The parchment entered his mind?
Bruno Hornes was shocked, but he didn't show it.
At that moment, the parchment was still changing.
As those four words appeared, the whole scroll seemed to come alive. The old characters started spinning and rearranging, and finally turned into modern words that Bruno could understand.
A short note appeared:
"Everything can be given, everything must be paid. Blood as the key, tears as the bridge. The contract is opened. Two people, by their will, sign the deal. No one can refuse."
"???"
Bruno was stunned.
Put simply, all he had to do was pick a target. Anything could be traded.
Bone structure, intelligence, power, luck, even identity and fate. If possible, he could even trade them.
Bruno took a sharp breath. This thing was way too powerful.
But now he had the biggest problem: who would sign the contract with him?
And there was another problem that came with it.
If the person who signed the contract found the [Book of All Things], and passed the information to other families, even to the palace, would Bruno be completely exposed?
Huh, with such a powerful tool, if anyone found out, they would do anything to keep Bruno locked up, making him sign contracts for the strongest person.
Thinking about this, Bruno's face turned serious.
Was his parents' strange disappearance connected to this contract?
"Master... hey, Master...?" Fabian called out several times, but Bruno stood still like he was in a nightmare. The old servant even considered pushing him.
Bruno snapped out of it and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Master, your hand," Fabian pointed at Bruno's fingers, which were bleeding.
"Nothing," Bruno waved it off. His mind was full of how to deal with the Vulture's debt collection. "What do you think about Vulture?"
Fabian blinked. "I didn't get what you meant, Master."
Bruno said, "If you're willing to die with me, you need to give me some real suggestions. Otherwise, we'll both end up on the street."
"Well... there are two ideas," Fabian thought for a moment, and held up two fingers.
Bruno's eyes lit up. "Oh, two ideas?"
"Go ahead."
"One: sell the house," Fabian said.
Bruno shook his head. "No way."
The whole estate could be sold for more than a thousand gold coins, but everything belonged to his father. If he sold it, how could he face his parents?
Fabian bit his lip and said, "Then there's only the second option. You get into Sunset University. With the school's protection, you'll be safe."
"..." Bruno stared at Fabian for a long time, saying nothing.
Fabian smiled awkwardly. "That might be a bit hard."
"Bit hard?" Bruno raised his eyebrows. "Sunset University is the strongest in the city. If I could get in, why would I be fighting with Aldor here?"
In the Kingdom of Anlaine, learning to control Arcane Power has become the norm. And Sunset University's Arcane Power program is among the top five in the kingdom. Those who get in are the top talents of their city, the dragons and phoenixes of their province. If Bruno had that kind of power, Aldor would be begging for his favor, not trying to humiliate him with Monitz.
Fabian realized he had said the wrong thing and shut his mouth.
Bruno rubbed his chin and said, "You actually gave me an idea."
"Huh?" Fabian looked confused.
Bruno paced back and forth, then snorted. "In short, it's about putting up a big flag. If I were a disciple of a 10-stage Arcane Power user, would Aldor dare to bother me?"
Arcane Power users are the term for people who practice magic in this world. There are two types: Psychic Power Users and Martial Power Users.
Psychic Power Users use a Meditation Atlas to train their minds, while Martial Power Users use breathing techniques to strengthen their bodies. To be called an Arcane Power user, you need to have both. Focusing on just one is easier, but it's hard to become truly great.
"10-stage Arcane Power user..." Fabian's mouth opened slightly. He thought to himself, The master really has big dreams.
His old, old grandfather had only reached 9-stage Arcane Power. He killed 300 enemies on the battlefield and earned a baron title. A 10-stage Arcane Power user was rare-there weren't many even in the whole of Sunset.
Before long, Bruno had already made up his mind.
He had two paths to take: one was to find a way to earn money, and the other was to find a way to start training.
Bruno asked, "Fabian, do you know who really wants a noble title?"
"A noble title?" Fabian frowned, then thought for a moment. "The Avery family. They've been blacksmiths for generations, and when they made a lot of money, they've always wanted to buy a noble title, but they never had the chance."
Bruno made a quick decision. "Come on, let's go to the Avery's."
Fabian was confused, but Bruno insisted, so he finally agreed.
The next day.
The master and servant set out. To save money, they didn't rent a carriage-they walked.
The Avery estate was located in the new wealthy district of the city, completely different from Bruno's old, decaying baron's mansion in the old noble district, which was full of history and dust.
The Avery estate was brand new and grand, showing off wealth without any shame.
The tall iron gates were decorated with golden designs. The winding path was lined with perfectly trimmed grass and fancy flower plants bought at great expense from the south.
The master and servant were led inside by servants and soon arrived at the main house.
The main house was a building that combined classical columns with modern big glass windows. The outside was made of expensive white stone, which shone brightly in the sunlight.
Bruno's lips twitched as he muttered, "That's really generous."
Fabian lowered his voice and explained, "The current head of the Avery family is really good at business. His workshops are spread all over the provinces. It's said he even gets orders from the royal army. The money he's made might be more than some poor barons. The whole family, especially Paul, has always dreamed of getting a noble title and moving up into the upper class. But they've never had the chance or the way in."
In the Kingdom of Anlaine, noble titles can only be earned through military service. Even if you make a lot of money, without military achievements, it's hard to get a title.
Guided by a servant, Bruno and Fabian walked through a huge hall and were led into a luxurious reception room. The walls were covered in colorful paintings, and the fireplace was filled with gold decorations.
After waiting for a while, Paul Avery walked in with big steps.
He was broad-shouldered. Even in an expensive silk suit that fit perfectly, you could still see the strong bones of his old blacksmith body.
"Lord Baron! It's such an honor, such an honor!" Avery's voice was loud and had a metallic sound. He reached out and shook Bruno's hand, shaking it hard. "What wind brought you here? Please, sit down! Please, sit down!"
Bruno gave a slight nod. "Mr. Avery, sorry for the unexpected visit. I hope I didn't disturb you." He still kept the dignity and refinement of an old noble, something that came from deep inside him.
Avery widened his eyes and laughed, "It's an honor for me to have you here."
He told the servant to bring out good tea and snacks.
Bruno nodded. Once everything was ready, and the servants left the room, he said honestly, "Mr. Avery, you might have heard about my situation."
Paul Avery was a bit surprised. He didn't expect Bruno to be so direct. He chuckled, "I've heard a few things."
Everyone in the city knows that the baron's son made a big mistake and lost all his family's wealth.
Bruno faced it calmly and said in a soft voice, "Everyone's time is valuable. If possible, I'll just say it straight."
"Please do," Paul said seriously, looking sincere.
Bruno said, "I need money, and you want a noble title. So we make a deal. I give you a noble title, and you give me some money."
"Ah!" Paul's eyes opened wide. He looked shocked.
Can noble titles be transferred?
Paul Avery laughed and shook his head. "Mr. Hornes, stop joking. Transferring a title to another family? I've never heard of such a thing. How could it even be done?"
Titles are important because the kingdom must approve them. The transfer has to be official. And selling or transferring titles in secret is illegal in the kingdom.
Bruno's lips curled slightly, and he said with a fake mysterious look, "What if I could do it?"