The Hidden Supreme Son-in-Law

A thin mist drifted through the tall trees on the outskirts of Elmridge. Deep in the untouched forest, stood an old, modest grave.

No fence. No flowers. Just a gray headstone with rough carvings:

"Zion Kallius – The Sky Ruler Who Never Bowed."

Kael stood before it, hands in his pockets, his expression a mix of weariness and mild disgust.

"Gramps, let’s be real here…" he muttered, nudging a few pebbles near his feet. "If you were still alive, I would've dragged you to the Laurent house and made you feel what it’s like being their son-in-law!"

He sighed, then dropped himself onto the roots of a nearby tree, leaning back casually against the tombstone.

"Three years, Gramps. Three years. I kept my head down. I swallowed my pride. I played the full-time jobless loser they called ‘trash’, ‘burden’, ‘worthless son-in-law’. Even that thick-eyebrowed aunt said yesterday I was lower than their pet dog. Isn’t it impressive I held back this long?"

He chuckled softly. Not bitter, but not exactly amused either.

"If it weren’t for what you told me back then... maybe she’d be eating through a feeding tube by now."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"But yeah, I get it. You owed your friend, and I followed through. Three years protecting the Laurent family. Working from the shadows. Taking every insult. But..."

He stood up, brushing leaves off his pants. His tone shifted—calmer, deeper.

"One more month, Gramps. One more month, and it’s over. After that... I won’t have to fake being weak anymore. I won’t have to be the worthless in-law in their eyes."

From his jacket pocket, he pulled out an old dragon-shaped pendant. It shimmered faintly, glowing under the light.

"After this, I’ll live as myself. Not a shadow. Not a puppet. And anyone who underestimated me..."

Kael tucked the pendant back into his pocket and smiled.

"Yeah… hope they’re ready to be surprised."

Suddenly, Kael’s phone buzzed in his pocket. When he pulled it out, the cracked screen lit up with a familiar name—Evelyne Laurent, his wife.

Kael raised an eyebrow, then answered, “Yes, Your Highness, how may I assist you?”

“Grandma’s birthday party. Eight tonight. Don’t be late.”

No greeting. No pause. Just an order.

Kael glanced up at the sky and mumbled, “Damn, even G****e Maps is more polite.”

“I’ve sent fifty thousand dollars to your account. Get her a gift. Something appropriate,” Evelyne added.

Kael lowered the phone for a second, eyeing the notification that popped up.

[Transfer: $50,000 – Evelyne Laurent]

He squinted slightly. Not at the amount—but at the way she did it.

“So, I get sent money, told to buy something, then show up and play nice? Is this the new way to be a husband?”

“Kael, please take this seriously. You’re representing me and my family tonight. Don’t mess it up.”

“The same family that won’t even acknowledge I exist?”

Silence on the other end.

Kael smirked. “Relax, I get it. Expensive gift, fancy vibe, all for appearances. I can pretend to be dignified for a few hours.”

“I don’t have time for jokes. I need to get ready. Don’t cause trouble.”

Click. Call ended.

Kael stared at the black screen. He exhaled slowly, then muttered to himself.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m the bonus husband—buy the gift, bring the gift, then step aside for the family photos.”

He started heading down the gravel path, shoes crunching quietly.

“But alright... a gift’s a gift. If they want something ‘worthy’... I’ll give them something that shuts everyone up. Might as well show a little glimpse of who the ‘trash son-in-law’ really is.”

Kael walked toward the city. In his pocket, the old dragon pendant pulsed with warmth. The world might still see him as a nobody. But soon... that label would be ashes.

---

At this point, Kael arrived beneath a run-down building that looked like an abandoned warehouse. The walls were cracked, the paint peeling. But Kael knew better than to judge by appearances.

This place was actually a secret, exclusive auction house—home to historical treasures, heirlooms, and even rare energy-infused artifacts. Of course, only a select few in the city knew of it—those with serious influence.

Kael approached. Two men in dark suits stood at the steel door. Their eyes were sharp, sizing him up from head to toe.

“Invitation?” one of them asked, cold and flat.

Kael didn’t respond. Instead, he pulled the dragon pendant from his pocket and held it up in the air.

In an instant, the atmosphere shifted. The guards’ eyes widened. Their faces turned pale.

“T-That’s...!”

They exchanged glances. One of them immediately bowed and pressed a hidden button on the wall.

“P-Please wait a moment, sir... we’re informing the boss right away.”

Kael gave a small nod, slipping the pendant back into his jacket.

It wasn’t long before a well-dressed middle-aged man appeared, flanked by two attendants.

His eyes trembled slightly at the sight of Kael, and he bowed deeply.

Paul William, the shadow ruler of Elmridge.

His name wasn’t in any law book, but every mayor, police chief, and CEO in the city knew—this city ran because he allowed it.

He wasn’t a hero.

Not a villain either.

Paul was something in between—a king of the underworld who ruled with a strict code, not brute force. He built his empire from the shadows: through hidden corridors, silent deals, and the trust of people who couldn’t rely on a broken system.

Compared to him, the Laurent family? They were nothing. Like a firefly in a vast forest.

And yet, this powerful man greeted Kael with fear and respect.

“Welcome… Your Excellency, Lord of the Sky Dragon Sect.”

The attendants behind Paul bowed deeply, not daring to meet Kael’s eyes.

“I never imagined... you would honor my humble place with your presence. It’s truly an honor for the Dragon Lord to come in person.”

Kael replied, “I’m just looking for something to give my wife’s grandma.”

“As it happens, the auction is about to begin, Your Excellency. Whatever you need, whatever you desire, this place is yours. I’ll prepare a VIP room and a private passage.”

Kael answered flatly, “No need. I’m just browsing. I’ll leave once I find what I want. I’ll sit with the regular crowd.”

Without waiting for a reply, Kael stepped inside.

And the world changed.

Inside, it was like a hidden five-star hotel—crystal chandeliers, red carpets, black-glass walls. Guests wore tuxedos, evening gowns, and some even had masks.

Kael hung his jacket by the entrance, revealing a simple black shirt underneath. Not fancy, but his presence was calm, firm.

He took participant card #077 and sat toward the back.