The World Beyond the Rift

The Reinhart and Forger families rarely worked together. In a world where power determined influence, noble families guarded their strength closely, always wary of potential threats. Yet now, an unknown force had appeared—an S-rank hunter living in isolation. His existence was a mystery, his power undeniable. A single strike had erased an A-rank monster as if it were nothing.

Neither family could ignore him.

---

The Reinhart Family's Discussion

The Reinhart Estate was a fortress of marble and gold, a testament to the family's dominance. In the grand council hall, Lord Aldric Reinhart sat at the head of a long, polished table, his presence commanding the room. His silver-streaked hair and sharp blue eyes reflected wisdom and experience. Around him, elders and high-ranking officers of the family listened intently as Elara Reinhart recounted her encounter.

"He didn't even use a technique," Elara stated, her voice firm but laced with unease. "Just one swing, and the monster was gone. It was as if reality itself bent to his will."

A murmur spread through the council. S-ranks were rare, and those who lived outside noble influence were even rarer.

A middle-aged elder, Lord Donovan, tapped his fingers against the table. "And his identity?"

Elara shook her head. "Nothing. No guild records, no noble lineage, not even a citizenship registry."

A younger officer scoffed. "Then he's a rogue. If he refuses to serve under a noble house, we should eliminate him before he becomes a threat."

Lord Aldric remained silent, his sharp gaze studying his daughter. "And what do you think?"

Elara hesitated, then spoke carefully. "I don't think he cares for power. But someone that strong... if he ever did care, he could tip the balance of the entire nation."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Lord Aldric exhaled. "An S-rank is not to be taken lightly. Even if we wanted to move against him, it would require resources we cannot afford to waste. And if word gets out, other families might attempt to recruit him before we do."

The council nodded in agreement.

"We will extend an offer," Aldric concluded. "If he refuses, we will observe. If he becomes a threat... we will decide then."

---

The Forger Family's Discussion

Unlike the Reinharts, the Forger Family relied on intelligence and strategy rather than brute force. Their discussions were calculated, every move weighed before execution. Lord Cedric Forger, head of the intelligence division, leaned back in his chair as Kael Forger finished his report.

"A man without history... That alone makes him dangerous," Cedric mused.

Kael nodded. "Even the house he lives in isn't under his name. Records show two residents—Hans and Bam. There's also a child named Barolt. But the man himself? Nothing."

Another advisor frowned. "A ghost."

"If he's been hiding for this long, he might want to be left alone," Cedric reasoned. "Still, leaving an S-rank unaccounted for is a risk."

A female strategist spoke. "We should align with the Reinharts on this. A joint offer—less risk, less provocation."

Cedric smirked. "Agreed. We approach him carefully. If he declines, we watch. No need to force a fight with someone who can turn an A-rank into dust."

---

The Offer

One week later, representatives from both families arrived at Adam's home.

The delegation approached cautiously, their gazes locked onto the man standing before them. Adam was relaxed, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Behind him, Hans and Bam watched in silence, tension thick in the air.

A high-ranking diplomat from the Reinharts stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Sir, we come on behalf of the noble families. We would like to extend an offer. With your strength, you could have access to the greatest resources, influence, and power—"

"No."

The diplomat froze. "...Excuse me?"

Adam's tone remained calm. "I'm not interested in your wars, your politics, or your ambitions. Leave."

The Forger representative tried next. "Surely you understand that an S-rank without backing will always be a subject of interest. If you—"

"Are you threatening me?" Adam's gaze sharpened, a silent pressure filling the air.

The delegation instinctively took a step back.

"Of course not," the diplomat hurriedly said. "We simply wish for mutual benefit."

Adam exhaled. "Then understand this: I am not your enemy. But if you push, you won't like the results."

With that, he turned and walked back into his home.

The delegation had no choice but to leave.

---

Training Begins

If Hans and Bam thought their training had been harsh before, they quickly realized Adam had been merciful.

Now, their days began with brutal endurance drills.

Reaction Training: Adam launched stones at them at unpredictable speeds, forcing them to dodge.

Strength Training: They carried massive logs through the forest, muscles screaming.

Mana Control: They meditated under waterfalls, learning to refine their energy flow.

Adam was relentless. He measured their souls and bodies, identifying weaknesses. Every flaw, every inefficiency—he crushed them until only refined strength remained.

Hans's System Panel

Name: Hans

Rank: B

Strength: 78

Agility: 65

Mana Control: 42

Skills: Basic Combat Techniques, Mana Channeling

Bam's System Panel

Name: Bam

Rank: B

Strength: 72

Agility: 70

Mana Control: 45

Skills: Basic Combat Techniques, Mana Channeling

Adam's System Panel

Name: Adam

Rank: ???

Strength: ???

Agility: ???

Mana Control: ???

Skills: Divine Sense, Energy Manipulation, ???

---

Earning Wealth

To sustain their growing needs, Adam began hunting beyond the nation's borders.

Monsters fell beneath his strikes, their cores and materials harvested. Hans and Bam handled the sales, ensuring they received the proper price in the black market. With each hunt, their wealth grew.

Yet Adam remained careful. Power attracted attention. And he had no intention of letting the noble families know the full extent of his abilities.

---

Barolt's Training

Adam had never intended to train Barolt this early. But in this world, weakness was death.

So at nine years old, Barolt began his journey.

Physical Conditioning: Running through forests, climbing trees, lifting weights.

Technique Drills: Strikes, footwork, precision.

Mental Training: Learning to analyze situations under pressure.

Mana could not be awakened until thirteen, but that didn't mean Adam couldn't prepare him in other ways.

Barolt trained without complaint( not really ), his eyes filled with determination.

---

The Academy Decision

One evening, as they sat around a fire, Hans brought up an idea.

"Boss, have you thought about sending Barolt to an academy?"

Adam frowned.

Bam nodded. "They specialize in training young Awakeners. He'd have access to the best resources."

Adam turned to his son. "What do you think?"

Barolt hesitated. He was only nine, and the future felt distant. But he clenched his fists. "I want to be strong. If the academy helps me do that... I'll go."

Adam studied him, then nodded. "Then we prepare."

Hans and Bam grinned.

The world had not yet seen what Barolt could become.

But it would.

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