Alex didn't know what his grandfather had spoken about, so he could only look toward his father. The King explained that the resources he had received were less than twenty-five percent of what should have been allocated.Hearing this, Alex felt no surprise. After all, he had been on the receiving end. Most of the resources he had received during those years were only enough to raise his strength to a maximum of the 6th rank at best.That was also the reason he had believed resources were extremely difficult to find. He had always assumed the world's maximum strength was the 9th rank—that the palace had simply used up its resources to break through to higher realms. But as his strength grew, he realized someone had been diverting his resources.At first, he thought it was his butler's doing. Now, knowing the truth, it became clear how a butler had found the courage to scheme against the Roshar family.But Alex felt no relief."After all, I was already punished for what I didn't do. If

Lila thought this useless prince might have some mental issues, but at least she could see what this so-called royal family was truly like.Asher looked at her expression and knew she had already decided to enter. But he felt today might change her life forever.Still, he said nothing. Everyone followed, making their way into the palace.At the same time, the Old King stood atop the building, observing the scene below. A woman sat beside him."Louise, what do you think of my great-grandson?"Louise Aurelia, the Old King of the Aurelia Empire, had her eyes fixed on Alex, but she couldn't perceive anything unusual about him."Is he using some artifact to hide his realm?"Hearing her words, the Old King nodded."Let's just say he is. Is he suitable for your great-granddaughter?"Louise looked at him and spoke."You know the younger generation doesn't believe in arranged marriages. And you want to force them into one?"The Old King shook his head."I'm not forcing anyone. We'll bring them

When Alex's father was giving a lecture to his brothers and sisters, Alex sat beside his great-grandfather."What do you think of their punishment, Alex?"Alex shook his head."Great-grandfather, you shouldn't ask me such things. I don't like these topics. Although she only provided me with twenty-five percent of my resources, she was able to do such a thing because we don't have a proper department to oversee distribution."James looked at his great-grandson with interest. Even Louise, sitting across from him, turned her attention toward Alex."What do you mean by that?"Alex thought for a moment before speaking."If you're going to provide resources, why not use a proper system like the army does?"James raised an eyebrow."Wouldn't that make it more difficult for them to gain resources?"Alex shook his head."I mean, for the young ones, you could keep records. If they're present, they receive their resources. At the very least, you could have some elders give every child basic educ

After the meeting, Alex walked through the palace corridors, his mind turning over everything he had learned. Life gene levels. The First Ancestor. The connection between bloodline purity and strength.His brothers approached from behind."Alex," Aegar called out. "Wait."Alex stopped and turned. Aegar and the second prince, Cedric, walked toward him."You don't have to give us these," Cedric said, gesturing to the tubes. "You earned them."Alex shook his head."The family needs strong warriors. If we're going to face what's coming, we all need to be ready."Aegar studied him carefully."You've changed. The brother who left months ago wouldn't have said that."Alex smiled slightly."The brother who left months ago didn't know what was waiting outside this well-crafted world."He looked toward the distant mountains visible from the palace windows."There's a whole world out there, Aegar. Monsters, cults, demons, things that make our family politics look like children's games. If we're

Hearing Mia's words, Alex realized they might have been waiting for years. After all, everyone wanted to purify their bloodline as much as possible to gain more from the trial.Miara looked at Alex."It looks like I don't have to wait like you guys. With these treasures, I might be able to purify my bloodline to its maximum capacity."Alex nodded but shook his head slightly."Try to purify as much as you can. Also, make sure your foundation is strong enough."He glanced at the time."Can you prepare the equipment? I want to leave today."Alena nodded."Let's go. We can go together."Alex followed them. When they reached the area where fighter planes were kept, Alena gestured around."This is where we assemble different kinds of fighter jets and helicopters for the army and various mercenary groups. You should know—I spent a lot of money developing this facility. You'll have to give me more benefits than our other siblings in the future."Miara, standing beside her, looked at Alena."S