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......"Accident? Where are your injuries then? Just making excuses for being late. I've told you to quit that useless job so you won't find reasons to slack off!" His mother-in-law, Sophia Rossi, scolded him, and Aarav could only listen silently with his head bowed, knowing he couldn't argue with her in this household.Sophia Rossi, in her late forties, had a timeless charm with chestnut hair flowing in loose waves around her shoulders.Her face, marked by subtle lines that suggested wisdom, carried an air of sophistication. Aging gracefully, she wore well-tailored outfits with understated elegance, radiating a poised confidence.Her kind eyes and glowing complexion completed her appearance, portraying ageless beauty with a hint of hidden arrogance.From his corner, Aarav observed her getting ready for another one of her charity parties.He had grown accustomed to the scolding from this woman who looked sophisticated, but in his heart, there was no hint of respect.He only felt resentment for being treated like nothing more than a slave in this family."I'm sorry... please forgive me. I won't be late next time," Aarav had no choice but to apologize to soothe her ego, or else her snarling remarks wouldn't stop."Humph... I'll let you off this time. I have an important meeting, so make sure to clean the house before I'm back. If I find any dust, you'll see what happens!" leaving, she didn't forget to threaten Aarav and assigned him work that would keep him busy all day."Phew... can't she give me a break, haaa...!" Aarav sighed after she left, exhaling loudly before gearing up to start his work.Head Maid: "Well, look at our tardy servant finally gracing us with his presence. Can't even handle a simple job, can you?"Aarav, silently enduring the humiliation, nodded without uttering a word.Head Maid, smirking: "Make yourself useful and clean the dining hall. You wouldn't want to displease her ladyship any further, now would you?"Other Maids, whispering: "Late again, what a surprise. Does he ever do anything right?"Aarav, gritting his teeth, began his chores, surrounded by a hostile atmosphere that echoed with disdain.Sometimes he wondered what it's like to be a son-in-law in a rich family, but he had no clue. Not when he was treated worse than a servant, working harder than a regular one in this state.But he couldn't do anything about it; he couldn't even complain. He knew his sister was alive because his wife paid the bills for her. Otherwise, with his meager salary, she would have died long ago from her illness.Aarav felt grateful for the support, and it's the reason he never complained, even when the family servants treated him like trash, using him as an outlet for their frustration.Speaking of which, Aarav noticed two servants approaching him."Hey... hey, aren't you going to greet your seniors? Look how much we had to work because you weren't here for two days," both of them gave him disdainful looks before one spoke with contempt."I'm sorry for that. Greetings, seniors!" Aarav apologized while greeting them, his face showing no emotion and a cold look in his eyes.'Do you think I'm the same as the old Aarav you used to treat like a slave? Get ready; I'm going to settle everything from before!' Aarav thought to himself, looking at them with a cold, emotionless expression."What... what are you looking at!" Both servants were intimidated by Aarav's look since he usually appeared timid, always hanging his head in front of them.His emotionless stare caught them off guard, filling them with a bit of apprehension."Nothing... can I get back to work now?" Aarav shook his head, motioning toward the mop he was carrying.The first servant scoffed at him, "Oh, look at Mr. Tardy. I bet you were just taking a leisurely stroll while we were sweating our guts out."The second one also sneered and said sarcastically, "Must be nice to be the special son-in-law. Why don't you take a break? We wouldn't want you to overexert yourself."Aarav, keeping his composure, focused on his work, silently enduring their sarcastic remarks.The first one, frustrated by Aarav's lack of reaction, said with a mocking grin, "What's the matter, Aarav? Cat got your tongue?"The second one laughed as he also mocked, "Haha! Or maybe he's daydreaming about his luxurious life as the 'special' one."Aarav, gritting his teeth, continued his work, ignoring their taunts while plotting his revenge in silence.The first one, frustrated by Aarav's lack of reaction, said with a mocking grin, "What's the matter, Aarav? Cat got your tongue?"The second one laughed as he also mocked, "Haha! Or maybe he's daydreaming