While Aether was busy dealing with the Empress,
Meanwhile, back in the Frostblade household,
“ARRRRRRRHHHHHHH!!” A loud, agonizing scream echoed from Mortimer’s room, sending a chill down everyone’s spine.
Velc and the others flinched in fear, exchanging worried glances.
“What’s happening in there? Open the door, Father!!” Velc shouted, his voice trembling as he pushed against the door with all his strength. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, the door refused to budge, as if something—or someone—inside had locked it tight.
“Master!” Alfred yelled.
“Grandpa!!” Kai screamed, his face painted with fear as he pounded on the door, desperation seeping into every motion.
Selene stood silently, holding Snowflake in her hands. Her forehead was carefully covered, concealing the Rainbow Arcane crystal.
Selene’s eyes stayed fixed on the door, her expression slightly worried…
“This isn’t working!” Velc exclaimed, frustration dripping from his voice. “The ice is completely blocking the door,” he added with a deep frown. “Just what in the world is going on in there…”
“AARRRRRRHHHH!!!”
BOOOOOOMMMMM!!!
A deafening explosion erupted from the room, shaking the very foundation of the mansion. Waves of raw energy surged outward, making Velc and Kai stumble back, trembling.
“Step aside! Let me handle this,” Leon declared firmly. Without waiting for approval, he stepped forward, opened his mouth, and released a torrent of flames. The intense heat melted the ice barricading the door within seconds.
The group wasted no time, slamming the door open and rushing inside.
“Father!”
“Grandpa!!”
Velc and Kai’s voices overlapped, filled with worry as they hurried in. However, the sight that greeted them made their blood run cold…
The entire room was a blood-soaked nightmare. Thick pools of crimson covered the floor, and even the throne dripped with sticky, unrecognizable substances. Jagged shards of ice jutted out from every surface, their sharp edges glinting ominously. The overwhelming cold permeating the room seeped into their bones, freezing them in place.
“Khh…” Kai let out a shivering breath, the mist of his exhale visible in the frigid air. He wrapped his arms around himself, trying to fend off the numbing cold.
“What’s happened here? It’s colder than anything I’ve ever felt before…” Alfred murmured, his brow deeply furrowed. His gaze scanned the room, his voice tinged with both fear and concern. “Master? Are you here?”
It was then that they noticed a gaping hole in the ceiling, jagged edges of ice framing the opening as though something—or someone—had violently burst through.
“He is not her–“
“Hahahahahaha….”
The eerie sound of laughter echoed through the mansion.
Velc’s eyes widened in alarm. Without a second thought, he spun on his heel and bolted out of the room. “Father?!” he called out, his voice laced with urgency.
Kai followed close behind, his legs moving before his mind could process. “Grandpa!” he cried, the fear in his tone undeniable.
The rest of the group trailed after them.
When they reached the entrance of the mansion, their eyes widened in disbelief.
Standing before them was a man. His dark blue hair glinted under the pale light, and his bare, muscular chest was partially covered with patches of glistening ice. His body, tense and rippling with energy, exuded an aura of raw power. He stood there, ruffling his hair and laughing like a man unhinged.
“F-Father?” Velc stammered, his voice barely above a whisper as he stared at the figure in shock.
“A-Alfred, am I seeing this right?” Velc asked, his voice shaky as he turned to his butler for confirmation.
“I… I don’t think so… but it seems we are,” Alfred replied, his tone unsteady, his face a mix of astonishment and unease.
“M-Master? Is that truly you?” Alfred managed to ask, though his words wavered as if he were still trying to piece together the impossible sight before him.
The man finally stopped laughing and turned his piercing gaze to the group. A slow, cocky grin spread across his face. “Oh? If it isn’t my pathetic, useless son,” he said, his voice brimming with energy and amusement, laced with just the right amount of condescension.
Velc’s lips twitched violently at the insult, while Kai stood frozen, utterly flabbergasted. “F-Father? H-He is…?” Kai began, his words failing him.
“Yeah… T-That’s your Grandpa in his prime,” Velc muttered, the disbelief in his tone as clear as day. His eyes darted back to Mortimer’s youthful figure, as if looking away might shatter the illusion.
