Chapter 8: The Family Vault and the Path to Victory

Franz finally made it to the top 32.

In this round, the Bonaparte family youths would face off in direct elimination matches. After a day of fighting, the final eight strongest contestants were Franz, Leona, Geoffrey, Desmond, and four others. The competition was set to continue the next day.

That night, Leona forced him to honestly recount everything that had happened over the past three years. Relying on his old memories, Franz exaggerated certain parts, especially how he had been bullied, which made Leona furious. She was so angry that she wanted to immediately find those who had tormented Franz and teach them a lesson.

“Young master, the family head has summoned you to the study,” Emon suddenly announced as he entered the room. Speaking of Emon, when he saw Franz return, he had clung to his legs, crying his eyes out and swearing never to let go. This made several of the young ladies look at the two of them with strange expressions. Franz felt exasperated, thinking to himself, Don’t mistake me for being weird!

Entering the study, Franz saw Duss sitting by the bookshelf, looking relaxed. For the first time, Franz took a closer look at his father in this life. Unlike Franz’s black hair, Duss had purple hair, with a sharp and imposing face. His eyes were bright and intense, the epitome of a strict father.

“You’re here.”

Duss noticed Franz’s presence. For a long time, Duss had felt guilty toward Franz. His wife had passed away early, and Franz couldn’t cultivate. As the family head, Duss hadn’t been able to help him much. Because of this, Duss felt ashamed, unable to look Franz in the eye. Every time he saw Franz’s dark eyes, so similar to his late wife’s, his heart ached.

“Father, I’m sorry for leaving the family…”

“There’s no need to explain. ‘Shadow’ already told me you went to the magical beast forest.”

Duss cut off Franz’s words. Seeing Franz stay silent, he continued.

“The Elder Council has arranged everything. Tomorrow, you will face Desmond in battle. I know you are not the same as before, but Desmond is already a late-stage Battle Master, and he has enchanted equipment. Be cautious tomorrow. I’m allowing you to enter the family’s vault and take one item from the first floor. If you can’t win, it’s okay to admit defeat. Don’t let pride get in the way.”

Duss’s voice was still the same low, emotionless tone, but Franz could sense the care in his words. He had the urge to run over and hug Duss tightly, to feel the warmth of his father’s love. But he held back. Franz understood Duss’s burden. As the head of a great family, he faced pressure from all sides, especially with a son who was seen as a failure. Duss couldn’t openly protect him, because the Grand Elder was always watching.

“Alright, go find the steward. He’ll take you to the vault,” Duss said with a wave of his hand. Franz respectfully bowed and turned to leave.

“Don’t go to the magical beast forest without permission again. It’s dangerous there,” Duss suddenly said, his voice calm and warm. These were the words of a caring father, not the stern family head.

“I understand, Father.”

Franz replied softly, not turning back as he walked out. Duss watched his son’s figure disappear into the distance, feeling a weight lift from his heart, as though the burden he had carried for so many years had suddenly lightened.

Franz stepped into the family vault.

It was a pyramid-shaped building with three levels. As far as he knew, family disciples were not allowed to enter without permission from the family head or an elder. Franz was dazzled by the grand scene before him. Rows of shining weapons lined the front: greatswords, spears, bows, armor, and even magic staffs for mages. All of them were enchanted weapons. Behind them were accessories for various professions, such as mage robes, masks, necklaces, bracelets, and archer’s gauntlets. These items were enough to make anyone envious, but to Franz, they were useless. Why? Because all of these items required battle energy or magic to activate.

Finally, he spotted a row of glimmering magic cores in various colors. Franz started to drool. This is it. Using magic cores, he could exchange them with the system for silver. Last time, he had traded a third-level Black Cat core for 1,500 silver.