Ethan looked at the rather plain and unflashy template before him. He tapped on each section one by one, curiosity burning in his eyes.
[Apex Devouring Bloodline LV1]
Whenever you kill any being, you devour their bloodline and receive a trait pertaining to it. At higher levels, you unlock even greater potential from the absorbed bloodline.
[Infallible Physique Lv1]
The harder you strain yourself, the stronger your physique becomes. You must endure more pain to gain more strength.
[Absolute Defence LV1]
Your defence is absolute. You cannot be harmed by poison or any form of attack below the fourth star rank.
[Blessing of Snow]
Every citizen under your territory within a snowy region receives a 20% increase in their speed. They automatically learn the Trail-less Snow Technique LV1. Their fighting skills also rise by 20% when battling in snowy areas.
[Omniscient Eyes]
Within your territory, you are able to see everything that happens and know everything that happens. In your territory, you are like a god who knows all. Nothing passes through you without your knowledge.
Ethan sat speechless for a long moment.
That was supposed to be a newbie pack?
It felt far too overpowered to be real.
There was only one way to find out for sure: the upcoming expedition.
As if the system had read his thoughts and agreed, a new message appeared before him.
[You have received two quests.]
[Solo Quest: Slay 200 goblins.]
[Lord Quest: Destroy the goblin nest located at the coordinates pinned on your system map.]
Ethan studied the details carefully and nodded in understanding.
The quests were not overly difficult. In fact, they seemed straightforward enough.
But first, he needed to test one of his new abilities. He had to know if the system was truly real or just some elaborate illusion.
The first ability he could test was the Omniscient Eyes.
He activated them.
In an instant, he could see everything happening across his territory at the same time.
The flood of information was overwhelming, yet his brain handled it without any strain.
Even more surprising, he realized he could keep the eyes active subconsciously. He could also filter what information was forcefully pulled into his awareness.
Using that feature, Ethan set the Omniscient Eyes to alert him whenever someone tried to betray him.
With that simple test, the authenticity of the system was proven beyond doubt.
Next, Ethan turned his Omniscient Eyes toward the ongoing discussion of the expedition team.
---
"Commander, do we really have to obey his orders?" one of the underlings asked. "He is just one man. We can simply ignore him. Or better yet, we should abandon the castle."
"We can't do that," the commander frowned, refusing outright. "What happens to the civilians who can't fight?"
"Who cares?" the underling shot back. "They can fend for themselves."
"You're crossing the line, John," another member of the expedition team replied sharply.
"Those people are our family. We have spent years with them. We can't abandon them just like that."
"What's the point?" John continued with clear distaste.
"If we continue like this, we will all be doomed. Do you not know who he is? The bastard prince with no talent and a frail body. I'm sure all he will do is lead us to our deaths while he plays king safely behind the castle walls."
His harsh words triggered something in everyone. Slowly, some began to wish they could back away from the entire situation.
"Commander, what is your decision?" the second-in-command asked. "Anything you say will be accepted by me."
The others, though shaken by John's words, showed faces that made it clear they stood behind the commander's final choice.
"I will make my decision after the expedition meeting with him," the commander said ruthlessly, his mind already made up. "If he proves to be a dead weight that will get us killed, then we will have no choice but to stage a coup."
---
"Hmm. This skill will come in very handy for ruling," Ethan smiled. The information he had just received was far more useful than he had expected.
"That guy… it feels almost as if he hates me more than anything," Ethan thought to himself.
"Perhaps he is my first gift from the family," Ethan muttered, a cold smile spreading across his face.
It seemed his stay at the Crimson Castle was not going to be boring after all.
Mentally prepared for everything ahead, Ethan called for Nicholas.
"Inform the expedition unit leaders. We will be going for an expedition now," Ethan told him clearly.
"But my lord, you need to rest," Nicholas said, his voice heavy with worry. "It has only been the first day since you arrived. We haven't even done any proper briefing yet."
"I am aware," Ethan replied calmly. "My announcement did not go as planned. Now I have to use another means to gain control over the subjects."
"I see, my lord," Nicholas said, nodding slowly. "I will inform the expedition units at once. I will go with them to ensure the success is worthy of your name."
"What are you saying?" Ethan asked as a matter of fact. "I am coming along."
His words left Nicholas completely speechless for a moment.
"But my lord," Nicholas protested, concern deepening on his face. "Your body is too frail for such a strenuous event."
"I will be fine," Ethan said firmly. "Right now, I cannot show any sign of weakness to them. What I need to display is strength."
Besides, he thought to himself, the more he strained his body, the stronger his physique would grow.
And if Ethan needed anything right now, it was a strong, reliable physique.
"Yes, my lord," Nicholas acknowledged at last. "I will inform the expedition team at once."
He took his leave with a respectful bow.
"Before he arrives, I should be ready," Ethan muttered to himself.
He began adorning his battle outfit with deliberate movements. The sturdy fabric settled over his frame, offering both protection and a sense of readiness.
He slid his dagger securely by his side. A wry smile touched his lips as he adjusted the weapon.
He had always been too weak to hold a proper sword. That simple fact had plagued him with quiet sadness for years.
But it seemed he would not have to bother about that limitation for much longer.
----
Soon the entire expedition team had gathered. They stood neatly in formation, their lines straight and disciplined under the castle grounds.
"See? I told you he is going to be the death of us, Commander," John whispered harshly to the man beside him.
Ethan, of course, heard every word clearly.
Yet he did not bother reacting to it.
He had other plans in mind for dealing with John.
And this expedition would provide the perfect opportunity.