Edward's guess had been spot on—President Liao had indeed come to see Aeron.
And not just for casual congratulations.
Edward, being as perceptive as he was, immediately stood and took charge. With calm authority, he asked everyone else to give the two privacy, clearing the room for Aeron and President Liao to talk.
Despite Edward's high position as the secretary to a city director and even in the presence of Colonel Huo Yanming, none of the other guests dared object.
They knew their place.
Inside the private box, Aeron sat across from President Liao, both men locked in eye contact.
"Mr. Jensen, I came today because I have a request to make." President Liao got straight to the point.
"Please speak, President," Aeron replied respectfully.
When the Carter and Huo families came earlier, Aeron had guessed their intentions. But Liao's presence was more perplexing.
After all, President Liao was himself a second-level citizen. Even if Aeron had surpassed him in strength, he was still a formidable figure, not someone to seek favors lightly.
So what did he want?
"One year from now," Liao began, "the Canglan Star Arena will be held. I would like you to represent Dongning City in the tournament."
Aeron raised an eyebrow. "The arena tournament?"
He quickly recalled the event.
The Arena was one of the biggest spectacles on Canglan Star—and even across the Universal Human Alliance. Evolvers from across every major city and star zone would compete in gladiatorial-style combat, their matches broadcast to the public in vivid, immersive feeds.
The battles were brutal, intense, and wildly popular with the masses.
"Why me?" Aeron asked plainly.
"Because you're from Dongning City. You're under a hundred years old. And most importantly—you're already near Rank Two in strength."
Liao's tone was steady and sincere.
"In Dongning City," he continued, "you are one of the strongest evolvers. Who else could I possibly send?"
He didn't sugarcoat the reality. The Association needed results. And Aeron was the only one who could give them.
"To be honest," Liao added with a sigh, "our city's rankings have been embarrassing in the last few tournaments. If we don't improve this year, I'll likely be forced to step down."
He spoke with a bitter smile.
The Evolvers Association's mandate was more than just administration—it was also talent cultivation. If the city's talent pool continued to underperform, the fault would fall squarely on Liao.
This was one of the checks built into the Universal Human Alliance, a way to push leaders and cities to nurture true strength.
Still, not all of it was punishment.
"If you rank in the top 3,000," Liao said, "you'll receive official rewards from the Alliance."
Aeron nodded. "That makes sense."
"Of course," Liao continued, leaning forward slightly. "If you help Dongning place within the top 5,000, the Association will personally reward you with 50 million civilization coins."
That caught Aeron's attention.
Fifty million?
He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
That kind of money would drastically ease his financial burden. Even now, after recovering from his last journey, Aeron still felt the sting of high consumption costs.
Twenty bottles of High-Level Nutrient Solution had been required just to restore his strength the first time.
What about next time? What if he advanced to Rank Two or beyond? He'd likely need even more powerful—and even more expensive—resources.
Fifty million would go a long way.
"Alright," Aeron said at last. "Let me think about it."
"No problem," Liao agreed.
There was still a year to go before the Arena. Time was on their side.
Outside the room, the family guests waited anxiously.
"Mark," Edward said, glancing at Aeron's father. "Your son's future is limitless."
Those words were genuine.
Every person outside had fallen silent by now.
Once, they might have harbored envy toward Aeron. But now?
That emotion was gone.
The gap between him and everyone else was no longer one they could dream of crossing.
Even President Liao had come to speak with Aeron personally. There was no misunderstanding about his status now.
"You idiot," Edward muttered, glaring at his son. "You had to open your mouth that day. You ruined a huge opportunity."
He had offered Aeron a spot for advanced education—one highly coveted within the bureau. If his son had just held his tongue, that favor could've grown into a bond with someone who clearly mattered.
But thanks to Ryan's arrogance, even that token of goodwill now felt meaningless.
"I didn't know he was this powerful…" Ryan muttered, shrinking under his father's glare.
He couldn't believe it either—figures from politics, business, and the military all showing up for a seventeen-year-old evolver?
Just the memory of President Liao calling Aeron "Mr. Jensen" made Ryan's palms sweat.
Half an hour later, Aeron and President Liao stepped out.
After Liao's polite farewell, the Carter and Huo families also took their leave, respecting that this was a private family event.
With them gone, the Jensen family dinner resumed.
But now, no one could focus.
All anyone could think about was Aeron.
Their glances were filled with unease, reverence, and awe.
An hour later, the dinner ended.
Many wanted to speak with Aeron—but none dared.
When they finally returned home, Claire couldn't hold back her curiosity.
"Aeron, what's going on?"
Her son had stolen the spotlight, but as a mother, she couldn't help but worry.
"Don't worry, Mom."
He smiled faintly.
"I was tested as a Rank One, Level 12 evolver."
Claire's spoon clattered to the floor.
"Rank One… 12th level?!"
Even Edward, who was sitting beside her, was stunned.
Twelve-stage evolvers were legendary. He'd barely seen Rank Ones, much less one this advanced.
His son?
A Rank One 12th-level evolver?
…
Time passed.
Six months slipped by in a blink.
At Residence 32, Shuiyue Community, Aeron sat cross-legged deep within the underground training chamber.
His breathing was calm. His posture steady.
Then—his eyes flickered.
Something had shifted.
His consciousness plunged inward—into the depths
of his soul.
There, within his mind, the colossal Gate of Myriad Worlds stood tall and glowing.
Its edge shimmered…
The second shuttle was ready.
(End of chapter)
---------------
Visit our Patreon for more:
patreon.com/Samurai492