fCorruptionV:** As I started following Rhinedottir, I couldn't help but wonder why someone of her status would go out to gather materials for alchemy herself. Shouldn't she be able to send someone else to do that? After all, she is one of the researchers from Khaenri'ah. Still, I felt a strange sense of corruption from her—perhaps that's what the Art of Khemia does to a person. But I'm certain she's not weak; she was able to consume the heart of one of the Four Shards of Heavenly Principles, also known as Naberius. She was known as the Ruler of Life, responsible for aiding the Heavenly Principles in the creation of animals, plants, and humans.
Anyway, it seemed we had finally reached Khaenri'ah, a place I could only describe as *beautiful yet gloomy*.
As we walked through the city, I noticed a group of people gathered nearby. Curiously, I asked, "What are they doing?"
Rhinedottir glared at me and replied, "They're a bunch of fools who can't agree with the Vinster King's orders." Ah, so that's what it was—those people wanted to stop King Irmin from using what they called "secrets from beyond the skies," which might refer to the Forbidden Knowledge.
I then glanced at the building near them and discovered it was a casino.
"Can you wait for me for a second?" I asked. Rhinedottir looked at what I was staring at, and a deadpan expression crossed her face.
"Didn't take you for a gambler. Wait, do you even have money?" she questioned.
"..." I hesitated.
"Yeah, thought so," she replied.
"Can you lend me some money? Like 10,000 mora?" I pleaded.
Rhinedottir looked me up and down with a bewildered expression. "Do you think money grows on trees?"
"Look, if I win, I'll return it—50,000, trust me!"
She sighed. "Okay, but I'm going to return the materials to my workshop. I'll see you at 6:00. Don't cause any trouble, understood?"
"Yes, ma'am." With that, I entered the casino.
I looked around, spotting the bar and the gambling tables where people were risking their money. I zeroed in on the wealthy-looking guy in the middle—*target acquired*.
"May I join you in the game?" I asked.
Some random dude smirked and responded, "Heh, you think you can win? You pretty boy. Let me tell you, I haven't lost a single ti—"
**Two hours later...**
The same guy stared at me, frustration evident on his face. "How is that possible? You must be cheating!"
I smirked back, "Oh, enlighten me. How am I cheating? What I see here is just some serious skill issues." The guy had lost more than seven times, and I had gained 10 million mora from him. To add insult to injury, I turned to the guy next to me and controlled his movements like a puppet to see his cards.
"You bastard!" The guy launched a punch at me, but I felt like I was in slow motion. "The Matrix, who?" I dodged effortlessly and countered with a punch that felt like a mix of a clown, barbarian, Arbiter, and sheriff—a punch so strong that he flew through a wall, crashing into another casino.
"Ah, fuck!" I exclaimed. I didn't mean to hit him *that* hard.
A crowd gasped. "OH MY GOD, YOU JUST ATTACKED A NOBLE!"
"To be honest, I don't give a single fuck. That guy was a crybaby who couldn't take an L."
Suddenly, the crowd murmured, "Doesn't he fear the royal guards coming to arrest him?" "Now that you mention it, I think Master Dainself might show up. After all, punching and nearly killing a noble might make you a wanted man."
Out of nowhere, a young man with a handsome face appeared. He had blonde hair and shining blue eyes and glanced at me as he stated, "You've made a grave mistake. You're under arrest for nearly killing a noble."
"Bitch, mind your own business! I'm just trying to collect my winnings from the casino; I don't give a fuck about that guy!"
Veins appeared on the young man's face.
Dainself replied, "If you don't put the phone down—I mean, if you don't come with me willingly, I will make you pay."
He attempted to draw his sword but realized it wasn't at his waist. Looking at the clueless guy next to him, he saw me holding his weapon.
Using my ability as a Sequence 4 Parasite, I closed the distance between us. What happened next shocked everyone watching the fight. I appeared behind the blonde and executed a suplex. A divine light surrounded us; the move was majestic.
But then I widened my eyes and quickly moved away; I felt like I was about to die. A figure appeared before us—it was the Commander of Khaenri'ah's army. He was a tall man with a significant build, glowing dark blue eyes, and long black hair spilling over his shoulders.
Dainself, still recovering from my attack, looked up and said, "How the hell are you...?"
I wanted to flee as there was no way I could fight someone who could handle an Archon. That guy was built differently.
"I am your father," I quipped.
"…What?" Thrain replied, clearly confused. Just as he was processing that, I took off running.
"Hey! Wait!" he shouted, quickly gaining on me. In a desperate move, I called out, "RHINEDOTTIRRRRR!"
Suddenly Rhinedottir appeared she glared at Trunest with a menacing look
Rhinedottir:I told you not to cause trouble"
Thrain: WAIT you know him? "
Looking at Thrain then at the injured dainsilef
With a look of petty
Rhinedottir: yes... Sadly"
She then turned at Trunest
Rhinedottir: the Vinster King wants to meet you"