CHAPTER 247: _RISE AND CONQUER

Elian’s POV

*****

The next morning arrived, and he woke up with one goal and one goal only.

Finding ways to evolve his mana core to the next level and succeed before the system’s ultimatum.

Elian sat up, stretching out his arms when he woke up. He squinted, his eyes scanning the room as he scratched the back of his neck.

Suddenly, a stream of sunlight shot out of one of the windows—which had been previously covered by thick curtains. And standing there was Kyren, holding aside the curtains as the sunlight highlighted his silhouette.

"Rise and conquer, little flame." The Rogue king’s lips curled into a slow smile.

His cloak trailed behind him as he left the window at Elian’s right, strutting to the bed. When he got there, he sat, all while Elian subconsciously held his breath.

The newly acquired mana core still pulsed with energy. Energy which Kyren could easily discover—if he hasn’t already.

"G–Good morning, Kyren." Elian stuttered, plastering a smile. "What time is it?"

"The eight-hour. I’m glad you got enough sleep."

Enough... Was he sure about that?

[Why are you suddenly scared of Kyren discovering you now have a mana core?]

’Simple. Because then it’ll deepen the whole thing about me being the result of the Ascension Protocol.’

[Oh... That. I’ve been curious to know why it was named that. And if it had anything to do with me.]

Elian swallowed hard at the mere possibility.

’Didn’t... Didn’t you have a past of some kind before me?’ he asked a question he’d never thought of until now.

The system had to have been modified and programmed way before it was handed to him. Right?

[If I’m being honest... No. All I do recall is a deep longing to follow the moon goddess’ plan for me—which was to help you ascend from an omega.]

Now... That was odd...

Not just odd but gravely troubling.

[You might be overreacting... But I guess we won’t ever know if I don’t get an upgrade.]

"Hello?" Kyren’s waving hand brought him back to reality, his head tilted with curiosity. "You spaced out. Talking with the system about your next conquest?"

Elian’s cheeks flushed as he nodded. "Something like that. Actually, I wanted to ask you something. I—"

Suddenly, Kyren placed a finger in front of his lips. The Rogue king frowned, squinting. His crimson eyes glinted with suspicion, causing Elian’s heart to skip a beat.

Crap... Has he noticed the mana core already?

"There’s... Something different about you." Kyren finally muttered, dragging his gaze to meet Elian’s. "I can’t exactly place my finger on it yet."

’Gods above, please don’t place your fingers anywhere.’

[Hehe... You sure about that, fruitcake? I can mention a few places he can stick his fingers and—]

’Shut up.’ Elian cursed mentally but kept a smile when staring at Kyren. "I don’t think I get what you’re talking about. But... But why do you feel that way though?"

He didn’t want to lie to the only person who knew about the system. But he felt like he had no choice.

If truly he was the result of the Ascension protocol experiments... His importance couldn’t be overstated. No one needed to explain that to him.

And with that in mind, he didn’t want Kyren’s desire to protect him from his mother to spiral into something—

[Ugh, please! Most people would sell their left tit to have a man who’s willing to go above and beyond to protect them. And you happen to have TWO.]

"Mana." Kyren’s voice was calm, his shoulders relaxing. "I can sense it around you. Faint. But clear enough to realise its richness."

Elian’s pulse spiked as Kyren slowly got off the bed, his lush white hair falling over his face in waves. His eyes were hidden slightly under the strands but still gleamed with a crimson light that made Elian feel naked.

[Let’s make that feeling into reality. No? Too soon?]

"Have you managed to train the Bond Resonance skill even more?" Kyren remarked, his face lighting up with an impressed grin. "Under a single night?"

Oh... He was going with that?

Elian blinked, wondering if he should just go with the flow.

Eventually—

"Y–Yeah." He nodded, his smile widening. "I did. It took tremendous effort but I—"

"And you’re saying it so casually?" Kyren laughed, his tone almost hearty. "The fact you’ve been able to master how to use ten per cent of my mana through that skill is enough testament of how... useful that system of yours is."

[Aw, tell Daddy Death I love him too.]

Elian tried not to cringe, clutching the bed cloth tighter. "I couldn’t sleep. So training with the skill and perfecting my magic was one of the only ways to blow off steam."

Kyren arched his brow. "One of? What were the other ways then, little flame?"

[Probably doing push-ups for emotional damage relief.]

’System, shut up—’

"Nothing special," Elian said quickly, forcing a nervous laugh. "Just... mental exercises."

Kyren’s lips curved, half amused, half sceptical. "You’re terrible at lying." His tone wasn’t harsh though. In fact, it was almost... teasing. "You would’ve made a good witch or hybrid, you know. If you had your own mana core."

Elian’s heart skipped. "Why do you say that?"

The Rogue King took a slow breath, his eyes flickering with that calculating gleam again.

"Because you have discipline. And control. Most witches waste their potential by relying too much on talent, not practice. But you..." He paused, gaze lowering briefly to Elian’s hand before meeting his eyes again. "You push yourself past your limits. That’s what evolves a core. Effort. Experience. Real battle."

[Translation: Grind harder, king.]

Elian rolled his eyes, but his lips curved faintly. "So pushing myself and training regularly could refine a mana core?"

Kyren gave a slow nod. "Exactly. It’s a long, gruelling process. But if done right... the core begins to strengthen and evolve naturally. You’d make an exceptional mage."

Those words lodged deep inside Elian’s chest. Like something clicked. Maybe this was what he needed: focus, direction, progress.

He nodded slowly, determination lighting his features. "Thanks, Kyren."

Kyren’s lips quirked. He turned to leave, his dark cloak swaying like liquid shadow. "Will you be returning with me to the Dark Lands, then?"

Elian froze. "I—I can’t. Not yet. The wedding with Lucian is coming up."

Kyren stopped mid-step.

For a moment, silence stretched between them like a blade’s edge. Then came a low scoff — soft and humourless. He didn’t comment, merely adjusting his cloak.

"I see."

He finally turned, his expression unreadable again. "Then I’ll head back first. There are matters I must attend to. But I’ll keep in touch. And when the time comes, I’ll come get you myself."

Before Elian could respond, the Rogue King took a step toward the door — and vanished into a swirl of dark mist, leaving only the faint scent of metal and ozone.

The room fell silent.

Elian looked down at his right hand. His new mana core pulsed faintly within his chest, a steady thrum like a second heartbeat. When he raised his palm, faint violet light danced along his fingers.

[Look at you, glowing like a cosmic candle.]

He smiled softly. "Guess I really am changing..."

Just then, a knock echoed at his door.

Elian blinked, walking over and pulling it open. A guard stood there, bowing slightly. "Maater Elian, a letter from Prince Lucian."

A letter?

Elian took it — the envelope was white with golden lining, sealed with wax stamped by Lucian’s crest. His name was written in bold, elegant script.

When he tore it open, his breath caught. The words shimmered slightly and the message was short, but unmistakably him.

Meet me outside the palace. I have something to show you.

Elian’s heart thudded, his fingers trembling just a little.

[Oho... sounds romantic. Or dangerous. Or both.]

Either way, Elian couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto his face as he whispered, "Guess I’ll find out."