Chapter 102: Forging the Future

Luna took a deep breath, fighting to calm the turbulent wave of emotion that had swept over her during that strange vision. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, forcing herself to refocus as Ethan prepared to speak once more.

Ethan allowed the silence to linger, giving everyone a few moments to regain their composure. Only when every eye in the command room was fixed back on him did he break the quiet.

"Now that everyone has had enough time to calm down, let us return to the matter at hand." His eyes shifted toward Sir Peter, who sat across from him with a thoughtful expression. "Before I continue, however, there is something I would like to know. What do you intend to do from now on, Sir Peter?"

Peter did not hesitate for even a fraction of a second. "We will follow the Successor."

Ethan remained calm as he watched Peter, waiting for him to continue. There was something deliberate in the veteran’s expression, and he could immediately tell that the answer was not as simple as a basic declaration of allegiance.

Peter added, "The First Commandment tells us explicitly... once the Successor is found, the Order must assist him and follow his commands. But the Order was also entrusted with another solemn responsibility. We are to ensure that the Successor eventually faces the trials left behind by the King. Finding you was only the beginning of our duty. Guiding you toward the completion of those trials is the rest of it."

Ethan leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes narrowing as the pieces slowly began falling into place.

It seems some of my questions will finally be answered... Ethan thought. His attention drifted for a brief instant toward the faintly glowing Golden Dragon outline coiled across his palm.

"And what exactly are these trials?" Ethan asked.

Peter’s expression became slightly complicated. "I do not know."

The answer caused Ethan to raise an eyebrow. "Even you don’t know?"

"No." Peter shook his head. "Only the Supreme Leader possesses the authority and knowledge related to the trials to guide the Successor."

Luna listened quietly beside Ethan, her earlier confusion momentarily forgotten as she followed the mysterious revelation.

"Then where is this Supreme Leader?" Ethan asked.

Peter answered immediately, though his tone grew considerably heavier. "He entered deep seclusion several years ago. Based on what we were told before he withdrew from the outside world, he is unlikely to emerge for several more years. Until then, the Order cannot officially begin the process of preparing you for the trials, because the final decision regarding when you are ready belongs solely to him."

Ethan tapped his fingers lightly against the armrest of his chair as he absorbed the information.

"There is, however, one condition," Peter continued.

The atmosphere inside the room grew noticeably denser.

Peter looked directly into Ethan’s eyes. "When the time eventually comes, and the Supreme Leader determines that you are ready to face the trials, you must willingly come with us to the Sanctuary. When that day arrives, I ask only that you honor your word and follow us to the Sanctuary."

It seems they are concerned about my identity as the Heir of House Ravencrest...

He realized that the Order was heavily burdened by the ancient commandments of the Mercenary King, and he had no intention of demeaning their centuries of sacrifice and devotion. He knew that everything came with a price—and more importantly, he knew this legacy was far from simple.

"If I accept this condition," Ethan said slowly, "what happens until then?"

Peter’s expression relaxed slightly. "Until that day arrives, you need not concern yourself with the trials. We will follow your instructions and assist you in whatever way lies within our ability."

Corbin placed a hand over his chest and bowed his head. "You will have our absolute loyalty, Successor."

Drake immediately followed, though his enthusiasm was considerably less restrained. "Absolutely!"

Ethan studied the three men quietly. There was no hesitation in their expressions. Whatever their differences in personality, Peter, Corbin, and Drake were completely serious about their responsibility toward the Successor.

After several moments, Ethan finally nodded. "When the time comes, and I am ready to face those trials, I will go to the Sanctuary willingly."

He paused.

"As long as you keep your word as well."

Peter understood immediately. "Until then, the Order will honor the Commandments and provide you its full support."

Ethan nodded. "Then you have mine."

For several seconds, an absolute silence filled the chamber. Then, Peter slowly rose from his chair and placed his right hand over his heart. Corbin and Drake followed suit instantly, and all three men bowed their heads deeply toward Ethan.

Peter said solemnly, "The Order of the Mercenary King will offer you its absolute loyalty."

Ethan watched them quietly before gesturing for them to sit.

The entire scene felt strangely surreal to Luna, who was still struggling to process the fact that Ethan had somehow secured the absolute allegiance of an ancient organization founded by one of the greatest legends in human history.

Before she could dwell on the matter further, Ethan’s expression shifted back to business.

