In the morning, Cyan jolted awake in an unfamiliar room, his heart brimming with doubt and confusion.
What is this…? Why am I here? What happened to the battle?
Don't tell me… I ended up forming a soul contract with that demonic archduke…
Damn it… I blacked out at the most crucial moment. If I had just held on for a few more minutes… I could have finished him.
But as if to answer every question, every doubt, and every ounce of self-blame within him, a system notification suddenly appeared.
— Congratulations. You have defeated a demon. —
— Congratulations. You have defeated a Demon Archduke. —
Reward: Title acquired — [Demon Purger]
Effect:
• Increases damage dealt to demons by ×1.3
• Significantly increases hostility from demons toward the holder
Special Reward Obtained: Feather of Furfur
⸻
A moment later, a radiant light enveloped Cyan. From thin air, a single feather materialized and gently fell into his hand.
Cyan stared at it in shock.
"—This… this is insane!!!"
The system says I defeated them…? Me? A six-year-old?
And I even obtained this title this early…
If that's the case, future battles should become a little easier.
This item reward is… strange. But I'm sure it's not useless. I should keep it safe.
As he opened a cabinet and carefully stored the feather, his thoughts continued to race.
Still… I don't believe that idiot Fur would just stand there and take that lightning for minutes without doing anything.
Something must have happened.
At that moment, the door suddenly swung open.
A tall, muscular man with silver hair stepped inside.
It was none other than Konan.
"You're finally awake. How are you feeling?"
Surprised by Konan's unusually polite tone, Cyan quickly responded.
"I'm fine, sir! But… do you know why I'm here?"
"You were unconscious for three days after fighting that bizarre deer-shaped demon. I simply brought you here so you could recover."
"So… you saved me? Then why did you come here this early in the morning?"
"Haha, no need to be so cautious. Relax. I simply couldn't ignore a talent from our family."
"Talent? I'm not that impressive…"
Settling into a nearby chair, Konan resumed his words.
"You don't need to hide it. I witnessed that lightning strike of yours—power comparable to King-tier magic."
Cyan's eyes widened in shock as Konan continued.
"But why was your lightning blue? And even though it wasn't fully refined… you actually cast a King-tier spell, didn't you?"
Questions poured in relentlessly.
After weighing the pros and cons, Cyan decided to admit part of the truth.
"That attack… was only Saint-tier magic. The blue color comes from a Saint-grade lightning seed I possess."
Konan was visibly stunned.
"A Saint-tier spell… with power nearly equal to King-tier? And you found a lightning seed in this region? Not just that—but a Saint-grade one with a unique color?"
"Yes, sir."
At this moment, a small sound came from the door, loud enough for Cyan to hear.
What is that?
But no one walked in like before, Konan continued talking without paying attention.
"Even if it's not truly King-tier, at your age… that's still extraordinary. Facing such a powerful demon alone… that's beyond impressive."
Cyan doesn't care anymore, he replied.
"You're overpraising me."
"What do you mean overpraising? This level of talent could rival even Elysia. As the third son of the main family, you more than deserve your status. If it weren't for that useless branch family brat interfering, that attack might have actually killed the demon. This achievement could rival even royal bloodlines."
Cyan smiled inwardly.
He doesn't know… that was a Demon Archduke.
If it had truly been slain, that would be the greatest achievement a child could ever accomplish.
Even the royal family could easily defeat Fur… but landing a hit like that? Not guaranteed.
Especially not like how Ziban exploits inexperienced fighters.
Then again… I'm no different. I've played this game enough to devise strategies mid-battle.
Besides, Fur would never risk fighting the royal family with only one-twentieth of his power. He's only ranked eighth—and incomplete at that.
Konan spoke again.
"Actually, I didn't come here just to check on you. There are two important matters I need to discuss."
"What is it, sir?"
"First—after your recent achievement, I will grant you any artifact from the family vault as a reward. Whether it's a leveling accelerator or a magic staff—it can be arranged."
"Really?!"
"Why would I lie?"
Cyan's eyes gleamed.
Those things aren't necessary for me right now…
There's only one thing I need.
"I want an artifact that increases my leveling speed."
"What? You're sure about that? You can choose again."
"No. That's the only thing I want."
Seeing the determination in Cyan's eyes, Konan sighed.
"…Very well. I don't know what you're planning, but I respect your decision. I'll have it delivered today."
Cyan smiled, clearly satisfied.
"And the second matter?"
"It's not as important as the first, but… your fiancée will be arriving in about half a year."
"…What?"
Cyan froze.
"I… have a fiancée?"
"Yes. That's normal among nobles. I've already sent a letter requesting her visit. You should get acquainted with her."
"Who is she?"
"Serafina De Borgia—the third daughter of the Borgia family. Earth mages."
"What?! An earth mage family marrying into a lightning mage family? Aren't those elements incompatible?"
"Precisely why this marriage is important. Our family holds the upper hand. Expanding influence and strengthening ties within the territory—what's wrong with that?"
…It makes sense.
But the one I'm marrying… is her.
Cyan's memories surfaced—of when he once played as Taylor.
Her territory is close to where Taylor lived.
She was involved in the Tyrant Incident at age fourteen… and became one of the key figures in defeating it—alongside Eleanor.
Even Taylor was shocked back then… seeing someone his age wield two elements at King-tier.
And now… she's going to be my wife?
She's… beautiful. Cold. Confident.
Konan smirked.
"That look on your face—you're starting to act like a man already."
"Hmph… I'm not thinking like that."
"Haha, don't worry. I don't mind. To be honest, I was planning to cancel the engagement before—your laziness had become infamous. I wanted to preserve Serafina's reputation."
"And now? What do you think of me?"
Cyan asked confidently.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. You still have a long way to go. But as you are now—you more than qualify. In fact… this engagement might even be a disadvantage for you."
Konan gazed at him before continuing.
"Still… perhaps this is fate. In half a month, we'll know more."
Cyan felt anticipation rising within him.
His resolve to train burned brighter than ever.
I need to recover as soon as possible…
And return to training immediately.
Within half a year… I must reach High-Tier Mage again.