Chapter 36: Awakening a Racial Ability

The council chamber emptied after the officials left, their discussions complete. With an Earth Knight leading them and over a hundred gray wolves at their disposal, everyone felt confident. Their immediate focus shifted to preparations and follow-up measures. Conquering a territory was only the beginning. Governance, resource management, and integrating these lands into Frost Wolf Ridge were long-term challenges.

Moreover, while many territories had distanced themselves from the Frost Wolf family's control, they had not officially severed ties. Each region required a tailored approach. David, however, left these details to others. His primary goal remained strengthening himself. Wasting too much time on territory administration would only hinder his path to power.

Once the officials had departed, David turned his attention to Rena, who was still seated, lost in thought. David had long noticed her keen interest in territorial management. He often brought up administrative matters to pique her curiosity, seizing opportunities to make outrageous requests. It was for this reason he had invited her to the council meeting. If Rena was willing, he wouldn't hesitate to entrust her with managing the territory.

"My lord," Rena murmured as she snapped out of her reverie, meeting David's gaze. David grinned, stepped forward, and scooped her into his arms. Without a word, he carried her out of the council chamber and up to the second floor.

At the stairway landing, he paused. A mischievous glint in his eye, he asked, "Rena, shall we go to the third floor?" It was another bold request, and David didn't expect her to agree. But he couldn't help testing the waters.

Rena froze, her face turning crimson. She knew exactly what he meant. Under normal circumstances, she would have refused outright. But recalling how Leah and Amy had waited just as she had, coupled with the trust David had shown her earlier, she hesitated for a moment—then, to her own surprise, nodded. David's joy was palpable. Without giving her a chance to change her mind, he carried her up to the third floor.

In the attic, Amy was reading a book, while Leah nibbled on a pastry. Both seemed distracted, their gazes occasionally flicking toward the door. Huo Wu and Shui Lian were tidying the room. Based on the time, they anticipated the lord would come to the third floor to rest.

Knock, knock, knock—

A knock at the door drew everyone's attention. David pushed the door open, leading a visibly flustered Rena inside. "Master David." "My lord." Leah and Amy greeted him with delight, though their eyes quickly darted to Rena, who was clearly avoiding their gazes. Leah stepped forward with a smile, taking Rena's hand. "Come in, Rena." Huo Wu and Shui Lian exchanged knowing glances, offered their greetings, and discreetly exited the room, closing the door behind them.

Time passed, and the small maids' smiles grew broader. David shifted his gaze, taking in the three women in the room. He couldn't help but lick his parched lips. "My ladies, it's time to rest."

This session of dual cultivation lasted longer than usual. Even as an Earth Knight, David felt a rare twinge of exhaustion. But the rewards were immense. Both his Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline and Snow Demon Soul had reached the threshold for advancement.

Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline: Tier 4 (10029/10000)

Snow Demon Soul: Tier 2 (1007/1000)

Ice Element Affinity: Intermediate (4230/10000)

Suppressing his excitement, David embraced the weary trio and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Leah and Amy appeared their usual composed selves, while Rena's face remained flushed. When the door opened, Huo Wu entered to tidy up the chaotic room. Though David didn't notice, her ears had turned red, resembling ripe apples.

In the castle's training room, David sat cross-legged in solitude. After adjusting his state of mind, he summoned the system panel. At his mental command, the Snow Demon Soul broke through to Tier 3. Instantly, the Frost Wolf Soul in his spiritual world roared, its aura intensifying. The advancement of the Snow Demon Soul provided significant mental feedback, pushing David's mental strength closer to the peak of Tier 2.

Feeling the changes, David tested his control over ice elements. Compared to before, his icy powers had grown considerably stronger. He even felt confident that, using only his ice abilities, he could now contend with the Ice Wolf Great Knight. The strength of extraordinary power was undeniable.

It was said that mages of the same tier often overwhelmed knights. The claim now seemed entirely plausible. Having completed the Snow Demon Soul breakthrough, David didn't immediately advance the Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline. Instead, he resumed practicing the Snow Demon Breathing Technique.

Ice elements surged toward him, entering his body. Some were absorbed by his physique, others merged with the Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline, and the remainder fused into the Frost Wolf Soul. Once he had acclimated to his enhanced abilities, David began the breakthrough for his Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline.

As the bloodline advanced to Tier 5, a surge of powerful energy enveloped him. This time, with the aid of his mental strength and ice element affinity, he sensed the frosty power within the Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline. Guided by his will, he drew the ice elements into his body, merging them with the Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline to awaken its latent power.

Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline: Tier 5 (29/50000), New Racial Ability Unlocked: Frost Breath

A new notification appeared, and David froze for a moment before breaking into a grin. This breakthrough had unlocked a racial ability of the Frost Giant Wolf: Frost Breath!

It was clear that as the Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline continued to strengthen, alongside his intermediate ice element affinity, he was beginning to awaken the hidden powers within. With further development, his bloodline would gradually transform into that of a legendary Frost Giant Wolf, gran

ting him more of its extraordinary abilities.