increased multifold, coupled with the intensity of all the gazes burning on him. Elder Carl couldn’t hold it in any longer and caved, a bit of embarrassment tinging his face as he muttered, "He... went to the brothel!!!"

A moment of silence passed as everyone took in the words, before murmurs rippled from the elders.

"Huh? He did what?"

"The brothel??? In clear daylight? The gall!"

"Are you sure you saw it right, Carl?"

Multiple expressions flashed across their faces. Seraphina’s eyebrows arched in surprise. "A brothel, you say? Are you sure about this?"

"Yes!" Carl nodded, wiping beads of sweat off his face.

Clearing her throat, Seraphina murmured, the smile on her face widening as a mischievous light twinkled in her emerald eyes.

"Which one?"

"The Red Lantern... brothel," Elder Carl mumbled, his voice shrinking to a whisper.

"Very well!" Seraphina smirked, her back leaning against the ground, the curves rippling beneath her garment stretching forth, before with one sudden motion her figure tore into the sky, sending waves of micro-fractures across the ground she once stood on, with a mini explosion.

Her words trailed behind her. "Let’s see what you’re up to...chosen one."

Elsewhere, within a chamber sealed by expensive mana crystals and delicate runes, two figures stood. One hooded. The other, a middle-aged woman with sharp black eyes and long hair cascading to her butt, her aura steeped in allure.

"First time?" she asked, her gaze burning into the cloaked figure.

So this is the reception, Aurelian thought, clearing his throat. "So... the fees. What do you charge? What services do you offer?"

"Ha! Straight to business," she smiled slyly. "Well, that depends on your... preferences."

"Preferences?" his brow furrowed.

Her smile widened at his confusion, amused by the innocence in his tone.

"You know... big ass, big tits, petite, exotic. Prices shift with preference. As for the services..." Her voice dropped. "All of them are... malleable."

Catching her meaning, Aurelian finally smiled. He pulled back his hood, obsidian eyes gleaming, and uttered what he never thought he’d say.

"I... like them... talented."