Out to Get a Son

As mercenaries began to scuffle like madmen to bring the Lizard, Kyros remained.

"Woah. That power boost! That was far stronger than any methods to increase experience!" Kyros was amazed.

"Indeed. That conversion of energy was so strong." Calaminus praised.

"But I'm confused as to why it would be like this..." Kyros frowned.

"Is it because you feel that such conversion should be impossible to sustain?"

"Yes. How many times can this temple absorb the full amount of life energy from the fallen corpse you bring inside and disperse it as experience? It was so precise that even these mercenaries could feel the difference!"

"Of course it is! This place is made by the gods! All your other methods of gaining experience will pale compared to this!"

"That's my point! I recalled the method that the Steele family had was the alchemic method. They would use various alchemy techniques to melt the organs and the blood to melt it into something they can drink. But of course, this is very weak. The Omega Kingdom used the Wizard Purging Method. But those damned corrupt mages would charge people they didn't like with crazy amounts to proceed with the experience, and they even steal a bit of the monster's experience for themselves!" Kyros recalled several hateful experiences.

"So?"

"So? The wizards and alchemists charged because they are the ones converting the energy. How is this temple going to do that without any form of means to recharge itself? The functions that this temple has are already amazing. But what is the power source? Can I do this process endlessly?" Kyros asked.

"Ah... I didn't mention what this temple core is during my tutorial days because I thought that you needed mortal wisdom. The Temple Core is a virtually inexhaustible power source. It has a limit as to how much power it needs, but it can recharge itself. Right now, the temple's energy can run out, but it will just recharge. I'm guessing some of your quests will help you upgrade or unseal parts of the Temple Core so that it can function. In short, if it's these little things, don't worry of the temple running out of energy."

"That's good to know..." Kyros sighed in relief.

"But this one was not only easy. The quality is just amazing. But what about the other parts? The bones, the scales of the Lizard... Such a waste." Kyros sighed.

The group brought the lizards all together. Soon, all the fifteen remaining lizards were brought inside.

As the group was doing that, Kyros set an automated command which activates at his confirmation.

When the group brought everything, they kept howling and begging the temple to make them level up.

And soon, the power activated as Kyros confirmed it, and a bright light began to flash. The body of the lizards was slowly disappearing as if becoming dust.

When the light ended, none of the lizards remained. But as for the knights, they felt powerful energy filling them.

All of them had confirmed once more that they had a level up. Some even had two level-ups.

As for Kyros, a notification appeared.

---

Level up!

Strength- 55-> 57 (Sealed/Cursed)

Magic- 3 -> 4 (Sealed/Cursed)

Dexterity- 255 > 263 (Sealed/Cursed)

Vitality- 55-> 56 (Sealed/Cursed)

Intelligence- Bruh...-> Bruh... You're still getting smarter?! ( Sealed)

Soul Force- 2 -> 18 (Sealed)

Ancient Source- 103 -> 107 (Greatly Sealed)

Fallen Source- 108 -> 112 ( Greatly Sealed)

---

"This is just sad. I only leveled up once. And those increases are pitiful! What did the Steele family do to free me from this weakness?" Kyros cursed. Even in his past life, his stat increase per level was greater. But now, it was so small! Only dexterity had a good increase, but this was only allowing Kyros somewhat to use the speed and experience in his past life.

"At least your Soul Force increased."

"I noticed that too. But happened with my Soul Force? I expected Fallen source to increase considering everything I devoured. Could it be increasing to compensate for the growing darkness?"

"That should be it. If your Fallen Source increases so much, it might cause some problems and turn you into a devil. I think that your own soul acts as a buffer to protect you."

"But this Soul Force feels different. I feel like an explosion of power erupted within me." Kyros then closed his eyes and tried to change the flow of his power. Suddenly, the stats that were displayed began to change.

---

Strength- 57 [63] (Sealed/Cursed)

Magic- 4 (Sealed/Cursed)

Dexterity- 263 (Sealed/Cursed)

Vitality- 56 (Sealed/Cursed)

Intelligence- Bruh... ( Sealed)

Soul Force- 18 (Sealed)

Ancient Source- 107 (Greatly Sealed)

Fallen Source- 112 ( Greatly Sealed)

---

"My strength increased?"

"Amazing. So that's the use for it! While the Ancient and Fallen Source is still sealed and cannot perfectly function as a second source, your Soul Force can already increase a stat!"

"Seems about it. This is good. In that case, I should be capable of wounding these lizards." Kyros smiled.

It was then he noticed another notification from the temple.

---

[Quest Monster Char Vermillion Lizard 16/80. Claim Minor reward?]