about his luxurious life as the 'special' one."Aarav, gritting his teeth, continued his work, ignoring their taunts while plotting his revenge in silence.Seeing that they won't leave him anytime soon, he glared at them, releasing a bit of pressure, making the two servants shiver before they left him alone."What was that...he looked different today!" As the two servants distanced themselves from Aarav, one of them commented."What...are you scared shitless by that trash?" The other servant provoked, even though he felt the same."No way...then why did you back off with me?" They argued back and forth."Alright...let's get back at him," the second one suggested, and the first one agreed. They decided to make it hard for Aarav.As Aarav worked, the servants approached him again.The first one said with a sneer, "Look who's pretending to be busy. Must be nice to be the 'special' one."The second one chimed in, "Yeah, he's probably imagining himself in a palace while scrubbing floors."Aarav clenched his fists, maintaining his silence, knowing that any reaction would only fuel their ego.'What a mess. I never really thought much about it before, but do these servants have no fear of what might happen if I decide to stand up for myself? Do they truly believe they can get away with messing with me?' Aarav thought, shaking his head at the servants' behavior in this family, as he started cleaning the hall.It took him three hours to finish cleaning the house because the other servants didn't bother to help him at all. They left all the cleaning to him, as if it was expected of him to do it."They really are pushing my buttons. It looks like these assholes won't understand their place until I teach them a lesson!" Aarav thought, getting angry after completing the cleaning.........................This was intensified because the two servants thought they hadn't pissed him enough and made his work even harder by messing with him."Hey, seniors... could you kindly follow me for a bit?" Aarav asked the two servants he met earlier in the day when he arrived.His forehead had a tick mark, twitching from the anger he was holding back."What...what...what do you want?" Both servants looked at him, sensing that something wasn't right based on his tone.Aarav's eyes narrowed, and he replied with an unsettling calmness, "Oh, nothing much. Just thought we could have a little chat about the 'special' treatment you've been giving me.""First, let's go to the back of the estate!" Aarav said as he gripped their shoulders with each hand and dragged them to the back where no one was around."Why did you bring us here...this...this place?" both of them asked, glancing nervously around the deserted back of the estate.Aarav chuckled, a bitter edge in his tone. "Dear seniors, don't
............"Hmmn, it's my sister-in-law. Why is she calling me?" Aarav was surprised to see Bella Rossi's name flashing on the caller ID.Bella, his wife's younger sister and the owner of Bella Couture, rarely contacted him unless there was something urgent."Hello," Aarav answered the phone."Good, the call went through. Hey, listen up, 'cause I won't say it twice. If you want Bella Rossi alive, then bring 100 million Celestial Crowns, in half an hour, at the back of Second Venue Dome Plaza!" Instead of Bella's sweet voice, a gruff man's threatening tone demanded a ransom.(Note: Currency of this world: "Celestial Crown" (C₢))"Du...du...du...Hello...hello...fucker!" Before Aarav could react, the line went dead."What kind of situation did she get herself into, and how the heck did this bastard get hold of her?" Aarav muttered, his mind racing with concern for Bella Rossi.He swiftly changed into simple clothing he found in a drawer before rushing out."Where is the place again? R
............'No...no, please stop...!' Bella pleaded, fear coursing through her as she overheard their disturbing discussion and felt their intense stares. She closed her eyes, shrinking back in terror.Well, who could blame these scums? Any average man would be tempted to touch such a beauty who could awaken their inner beast with just one look at her figure.When she got kidnapped, she had just come out from her office, on her way to meet friends.Bella Rossi, 21, exuded a unique charm in business attire. Her figure, well-proportioned and alluring, was tastefully showcased in tailored suits that seamlessly blended modernity and elegance.On top of her natural beauty, a touch of subtle makeup further enhanced her charm and allure.The timid appearance of Bella Rossi was making these scums hard to control themselves; they just wanted to jump on her and ravage that alluring beauty."Hehe, we sure can have some fun," hearing his men grinning and getting out of control, even Brother Ti
