Maria exited the academy and stopped by the roadside, her expression calm and unreadable. The noise of the academy slowly faded behind her as students continued to gather and whisper about what had transpired inside.
Moments later, Master Ronald emerged from the academy gates, accompanied by his personal disciples. His steps were steady, his presence commanding, yet his gaze merely swept past Maria with cold indifference before he continued onward. Maria didn't react. Whether he noticed her or not made no difference—she had patience.
Not long after, the low hum of an engine broke the silence.
A black Rolls-Royce glided to a halt in front of her.
Maria entered the car without a word, and the vehicle sped away, disappearing into the busy streets of the capital.
The Rolls-Royce eventually stopped before a grand mansion hidden deep within the capital city. The estate radiated authority and ancient power. Martial artists guarded every corner, their auras sharp and vigilant.
If Danial had been present, he would have been shaken to his core.
Every visible guard was at Peak Advanced Mortal cultivation, and hidden within the shadows were several true Martial Arts Masters, silently watching over the mansion like unseen gods. This place was protected not only from mortal threats—but from darkness itself.
Maria stepped inside and made her way toward the inner courtyard.
The space was vast and serene, filled with exotic and priceless spiritual plants. Each leaf shimmered faintly with energy, proof that this land was nourished by powerful formations.
At the center of the courtyard sat an elderly man dressed in simple robes, casually sipping tea as if the weight of the world did not concern him.
Maria stopped before him and bowed deeply.
The man raised his eyes and glanced at her calmly.
Maria smiled, stepping forward to gently massage his shoulders. After finishing his tea, the old man spoke with a warm smile.
"My dear Maria… where have you been?"He paused before continuing, his voice carrying hidden gravity."And what about the matter I asked you to investigate?"
Maria chuckled lightly."Grandfather, don't be so impatient. I've only just begun."
The man sighed."You understand how important this is, don't you? The Five Realms Stargate will open soon. If we are unprepared… the entire world will descend into chaos. Everything could be lost."
Maria's expression turned serious."Yes, Grandfather. That's exactly why I came—to share some interesting information with you."
The old man raised an eyebrow."Oh? And what might that be?"
Maria hesitated briefly before speaking."Grandfather, the technique you taught me—about analyzing the composition of another person's body and assessing their cultivation… who exactly can resist it?"
The old man replied calmly,"I created that technique myself. As long as the target is below the Grandmaster Realm, they will never notice it."
Maria's eyes widened slightly in admiration."That's incredible, Grandfather. To think such a technique could be so absolute."
He chuckled."It took me fifteen years to perfect. And it's not just an assessment technique—it can be offensive as well."
Maria's tone shifted."But what if I told you… someone at the academy blocked it completely—and even severed my connection to it?"
The old man abruptly turned around, his calm demeanor vanishing.
"Are you telling the truth?" he demanded sternly."As far as I know, only the four Grandmasters of Somerland could do such a thing. Are you certain, Maria?"
Meeting his intense gaze, Maria nodded."Yes, Grandfather. I'm certain."
She then explained everything—how she met Danial, how her energy was blocked, and how the backlash left her momentarily weakened.
The old man fell into deep thought.
Finally, he spoke slowly."If that's the case… then he may be the one we need to save this world."
Maria suddenly remembered something and added casually,"Oh, and based on his appearance… he's probably only around eighteen years old."
The old man nearly stumbled.
"Eighteen…?" he muttered in disbelief.
An eighteen-year-old capable of such feats was nothing short of monstrous—especially when he hadn't even revealed his strength to the world.
In a society where martial artists ruled above all else, where cultivation defined authority and power, such talent was terrifying.
In Somerland, cultivation followed strict age barriers.An average person reached Advanced Peak Mortal Realm in forty years.A genius might achieve it in twenty-five to thirty-five.
But Danial?
He reached Advanced Mortal Realm at eighteen.
That alone shattered every known rule.
If such a person revealed himself, chaos would erupt.
Maria's grandfather stood up slowly, his expression solemn.
"Maria," he said firmly, "keep a close eye on him. I need to know everything about this boy—immediately."
At that moment, an officer entered the courtyard and bowed deeply.
"Master Quintan, the parliament members have arrived and await your presence."
Master Quintan—also known as the Protector of Somerland—was the most powerful individual in the nation. Beneath him stood the Eleven Giants, legendary figures who governed and defended Somerland alongside him.
Quintan exhaled slowly."Maria… stay close to Danial. Keep in touch with him."
She bowed respectfully."Yes, Grandfather. I will do my best."
After a brief exchange, Maria left the courtyard.
The moment she departed, a figure suddenly appeared behind Master Quintan, kneeling on one knee.
Quintan spoke without turning."Did you find someone suitable?"
"Yes," the black-robed man replied. "I believe I have."
Quintan's voice sharpened."What is his cultivation?"
"He is at Peak Advanced Mortal Realm… possibly a half-step into the Master Realm."
Hiss—!
Quintan sucked in a sharp breath.
Such talent… emerging in Somerland?
The man continued,"I also sensed a possible affinity with the divine. If nurtured properly, he could reach Grandmaster Realm—or perhaps even break into the Legendary Dark Realm."
Quintan narrowed his eyes."Perhaps. But for now, he is still too weak. Observe him. Report everything to me."
"Yes, Master."
Quintan nodded."Good work, Ottoman."
Ottoman bowed and vanished without a trace, leaving Quintan alone beneath the quiet sky—his thoughts heavier than ever.