Kyros was amazed. He immateriality selected the 'Yes' option.

[10 Vermilion Scale Armor acquired. Claim reward at the back area of the temple.]

Kyros was amazed at the sudden reward.

"I got a set of armors?" Kyros murmured.

"It must have bestowed the rewards since you have defeated ten. This means..."

"The more quest I complete, the more items I get. This is amazing! It might even be possible for me to have an army!" Kyros was shocked.

"Kyros! You really are a blessing to my Steele clan!" Aron finally moved over after the rejoicing.

"This level-up thing is amazing! Watch how I will conquer the tournament soon! I will definitely raise the ranks when I tell them my kingdom about this place! I could become a Viscount! Or an Earl!" Aron continued to rejoice.

Kyros gave a happy smile. But he knew how the kingdom would treat Aron. Kyros kept quiet, for he knew he wouldn't be able to convince his uncle not to give this over to the kingdom.

"Uncle Aron... I have an audacious request." Kyros asked.

The young lord was curious as to the sudden request of Kyros.

"Young Lord, with your contribution, is there even something as an audacious request?" One of the mercenaries laughed.

"Indeed! What is it that you want? As long as it is within the power of the Steele clan, we will agree!" Aron declared.

"Then I shall ask two requests. The first... It is regarding my past. I remember now who I am. My parents and I went on this trip. We were once a prosperous family, and just like Uncle Aron, I too belong to a family that is a Baron in our kingdom. However, our family was betrayed, and we fell into harsh times. Disowned and kicked out from the kingdom, we heard the rumors of powerful magic deep within this place."

"Magic?" One of the mercenaries was shocked.

Aron was silent and had a contemplating look.

"Is this it? Is this why several kingdoms began to move and send their teams to explore Airom Vagat?"

"The Lowlands..." Kyros silently realized that they were in the Lowlands.

"Yes. My family ventured towards the Culcrik Lowlands Plane and searched for the power here." Kyros explained. Since he now knew where they were, he was able to identify the exact name of the plane he was at.

"But... we were too weak. We met those monsters earlier, and soon we ran into a Char Vermillion Lizard King." Kyros said with a pained expression.

"A Lizard King?!" The mercenaries were shocked as they heard this. These powerful creatures were so strong that they needed powerful warriors and mages to fight and kill one.

"Yes. And after that, the events continued as you expected. My family and lineage have been massacred. I am the only survivor." Kyros explained.

The group fell into silence.

"My condolences..." Aron didn't know what to say.

"I found this temple when I was escaping... I guess it's the way fate worked. I am without a family now. I can see that you are a noble and righteous family. I have no place to go, and this temple gives me great hope in killing those wretched nobles of that kingdom! Please accept me into your family!" Kyros bowed deeply.

Aron was surprised at Kyros's request. He couldn't help but turn towards the mercenaries. He was at a loss on what to say.

"What are you looking at us for, my lord? If you don't take him as a Steele, I'm going to force him to be betrothed to my daughter!" One of the older mercenaries laughed.

The group began to laugh, but Kyros remained bowing.

"Stand up. I cannot speak for my father or nor do I have the authority to do that. And I myself am not even married yet." Aron frowned.

The mercenaries had an almost angry expression on their faces which they tried to hide.

"My Lord! What are you-"

"But my brother is married." Aron smiled.

"Since he really doesn't have a choice when I decide for him, then you shall be his adopted son!"

Kyros felt his heart warmed. Things worked as he had hoped. He would be able to call and serve his family once more in this life."

Aron drew his sword and made a small wound on his forearm. As the blood dripped out, he wiped the blood onto the forehead of Kyros and raised his sword.

"Kyros, on behalf of my brother, I name you his son! You shall henceforth be called Kyros Steele, a son and a knight of the Steele clan! Mercenaries, you are all witness to this day!"

"We are witnesses!" The mercenaries thundered joyfully.

"And that's that." Aron sheathed his sword, to which the mercenaries laughed.

"And here I thought you are asking your younger brother to marry the madam would be the worst prank you gave him! Who would have thought that your little trip out of the kingdom would give your brother a son?" One of the mercenaries began to laugh loudly.

The group began to laugh as there was some form of an inside joke. But Kyros knew what they were talking about and remained quiet as if he didn't know what they were talking about.

"He probably won't let you go out of the house from now on! He would be so afraid that you would go out to get him another son!" Another mercenary teased.

Aron was also laughing. He couldn't wait to see his little brother's ugly expression for what he did.

"Uncle... Follow me to the back of this temple. There is something that I must show you." Kyros gave a mysterious smile.