The moment Kael’s body hit the ground, Elder Tyrion moved.

His figure shot across the arena like a bolt of lightning.

The spectators barely saw him move before he was already kneeling beside Kael’s fallen body.

"Elder Tyrion!"

Several Vayne Clan members rushed after him.

The old man immediately placed his hand on Kael’s chest. His expression changed. Then changed again. Disbelief.

Kael wasn’t unconscious. He wasn’t heavily injured. He was dead.

Blood flowed from the corner of Kael’s mouth while the back of his skull had been shattered from the impact.

The Vayne Clan’s greatest young genius had died.

For several seconds, Elder Tyrion simply stared.

Then a terrifying killing intent exploded from his body.

BOOM!

His eyes slowly lifted toward Lucas. They were completely red.

Without hesitation, Elder Tyrion drew his sword.

SHING!

The blade reflected sunlight as murderous intent flooded the surroundings.

"This... This will not go unpunished!"

The furious roar echoed throughout the arena.

Immediately, Xavier stepped forward. A cold smile appeared on his face.

SHING!

His own sword appeared in his hand.

The surrounding martial artists instantly became alert. Everyone knew what would happen if either side made a move. A clan war.

Xavier’s eyes narrowed.

"If you want to fight... I’ll accompany you."

His voice was calm, but everyone present understood he was completely serious.

For several long seconds, the two elders stared at each other. Neither backed down. Neither lowered their weapon.

The atmosphere became so heavy that even breathing felt difficult.

Finally, Elder Tyrion glanced at Kael’s corpse. His expression twisted with hatred. He knew this wasn’t the place. Not today.

Slowly, he sheathed his sword.

"Let’s go."

The order was given through clenched teeth.

The Vayne Clan members immediately carried Kael’s body.

Before leaving, Elder Tyrion turned around one final time. His gaze locked onto Lucas.

The hatred inside it was enough to freeze an ordinary person.

"Enjoy your remaining days."

Then he turned around and left.

The entire Vayne Clan followed behind him. Their departure felt more like the calm before a storm than a retreat.

Only after they disappeared did Lucas finally relax.

The adrenaline keeping him upright instantly vanished. His legs nearly gave out beneath him. Every muscle in his body screamed in pain.

The Soul Awakening Needle’s effects were fading rapidly.

His entire body felt as though it had been run over by a truck.

Yet despite that, a grin appeared on his face.

Looking at the departing Vayne Clan, he muttered, "Bring another idiot next time. Let’s see what happens."

Nearby, Xavier turned his attention toward Lucas. His eyes narrowed slightly.

The more he thought about what happened during the fight, the stranger it became. Lucas had clearly been unconscious.

Then somehow he stood back up.

Not only that, his strength had increased dramatically. Even now Xavier couldn’t understand what had happened.

Lucas ignored everyone’s stares and headed back toward the villa. Right now all he wanted was a hot bath and several hours of sleep.

The moment he entered the house, a familiar notification appeared before his eyes.

[Ding!]

Lucas immediately stopped walking. Another system message?

The blue screen expanded.

[Hidden Mission Activated]

[Prime Gift System Unlock Requirement]

[Complete Favorability Progress With Two Qualified Targets]

[Current Progress: 0 / 2]

[Reward: Prime Gift Unlock]

Lucas blinked.

Prime Gift? This was the first time he had ever seen those words.

His curiosity instantly exploded. Anything that appeared after defeating Kael couldn’t possibly be ordinary.

A slow smile appeared on his face. Forgetting even the pain throughout his body, Lucas stared at the screen.

"What exactly are you hiding from me now?"

After freshening up and taking a long hot shower, Lucas finally stood before the mirror.

For a moment, he simply stared at his reflection.

Then he frowned.

Something had changed. No. A lot had changed.

His face had always been handsome ever since the system enhanced his appearance, but now there was something different about him. Something more masculine.

The boyish look that still lingered on his face had almost completely disappeared.

His jawline appeared more defined. His eyes looked calmer and more confident. Even his posture had changed.

The intense training and life and death battle had left their mark on him.

He no longer looked like an ordinary university student.

Lucas smirked slightly.

"Not bad."

After all the suffering he had endured recently, at least there was something worth appreciating.

Just then, a knock sounded on the door.

Lucas opened it and saw Xavier standing outside.

The old martial artist entered calmly before taking a seat.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke.

Then Xavier looked directly at Lucas.

"You’re very capable."

Lucas raised an eyebrow.

Xavier continued, "I’ve met many talented people in my life. But someone like you..."

He shook his head.

"You’re rare."

Lucas remained silent.

Then Xavier spoke the words Lucas had already expected.

"Join my clan."

Lucas wasn’t surprised. After everything that had happened, this invitation was inevitable.

Xavier leaned back.

"If you join us, you’ll have protection. The Vayne Clan won’t dare act recklessly. I can personally train you. You have talent. With proper guidance, your future will be limitless."

The room became quiet.

Lucas thought about it seriously.

For a brief moment, he imagined living that life. Training every day. Following clan rules. Becoming deeply involved in martial arts politics and conflicts.

Everywhere he looked recently, all he saw were clans, grudges, revenge, and endless fighting.

He didn’t want that life.

He wanted strength. Of course he wanted strength.

But he wanted freedom even more.

He wanted money. Luxury. Beautiful women.

A life where he could enjoy himself instead of spending every day worrying about clan disputes.

After several seconds, Lucas smiled apologetically.

"Thank you. But I think I’m fine on my own."

Xavier looked at him.

Lucas scratched his head awkwardly.

"I don’t really want to join any clan."

The old man stared at him for a long moment before finally laughing.

"You really are different."

There was disappointment in his eyes. He had genuinely wanted Lucas to join.

But he wasn’t the type to force people.

Finally, he nodded.

"It’s your choice."

Then his expression became serious.

"But remember one thing. If the Vayne Clan causes you trouble, don’t hesitate to call me. Our friendship won’t disappear just because you rejected my invitation."

Lucas nodded sincerely.

"I understand."

Xavier stood up. The conversation was over.

Not long afterward, Xavier ordered his people to prepare for departure.

Vehicles began leaving Willow Residence one after another.

Martial artists packed their belongings. Equipment was removed.

Within a few hours, the once crowded villa gradually became quiet again.

Lucas finally had peace.

Standing on the balcony, he watched the final vehicle disappear into the distance.

Then he released a long breath.

The past few days had felt unreal.

"The longest week of my life..." Lucas muttered.

Then his expression suddenly brightened.

A much more pleasant thought entered his mind.

The danger was gone for now. The battle was over.

And he had completely ignored his normal life during all this chaos.

Especially one person.

Ivy.

The moment he remembered her, Lucas laughed.

That woman had practically been blowing up his phone for days. Message after message. Call after call.

Even when he didn’t answer, she continued checking on him.

Lucas pulled out his phone.

A grin slowly appeared on his face.

Looks like it was finally time to stop thinking about martial artists and start thinking about something much more enjoyable.

He immediately dialed her number.

The call connected almost instantly.

As if she had been waiting for it.

"Ivy."

His voice carried a hint of amusement.

"Get ready." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

There was a brief pause on the other end.

Then came her cautious voice.

"For what?"

Lucas smiled.

"I’ll be at the hotel in an hour."