In a room that was dim and heavy with mana, as each breath weighed down by the air itself. A single enchanted crystal lit the obsidian walls, casting distorted shadows over the four figures at the long table.
At the head sat a red-haired man, eyes sharp, grin sharper. "We've waited long enough. Tonight, we move. Swift and clean. No survivors."
Across from him, the bulky man sat silent. Calm, ready. He didn't need to speak—his presence said enough.
To the right, a slim man leaned back, fingers tapping the chair's arm. He stayed quiet, posture tight, eyes avoiding contact.
The red-haired man turned to him. "Quiet. Cold feet?"
The slim man straightened. "Not at all. I just don't care for dramatics."
A mocking laugh followed. "You always try to act above it. Just don't think you can coast while the rest of us do the work."
Jaw clenched, the slim man replied, "If I commit, I follow through. Don't mistake silence for weakness."
The bulky man glanced at them, unbothered.
Then the woman spoke, cutting the tension. "Enough. Focus. If we're using the Orb, the Stone, and the jammer, containment needs to be flawless."
The red-haired man gestured to the slim one. "He'll handle it. Orb and Stone—simple enough."
The slim man didn't argue, just gave a curt nod.
The red-haired man turned to the bulky one. "Your family leads the charge."
A deep, steady voice answered. "It's done. No survivors."
"Perfect." The red-haired man pulled a glowing parchment from his coat. "Now for the final piece. Mana oath. No one leaves without signing."
Silence followed as the oppressive weight in the room grew. The slim man stared at the parchment a moment too long before reaching for it.
"Second thoughts?" the red-haired man teased.
"I'm just checking your traps," the slim man replied, eyes scanning the contract.
The others read silently. The bulky man nodded. "No issues."
"Same," said the woman.
The slim man placed the parchment down. "It's fine."
Each pricked a thumb, blood falling onto the parchment. The contract moaned low, unnatural. Even the calmest among them twitched.
"It's done," the red-haired man said, eyes gleaming. "We're bound. No failure. Especially you," he added, staring at the slim man.
The slim man only nodded.
The woman stood. "Everyone knows their role. Let's move."
The red-haired man grinned widely. "Tomorrow night, they fall."
The air pulsed with dark intent as a moment later, the room was empty.
******THE NEXT DAY
November 26, Year 0040 of the New Earth calendar After Apocalypse (A A), planet Earth,
6:45 AM
Thunder god Domain/continent, Thunder Mansion
In November, much of the world embraces winter, and the Thunder Domain is no exception. Snow blankets the land, and most people wake to prepare for the day.
At the heart of the domain stands a towering mansion—perhaps better described as a castle—visible from nearly every corner of the region. A marvel of advanced and ancient technology, it blends the past and future into an awe-inspiring structure.
In one of its many lavish rooms, a young man sprawled across a king-size bed, shifting slightly in his sleep in search of a more comfortable position. But before he could settle, a soft click echoed through the room as a young woman entered. She picked up a remote, pressed a few buttons, and the room transformed.
The heavy drapes slid apart, allowing golden sunlight to spill through, casting warmth across the previously dim space. Additional sources of light flickered to life, breathing a vibrant glow into the once-muted surroundings.
"Young Master, please wake up. Your family is already waiting in the dining room," the maid announced in a professional yet gentle tone, standing by the bed.
A muffled groan came from the young man as he stirred. "Ehn…" He rubbed his eyes before blinking at the maid. "Good morning, Lora. How was your night?"
"It was pleasant, Young Master. It would be even better if you could get out of bed and freshen up in time to join your family for breakfast."
"Oh," he muttered before stretching lazily. He glanced at Lora and said, "I'll take a shower. Have my outfit ready when I return—something simple."
With that, he disappeared into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, he emerged wearing a bathrobe, a towel draped over his shoulders. He ran a hand through his damp yellow hair, exhaling contentedly.
"Nothing feels better than a warm bath," he murmured as he strolled into the dressing area. There, neatly laid out on a stand, was the outfit Lora had chosen for him. A chuckle escaped him as he studied the clothing.
"She still doesn't know the meaning of casual… Well, no point changing it now," he mused, shaking his head as he dressed.
….
A young man strolled through the grand hallway, his black trench coat flowing behind him. The corridor was adorned with ancient artifacts, their intricate details glowing softly under the golden light of chandeliers.
His light yellow hair and striking yellow eyes stood out, further enhanced by the golden cross-shaped earring in his right ear. He was undeniably handsome, and his all-black attire—trench coat, fitted shirt, trousers, and polished shoes—only amplified his presence.
