The journey through the skies wasn't as long as Ray expected—though maybe that was because Vaelstrom was fast. Not "wind in your face" fast, but "blink and you're miles away" fast.
As they soared above the sprawling world below, Ray couldn't help but marvel at the sight.
Below them, forests stretched like green oceans, their treetops waving in the breeze. Rivers glinted like silver snakes under the sun, winding between valleys. Occasionally, they flew over massive beast sanctuaries—specially constructed zones where untamed cards roamed. Ray even caught sight of a colossal feathered serpent coiling around a mountain peak, its wings unfurling like a banner of lightning.
Lily clung to the side rail, pointing at everything and squealing in joy. "Ray, look! That lake is heart-shaped! Wait—is that a floating island?!"
It was.
Ray couldn't stop staring. "This world's insane…"
But as the horizon opened up, something far more majestic came into view.
Atop a towering cliff that overlooked a mist-covered valley stood a vast complex of buildings. Not just buildings—a village. No, more like a fortress of beasts.
Stone pathways interwove between towering pavilions crafted from mountain rock and ironwood. Massive statues of mythical beasts stood guard at key intersections, each one life-sized and roaring into eternity.
At the heart of the village was a wide, open ground—so large it could host a tournament. Dozens of beast-type cards were in the midst of battle, training with precision, agility, and raw power. Some hurled themselves at dummies three times their size. Others performed synchronized movements with their Card Masters, their growls mixing with the shouts of humans locked in combat training.
Above all this grandeur stood a central structure—tallest of them all. A building carved into the cliffside, flanked with crimson banners that danced in the wind. Its roof was shaped like the jaws of a fanged beast, wide open and welcoming none but the worthy.
"The Steelfang Dojo…" Ray whispered in awe.
Vaelstrom swooped down gently and landed just outside the central building.
As the group dismounted, two armored guards stationed at the entrance stepped forward. They eyed the newcomers with protocol-sharp expressions—until they saw Richard.
Both guards snapped to attention and saluted with visible shock.
"Welcome back, Young Master Richard!" they shouted in unison, fists to chest.
Richard nodded coolly, giving them a brief but respectful smile. "At ease."
Ray raised an eyebrow. 'Young Master'? So he really was a prince here…
Inside, the building opened into a large empty hallway with polished floors, old flame-lanterns, and banners stitched with beast insignias.
And at the far end of the hall, as if they'd just happened to be passing through, stood two figures.
An elderly man with a sharp jawline and grizzled silver beard stood with arms crossed. His presence alone made the air feel heavier. Beside him was a woman, similarly aged but with soft silver hair, her eyes kind and her smile serene.
They were clearly waiting, though pretending not to be.
The moment Richard stepped in, the man's eyes narrowed—but his shoulders relaxed slightly. "Took you long enough."
Richard grinned. "Didn't want to outshine your entrance."
The older man snorted, clearly fighting a smile. "Still cocky."
Amelia stepped forward next, greeting them with a respectful nod. "It's good to see you again, Father, Mother."
"Always a pleasure, dear," the older woman replied warmly. "You've grown more radiant with age."
"Flatterer," Amelia chuckled.
Then came Ray and Lily.
Ray stepped forward and bowed instinctively. "Ray Ashford Chosen. It's… an honor."
Lily stepped out from behind him, still clutching her bunny plush. "H-Hello… I'm Lily."
The grandmother melted instantly. "Oh my stars—Richard, how dare you keep this angel from me?!"
She bent down and scooped Lily into a hug, spinning her slightly.
Lily giggled, but then turned toward the old man with wide, watery eyes.
"Do… do you not like me, Grandpa?"
Ray swore the old man—Elias Ashford, the legendary Beast Duelist—flinched like he'd been struck.
"N-No! Of course not!" he stammered, his gruff voice suddenly cracking. "I—uh—I just… I wasn't prepared for this much… cuteness."
He cleared his throat furiously, then looked away. "Bah. You Ashford women are all too emotional…"
Ray smirked. Tsundere confirmed.
Elias slowly turned toward Ray, studying him from head to toe.
"So… this is the boy?"
Ray stood straight.
"And this," Elias added, pointing toward Charmander, who stood at Ray's feet like a proud knight, "is the beast you created?"
Ray nodded. "Yes, sir. His name is Charmander. Beast-type. Fire attribute."
Charmander let out a low, polite growl of acknowledgement.
"Hm," Elias muttered, stepping forward.
He knelt slightly, eye-level with the small lizard. For a second, their eyes locked—and the room held its breath.
Then Elias scoffed. "Still too weak. Back in my day, my starter already took down a giant iron boar by this stage."
Charmander growled softly, puffing his chest up.
Ray stepped forward. "We're still growing. But we'll catch up."
Elias smirked slightly. "Good answer."
The grandmother chuckled again. "Let's not scare them off on their first day, dear."
Elias stood and clapped his hands. "Servants!"
From a side hallway, a group of uniformed assistants rushed in.
"Take their belongings to the east wing. Prepare their rooms. And tell the kitchen we'll dine in twenty."
"Yes, Master Elias!"
He turned back to the group. "We'll eat first. Then I'll see what this boy is made of."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The dining hall was warm with the scent of roasted meat and spiced roots. Bowls of steamed mana rice and flamefruit stew lined the long table. Everyone had settled in, but tension brewed beneath the surface.
"So," Elias said, stabbing a chunk of meat with unnecessary force, "still sitting below level 70, are you?"
Richard calmly sipped his drink. "I've got my reasons."
"You've had the potential to break into Overlord rank for years. What are you waiting for—a parade?"
Richard shrugged. "I prefer to walk my own path."
"Stubborn brat," Elias muttered. "Wasting his strength, like a lion refusing to roar."
Amelia sighed and gently raised a hand. "Let's enjoy the food before you two turn the dining table into an arena."
Elias huffed, clearly not done. His eyes turned to Ray. "What about you, boy? What's your training schedule?"
Ray listed it off—sprints, scratch drills, ember targets, basic moves.
"Hmph," Elias scoffed. "That's a schedule for petting zoos. Weak training makes weak beasts."