On the flying ship, Garion had gone all out.

The moment Rachel stepped aboard, the air smelled faintly of cooked meat and spice.

The deck had been rearranged.

Garion brought out a sofa and a nice table from his system storage to make Rachel feel comfortable.

Rachel blinked, looking around the deck. "...This doesn't look like a flying ship."

Garion grinned. "That's because it's not. This is the first-class God Gym hospitality suite."

Rynar squinted at the setup, rubbing his eyes. "Wait… since when do we even have sofas?"

Garion waved his hand dismissively. "Since today. We've got to make sure our guest feels welcome."

Rynor crossed his arms, smirking. "Oh, so now you care about furniture? Yesterday, you made us sit on crates."

Garion shrugged. "That's because you're disciples. She's a guest."

Dahlia narrowed her eyes. "So what does that make us, Master? Gym decorations?"

Garion smirked. "Depends on how well you train."

Clara snorted, trying not to laugh. "Oh, come on. Since when do you play polite, Master?"

Eliza, arms crossed, looked between them. "It's… surprisingly neat. You even set the table."

Rynar whispered to his brother. "He's actually being nice."

Rynor nodded, surprised. "Yeah. I didn't think I'd live to see this day."

Garion ignored their comments, turning toward Rachel with a smile.

"Please, Miss Rachel, have a seat." He gestured to the sofa like a host welcoming a queen.

Rachel hesitated. "You really didn't have to go this far, Garion."

Garion chuckled softly. "Nonsense. When a beautiful lady visits my ship, I need to make sure that she feels safe and comfortable."

That made the twins freeze mid-step.

Rynar blinked. "...What did she call her?"

Rynor leaned closer, whispering. "Is he... flirting?"

Dahlia's eyes narrowed. "He's too polite today."

Clara elbowed Eliza, grinning. "He's definitely trying too hard."

Rachel's cheeks turned faintly pink. She lowered her gaze, brushing her hair back. "You really don't have to say that…"

Garion smiled kindly. "It's only the truth, Miss Rachel."

For a moment, she didn't know where to look. Her hands fidgeted slightly before she finally sat down.

The others exchanged glances.

The twins were quietly watching, and they really felt awkward.

Rynor whispered. "He really reminds me of how Father used to talk to our first mother."

Rynar nodded slowly. "Yeah… the way he looks at her, it's the same."

Garion turned toward them, his usual smirk returning. "What are you two whispering about?"

"Nothing," they said at the same time, straightening immediately.

Garion chuckled. "Good. Because I'd hate to ruin the mood."

Rynar muttered. "Just what mood does he mean?"

Rynor stifled a laugh. "Romantic disaster incoming."

Garion looked back at Rachel, pouring tea into her cup with care.

"Try this, Miss Rachel. It's a special blend that I made. It supposedly helps calm the nerves."

Rachel accepted it gently, smiling as the aroma rose. "Thank you… You really didn't need to do all this."

Garion leaned back, smiling. "Of course I did. You're important to my disciples, and that makes you important to me."

Rachel's cheeks grew a little redder. "You're far too kind."

Dahlia rolled her eyes, whispering under her breath. "Since when?"

Garion's eyes flicked toward her. "Since always."

Everyone fell quiet for a moment, the teasing fading into a small, comfortable silence.

Rachel looked around the deck again, smiling quietly. "It's been a long time since I felt this kind of peace."

Garion smiled softly. "Then that means we're doing something right."

The twins shared a glance as their mother sat there, relaxed and smiling.

For a while, no one spoke, and the ship continued to fly to the Revalis Clan.

---

The Revalis Clan's arena was filled with noise as hundreds of Revalis cultivators filled the stands.

All of them were shouting and cheering as the first round of the yearly competition began.

"Welcome, everyone!" the announcer's voice boomed across the arena.

"The Revalis Clan's Annual Strength Evaluation has officially begun!"

The crowd erupted.

On the stage, Rovric and Ragric stood near the center, watching several younger disciples lined up before a tall, rune-covered pillar.

The announcer raised his hand dramatically toward it.

"As you all know, this is the Power Testing Stone! Every strike will reveal the true power of each cultivator today!"

The pillar shimmered faintly as he continued to explain it.

"Each color represents your strength from faint white to deep yellow. For this year's entry test..."

He paused for effect. The crowd leaned forward.

"All you need to do is make it glow at least pale blue. Only then will you qualify for the next stage, and it also means that you have at least the power of the Saturation Stage!"

The audience roared again in excitement.

Rovric smirked, glancing at Ragric. "Looks like it is the same old rules."

Ragric cracked his neck. "Heh. Let's see how many even pass this year. Last time, half of them couldn't even make the stone glow."

Rovric laughed. "Good. Then it'll be over quickly. And I'm only here for the real matches."

The announcer lifted a list. "First participant... Rabin Revalis! Step forward!"

A young man walked up and clenched his fist, preparing to strike the stone pillar.

"Remember!" The announcer shouted.

"Any technique is allowed! Martial arts, elemental magic, or even pure physical strength. Show us your strength!"

Rabin inhaled sharply, then red mana coated his fist as he punched the stone pillar.

Boom!

The runes flashed bright white, then slowly settled into a faint blue.

The announcer shouted and congratulated him at the same time.

"Pale blue! Congratulations, you passed!"

Cheers erupted again. Rabin grinned in relief and stepped back.

Ragric chuckled. "Not bad for a start. Still weak, though."

Rovric tilted his head. "At least he didn't embarrass himself."

The announcer waved the next name. "Next one, Rielfa Revalis!"

A girl stepped up, her leg coated with yellow mana as she launched a spinning kick at the stone pillar.

And the same as before, the pillar glowed pale blue.

"Light blue! It was brighter than before! Good!"

The crowd roared louder.

Ragric's grin widened. "Now that's better. Maybe this year won't be so boring after all."

Rovric looked toward the gates, grinning. "Let's hope the ones we really want to see actually show up."

The announcer's voice boomed again, full of excitement.

"The energy here is incredible! The Revalis Clan continues to prove its name as the Flaming Storm Clan!"

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