Gathering of the Strongest

"He is quite impressive, isn't he?" Marcus said, taking a bite of his shrimp lasagna.

"You mean Arthur?" Quinn asked, his expression unreadable as he sipped his wine.

"Yes," Marcus replied. "Ian told me Arthur was strong, but he is far more impressive than I anticipated. In just four months, he has advanced from <Low Silver>-rank to <High Silver>-rank. He seems as strong as Ren."

Alastor smiled, joining the conversation. "Arthur is strong, perhaps strong enough to claim the title of the strongest in this generation."

"Over my son?" Arden's voice boomed with pride. "I doubt it."

"Don't be so arrogant," Alastor chided. "Lucifer may be the greatest talent since Emperor Julius, but Arthur is truly someone special."

Arden's eyes narrowed, his competitive nature flaring. "Lucifer's potential is unmatched. He has yet to unlock his full talent. When he does, no one will be able to challenge him."

"I know exactly how talented Lucifer is," Alastor interjected. "I practically raised the kid as my own. But Arthur... in terms of pure absorption of mana techniques, he is superior. His talent for magic is greater than mine. He is just a late bloomer like the Martial King."

As soon as Alastor completed his sentence, a tense silence descended in the room. The faces of the other three darkened at the mention of the Martial King.

"There can only be one Martial King in this world, Alastor," Quinn said coldly. Alastor's brows furrowed as he sensed the wariness suddenly emanating from his peers.

After all, the Martial King was a legend.

"There will never be someone like the Martial King again," Arden concluded, his tone final.

"Aren't you just saying that because he surpassed you?" Marcus pointed out, his words cutting through the tension.

Arden's eyes flashed with a mixture of pride and bitterness. "Surpassed or not, the Martial King was an anomaly. He reached heights that no one thought possible."

Alastor sighed, realizing the depth of their unease. "I understand your concerns. The Martial King was extraordinary, but Arthur's potential is unique in its own right. We mustn't stifle his growth out of fear."

"There is no point in stifling the growth of someone who can help us drive the black magic races back," Quinn said in a calculative tone. "None of us like the Martial King, but he has the most accomplishments against other races since the Kagu family ancestor committed a genocide against the vampires 160 years ago."

Marcus nodded in agreement, while Arden's body tensed in response.

"The story of Arthur and Lucifer won't turn out like it did between me and the Martial King," Arden finally said. "Arthur won't surpass Lucifer."

Alastor sighed but didn't continue the argument further.

"But the tournament will certainly be interesting this time, no?" Marcus chuckled. "Lucifer may have a challenger by the end of their academic year."

Arden's eyes narrowed at the implication.

"Let's hope it remains friendly competition," Alastor interjected diplomatically. "They can push each other to new heights without the animosity we experienced."

Quinn nodded. "Agreed. Their rivalry could be the key to overcoming the threats we face. As long as it doesn't turn destructive, it could benefit everyone."

"Anyway, it's been quite some time since we had a drink together, hasn't it?" Marcus said, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"You're right," Alastor chuckled. "We've been so busy getting stronger and keeping our lands under control that we've had no time for this."

"At least you don't have vassals to listen to all the time," Quinn added with a chuckle.

"And you don't have to fight against Shadow Seekers, Emperor of Slatemark," Arden countered jokingly. The two of them began laughing, the tension in the room easing.

"But," Quinn began, his tone shifting, "I didn't expect Arthur to have certain other talents." His red eyes glowed as he used mana to see past the walls and into the room where the eight kids were gathered.

"What do you mean?" Arden asked curiously.

"My daughter has been rather keen on him, you see," Quinn said, turning away. "But I suppose that's only normal at her age."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Cecilia, interested in Arthur? That's certainly intriguing."

"But it seems to be a bit more complicated than that," Quinn said, his eyes narrowing. "I hope it doesn't turn into what I think it may."

"You can't mean—" Alastor's eyes widened as he grasped Quinn's implication.

"I might be overthinking it," Quinn waved his hand dismissively. "They're still young, after all. It shouldn't turn into that whole mess."

"Who knew you'd be training your future son-in-law?" Marcus laughed, patting Alastor on the shoulder.

"No way," Alastor shook his head. "There's no way I'm letting Rachel marry him."

"You said the same thing about Lucifer when I proposed it," Arden sighed. "You know you need to let go eventually, right?"

