Time moved slowly, like water dripping from a broken tap.

Ethan sat on guard the entire time, his eyes fixed on Ray. The things happening inside the boy's body were enough to make his heart tense.

"I was right not to give this to Sophia first," he muttered. "She could never endure this kind of pain."

He clenched his fists, his expression dark. "System, why is this process so hard?"

[Host, this is a very significant change. Upgrading a bloodline is like changing one's birth. The greater the gap between the old and new potential, the harder the process becomes.]

Ethan's face twisted in anger. "What the hell? Then if I had given him an S-rank potion, my child could've died?"

He was truly furious this time.

[Calm down, Host. The system would never harm your family. If there was such a risk, it would have been clearly stated, or the system would have warned you directly.]

Ethan took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. Then another thought struck him.

"Wait… why do I feel like you've gotten smarter? You sound more… natural."

[Host, the system's main consciousness is only a fragment from your universe. As you grow stronger, it learns to understand your thoughts better.]

Before Ethan could reply, a weak voice called out. "Father…"

"Yes!" Ethan shouted, instantly jumping into the pool in panic. But what he saw left him speechless.

When the potion's glow faded, Ray slowly stood up. His legs shook, and he slipped, crying out in surprise. Ethan quickly caught him, steadying him with both hands. He blinked in shock when he looked closely.

"You… you've grown taller," Ethan said in disbelief.

Ray looked at his reflection, eyes wide. "Not just taller. I feel lighter… but also stronger."

The small boy who was once seven now looked closer to ten.

"Wait, you—" Ethan started but stopped midway.

"What's wrong, Father?" Ray asked, confused.

"Ray," Ethan said slowly, "you've awakened. You're now at the early stage of a Beginner Knight."

Ray froze, his eyes widening in shock. He lifted his fists and threw a few punches. "It feels true… but I can't control it yet."

"You'll need time," Ethan said, rubbing his temple. A dull pain pressed behind his eyes.

He didn't know if this was a blessing or trouble. Such a sudden change could draw unwanted attention.

"Father, what was that potion?" Ray asked softly.

"You don't need to know," Ethan said firmly. His tone left no room for argument.

"Listen, Ray. You'll stay here for a few months and train. No one can see you yet. These changes are too shocking."

Ray hesitated, then nodded quietly. He understood.

'I don't know what that potion was,' he thought, glancing at his father. 'But he must have paid a heavy price for it.'

....

Ethan then put Ray under house arrest after all the sudden change of Ray might be too hard for everyone to digest.

Sophia protested at first. She said it was too much. Ethan stayed calm and said this was for Ray's good. He told her this chance only came at this age. Sophia frowned but then she nodded. She saw it might be important and did not argue further.

…..

In the capital, a storm seemed to sweep through the palace. The old king sat on his throne with a tired face.

This was Mark De Rudius, the king of Ruthiana. A messenger kneeled before him and spoke in a low voice.

"I did not hear you. Say it again," the king snapped. The man trembled. No one in the hall breathed. "Your Majesty, the frontier attacked with full force. The troops we sent to guard the dragon nest were defeated and wiped out," the messenger said.

The king's face went cold. He could not hide his fury. "You say elite knights were beaten like that. Useless." He stood up and slammed his cup down. The cup hit the messenger's head with a loud crash. Blood ran down the man's forehead.

"Your Majesty, please calm down," another courtier said. "Their numbers were too high." The king paced for a moment. He ground his teeth and muttered, "Too high. Those from the Frontier dare show their teeth at us."

He looked around the great hall. His voice grew hard. "It seems they came prepared. Peace did not suit them. They want trouble." He paused and then spoke louder. "Good. If they want war, we will give them war."

The king turned to his commanders and nobles. "Issue the decree at once," he ordered.

"Call up the levies. All noble houses must provide troops. Irrespective of rank, they will send men and supplies."

He tapped the armrest and pointed. "Double the garrison at the border fortresses. Reinforce the watchtowers. Send riders to warn every district." His eyes flashed as he gave each order.

"And raise the taxes to fill the royal chest," he added. "We need money for arms and wagons. Take from the grain stores if you must. Use the mines. No one will be excused." His hand hit the armrest of the Throne.

"Those who refuse to obey will be stripped of title," the king said coldly. "Confiscate their lands and hand them to loyal lords. We will make an example. No traitor will stand in my realm."

He smiled with hard lips and spat out more orders. "Press the blacksmiths to work day and night. Produce pikes, armor and ballista bolts. Send coins to mercenaries. Hire more captains. Send envoys to forge alliances with nearby dukes."

"We will make those beasts from the frontier pay," he said. "They stole our treasure and shed our blood. They want my treasure that we found"

"Is this a joke?"

"How dare they aim for our things?"

"This is just the prelude..They are itching to fight with us and take our lands."

The room was silent after his speech. Nobles bowed with tight faces. They feared the king's wrath and the cost of war. Some stared at the messenger and sighed.

It seemed the war was inevitable.

"Now release it," Mark shouted, slamming his fist down.

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