The next morning, I was summoned by the city lord.
Upon entering his estate, I was greeted by a young man whose body radiated raw vitality. His features matched the image I'd seen of the city lord, though the age was clearly wrong. His skin was firm, hair dark and full, posture upright and steady. The man looked like he had just stepped into his prime.
"This must be the city lord," I muttered to myself.
"Greetings, City Lord."
He chuckled, voice booming with confidence and youth.
"Hahaha! My boy, I hope your night was blessed by the Galatian's Crow."
I offered a slight nod as he gestured toward the empty seat beside him.
"This is my lovely wife, Hana."
Turning to her, I dipped my head in greeting.
"Aunty, your beauty rains across the stars."
Her lips curved into a smile as her gaze lingered a moment too long.
"Sly boy," she said, her eyes still fixed on me.
"Uncle, I see you've recovered well."
"Recovered? I feel reborn," he said, standing up with a flare of his aura. "As you can see, I've returned to my youth, and my elemental affinity has improved beyond recognition. Those old monsters would kill for the treasure you casually handed me."
His joy was genuine—palpable. His spiritual pressure burst through the estate's reinforced ceiling without resistance. A hidden beast reborn.
Aunty Hana spoke next, dramatically pressing a hand to her forehead.
"Your aunty isn't feeling too well," she said, sighing deeply as if weakened by the sight of me near her man.
I laughed softly, catching her game.
"Oh, aunty…"
From my storage, I pulled out an Okiron-sealed tube. Inside, a vibrant golden fruit pulsed faintly—its life force perfectly sealed.
"This one is in its most potent form," I said, handing it over.
The city lord's eyes widened.
"What kind of casing is that?" he muttered.
He was stunned. The container showed no runes, no inscriptions, no mana circuits. Just pure function and flawless containment. His mind buzzed with questions.
Omin… you never said this boy was like this.
The city lord grumbled under his breath.
I saw him once… and that same day I was reborn. Why do all the good things go to the Godfalls?
A short pause. Then he muttered, half to himself, half aloud:
"Maybe I should introduce my eldest daughter to him…"
He recalled watching Dax—his arrival on the city walls, and his fight with the Phantom Twelve. A genius born once in a thousand years… no, rarer.
'There's nothing wrong with binding myself to the Godfalls,' he thought. At that moment, his mind was clouded by ambition.
I walked over and handed it to aunty.
"Aunty, it's best you use it now."
She stood instantly, holding the jar with trembling hands.
"Thank you, dear." She turned to leave, then paused.
"Dax… are you single?" she asked without looking back.
Before I could answer, she continued, "My eldest daughter is *very* single. Sometimes I wonder if she wants to remain that way forever…"
She sighed dramatically and walked off.
The city lord winked at her as she disappeared around the corner.
He leaned toward me and smirked.
"She's a very beautiful girl. Trust me—she has everything, if you know what I mean."
Oh, they want to elope me with their daughter.
I leaned back, silently amused. Typical.
But I already have a woman. And while she's recovering… I won't go around perching on new beauties.
I remained composed, lost in thought.
"Uncle," I finally said, voice calm, tone unreadable. "I'd love to meet her, but… another time."
I let my words fall like I had no choice. "I plan to return to my clan today."
He caught it—my ambition, the fire I no longer tried to hide.
*Sigh.* "I thought you might stay a little longer," he said, shoulders relaxing.
"I can't."
"Alright then." His voice softened with diplomacy. "Currently, my daughter is in the Empire's capital, studying at Ambroxia—the best sword and magic academy in all of the Arbadon Empire."
"Ambroxia…" I repeated softly.
"She's in her third year now. Three months from today, I'll be hosting a banquet to celebrate her return. And I'm personally inviting you as an honorary guest."
He smiled again—this time deeper. More intent. He was going all in.
I nodded, smiling faintly in return. "Then I will be there."
He looked pleased. But I noticed his eyes drift once again toward the sealed container I had handed to Hana. He couldn't stop staring at it.
As we discussed a servant returned the jar.
"Uncle," I said, drawing his attention, "you keep glancing at this container."
He chuckled awkwardly. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen."
"That container was forged from a special stone I excavated from the Shattered world ruins. It's rare. I used it because of its suspension properties."
"Suspension?" His brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
I let the silence linger before answering.
"It means the laws of time don't function within that jar. Anything sealed inside is removed from reality. Permanently frozen… until released."
His pupils dilated. Breath caught in his throat.
"This is… unreal. Boy, you've gained a lot."
He took that well.
"May I… keep the container?" he asked, now more reverent than curious.
"It is yours, Uncle," I replied with a respectful nod.
"I'll be taking my leave."
Without delay, he called his servants and ordered the finest carriage in the estate to be prepared.
A brown carriage lined with silver glyphs pulled by twin-scaled dragon horse awaited outside. It was fit for royalty—more than enough for a returning Godfall.