Alastor paused before responding, "...I know. I just haven't done her justice as a father. I don't want to fail her even more by having her marry a terrible guy and be miserable."

"She's a smart girl," Marcus comforted. "She won't make that mistake. Let her enjoy her teenage years for now. God knows we had a lot of fun like this, didn't we?"

Alastor smiled reluctantly, the tension easing a bit. "You're right. It's just hard to let go, especially after all the things her mother did to her behind my back."

He clenched his fists, anger simmering as he thought of Rachel's mother, the woman who had completely changed when Rachel was just four.

"Has Isolde still not given any reason why?" Arden asked, concern etched in his eyes.

"She hasn't," Alastor shook his head. "She hasn't tried to break out of my spell or use her seer powers either. I wanted to believe in her, believe there was a good reason, but I just can't anymore."

The weight of Alastor's words hung in the air, the room falling into a somber silence. Quinn, ever the strategist, broke the quiet. "We can't dwell on the past. Our focus needs to be on the future and ensuring our children are safe and prepared."

Marcus nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Whatever Isolde's reasons, we must be vigilant and support Rachel as best we can."

Alastor sighed deeply, his resolve hardening. "You're right. Rachel deserves a future free from her mother's shadow. I'll do everything in my power to ensure that."

Arden placed a reassuring hand on Alastor's shoulder. "And we'll be here to help. We're all in this together."

Alastor nodded, grateful for the support of his friends. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

"Oh, something most interesting seems to be happening in the other room," Quinn remarked, his eyes glowing with mana as he looked past the walls.

"What's happening?" Marcus asked eagerly, not concerned about the kids' safety. After all, fighting and arguing with friends is a natural part of growing up.

"Ren seems to be bothering Arthur for a fight since he noticed how much stronger Arthur has become," Alastor observed, using his mana to peer through the walls as well. "And it looks like Rachel has stepped in now."

In the other room, Rachel stood between Ren and Arthur, her expression stern. "Ren, can't you wait until after the party? We're here to celebrate, not to fight."

Ren crossed his arms, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I know, but I can't help it. Arthur's progress is impressive, and I want to see how we match up."

Rachel's eyes narrowed. "There's a time and place for everything. Let's enjoy the evening first."

"Come on, Rachel," Ren said, his voice rising in frustration. "It's just a friendly spar. What's the harm?"

"The harm," Rachel snapped, "is that this is supposed to be a celebration, not a battlefield. You're always so eager to fight, Ren. Can't you just relax for once?"

Ren's expression hardened. "And you're always trying to control everything, Rachel. Maybe you should loosen up a bit."

Rachel took a step closer, her voice low and dangerous. "Maybe you should learn some self-control."

Arthur stepped in, placing a hand on Rachel's shoulder. "Rachel, it's fine. Ren's just excited. We can spar later."

Rachel looked at him, her eyes softening slightly. "I just don't want this to turn into a fight."

Ren scoffed. "It's just a spar, not a war. You're overreacting."

"Am I?" Rachel shot back. "Or are you just looking for an excuse to show off?"

Ren's fists clenched, but before he could respond, Seraphina, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Enough. Both of you. This is neither the time nor the place for this argument."

The three of them turned to Seraphina, surprise flickering in their eyes. Seraphina rarely intervened, but when she did, it carried weight.

"Let's not ruin the evening," Seraphina continued, her voice calm and measured. "We have plenty of time to train and spar. Tonight, let's focus on enjoying each other's company."

Ren sighed, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Fine, fine. I'll wait. But Arthur, you better be ready."

"Don't worry, I will take Rank 2 from you at the mid-year exams," Arthur assured him with a nod, causing Ren's fighting spirit to flare even more.

Rachel relaxed, her tension easing. "Thank you, Seraphina. And Ren, please, just try to enjoy the party."

Meanwhile, Quinn and the others watched the scene unfold with amused expressions. "Looks like your daughter has quite the commanding presence, Alastor," Arden commented.

Alastor chuckled. "Rachel has always been good at diffusing tension, even if it sometimes takes a bit of fire."

Marcus laughed. "Well, it's a good thing too. Otherwise, we'd have a brawl on our hands before the night is over."

Quinn nodded thoughtfully. "It's interesting to see how they interact. Each one of them has their strengths and unique qualities."

"Indeed," Alastor agreed. "And it's those qualities that will shape the future of our world."