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Chapter 28 - Chapter 1 – Road Encounter

Horobi's Home

Mio burst through the door, bag ready.

"Hurry! We need essentials before heading home!"

Horobi looked up, nearly packed.

"I'm good. Liora—where are you?"

Liora emerged, cloak adjusted.

"Right here. But seriously—why'd Raii call us back? Couldn't he explain everything that day?"

Mio grinned knowingly.

"You two have no idea? Today they're announcing results and class mission rewards. Then we promote to next class!"

Liora crossed her arms.

"Could've done it sooner though."

"Would've happened that day except for you."

"Excuse me?!"

Horobi intervened calmly.

"Enough bickering. Results always come days later. Stop fighting."

Both girls muttered but obeyed.

"Fine..."

Horobi shouldered his bag.

"Let's move. Mio—you set?"

"Ready!"

Class Ceremony

Erish grabbed their arms.

"Come on! You gotta see this!"

"What is it?"

She dragged them to Class B's corner.

"Look at Tua."

He lay surrounded by frantic healers struggling against his severe injuries.

Mio smirked.

"Good."

Liora grimaced.

"Let's get outta here before I puke."

They returned just as Raii called the order.

"Quiet down! The ceremony is starting!"

Raii's voice boomed.

"Results and rewards presented by our Grand Master Lord Omon."

"Lord Omon—enter!"

Crushing aura hit.

Everyone froze except Class A—their second encounter.

"Good afternoon, children."

Omon's deep voice filled the arena.

"Seeing you all together makes me happy. I watched every fight. Excellent batch this year."

"Many impressed me. Keep progressing. Congratulations on advancing!"

"Now... results."

Final Results Announcement

Dead silence.

Class Battle:

"1st: Class A — 10 points."

"2nd: Class C — 8 points."

"3rd: Class B — 5 points." *

(Tua's fists clenched)

"4th: Class D — 3 points."

Group Battle:

"1st: Team 1 (Class A) — 10 points."

"2nd: Team 2 (Class A) — 8 points."

"3rd: Team 3 (Class B) — 6 points."

"4th: Team 4 (Class B) — 3 points."

Final Standings:

CLASS A: 28 points CLEAR WINNERS

Class C: 18 points

Class B: 17 points Very close!

Class D: 9 points

Omon continued.

"These scores measure more than strength. Strategy. Teamwork. Decisions."

Eyes swept the crowd.

"Real battles aren't won by power alone."

"Dismissed."

Road Journey Begins

Horobi estate:

"Young Master, everything's loaded."

"Guard the house well."

"Yes, my lord!"

Hours later—jungle road.

Unnatural silence. No beasts. No birds.

Mio suggested camping further ahead. All agreed.

The Divine Encounter

Air thickened violently.

Liora froze.

"Horobi... you feel that? Something's **wrong**."

Horobi's expression darkened.

"Yeah. Insanely powerful mana. Lord Omon's is nothing compared. And it's getting closer."

Mio whispered.

"Should we keep going?"

"No. It's coming straight to us."

"Stay behind me."

Three figures approached.

One man's presence crushed reality itself.

First wife- admired roadside flowers.

"My lord! These flowers! So beautiful. Why aren't they in our territory?"

He chuckled warmly.

"You like them so much? We'll buy this whole area."

"No no! Just grow them in our garden!"

Second wife grabbed his sleeve, trembling.

"My lord... that boy... his mana terrifies me. Please—let's leave!"

The man turned to Horobi. Smiled.

"Zarvex..."

Horobi froze cold.

Sweat poured down his face.

"Y-You said something...?"

Warm laugh.

"No no! Just impressed. What's your name?"

"H-Horobi…"

"Good. See you again, Horobi."

Lingering Pressure

They stood paralyzed.

His aura lingered even after he vanished.

Mio gasped for air.

"What the hell was that?! Felt like a god appeared! Stronger than Omon!"

Liora pieced it together.

"So that's why the jungle's dead silent."

Horobi nodded slowly.

"All animals fled his presence. Definitely some extremely powerful mage."

Enzetsu City Homecoming

Days later—hometown.

Liora gazed at the bustling city.

"Wow, Horobi! Your hometown's gorgeous!"

Mio beamed.

"Lucky me—live here always!"

"Gonna visit family quick. Back soon!"

"Jaldi aana."

Haki (Tua's father) approached with servant.

"Welcome back, Young Master!"

*Liora whispered:

"Who's he?"

"Tua's dad."

"WHAT?!"

Emotional Reunion

Estate entrance:

Irish sprinted forward, crushing Horobi in a hug.

"My baby! Finally home! Eating well? Injuries healed?"

"All good, Mom. Stronger now."

"No leaving 2-3 years! Stay here!"

Chem mediated:

"One month. Then academy."

Irish pouted.

"Just one month? Fine—But he will stay with me after graduation!"

Horobi laughed.

"Mom, I'm not a kid anymore! Look, Liora's here. I'm heading out."

Irish spotted Liora.

"Ohh! Liora, sorry—I didn't see you!"

"Doesn't she even look at anyone in front of Horobi?"

Everyone laughed.

Irish grabbed Liora.

"Come to my room! I'll show you Horobi's baby photos!"

Horobi panicked.

"Mom, no! Absolutely not!"

"Oh I will show her! You go talk to father."

Liora squealed.

"Wooow! Baby Horobi must've been so cute!"

Chem unrolled a massive parchment map across the table, marked with glowing mana runes.

"Listen carefully, Horobi. This is the hierarchy that rules our world."

1. World Level (Global Authority)

Eight Supreme Gods reign supreme over everything.

Supreme God - The absolute strongest, unchallenged ruler

Death God - Our clan's worshipped deity, controls life-death cycle

Each God commands universal domains

"No mortal challenges them. They rarely intervene... but when they do, continents shatter."

2. Continent Level

World divided into five massive continents, each operating independently:

Unique power systems (magic-based, tech-based, beast-taming, etc.)

Continental Lords - Appointed by Gods, rule entire continents

Demi-Gods occasionally appear as enforcers

"Our continent worships Death God. Others follow different Gods."

3. Country Level

Structured pyramid:

King/Emperor → Royal Family → High Council (Magic + Military leaders)

Power Division:

Royals: Political authority, marriages, diplomacy

Military: Wars, border defense

Magic Council: Spell regulation, monster threats

4. State Level (Our Reality)

State Lord oversees everything, supported by:

Noble Clans (like Enma)

Military Generals

Academy System

Enma Clan controls 45% authority in this state.

12 districts under direct control

Each district contains: 4-5 major cities + 20-25 villages

Total population under us: millions

Chem tapped the map firmly.

"If royals ever trouble you, don't fear. They know exactly who you are. We've made sure of it."

Horobi nodded seriously.

"Understood, Father."

Chem smiled faintly.

"Good. Now go rest. You'll need strength for what's coming."

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