............"You were so eager for this fight, but it seems you underestimated who you were dealing with." Aarav's voice carried a hint of disdain as he spoke, emphasizing the consequences of underestimating his strength."What's going on, Brother Tiger...Ahhhhh...help...me...Ahhhhh!" The man stood frozen, fear etched on his face, one hand outstretched in a punching pose, screaming for help.The rest of the kidnappers were shocked, unable to grasp how this happened.They only saw him throwing a punch at the punk who interrupted their activities, not realizing what that guy did to their brother.Only Aarav knew the secret move he pulled off. When the man attacked, Aarav skillfully dodged the knife thrust, swiftly moved beside him, and tapped various points on the man's body with rapid precision. A surge of burning pain coursed through the man, freezing him in place."Nothing much, you'll feel the burning pain for a while and won't be moving anytime soon!" Aarav's gaze was cold, emph
............"Hmm, are you sure you want to threaten me with her?" Aarav's voice cut through the charged air like a blade, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with the kidnapper leader. The sharp gleaming knife pressed against Bella's neck added a chilling urgency to the scene.Bella's heart pounded violently; fear paralyzed her, making it impossible to voice even a single plea. The cold touch of the knife on her neck seemed to sear into her very soul.She could only plead with her eyes, hoping Aarav could save her from the clutches of the kidnapper."Step... Step...!""Stop... right there. I am not joking when I said I would slice this girl's neck if you take another step!" The kidnapper leader's threat echoed, attempting to assert control, yet a subtle tremor betrayed his bravado when facing Aarav's relentless approach."And if you do, what do you think would happen to you?" Aarav's steps remained unyielding, bringing him within a two-step distance from the leader.His words ser
............"Wait....wait...It's a misunderstanding, please listen to me...!" Aarav spoke in panic.Standing in front of him were four cops with their guns drawn, eyeing him as if he were a dangerous criminal."Don't move, first drop your weapon and put your hands in the air before moving two steps from your position!" The lady cop, ahead of the three male cops, shouted sternly at him."Weapon...what weapon...ahhh, this...this is not mine...!" Aarav, hearing her command, got confused. He didn't have any weapon with him, but when he looked at his hand, which felt a bit heavy, it stunned him, and he immediately dropped the knife he was holding.He tried to explain that it wasn't his, but no one paid him any heed.The knife belonged to the kidnapper leader who had attacked Bella in the last seconds. Aarav had snatched the knife from his hands and forgot to throw it away. The torn piece of his shirt, used for makeshift first aid, added to the confusion as the cops misunderstood it as e
............"'What are you looking at, huh!' The five thugs stood together, exuding intimidation.If only Aarav were a normal man, but he was far from normal, and his annoyance and anger heightened the situation."Bamn...Thud...!!""Huh, were you saying anything... I didn't hear it, come again." Aarav's kick landed on the tattooed guy's head, sending him to the ground in one fell swoop. The other four stood stupefied, mouths hanging open in shock."Wh-what just happened?" The four of them muttered, and even the tattooed man on the ground felt gobsmacked."Hahaha! We were just admiring the great person. Please... please sit here!" The four immediately changed their attitude, flattering Aarav.One quickly wiped the only bed in the cell, and the second fetched water, while the other two started massaging Aarav's shoulders after he sat down."Hmmn, good... good, put a little more pressure. Ahh, that hit the spot...!" Aarav made a relaxed face, enjoying the massage.The four men sighed i
............Verdiara Central Bank, Nestled in the heart of Verdiara City, the Verdiara Central Bank stands tall at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Commerce Street.Its strategic position makes it easily accessible to both business districts and residential areas.The bank is surrounded by a mix of modern skyscrapers and charming historic buildings, blending the city's rich heritage with contemporary architecture.Lush greenery lines the streets, offering a refreshing contrast to the bustling urban atmosphere. Sidewalk cafes and boutique shops nearby contribute to the lively ambiance.The Verdiara Central Bank draws a diverse crowd throughout the day. In the mornings, business professionals frequent the bank, handling transactions and discussing financial matters. During lunch hours, the nearby cafes attract office workers and residents looking for a relaxing break. In the afternoon, families and tourists explore the area, and in the evenings, the bank remains open for those