This was Alex Tyr. And his journey was just beginning.
....
The massive dining hall housed a long mahogany table, its surface polished to perfection. Thirty ornately designed chairs surrounded it, though only a few were occupied. Above them, a chandelier bathed the room in a warm glow, illuminating the rich décor.
Four individuals sat at the table while maids moved efficiently around them, preparing breakfast.
At the head of the table sat a man with sharp yellow eyes and a well-defined jawline. His mere presence radiated authority, and his powerful physique was evident even in repose. Though he made an effort to suppress it, an aura of overwhelming strength occasionally flickered around him.
This was Lucian Tyr, sovereign of humanity, overlord of the Thunder Domain, and the strongest human alive.
To his right sat a woman whose flowing black hair cascaded just past her shoulders. Her jet-black eyes were intelligent and sharp, her features delicate—more cute than conventionally beautiful. Though petite, she carried herself with an air of quiet confidence.
She was Mona Perl Tyr, the greatest technician in the world and Lucian Tyr's wife.
To Lucian's left sat a young man who closely resembled Alex but with a more mature, chiseled appearance. His yellow hair and piercing blue eyes gave him a regal presence, accentuated by the golden cross-shaped earring on his right ear.
This was Logan Tyr, the eldest son and heir to the Thunder Domain. A Master rank entity, he stood just one sub-rank away from the prestigious Grandmaster rank.
Opposite him sat a young woman with radiant yellow hair and striking red eyes. The combination did not make her look unnatural; it elevated her beauty to a dangerous allure.
She was Morgan Tyr, an expert rank entity and the Princess of the Thunder Domain. Many feared and revered her under the title "Little Demoness."
Lucian tapped his fingers against the table, a slight frown crossing his face as he glanced at Mona, who was fully absorbed in her book.
"Mona, I've been thinking—don't you find it a little irritating that we must wait for Alex every morning before eating? He could join us later," he grumbled.
Mona responded without lifting her eyes from the page, "Lucian, we've discussed this before. No one eats until we're all together. This is the only time we get as a family."
She turned a page before continuing, "By lunchtime, everyone is scattered, and at dinner, either you or Logan are late or have eaten elsewhere. Only Alex consistently joins me for dinner. So, don't complain. Besides, you're the one who skips meals the most."
Lucian's face twitched, but he held his tongue. Logan, watching his father's reaction, sighed inwardly. 'Outside, he's the strongest man alive, but at home, he's just a regular husband. Women are terrifying.'
4 minutes and 26 seconds later…
The dining hall doors swung open, and Alex strolled in. A small smirk played on his lips as he saw everyone seated.
I'm Late as always. Dad's going to give me an earful again, he thought.
He walked over to his mother and kissed her cheek. "Good morning, Mom."
"That's not going to stop me from scolding you after breakfast, young man," Mona said, though a smile tugged at her lips.
"Morning, Dad. Yo, what's up, Logan? Morgan," Alex greeted as he slid into the seat beside his sister.
Morgan merely nodded in acknowledgment, but Logan raised an eyebrow.
"I still don't understand why you always sit on Mom's side of the table when you should be sitting near Dad," Logan remarked.
Alex smirked. Still as rigid as ever.
"What's wrong with being a mama's boy?" Alex countered. "Besides, Dad doesn't complain."
All eyes turned to Lucian, especially Mona's, her stare expectant as if on cue,
Lucian, maintaining a stoic face, sighed inwardly. This boy… He knows exactly how to play his cards. If I answer wrong, I lose.
"Leave him be, Logan," Lucian said, his voice firm. "It's just breakfast. Now, can we eat? I have an important appointment today."
Mona arched a brow but didn't argue. The maids swiftly set the table, arranging dishes and drinks according to preference before retreating.
Silence settled over the hall as Lucian gave a final glance around the table before picking up his cutlery. The moment he took his first bite, everyone else followed suit.
For a few moments, the only sound was the soft clinking of utensils.
Then—
Tsk. This is too boring. It's time to liven things up a bit.
Alex looked up from his plate and locked eyes with Logan, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Hey, I heard you got a girlfriend."
The words sent a ripple through the room. Lucian, who had been about to reprimand Alex for teasing, froze mid-sentence. All eyes snapped to Logan.
After a moment of stunned silence, Logan coughed violently, nearly choking on his food. He shot Alex a deadly glare. You're dead after this meal.
But Alex wasn't done.
His grin widened as he leaned back in his chair, dragging out his words as he savored every second. "What was her name again? Yǐng Yàn, right? The daughter of the Fire Clan's head?"