“Grandpa?” Kai and Selene exclaimed simultaneously, their expressions shifting between shock and confusion. Snowflake, on the other hand, gazed at the man with narrowed eyes, her expression sceptical and alert.
‘What the heck did you do, Aether?’ Selene screamed inwardly, instinctively stepping back and slipping behind the others.
Velc cautiously stepped forward, his gaze filled with doubt. “W-What happened to you, Father? Why do you look so—”
“Young, right?” Mortimer interrupted his grin widening, his tone filled with smug amusement.
Velc gulped audibly, nodding, unable to form a coherent response.
“Haha… What can I say? The goose proved to be quite useful,” Mortimer remarked offhandedly, raising his hand. Sparks of bluish energy danced across his fingertips, crackling with intensity. “I can feel it… this power. This feeling, after so long,” he murmured, his voice tinged with satisfaction.
Then, with a sharp motion, he yanked his hand to the side.
SSsssssHHhhhhhhh!!!
A massive wave of ice materialized in mere seconds, spreading across the yard!!
Velc’s face turned ghostly pale, his body stiff as he witnessed the full extent of his father’s regained power.
“Fascinating…” Mortimer muttered, his tone dripping with curiosity as he stroked his chin. ‘The power isn’t fully recovered yet, but this is more than enough… What exactly is in that brat’s blood?’ he thought, his thoughts were racing.
He recalled the torturous pain that had consumed him, after drinking his blood, for what felt like an eternity, as though something had been devouring him from within. And yet, all at once, his body had erupted with energy, and in the next second, he found himself restored to his prime.
‘I must have that slave in my grasp,’ Mortimer decided, a sinister grin spreading across his face. “You made a grave mistake by not killing me,” he murmured darkly, his voice low but resolute. “This is going to come back and bite you, brat,” he added under his breath.
His attention snapped back to the group. They were all staring at him, questions practically written across their faces. These were questions he didn’t particularly feel like answering. But there was one matter that demanded immediate attention.
“Selene”
Selene flinched as all eyes turned toward her.
Mortimer’s grin widened, his voice mocking yet amused. “What’s the matter? I don’t see you celebrating your Grandpa’s newfound youth.”
Selene’s hands sparked with energy as if readying herself for anything. Her voice wavered slightly, “I-I was just surprised… It’s hard to believe what’s happening here.”
Mortimer chuckled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Hahaha… You’re still clinging to that ugly facade, I see.” His gaze dropped to Snowflake, and his expression darkened instantly. “That snake…” he hissed, his voice laced with fury.
Snowflake, far from intimidated, simply grinned, exuding confidence. She showed no fear—after all, she knew her power far surpassed his.
Veins popped prominently on Mortimer’s forehead as his voice thundered with rage. “Looks like both slaves need to be taught a lesson… First, I’ll skin you alive,” he growled, his icy glare shifting toward Selene, “and next…” His eyes narrowed as he locked on her. “You made a grave mistake, Selene. You must face the consequences of your actions, siding with a slave and defying your own family. How dare you betray us!”
In the blink of an eye, Mortimer appeared before Selene, his speed leaving the others stunned. His hand clamped around her neck in a vice-like grip, lifting her effortlessly into the air.
“Arrrhh!” Selene choked, her fingers clawing at his hand as she struggled against his strength.
“F-Father?!” Velc stammered, his voice laced with disbelief and alarm.
“Don’t move,” Mortimer commanded, his voice as cold and sharp as a blade of ice. His gaze bore into Selene’s as she writhed in his grasp.
“Y-You… and that pathetic slave… will both die today,” Mortimer declared with a deadly seriousness, his face contorted with contempt.
But before he could tighten his grip further,
“Hisss!!”
Snowflake, with lightning speed, lunged and sank her fangs into Mortimer’s face.
“Arrgh!” Mortimer roared, momentarily staggered by the unexpected attack.
Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, Selene twisted her body and delivered a powerful kick to his chest, forcing him to release her. She dropped to the ground, but quickly spun around and launched a fierce punch to Mortimer’s face.
BAM!
“That’s for hurting my darling!” she spat, her voice trembling with both rage and defiance.