............"What... do you know them? Who are they?" Emilia asked in a serious tone, hearing that Aria was familiar with the attackers."Yes... these are the same people who attacked Elandor's domain a while back. And I am pretty sure you can guess whose forces these are," Aria said with a contemplative look before she gave a glance at Emilia, who seemed to understand what Aria was trying to point out."I know... looks like we can’t overlook it any longer. Lady Aria, may I request you to get reinforcements, as I am not sure about the extent of the destruction these forces can cause in our land?" Emilia nodded, her face turning even graver before she bowed towards Aria and made her request."Please, you don't have to request it from me. I will help you either way, as it's also a threat to our land. While I go and gather reinforcements, can you hold on for a while?" Aria asked, stopping Emilia from bowing to her as she smiled in determination and agreed immediately."Yes, we will hol
............"You will be even more amazed, Lady Emilia, if you meet Lord Veridian in person. He is an amazing Divine Heir of God Elandor, from how he conducts himself to the way he carries the light with him," Aria said with respect in her tone, showing how great an impression Aarav Veridian had left on her."Now I am even more eager to meet Lord Veridian. Let's hope he is as great as your words describe him to be," Emilia said with a slight smile, raising the corner of her mouth as she met Aria's eyes, who returned her gaze with a confident stare.After that, Aria and Emilia talked about their plans—how they were going to weather the upcoming storm.The discussion went on for hours before they decided to walk out of the temple."By the way, Lady Emilia, if you are busy and have something important to attend to, then you don't have to personally accompany me," Aria said as she walked alongside Emilia, who had decided to show her around their capital city, Phelia."No way, Lady Aria.
............“LORD HEIR!” The crowd cheered again, even louder this time. Aarav raised his hand, gesturing for silence.“Alright, alright,” he said with a smile. “I get your enthusiasm. But we don’t just need high spirits—we need unity. We need all of you to step forward together, to face this reality as one and bring about a bright future.”His voice was filled with fervor, carrying a weight that seemed to stir the very air around them. The believers of Elandor below shook with goosebumps, feeling the power in Aarav’s words, which were infused with a subtle trace of Divine Energy.Aarav had intended to boost their morale—and it worked far better than he had expected. The crowd stood straighter, their faith and the fire burning brighter than ever.Aarav looked at the crowd one last time before waving to them. He stepped down from the podium and returned to discuss their next steps with the Pope and Cardinals.He wasn’t the only one making preparations. As Aria had promised him, she a
............A sudden, overwhelming pressure exploded from the throne, sending him hurtling through the air and crashing into one of the tree’s thick branches outside the temple."Cough, cough...!!" The High Prophet spat blood but slowly made his way back into the temple. Kneeling once again, he showed no anger or frustration at being injured—only trembling fear in the face of the figure’s fury on the throne.Sylas’s eyes, glowing with an unnatural light, cut through the darkness as he sat motionless on the throne, his presence suffocating. The High Prophet of Pestilence didn’t dare lift his head. The air around them was thick with the stench of rot and corruption, heavy with a crushing pressure.“Elandor’s Heir... and the Heir of Astraia,” Sylas muttered, his voice filled with disdain. “How dare she interfere in my plans?”His words echoed, each one pressing down harder on the High Prophet. Silence followed, broken only by the distant howling wind outside the temple. The elder remai