The reaction was immediate.
Morgan's chair scraped harshly against the floor as she shot to her feet, her red eyes blazing. "What?!" she shrieked, her voice slicing through the room like a whip. "Logan, tell me he's lying!"
Logan exhaled a long, suffering sigh, rubbing his temples. This damn brat… He gave Alex a warning glare, his eyes silently promising: You're dead after dinner.
But Alex, relishing the chaos, delivered the final blow.
"Oh, come on, Logan, no need to be shy." His tone was teasing, his smirk infuriating. "Didn't you start dating her right after you won the Master Rank tournament? That would make it, what… two months now?"
Logan clenched his jaw. You are so dead.
Morgan's hands slammed down on the table, rattling the plates. "So it's true?!" she demanded. "I thought you hated that bitch—"
"Morgan, language," Mona interjected, her tone carrying a quiet warning.
"Sorry, Mom," Morgan muttered, though she didn't sound sorry at all. Her glare remained locked onto Logan, her voice dripping with disbelief. "But seriously, her? Logan, I thought you had better taste. At least better than Alex, who chases after a pretty face."
"Huh? What did I do?" Alex asked, feigning innocence.
Morgan rolled her eyes. "Don't act dumb. Everyone knows you're a player."
"Not my fault I'm handsome." Alex shrugged, shoveling another spoonful of food into his mouth.
Morgan let out an exasperated sigh before turning back to Logan. "But you, Lucas, I thought you had more sense. That girl is…" She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Troublesome."
Alex smirked. "Like you can talk, Miss Little Demon."
Morgan's head snapped toward him, eyes narrowing. "What did you just say, Alex?"
"Nothing. Just eating." He shoveled another bite into his mouth, avoiding her gaze.
Mona cleared her throat before Morgan could press the issue, shooting both of them a pointed look. "Enough, you two." She turned to Logan, her voice softer. "Honey, we're happy that you found someone."
"Thanks, Mom," Logan said, though he still looked like he wanted to strangle Alex.
Mona smiled, adding, "Your father and I were beginning to worry. You're in your twenties now, and you still haven't dated anyone—unlike someone who went through a dozen girlfriends before eighteen."
Alex groaned. "Oh, come on. Why does everyone have to bring that up?"
Mona cut him off before he could protest further. "I'm not saying it's wrong, but it doesn't exactly give the best impression. I wonder what the girl you end up with will think when she learns about your history."
Alex nearly choked on his food before bursting into laughter. "Mom, you don't have to worry about that. I don't see myself falling in love. I'm too handsome for just one woman to handle." He leaned back lazily, grinning. "I have no plans to marry, no plans for kids. Relationships and family? Just stress and chains tying you down."
Lucian and Mona exchanged a glance, something unspoken passing between them.
Morgan exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. "That's why they call you the Lazy Genius." Her voice was tinged with annoyance. "You have talent people would kill for, and all you want to do is waste it, drifting through life without ambition."
Alex smirked. "Too bad for them, huh?" He stretched, completely unbothered. "Why shouldn't I enjoy life? Logan's going to be clan head. You'll be commanding the family's forces. With you handling security and him running the administration, what else is left for me, the youngest? I might as well enjoy the fruits of your labor."
The room fell into silence.
For a moment, everyone just looked at Alex. Different emotions flickered across their faces—understanding, disapproval, frustration—but no one spoke.
Finally, Morgan broke the silence, her voice quieter this time. "I still don't get you." Her gaze searched his face as if trying to piece together something she had never fully understood. "Most people would fight for the position of clan head, but you… you're just letting it go."
Then, as if something finally clicked, she whispered, "I think I understand now." Her expression darkened with realization. "Mom always said you weren't lazy, just lacking ambition. That's it. Isn't it? It's not that you don't care—it's that you just… won't try."
Mona stepped in with a gentle but firm voice sensing the tension rising again, "Sweetheart, I think we should end this conversation here." She turned to Alex. "And you should think about what your sister said. A little more effort wouldn't hurt."
Alex shrugged. "I don't see the point. I'm still one of the strongest in my generation, even without trying too hard. As long as I don't fall behind my peers, I'm fine." He wiped his mouth with a napkin before standing up, his plate barely touched.
Then, pausing by the door, he glanced back at Morgan.
"I just want to live a normal life. Is that too much to ask?"
With that, he walked out.
Lucian, who had been quiet through most of the exchange, watched him go, a shadow passing over his expression.
'Alex… those of us with the bloodline of the gods aren't allowed to live normal lives.'