Evolution of the Ruined Heir-Chapter 141: Baffled

Khana knew it, too. She bore the scars from his countless corrections to remind her.

Still, when Julius learned the truth about her origin, his disdain had taken root. From that moment on, he had severed all emotional ties with her.

She hadn't seen him in years. The only reason she had this moment at all was because of the incident with Malakai, and because the guard had brought him to her manor.

And yet, even after all this time, his hatred hadn't changed.

Khana fought the tears burning in her eyes and forced a smile. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

"Is anywhere hurting, baby?"

Julius's expression twisted in disgust.

"Tch. Useless nobody."

Without a pause, he turned and walked out of the manor, his guard trailing behind him.

Khana watched his retreating figure in silence. The seconds ticked by.

And then, she broke.

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she slowly collapsed to the ground, sobbing quietly.

…

"He did what?"

The atmosphere in the room shifted. Varnel's cold gaze bore down on his subordinate like a crushing weight.

It was Iris, the same woman who had delivered the earlier reports. She was used to Varnel's unpredictable responses, but this time, his aura was far heavier… and the pain on her face showed it.

He was livid.

"Are you deaf!?"

Varnel's voice exploded, shaking the room. Books toppled from shelves. The walls cracked from the pressure.

"Kurg!" Iris let out a sharp cry. She felt herself being crushed by the sheer force of his aura.

Varnel's eyes narrowed as he caught her pain. He inhaled slowly, dialing back the pressure. But the temperature in the room only seemed to drop further.

"Speak."

Iris sucked in air, trying to steady herself. His mood was already soured, there was no time to waste.

"Report received from—"

"Go straight to the fucking point!"

Varnel's fist slammed into the table, reducing it to shards in a violent burst of power.

Iris flinched and quickly nodded.

"The Eighth Vein fought the Ninth Vein… and lost."

The air grew suffocating.

"How did this happen?" Varnel's voice came low.

And so, Iris relayed the entire events, Julius trying to mess with Malakai, their clash, and his eventual defeat.

"That stupid boy," Varnel hissed, teeth grinding.

'Shit.' His mind raced. Witnesses, sons and daughters of Highbloods, had seen it all. And because of the Iron Saint's interference, they hadn't even been able to control the narrative.

Word will spread.

"Fuck!"

Varnel's aura surged, the room quaking under its weight.

The Eighth Vein lost to the Ninth Vein. It wasn't just about pride, it was about perception. Malakai's standing would rise, while Julius's reputation would crumble.

Worse, the fragile alliances Varnel had with other Scarlet Ten and Highbloods could begin to fracture.

He exhaled deeply, trying to control the wildfire in his chest.

"Where is that stupid boy now?"

"At his manor, Third Pulse."

"Send word to Tumen." Tumen was Julius's assigned Bloom.

"Tell him to intensify Julius's training. He is not to sleep until the final night before the Hunt. And make sure he absorbs as many darkness creatures as his body can handle. As much as he can take."

"As you wish, Third Pulse."

Varnel's eyes sharpened. "How is the operative doing? Briefly summarize."

"Yes, Third Pulse," Iris responded immediately.

"Everything has been progressing smoothly so far. The Ninth Vein has yet to make any direct move on the operative, but she believes it's only a matter of time. Aside from that, she reported that the ninth vein has grown accustomed to their presence, they now have unrestricted access to the manor."

Varnel gave a small nod. "It's about time she proved useful."

Then his tone shifted, "Alright. Listen carefully to the orders I'm about to give."

Iris bowed her head, giving him her full attention as he began to speak.

When he finished, Varnel leaned back slightly. "That will be all."

Iris turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.

"Wait. Have someone clean this place up… and replace the table."

"Yes, Third Pulse," she said, bowing once more before exiting swiftly.

…

"Well, this is it, Ninth Vein!"

Malakai stared at the beaten and bruised Renlo, completely baffled by the situation.

He had felt guilty for once again getting the boy into trouble, so he'd offered to walk him, at least until they reached the gates of the Crimson Hold.

Not all members of the Sanguine Clan resided within the Crimson Hold itself. In fact, only a select few did.

Aside from the Veins, none of the other youths were based there. Most families lived in the surrounding buildings, just outside the Hold.

As a Vein, Malakai wasn't permitted to leave the Crimson Hold without the Sovereign's approval, especially since he hadn't joined the Blood Knights yet.

This was why he could only escort Renlo to the gates.

However, in a rather unexpected twist, Renlo had veered off the path and led him deeper into the forest.

Now, they stood before… a massive tree.

A fucking tree.

Renlo beamed, arms spread wide. "Hu hu! I tell you, Ninth Vein, this tree is amazing! It's served me for years now."

Malakai's bafflement only deepened as Renlo kept rambling on excitedly.

"Renlo…"

"Huh? What's wrong, Ninth Vein?" Renlo asked, blinking in confusion.

Malakai stared at him. "This is… a tree."

Renlo grinned proudly. "It's the greatest tree, Ninth Vein!"

"I offered to walk you home. What are we doing in front of a tree?"

"Just trust me!"

Then, without another word, Renlo grabbed hold of the bark and began climbing.

'Don't worry, Malakai. You're not the only one, I'm also thoroughly baffled.'

Valentine's voice echoed in his head.

Malakai exhaled through his nose.

'I don't think he functions the same way we do.'

'You're one to talk.'

'What was that?'

'Oh, nothing haha.'

Malakai's eyes narrowed, but before he could press further, Renlo's voice called down from above.

"Come on, Ninth Vein! It'll be worth it, don't worry!"

Malakai sighed. With his scythe strapped to his back, he leapt and began climbing. His movements were swift, and within seconds, he caught up to Renlo, who looked down with wide eyes.

'Of course,' Renlo thought wryly, 'I've been climbing this tree for years, and he's still faster than me…'

They continued upward without pause until they reached a wide wooden platform built near the peak.

Malakai stepped onto it carefully, gaze scanning the area.

He could hear Renlo scurrying across the platform excitedly. The boy pulled a lever, and a large cloak dropped down from above, wrapping around the entire space like a curtain.

A soft click echoed next, and light flooded the space, illuminating everything.