............“Thank you,” Aria replied, her movements graceful as she took a seat across from him. Between them stood a small circular table, with a basket of snacks and fruit placed in the center, adding a touch of warmth to the room’s otherwise solemn atmosphere."Mr. Aarav, what are your plans regarding the cultists? I’m certain they won’t stop invading this continent and causing chaos," Aria asked, sitting back in a relaxed position, her eyes steady on him.Aarav sighed, his tone dim and unconfident. "What can I do alone? Even with the Crystal Healing Organization backing me, I’m not confident in facing those lunatic cultists." He spoke with a heaviness, aware of the overwhelming power he had witnessed in their last battle.He knew his own limitations. The devastation left by the cultists was a harsh reminder. Even Pope Aurelius, with all his influence, wouldn’t be enough to turn the tide. Aarav understood that unless he reached the fourth stage, the *Virtuoso of Vitality*, he wo
............"Ah... thank you! And how should I address you?" Aarav quickly snapped out of his daze, expressing his gratitude before asking with a respectful tone."Aria... Heir to the Goddess of Stars, Astraia. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Heir..." Aria smiled, her face radiant like a flower blooming under the soft glow of moonlight. The sight made Aarav's heart race uncontrollably."Aarav... it's just Aarav, Miss Aria. Please, don't be so formal; it makes me feel uncomfortable." He interrupted her before she could speak too respectfully again, gently requesting that she call him by his name instead.Aarav didn’t want to come off like some spoiled young master, or as if they were stuck in some ancient civilization that hadn’t learned how to speak casually about simple things."Oh... alright, Mr. Aarav." Aria seemed a little surprised but then covered her mouth and chuckled. "Fufu...You don’t seem to like the ancient etiquette, do you?"Her soft laughter filled the air, the warm
............"Enough of this!" One of the cultists yelled, raising his hand into the air. A dark aura began swirling around him, corrupting the very energy in the atmosphere. The others followed, channeling the same malevolent force, preparing for a combined attack.Aarav could feel the shift—their power was immense. He flinched, sensing the ominous energy closing in around him."You think that’ll be enough to get rid of me?" Aarav’s voice cut through the tension. "You’ve forgotten who you're dealing with."As the dark energy swirled and gathered, Aarav took a deep breath and raised his weapon high. The blade gleamed with a blinding light, and the ground trembled under his feet as his divine power flared to life."Let me show you what true divine power looks like," Aarav declared, his voice steady. With one decisive motion, he shattered the one-use divine tool he carried, instantly replenishing the lost energy within him.And then, with explosive force, he unleashed it."Craaack... B
............"Clanngg....Boomnn...!!""Swiish....Bammn...!!""Ahh... Cough... Cough...!" Aarav took another relentless hit, sliding back a few steps before losing his balance and dropping to one knee, blood dripping from his mouth."Hahaha... Elandor's Heir, already broken? I was hoping to play with you some more!" The bald cultist cackled, his words dripping with contempt.Aarav wiped the blood from his lips, smirking. "Feeling smug, huh? It’s just a scratch, nothing worth mentioning." He rose to his feet, his body glowing as the injury healed instantly, as though it never existed.The cultist's eyes widened, then his expression twisted with anger. "Damn it! I forgot Elandor is the God of Healing and Medicine!" Realizing his mistake, fury replaced his shock, and he lunged at Aarav in a blind rage, furious at being humiliated.Aarav's smile turned cold. "Heh, let me show you what else I can do," he muttered under his breath."Swishhh... Whoosh...!!"The cultist attacked wildly, but A
............In the middle of the cultist Camp,The clash of metal and the roar of power filled the air. "Whoosh... Boom!" "Swiish... Swiish... Claanng! Claanng!" Two figures were locked in a high-speed battle, while four others stood on the sidelines, amusement clear on their faces.“Is this all you’ve got, Heir of Elandor?” The bald man, wearing a black robe with dark tattoos on his head, sneered sarcastically at Aarav Veridian, who met his gaze with a cold, steely stare.“Are you really that eager to meet your end?” Aarav shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm."Swiish... Bannng...!!"Aarav swiftly blocked the cultist’s strike aimed at his throat and, in one smooth motion, delivered a powerful roundhouse kick to the man’s ribs. The bald cultist’s eyes widened in pain as he stumbled backward, trying to regain his balance.“Argh... you bastard!” the cultist cursed, groaning in pain as he stood up, clutching his side where Aarav’s kick had landed. His eyes burned with fury.“