It was the second day since the academy closed. News about the supposed "terrorist attack" was flooding every channel, each report more exaggerated than the last. Rumors spread faster than wildfire.
Of course, Link had become the star of the show. Every news outlet and social media post praised him endlessly.
"Hello viewers! Today we have Mr. Joseph from the Rex family's management department with us."
"Welcome, Mr. Joseph."
"Thank you. I'm Joseph, from the Rex family's management team."
"So, how did the Rex family react to this incident?"
"Well, young master Link displayed unparalleled courage. He even faced an A-rank terrorist. Naturally, the Rex family is proud and fully supports him."
Joseph went on and on. The anchor had to cut the broadcast for fear Joseph would never stop talking.
Rio shut off the TV, annoyance written all over his face. He had been enjoying some peace, but now the internet was flooded with these idolized interviews about Link.
The Rex family is truly a giant… sigh. Rio thought.
With immense wealth, political power, and the greatest guild in existence, the Rex family could do almost anything. Trillions of assets, a business empire producing everything from needles to satellites, and a pool of unique-class awakeners capable of crafting perfect-rank potions and artifacts…
Yet all of that had been "destroyed" in Fade's hands. Truly ironic.
Rio shook his head. Thinking about it wouldn't change anything. He had already done Link a favor by saving Riya. If Link didn't improve from here on, it wasn't Rio's problem.
I'll only intervene if he crosses a line and starts harming thousands of innocents. And if that happens… Fade will get the blame after I resolve Link's mess.
Just as Rio was lost in thought, the doorbell rang.
Who could it be? I have no friends.
He opened the door to see a boy with dark red hair and eyes, radiating an arrogant aura that screamed: "Kneel! You are an ant compared to me!"
"Hello, I am Link Rex. I'd like to talk to you."
"Come in." Rio invited him in, leading him to the sofa and bringing tea. Rio's expression remained calm, unreadable.
Link wasn't alone. Rio could sense two massive S-rank presences. They hadn't revealed themselves, but their warning was clear: don't mess up, or suffer the consequences.
Rio didn't care. Even if they tried anything, the dorm manager,another S-rank,would intervene. And these two were far more valuable to humanity than a C-rank kid like him.
"So… what do you want?" Rio asked bluntly.
Link's smile twitched. Finally, someone disrespectful.
"Was it you who saved Riya?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Don't pretend. What do you want in return?"
"If you insist… maybe a movement-type skill book or something would be nice."
"You're greedy. Do you know how precious those are?"
"Obviously. But for the Rex family, this is nothing."
Link laughed, conceding. "Fine, I'll have someone deliver it later."
"Now… tell me. How did you save Riya from that A-ranker?"
"Everyone has their secrets. Threats won't make me spill."
Link's grin faltered. "You're stubborn. What if I handle it myself?"
Rio smirked internally. Impossible. You already know the result of our last fight.
"Tsk. Fine. Don't tell me if you won't. Here, take this."
"This is?"
"A VIP bank card. Private savings. Consider it a gift for protecting Riya."
Rio blinked.
"That's generous… from you?"
"Not exactly. That's from the Rex family, not me personally. And you stopped me from causing harm to innocents. Thank you for that."
"…Huh. I didn't expect you to say thank you."
"Tsk. What do you take me for? I am a gentleman."
Rio snorted. "Biggest joke I've ever heard."
Link ignored him and rose. "I'll leave for now. We can talk later."
"Sure." Rio escorted him out. The two S-rank presences left as well. Rio closed the door.
That was the most dangerous moment since my reincarnation… sigh.
Even a small mistake could have meant death at the hands of those S-rankers. Surviving reminded him: I must become stronger. Strong enough to avoid dying needlessly.
The doorbell rang again. Rio opened it, expecting Link to have returned.
Instead, it was someone familiar.
"Uh… w-well, can I come in?"
It was Lia.