C11 CHAPTER11

A wave of surprise swept through the Vaughn family as the elder cleared his throat, quelling the whispers.

"Clearly, the instrument has malfunctioned. After years of service, that's to be expected."

He whispered to a fellow elder and promptly dispatched someone for a replacement.

"Thankfully, we anticipated such an event and have a spare ready to redo the..."

"Humph! Elder Thomas, when did you assume leadership of the Vaughn family? Unless I'm mistaken, I remain the reigning patriarch."

Joren Vaughn's stern expression was unmistakable; his displeasure was evident to all.

"Patriarch Joren... I had no intention of overstepping, but the instrument's failure is apparent..."

"Apparent to whom? All I see is my son's brilliance being undermined by your actions."

Elder Thomas Vaughn's complexion shifted as he contemplated his own grandson's future leadership.

He was determined not to let a mere error jeopardize his favored heir's claim to power.

"Father, your support means the world to me, but I have no objections to a retest. After all, one cannot conceal the sun with a mere finger."

Blake's agreement caught everyone off guard...

He was well aware of the undercurrents at play and saw this as his opportunity to solidify his standing and restore his honor.

"Hahaha, indeed, the sun cannot be obscured by a finger," echoed Patriarch Joren, signaling for the new instrument.

"Previously, I might have overlooked Thomas's scheming, but since investing in that magic walnut..." Blake mused.

Resigned to his D-grade talent, he had prepared himself to relinquish his claim as heir for the family's sake, despite the disappointment it would bring his father.

However, a chance encounter with a greedy boss had set the stage for an unexpected turn in his fortunes. With a confident smile, Blake stepped forward to be assessed once more.

"B-!"

The grade materialized, leaving onlookers dumbfounded.

"Hahaha, the sun's brilliance cannot be hidden. Elder Thomas, my son is a prodigy, wouldn't you agree?"

Patriarch Joren's question, laced with biting sarcasm, wasn't just about vindication—it was a triumph over doubt itself.

It was crucial that everyone, especially the seasoned handlers, came to terms with reality.

"It's true, patriarch, young master Blake is the most gifted in our family, a true boon to us all."

Despite his reluctance to accept it, Thomas was aware that the situation had spiraled beyond his control. A smile may have graced his face, but his eyes told a different story.

...

"Dear Blake, I apologize for being absent for so long. I never anticipated your genetic awakening. Battling the schemes of these elders has led me to overlook my duties as a father."

Blake was torn upon hearing his father's heartfelt words. They brought him comfort, yet he also felt guilt for keeping secrets; the last thing he wanted was to mislead his father.

"We need to make up for lost time. Let's initiate a regimen to further develop your genetic abilities. Be prepared for rigorous training, day and night."

"Father... the truth is, my progress wasn't due to training."

Faced with Joren's skeptical gaze, Blake recounted the day's events, explaining how a pill had advanced his level and a walnut had enhanced his genetic talent.

Before his father could interject, Blake called forth his new battle pet.

"I acquired this magnificent creature from the same shop. Their prices may be steep, but their wares are nothing short of miraculous."

Joren's gaze locked onto the snow leopard. The sight was almost too extraordinary to believe, yet the proof was right before his eyes.

"So, this store offers level-up pills, a gene-enhancing walnut, and other wonders?"

"Yes," Blake replied, hoping his father would take his word. If he did, perhaps he could avoid the grueling training that awaited him.

"Tonight, we shall take a stroll together." Joren was intent on seeing this remarkable place for himself.

...

Just as Sam was preparing to close up shop, two men slipped inside.

"Good evening, Boss. My apologies for the late visit."

Sam instantly recognized his regular, the 'fat sheep', but the companion was unfamiliar.

As Sam sized up Joren, the newcomer did the same.

"Quite the prodigy we have here. So young, yet already an Evolved... though his exact level eludes me."

"Welcome back, esteemed customer. How may I assist you today?" Sam inquired, all the while sizing up the stranger's formidable presence. "He's stronger than me," he concluded silently.

"Boss, any Experience Pills left in stock?" Blake inquired.

"They're 10,000 spirit coins apiece."

With a matching grin, Joren snapped up 10 pills without hesitation.

Sam, finding his inventory lacking, hastily tapped into the distribution network multiple times. It seemed the proverbial sheep he'd been dealing with had just brought along an even plumper one.

Before the request for payment could be made, Blake stepped up.

"Boss, I've got 10 Level-2 zombie crystal cores for you."

These coveted cores are the rare spoils from defeating general-level zombies, creatures on par with human Evolved.

A single Level-2 core is valued at a hundred Level-1 cores, effectively making it worth 10,000 Spiritual Coins!

As Sam turned the gleaming core over in his hands, Joren pondered the pill now in his possession.

"Could this tiny pill really shatter the chains that have confined me for years?"

He alone grasped the full weight of its potential. Should it prove successful, the power dynamics would shift—it would no longer be the elders calling the shots in secret, but Joren himself.