C11 CHAPTER11

As surprise rippled through the Vaughn family, the elder cleared his throat to quiet the murmurs.

"It seems the instrument has failed after so many years of use. It's to be expected."

With a few whispered words to another family elder, he sent for a new instrument.

"Fortunately, we anticipated this and have a replacement ready to redo the..."

"Humph! Elder Thomas, since when did you become the head of the Vaughn family? If I recall correctly, I'm the current patriarch."

Joren Vaughn wore a stern expression, and everyone could see his discontent.

"Patriarch Joren... It wasn't my intention to override your orders, but it's clear the instrument..."

"Clear to whom? All I see is that my son is a genius, and you're trying to hold him back."

Elder Thomas Vaughn's face changed color; he had planned for his grandson to become the future head of the family. He didn't want a measurement error to give the so-called unworthy heir a chance to stay in the line of succession.

"Father, I appreciate your support, but it's fine if they want to check again. You can't hide the truth."

To everyone's amazement, Blake agreed... After all, he understood the situation and saw this as his chance to secure his position and regain his dignity.

"Hahaha, indeed, you can't hide the truth," repeated Patriarch Joren before ordering the new instrument to be brought.

"Before, I wouldn't have minded old Thomas' plans, but now that I've invested in a magic walnut..." Blake thought.

A D-grade talent was common and ordinary, and although he was disappointed not to meet his father's expectations, he had accepted the possibility of stepping aside for the family's sake. But he'd encountered a greedy boss, and now his life was about to change. With a smile, Blake measured his talent again.

"B-!"

The letter shone to the disbelief of all.

"Hahaha, you can't hide the truth. Elder Thomas, my son is a genius, isn't he?"

With a smile full of sarcasm, the patriarch questioned Elder Thomas again, not just to rub the truth in his face.

The important thing was that everyone, starting with these seasoned handlers, accept reality.

"It's true, patriarch, young master Blake is the most talented young man in our family, and he is a blessing to us."

Although he didn't want to believe it, Thomas knew things had spiraled out of his control. His face wore a smile, but his eyes told a different story.

...

"Dear Blake, I'm sorry I've been away for so long. I never expected your abilities to awaken, and fighting against these old men's plans has made me neglect my role as a father."

Hearing his father's praise and sincerity left Blake feeling conflicted. On one hand, he felt warmth in the words; on the other, he felt remorse for keeping secrets from his father. He didn't want to deceive him.

"We must make up for lost time. We'll start a plan to develop your genetic talents, training day and night."

"Father... the truth is, it wasn't training that helped me."

Seeing Joren's doubtful look, Blake began to recount everything that had happened that day. He explained how a pill had helped him level up and how a walnut had enhanced his genetic talent. Before his father could question him, he summoned his new battle pet.

"This new beast was also bought from that store. Although the prices are steep, the products are truly miraculous."

Joren's eyes were fixed on the snow leopard. Though hard to believe, it was easy to verify.

"You say this shop sells level-up pills, a gene walnut, and many other miracle products?"

"Yes," Blake said, hoping his father would believe him. This way, he wouldn't be forced into relentless training day and night.

"Tonight, we'll both go for a walk." If such a place existed, Joren wanted to see it for himself.

...

As Sam was about to close the store, two men slipped in.

"Good evening, Boss. Sorry for coming at this hour."

Sam immediately recognized his regular customer, but the other man was new. As Sam evaluated Joren, Joren did the same.

"This young prodigy is already an Evolved at such a young age... though I can't quite gauge his level."

"Welcome back, dear customer. How can I help you?" Sam asked, assessing the strength of the unknown man. "He's stronger than me," was his conclusion.

"Boss, do you have any Experience Pills left?" Blake asked.

"Ten thousand coins each."

With a smile, Joren ordered ten pills at once. Sam, who was low on stock, quickly activated the distribution channel several times, feeling like Blake had brought along an even bigger spender.

Before Sam could ask for payment, Blake stepped forward. "Boss, here are ten Level-2 zombie crystal cores."

These Level-2 zombie crystal cores could only be obtained by defeating general-level zombies, which were as powerful as human Evolvers. Each Level-2 core was worth a hundred Level-1 cores, meaning one could be exchanged for ten thousand coins!

As Sam examined the new crystal core in his hand, Joren looked at the pill he had received. "Is it really possible that this little pill will help me break the barrier that's held me back all these years?"

Only he knew what this meant. If he could make it happen, it wouldn't be the elders secretly making plans, but him...