Mortimer staggered back, a look of shock flashing across his face. He steadied himself, spitting out a tooth as blood trickled down his chin. Wiping it away with the back of his hand, he let out a low growl.
“Not bad,” he admitted begrudgingly, his lips curling into a twisted smirk. “You’re more powerful than I expected—more powerful than Kai, even. I wonder… where did you get this strength?”
Kai and the others stood frozen in disbelief, the weight of Mortimer’s words sinking in.
Selene gave a sharp, confident smile. She summoned her ice spear, its tip glinting dangerously in the cold air. With a graceful spin, she stabbed it into the ground, “Let me show my darling that I can handle people like you~”, twirling the spear in her hands.
She swung her spear as the wave of shimmering water surged through the air, hurtling toward Mortimer like a tidal force.
Mortimer snorted dismissively, raising his hand. With a single, effortless motion, the wave dispersed into nothingness.
“You’re far too early to even think of—”
Chucck!
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Mortimer’s words were abruptly cut off as he froze, his eyes widening in shock. Selene’s spear had struck his back, piercing him cleanly.
Grinning, Selene stepped forward, her voice dripping with mockery. “Hmm? What was that you were saying again?”
Mortimer’s lips twitched with annoyance as he glanced over his shoulder at the spear lodged in his back. With an irritated expression, he bent his arm unnaturally, grabbing the spear. In one swift motion, he yanked it free and hurled it back at her.
Thud!
Selene landed gracefully, catching her spear midair and twirling it between her fingers like a baton.
“F-Father, what are you doing?” Velc’s voice broke through the tension, his face a mixture of confusion and distress.
Mortimer sneered, his gaze fixed on Selene, “Your unfaithful daughter has been fucking around with a s—”
“HIIISSSS!!”
Snowflake intervened again, spewing acid at Mortimer. He dodged at the last second, the corrosive substance sizzling against the grassy ground.
Selene quickly turned to Velc, her voice urgent. “F-Father, don’t you see? That’s not Grandpa! Look at him—would Grandpa ever try to kill me? Something’s wrong; someone or something must have taken over his body!”
Velc hesitated, his brows knitting together in thought. She had a point—Mortimer, no matter how harsh, had never raised a hand against Selene, not even in her worst moments. Something was definitely off.
Velc frowned deeply, stepping forward with a determined expression. “I don’t know who or what you are, but you better let go of my father!”
Mortimer blinked, momentarily taken aback, before his face twisted into a mocking grin. “Hahaha… I can’t believe you’re actually siding with that whore who’s trying to tear this family apart!”
Velc’s face hardened, his voice cold. “My father would never use such filthy words against his own daughter or granddaughter…. and come to think of it, he only harsh on me?” he slightly thought with a frown.
Mortimer’s grin faltered, replaced by an annoyed scowl, “Sigh… Oh, really? You’re such a brat. Don’t you remember when I slapped you for breaking the vase? Or that birthmark on your ass?… Do you think I don’t know every inch of my own son?”
Velc’s face flushed crimson, equal parts embarrassment and disbelief. He blinked rapidly. “I-It really is you, Father?”
Selene clicked her tongue, irritation flashing in her eyes as Snowflake slithered protectively toward her.
“Of course it’s me, bastard!” Mortimer barked. “Who do you think I am?
I’m the saviour of millions, the one and only hero!!! Hahahahaha…Today, I am reborn!”
He threw his arms wide, laughing maniacally,
“Reborn to rule this empire, uncover the truth behind this cursed worlds, and save everyone. I will become the Emperor of Emperors! Hahahaha… I wil—“
PUFFFFFFFFF!!!
Suddenly, an eerie silence….
Everyone froze, their gazes locked on the spot where Mortimer had just been standing…
Now, nothing remained but a faint cloud of blood powder drifting through the air.
It had happened in the blink of an eye, so quickly that no one could comprehend, his body had burst apart into fine crimson powders.
The gruesome spectacle left the group’s stunned, their faces pale as blood droplets splattered across their skin and clothes, painting the scene with a macabre stillness.
For a heartbeat, nobody moved… who would move after seeing that!!
!~Ding~!
[+50 Umbra]
[Soul: 946↑/270]
‘Hehehe…..’