A Scorpion

"Do you know what you're asking for?"

Blayz had no objection to providing land as a training ground. There were many uninhabited areas in the empire because the populations died from the Waves.

But magical beasts were difficult to obtain, even if one was influential. It was illegal to trade magical creatures, so the price soared on the black market.

The only way to obtain beasts legally was to bring the Tamer class. Since it was a rare class, wealthy and powerful people such as kings or nobles often gave away magical creatures for free on the condition that the Tamers must serve them.

"Are..." Blayz paused momentarily; the presumption that came to his mind almost made him explode with excitement. "Are you a beast tamer?"

With a shake of his head, Gris swiftly quelled Blayz's fleeting excitement, casting a shadow over the moment and evoking impatience in his father.

"Then why are you asking for a beast? You did get the privilege from me after passing the test. But you should know the limits!" Blayz explained angrily.

Gris had anticipated Blayz's irritation, yet a tiny spark of satisfaction flickered at the thought of playing with someone's emotions. 

"Father, I'm not a tamer. But believe me, that beast is useful to me."

"Don't wait until my patience runs out."

"I know, I know. Calm down. I need a beast to be my slave."

Blayz needed time to digest Gris' vague answer. A tamer could force the magical creature they tamed to follow their orders.

As far as he knew, only the tamer class had close contact with magical creatures. When he thought about it more deeply, he realized that one other class could do similar things.

"D-Did you get the necromancy profession?"

The question did not escape Blayz's lips; instead, it quivered from Alberic's mouth. Overwhelmed by shock, he could not resist the compulsion to seek clarification.

Necromancers did not fall into the Legendary or Mythical category. But still, it was rare for people to be found acquiring the class. The Doomsday Committee lacked members when compared to the Heroes.

It was true that monsters assisted the Committee in destroying the world. But that only happened during the Doomsday Wave.

The monsters functioned as uncontrollable, potent weapons. While they refrained from attacking the villains, their unfamiliarity with each other hinted at a potential vulnerability in their battle formation.

For instance, the villains remained uncertain about the dragon's next fiery assault, forcing them to maintain their predetermined positions and anticipate whether the monsters' onslaught would veer their way.

Because of this, the Doomsday Committee would be pleased to accept beast tamers and necromancers into Pandemonium Academy.

"How did you get that?" Blayz asked as Gris did not refute the question about him getting the Necromancer class.

Gris simply smiled. "I've heard that a person gets divine power thanks to his strong will. Everyone in this mansion knows what I do to bring my mother back to life."

Sneaking into cemeteries and conducting experiments on stolen corpses. No one in the Silverth family did not know that.

Rumours spread like wildfire. Whispers circulated about Gris, their origins unknown, yet within the mansion's walls, it was common knowledge that he secretly stole corpses.

"I know getting magical beasts isn't easy," Gris continued his words. "Just give me a forest with many beasts as a training ground."

Blayz doubted that his son, who did not exert as much effort as his other children, could be bestowed with the Necromancy class.

"Prove your strength first. You could be deceiving me for profit," he said sternly, then glanced at Alberic.

"What should I do, Sir?"

"Bring me a scorpion."

Upon receiving the command, Alberic wasted no time scouring the area for a scorpion. Meanwhile, four teenagers had discreetly observed the Oleander Pavilion since Blayz stepped inside.

They were the individuals who successfully navigated the harrowing Forest of Death Test. Joan's gaze narrowed upon spotting Alberic.

She embodied the essence of a druid, her connection with nature profound and unyielding. With the gift of communicating with plants, she effortlessly breezed through the test, evading the need for exhausting combat.

The plants informed her of approaching enemies and safe paths she could take. She was the last one to pass the test.

"Let's ask Alberic what's happening in that pavilion!" Joan invited the others to make a move. But they seemed to want to watch in silence not to be labeled as interfering by Blayz.

"We can ask that weird boy directly after our father leaves," Rowena said, her arms crossed over her chest. 

"Will he answer us?"

"I'm not sure. We will see later."

Moments later, Alberic strolled back to the pavilion, catching the attention of Alaric, whose keen eyesight detected the object he was bearing.

"That's a scorpion!"

Rowan wrinkled his forehead, confused. "Why was it taken to Gris's room?"

"Our father isn't planning to torture him, is he?" Rowena watched Gris' room, hoping her gaze could penetrate the walls to see what was happening.

"We know that he's a mysterious, strange kid. It's possible that father doubted his ability to pass the test."

"So, our father will test Gris' endurance with scorpion venom?"

"....It could be."

Alaric directly dismissed the twins' speculation. With confidence, he spoke, "Gris doesn't need to be tested. He can pass that test. I saw for myself that he has the ability."

"What did you see?" asked Joan curiously. When she came out of the forest, Alberic told her the children had passed the test.

She was confused when he mentioned an unfamiliar name, and Rowena quickly gave her brief information about Gris. Shock must have been evident in her eyes when she discovered that Gris was the kid rumored to steal corpses.

"I saw his calmness and tenacity in facing the enemies. He can survive with that kind of nature."

Alaric recalled what had happened in the Forest of Death. When the other children had ganged up on him, he had turned to Gris several times.

Rowan and Rowena fell silent as their minds rewound to when they first encountered Gris. Etched vividly in their memories was the sight of him, appearing pathetic. 

While they had not witnessed his combat prowess firsthand, it was evident from his unwavering resolve that he fought fiercely to safeguard his life.

On the other side, Gris was staring at the scorpion Alberic kept on the table. He knew what to do, but Blayz persisted in issuing instructions.

"Kill this scorpion and summon it with your power."