While the Quantocks were kneeling before Gerald, a young man—who was participating in the festival—could be seen standing before a middle-aged one within the Laidler manor’s study. “So tell me, Stetson, how’s your current relationship with the Waddys family’s young lady?” asked the middle-aged man. “Everything’s under control, dad! With how infatuated Xyrielle is with me, I doubt there’ll be any problems with me gaining her affection!” replied Stetson with a subtle smile. “Hahaha! That’s great to hear, Stetson! While the Waddys themselves don’t own much strength, the force backing them up is nothing short of terrifying. Regardless, I believe that you’ll be able to handle everything well. If all goes according to plan, we’ll definitely be able to use your relationship with the Waddys to eventually allow the Leidlers to have their day! Also, you had best not slack on your training either. The underground festival will be held in two days, and our family has to be crowned the victor

With that, Gerald then followed Xaverie as she led him someplace… He found himself slightly surprised when he realized that she had simply wanted him to help her carry a parrot. Though the parrot distinctly knew how to mimic human speech, it hadn’t said a word upon arriving there for some odd reason. Recalling that Yagrorok was afraid of Gerald too back then, Xaverie deduced that the bird must have simply been too terrified to speak within Gerald’s presence! It was exactly because of that that she was asking his help to carry it. Not wanting to be further pestered by Xaverie, Gerald simply shook his head at the comment before agreeing to help with a nod. “Still, to think that you were actually able to get acquainted with the Quantocks! Regardless, you really have to thank me this time, Gerald! For context, carrying this parrot isn’t the only reason I called you over…” said Xaverie in a slow tone after both of them descended into the underground area. “Oh? What do you mean b

“…W-who is that person…?!” shouted several people in bewilderment as many others simply continued screaming. Stetson himself couldn’t help but widen his eyes as he scanned the old man from head to toe before declaring, “It… It’s you! You’re alive, Carlos?!” Upon hearing that, Yaakov instantly cupped his swollen cheek as he got to his feet and stared at the old man before muttering, “…C-Carlos…? The god of death…?!” Even Finnegan Laidler—the master of the Laidler family—immediately stood up when he realized who the old man was. Completely aghast, Finnegan nervously turned to look at his son before shouting, “S-Stetson! It’s far too dangerous there! Retreat!” Xyrielle was also looking at Stetson rather anxiously, worried about his safety. “There’s no need to worry about me, dad! Since he’s shown himself, I’m taking down this fearful villain today!” replied Stetson as a subtle smile began forming on his face. He couldn’t help but feel slightly excited now that he was facing a

The second the light hit the platform, an explosive sound ensued as large cracks began forming on the platform’s surface! As everyone stared wide-eyed at the platform that had almost been split clean in half, the distinct sound of a blade being sheathed could be heard… Following that, a middle-aged man wearing ninja-like garments stepped out of the clouds of debris. Watching as the middle-aged man stared at him, Carlos found himself chuckling before saying, “So it’s you, Ghose!” From that statement, it was made evident that he was acquainted with this person… Regardless, the second Stetson saw him, he looked like he had finally attained a glimmer of hope as he shouted, “M-Master Ghose! Save me…!” The ninja’s earlier attack had freed both Stetson and Xyrielle from Carlos’s grasps, and Stetson quickly used this chance to run over to Ghose, gritting his teeth as he glared back at Carlos once he was standing behind the middle-aged man. His eyelids now twitching slightly, Car

The second they saw Carlos kneel, everyone’s eyes instantly widened. The hell? Wasn’t this the extraordinarily powerful and evil Third-Rank Master, Carlos Xenes? Was he actually kneeling before this young man before even attempting to make a single move? How was this even possible? Who… Who was this young man…? As the people in the crowd continued discussing the matter among themselves, Xyrielle herself simply stared at Gerald who was now calmly walking closer to the kneeling old man, his hands still in his pockets. Xyrielle hadn’t expected any of this to happen. Nobody had. Whatever the case was, he was now no longer hiding his pressuring and powerful aura, and anyone who sensed it would surely feel their hearts palpitate. Xyrielle, of course, was no exception to that. As for Ghose, he quickly recovered from the shock of Carlos kneeling before Gerald and—with rapidly twitching eyelids—turned to stare at the approaching youth. Upon stepping before the old man, Gerald took