*A Gyn ages faster than an Elf. The average Gyn's lifespan is 200 years, while an Elf's is 350. In the first two decades of a Gyn's life, the most changes occur. By age 14, a Gyn is considered a young adult. In contrast, an Elf reaches adulthood at a minimum of 18—though this varies between species.*
— *A Guide to Maturity by Vander Loudis*
---
Leron leaned back, watching the flickering lantern light dance across the room.
"I don't know much about it… I was too preoccupied battling the werewolves," he admitted. "But I tell you this—he was plenty strong."
Uriel and Raphael exchanged glances, absorbing his words.
---
**Uthean News Reports**
> "The humanoid wolf-type beasts were wiped out by what citizens are calling a 'black flash.'"
> "The Hunters' Association and the Divine Temple have investigated the matter. However, it has been classified as a beast rage—one triggered by an extremely powerful, intelligent beast species."
> "Hunter Nero Casagrande, an AA-rank, has been appointed to lead a new branch of the Lion Hunts C guild in Uthean, Northern Usera Dutchy."
> "House Carter has officially announced its change of name to House Thorne."
---
### **One Year Later**
"It took me five months to reach this point."
The room was dimly lit, the scent of blood still lingering in the air. Clad in a sleek grey suit, he sat upon the throne that once belonged to Uthean's most notorious mafia boss—the man whose lifeless head now lay at his feet.
Before him knelt five of Uthean's crime lords, their faces taut with fear.
"I have a simple task for you," he stated, his voice even. "Engulf Uthean in strife, and your lives shall be spared."
He rose from the throne, his presence looming over them like a shadow.
"Yes…" They nodded frantically. After all, their survival depended on it.
"You may call me Mr. O."
The moment he turned to face them, their expressions shifted from submission to sheer terror.
Shock widened their eyes as realization dawned.
He wasn't just some outsider seizing control.
He was **noble blood**.
One by one, their heads bowed lower—foreheads pressing against the cold floor—until they declared in unison:
"Yes, Mr. O."
A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"Huh."
Then, in an instant—he vanished.
---
### **The Next Morning**
Today was the day of Adrian's **coming-of-age ceremony**.
He stood on the balcony, watching the preparations unfold below.
Unnecessary fuss.
First, he would be baptized. Then, blessed by the Archbishop. If all went according to script, Lady Kairos would pass the helm of **Lordship** to him.
Adrian exhaled slowly, detached from the spectacle of it all.
He picked up his **journal**, flipping it open to a fresh page.
---
**[22/7/239 Era Igneous VII]**
_I plan to rule Uthean from the shadows as I climb my way to the top._
_I have subjugated the mafia and major gangs. The next step is to reduce Uthean to a state of unrest—one volatile enough for revolt._
_Once chaos erupts, the five remaining lords will be swept out of the picture._
_I could personally wipe them out—but I won't. There are two reasons for this:_
**1.** _It would be far too suspicious if all noble heads were eliminated… except for Thorne and Wilbert._
**2.** _Where's the fun in that?_
_The crime bosses will likely begin targeting trade routes, weakening the county from within. House Wilbert controls commerce—meaning suspicion won't fall on us._
_Inciting gang wars is also a viable option._
_I just hope I don't encounter anyone as strong as Leron** or **Juran again._