“Haha. Julius, someone sneaked into your island?” Ares threw his head back and laughed.
“I think it’s time to change the name. They’re called Guardian Islands. But they can’t even guard themselves against an intruder. Pfft”
Julius’ eyes narrowed and he glared at Ares.
Even though he was just a hologram, Evander’s hair stood up.
“Ares, I’ve been tolerating you since you were my father’s disciple. But when I reach the higher state, those words would amount to capital crime.” His voice at the end was chilly.
The Sovereigns, regardless of their strength silently gasped.
It was a veiled threat and everyone understood what he was implying.
‘I am sure to reach the higher state. And before I do, you better behave. Or you’d pay the price with your life.’
They would’ve dismissed if it was anyone else.
But Julius…
Even Ares’ face scrunched up and he clenched his fists.
As the youngest Sovereign, Julius made it clear that being a Sovereign was far from his true potential.
What he’s pursuing was something they couldn’t even glimpse of.
Humanity’s first Celestial Rank!
Then, he’d be the de facto Emperor, Peerless and Savior.
Thinking of this, the atmosphere in the room suddenly descended into silence.
“Haha. Ares has been fighting for three months continuously. You know he’s just back from the frontlines.” Irene laughed and tried to play down the Ares’ earlier words.
Seeing that the room was still silent, she turned to the man with a scar and said. “Evander, did the duels end? Any interesting seeds this year?”
‘Father, I want to be a Sovereign. That doesn’t mean I want to join these conversations.’ Evander sighed inwardly while he flashed a bright smile outside.
“Of course, the geniuses of every year are better than the last. But this year is another matter altogether.” He said with enthusiasm and glanced at Julius.
He said, tapping his comm, which played the battle of Charles with three of his peers.
It elicited gasps even from the Sovereigns themselves.
“In my honest opinion, Charles Xander is the number one genius I’ve ever seen.” Evander said with a straight face.
Of course, it was a lie.
Varian’s performance in this match was too eye catching and he hoped to keep the limelight off his silly apprentice.
‘If you’re peak level 5, show your strength since the start. Why do you act like you are growing with each battle?
Your acting is too perfect. Even I can’t tell if you’re already peak level 5, or are growing slowly.’
Evander almost wanted to beat up Varian for this mess.
Not only did Varian fight freaking 30 matches, he even seemed to enjoy them!
“Is there anyone else?” Ares snorted and crossed his hands, his spear still gripped tightly in his right hand.
“Aside from Charles, there’s Ashtarh, Xavier, Marcus, Maissa, Helia, Philia and Williamson.”
At the mention of some names, few Sovereigns smiled and nodded.
Vianne’s brows furrowed and she pursed her lips.
There’s none from Trade Union.
“What about second years? And besides, isn’t your daughter second year?” Vianne narrowed her eyes at Evander.
Evander inwardly sighed and decided to reveal the truth. If he was found hiding anything, it’d only spark their interest more.
“Sarah is the obvious first.” As he said those words, Evander’s lips curled up without meaning to.
He then turned to Irene Nial and nodded. “Second is Han Nial and mam, your grandson has rushed to Mars’ planetoid when the situation there worsened.”
“He’s a good soldier.” Ares complimented and Evander nodded sincerely.
“Third is…um,” Evander paused for a moment and considered the question again.
Strongest second years, since Varian was a first year, he didn’t need to include him.
That’s a good excuse, right?
“Third is Varian?” Julius suddenly raised a brow and glanced at Evander.
Evander stiffly nodded.
“Wait, he’s only a first year.” Micheal Caron looked through Varian’s file and raised a brow.
“What?”
The atmosphere was once again silent.
This time, however, every Sovereign was browsing through Varian’s information.
Julius’ eyes flashed for a moment before he smiled. “He’s the most talented child. But why did he awaken so late?”
Evander coughed lightly and said. “He had a trauma and it hindered him. He’s good now. Thank you for your care.”
“But, it’s strange, the way his strength rose with each battle.” Irene Nial knit her brows and turned to the fiercest Sovereign. “What do you think?”
“He didn’t show any discomfort of adjusting to his increasing strength. Even the best geniuses I’ve seen can’t do that. So, that’s why I think he is just revealing his strength.” Ares gave his opinion.
‘Phew.’ Evander inwardly sighed in relief.
“I wanted to say he’s the best genius ever, but he had Ambrosia. Even though he got only a part of it, he got enough to reach peak level 5.” Kevin shrugged honestly.
Vianne nodded and turned to Evander. “So, after he was out of the dungeon, he was already peak level 5, but you shielded his strength, am I right?”
To be honest, it was what she wanted to believe. And it was also the only option that made sense.
If she accepted the public version, Varian literally went from low level 5 to almost peak level 5 in….two weeks?
That’s just absurd.
So she thought of a more plausible possibility.
“Yes. He was peak level 5 since the beginning. I didn’t want to cause too much commotion.” Evander nodded and admitted. “But Varian is very talented. I believe…”
“Yeah, yeah…” Sovereign Kreo Bell suddenly interrupted and shook his head. “Don’t lie to yourself, Evander. He got here because of Ambrosia. Or you wouldn’t even know his name.”
Ambrosia helped him once. But he was on his own when facing the bottleneck of high awakeners.
In short, despite his ‘weirdness’ they weren’t optimistic about his future all.
“…” Evander turned silent.
Inwardly, he was pleased.
At the same time, he also sighed. ‘Varian, I convinced everyone somehow. This is the best I can do.
This is also the best you can do, right? Peak level 5?
If you are level 6, shit will hit the fan. Fuck! Why am I using vulgar language?
Anyway, I must warn him to lay low. Even if it’s him, he should take a month or two to advance to level 6, right?
I hope I’m right.’
The other Sovereigns too shared the same opinion and Irene Nial switched the topic. “Sovereign Julius, about the secret potion…”
Evander tapped on his comm and instructed Ryan.
The discussion turned serious and Evander carefully listened.
An hour passed just like that.
*** *** *** ***
>> Attention! The competition is about to begin in 15 minutes. The briefing will begin shortly.
The voice message snapped Sarah out of her state and she hurriedly pulled herself out of Varian’s embrace.
With a wave of her hand, the water mana in her body identified and contained the alcohol while her chi neutralized it.
The rosiness on her face was gone in an instant and her face turned expressionless.
Bali was long gone and all she saw Varian looking at her with a smile on his face.
“Remove that stupid smile.” She punched him lightly on the chest and said softly. “Let’s go.”