The next morning...

Ethan and Eduardo clashed in the backyard, locked in a fast-paced exchange of swords; Ragnarok against Murasame.

Their blades consistently met in sharp bursts, but at somepoint, they both leaped back, creating distance.

They had identical grins at their lips.

Right then, Ethan raised his hand, letting Ragnarok slip free from his grip as it shot forward.

With its sentient nature, the blade moved on its own, engaging Eduardo. The butler did not step back one bit as he kept meeting each incoming strike, deflecting the airborne weapon again and again.

At the final instant, Eduardo drew his blade and released a clean cut which carried a violent reverberation through the air, forcing Ragnarok back.

Ethan then raised his hand once more, activating the Recall skill which telekinetically drew the blade back into his grasp.

He inclined his head slightly. "That’ll be all for this morning, Eduardo."

Eduardo gave a bow, ’very well master ethan’

He turned and walked away

Ethan made Ragnarok vanish back into his inventory and slowly walked toward the manor, while turning his attention to the translucent screens he had mentally summoned to display his progress.

[Self-imposed objective complete: Training with Eduardo]

[Reward: +4000 XP]

[Experience points balance: 76,550]

[Meridian Class: 62% progress to the next meridian level]

[Guardian Class: 52% progress to the next foundation phase]

[Saber Class: 70% battle aura output]

[Ragnarok Bond Progress: 65%]

[Dragon Physiology: Skyreaver → 62%]

’If my battle aura output is at 70%, that means I should be somewhere comparable to an SS-tier Saber,’ Ethan thought to himself.

He paused for a moment, mentally weighing his overall power in perspective; especially when factoring in the stack potential of his classes.

First of all, Ethan knew that stacking classes was not as simple as adding two numbers together. Rather, when it came to stacking, the body selected a primary class best suited to the objective, while the others functioned as subtle supporting boosts.

For instance, his Saber class provided his highest speed output, placing him at SS-tier in that aspect. In this case, his primary speed was drawn from the Saber aspect.

If he then stacked the Warrior class speed boost, it would only grant a slight increase in speed, but nothing significant enough to allow him to speed-blitz another Saber of the same tier.

It was the same with his strength. His Guardian class at the fifth foundation phase placed him at peak A-tier Guardian level, which also served as his primary source of strength. With the Warrior class strength boost added, it only provided a slight additional boost; pushing him just a bit beyond A-tier strength.

Although, of course, that was without factoring in the Guardian Rage skill. With that included, his strength would rise enough to allow him to contend on equal footing with S-tier opponents.

However, all of this was only the simple case of class stacking.

There was also his Amplification Trait; the most significant factor in his arsenal, which essentially pushed whatever strength or speed he exerted a full tier higher. On top of that, his Charge Aspect provided a form of lightning-based enhancement, further reinforced by his Dragon Physiology.

In essence, it was difficult to place a precise scale on his physical capabilities. But one thing was certain; he operated within the domain of the Grand Class.

Which made him wonder what his true level of strength and power would look like once every class reached Ex.

For now, however, he decided to begin by upgrading the Saber class talent potential.

[Talent level increased: Saber SSS → EX]

[30,000 XP deducted]

Another notification followed almost immediately.

[Recalibrating Battle Aura Output...]

[Recalibration complete]

[New Battle Aura Output: 50% of maximum EX-tier potential]

[Experience points balance: 46,550]

The rest of his other classes still needed significant work to reach their peaks, or even come close; so there was no point expending experience points on raising their talent levels for now.

Ethan continued walking until he reached the manor. He stepped into the living room as the television’s volume filled the space, immediately drawing his attention.

The screen was flooded with red banners and sharp, aggressive text.

[MISSING AND DEAD FAMILY LEADERS]

Footage rolled beneath it; blurred images of estates, flashing emergency lights, bodies being carried out under white sheets.

A reporter stood in the midst of a crowd, raising her microphone toward a pale-faced vampire.

"Is no one going to answer for this?" the vampire snapped, eyes burning. "The sudden deaths and disappearances of some of the most powerful figures in this country, this doesn’t just happen."

The reporter tried to interject, but the man cut over her. "Where is the crown in all of this?"

Ethan clicked the remote, switching channels.

The screen changed to a clean studio set, where a composed anchor sat behind a desk with folded hands resting on top.

"The king has released a statement," she said. "Investigations are currently ongoing, and the public is advised to remain calm while enforcement agencies work to uncover the truth behind these tragic events."

Ethan watched her for a short moment, then switched channels again to another broadcast.

This time, it was a field report. Cameras, movement, and a man standing at what looked like a podium, delivering a statement. One of the country’s so-called heroes.

"My team and I are working to get to the bottom of the sudden deaths and the mass killings tied to these families. The public will be kept informed. We are also cooperating fully with enforcers to ensure this is resolved."

Ethan let out a sigh and shook his head before turning away from the screen, as it seemed most of the news today was still focused on the deaths of the family leaders.

If only they knew these leaders deserved what came to them.

The television continued speaking behind him as he walked toward the stairs.

Halfway up, the thought returned to him. "Yeah, it’s time I take Rue’s level up."

-——

About the same time, in a different country; Vanburgh, to be precise...

The room was already occupied when Lady Audrey Desdemona arrived for her second day of discussions with the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Alaric was a man that appeared to be in 50s, with silver-gray hair. He had an intense gaze and wore thin, round glasses.

He was currently seated at the head of the table, and beside him, was Lucien.

As agreed with Alistair, Lucien had arranged the meeting, and today they were expected to reach a conclusion.

"Good day, Prime Minister," Lady Audrey began, settling into the chair opposite Alaric, while Esmeray stood behind her.

"Good day to you too, Lady Desdemona," Alaric replied.

Audrey nodded. "I believe it is time we conclude our discussions, Prime Minister."

And with that, the negotiations continued.

Yesterday had largely been a preamble, where Audrey had outlined why she was there in the first place. Her request was direct: military assistance from the nation of Vanburgh.

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