"Since we have established our positions, there is something else I would like to know." Ethan looked directly at Peter. "Can you tell me what exact position I hold within your organization right now?"

"Apart from the Supreme Leader, you hold the highest authority in the Order," Peter explained plainly. "Once you successfully pass the trials, you will hold absolute command over everything we possess. Though... given your current level of strength, I highly doubt you would be able to clear even a single trial just yet, based on what little I know."

Ethan felt a flicker of genuine surprise. Ethan was confident that, aside from Peter, no one present could pose a serious challenge to him in a direct battle. Peter hadn’t fought at full strength during their battle, his old injury holding him back even then. Yet with Intent now at his command, Ethan doubted that would change the outcome. Yet to think he couldn’t even clear a single trial...

Whatever this trial is, it’s something far beyond my current reach, Ethan mused internally.

The others in the room remained completely silent, listening intently to the exchange between the mercenary leader and the young heir without daring to interrupt.

"If I am not mistaken," Ethan continued, "the ancient Order primarily generates its funds through commissions handled by its various branch networks, correct?"

"That is correct," Peter replied.

"Then how much financial influence does the Order currently command within the Empire?"

Peter hesitated for a few seconds, a rare look of sheepishness crossing his face. A brief flash of concern flickered in his mind, worried Ethan might view their Order as incompetent—especially now that he knew the boy was the heir of House Ravencrest.

"None..." Peter admitted quietly.

"None?" Ethan echoed.

Peter nodded slowly, hastening to explain. "Everything we earn from commissions is channeled directly into training the next generation of warriors at our hidden sanctuary. The cost of purchasing high-grade resources, weapons, and cultivation materials for them is exorbitant."

"So I can assume you currently have no resources I can utilize?" Ethan summarized calmly.

Before Peter could answer, Drake spoke up with unabashed honesty. "Yes! We are dirt poor right now! Even the extra funds the Vice-Leader earned from taking high-risk personal missions had to be dumped straight into paying high-tier healers for his condition!"

Peter’s and Corbin’s eyes twitched at the same time. Across the table, Sir Ben and Teresa stared at Drake in disbelief, clearly wondering how someone could reveal the financial state of an ancient secret organization with such shameless enthusiasm.

Peter cleared his throat, forcing his expression back into its usual stoicism.

"...Yes," he admitted. "That is the reality of our current situation."

"If I plan to expand the Order’s operational reach... and I provide the necessary resources to back it, is that possible?" Ethan asked.

"Yes," Peter answered firmly, relief washing through his tone. "If the Successor is willing to provide the foundation, we would be more than honored to carry out your vision."

Without another word, Ethan reached into his coat and withdrew the document; one Iris handed him over upon his request, a high-grade magical parchment that glowed with a brilliant, faint radiance—and slid it across the table toward Luna.

Luna caught the document, but the moment her eyes recognized the golden luster of the parchment, her hands went completely numb.

This was a Gold Grade Patent—one of the highest legal classifications recognized across the entire Empire for groundbreaking magical, alchemical, or technological inventions. Obtaining a Gold Grade patent was a monumental achievement, one that would inevitably send shockwaves through the highest nobility and merchant guilds.

Beside Peter, even Corbin’s composed expression cracked slightly, his eyes widening as he realized the scale of what lay before them.

With trembling fingers, Luna carefully unrolled the parchment. Her eyes rapidly scanned the intricate legal terms, the official royal crests, and finally landed on the section defining the legal proprietors.

The patent for the revolutionary elixir process was registered jointly under two names: Ethan Ravencrest and House Bluemoon.

"This—" Luna gasped, her voice wavering. She read the line three times, convinced her eyes were playing tricks on her. "It... it seems there has been a mistake."

Sir Ben and Teresa quickly looked over her shoulder, their expressions mirroring her sheer disbelief.

"This document..." Luna stammered, looking up at Ethan with wide eyes. "Did the authorities make an error? Why did they include House Bluemoon on a Gold Grade patent?"

Ethan offered a faint, amused smile. "It’s not a mistake. I specifically had House Bluemoon included."

"Why...?" Luna whispered, her heart thumping violently against her ribs.

"Didn’t I say I want House Bluemoon to prosper?" Ethan said in an even tone.

"No..." Luna, even through her surprise, answered at lightning speed. "You said you didn’t want House Bluemoon to fall."

Ethan chuckled softly and waved a hand dismissively. "Let’s just say it’s both. Either way, Countess... try not to look so surprised every time I do something."