Absolute Cheater

Soon, Asher entered the grand hall, where a long table was set with an array of exquisite dishes, filling the room with the rich aroma of a feast. At one end of the table sat an old man who, despite his seemingly ordinary appearance, commanded a quiet power. This was Arnold Magnus, the Patriarch of the Magnus family, Asher's grandfather. Opposite him, at the other end of the table, sat Ryder Magnus, Asher's uncle and the next candidate for the Patriarch position.

On Arnold's right sat Serena, Ryder's sister and the twin of Asher's mother, Selene. Serena resembled her sister almost exactly, except for her piercing blue eyes, whereas Selene's were a deep crimson red. Next to Selene sat another middle-aged man, Asher's other uncle, Liam Magnus, quietly observing the gathering.

To Arnold's left were the younger generation of the family. Two children were already seated: a boy with white hair and striking green eyes, and a girl with white hair and golden-yellow eyes. They looked at Asher as he entered, their gaze curious but held no respect instead they looked at him with disdain.

Despite the weight of the stares directed at him, Asher didn't falter. He walked calmly down the length of the hall, his footsteps echoing slightly against the polished marble floor. Reaching the chair closest to Arnold, he took his seat with the same quiet composure, his demeanor respectful yet unshaken.

Arnold, watching his grandson closely, gave him a subtle nod of acknowledgment. Asher returned the gesture. The moment was thick with unspoken words, the air filled with the expectations that only family could understand.

Without delay, Arnold picked up a fork and gently tapped it against his glass, the delicate sound ringing out in the hall. Several maids immediately entered, gracefully beginning to serve the first course of the meal. The quiet tension that had hung over the room dissipated slightly as the formality of the dinner began, but Asher knew this gathering was far more than just a meal. It was a prelude to something much bigger.

"Begin" Arnold said.

As everyone began eating, Arnold turned his attention to the introductions.

"Introduce yourselves," he commanded, his voice carrying a weight that demanded respect.

Serena was the first to respond. After taking a delicate bite and placing her fork down, she spoke calmly. "Serena Magnus, currently at Legend rank. My Inherent Ability is Dark Terror."

She paused briefly before explaining. "Dark Terror refers to the perfect blend of Blood Ruler and Black Lightning, a combination unique to our family."

With that, she resumed eating, her presence elegant and composed.

Next to her, Selene followed suit, placing her fork down before speaking. "Selene Magnus, currently at Mythical rank. My Inherent Ability is Crimson Terror."

She then added with a small, confident smile. "Crimson Terror refers to the perfect fusion of the Blood Ruler ability and Necromancy, a talent passed through our bloodline."

As Selene picked up her fork once again, Liam, sitting beside her, rose slightly from his seat, placing his fork down as well. His posture was upright, his tone respectful yet firm. "Liam Magnus, currently at Legendary rank. My Inherent Ability is Blue Terror."

Liam continued, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "Blue Terror signifies the combination of Blood Ruler and Hellflames, an ability that has been refined within our family."

Each introduction was a reminder of the family's vast power and legacy, their bloodline intricately tied to their formidable abilities.

Arnold, the patriarch, nodded in approval and then turned his gaze to his left. "You all saw how they introduced themselves?" he asked, looking toward Asher and the two younger children sitting beside him. They nodded in acknowledgment.

"Good. Go on then," Arnold said, taking another bite of his meal.

Asher was the first to go, being seated closest to Arnold. He stood up, maintaining a calm demeanor as he spoke. "Asher Magnus, currently at Iron rank in the Foundation realm. My Inherent Ability is Black Terror, but my blood color is blood red instead of black, as it was supposed to be in the Black Terror."

His words were met with surprised looks from everyone at the table. It wasn't just his ability that caught their attention, but the fact that he had already reached the Iron Realm, despite awakening only yesterday. The room grew tense with astonishment.

"Black Terror... with blood red instead of black?" Serena repeated, her gaze fixed on Asher, her tone more curious than skeptical.

Selene, Asher's mother, smiled slightly, though it was hard to tell whether it was pride or concern. "Remarkable," she said softly. The fact that her son had already surpassed expectations was undeniable.

Even Liam, typically stoic, raised an eyebrow. "To reach Iron rank that fast... it seems your potential is far from ordinary."

Ryder looked at Asher as he saw him not showing any expression despite getting so much praise and inwardly felt sorry for him 'My damm sister, made my cute nephew like her too'.

Arnold placed his fork down gently, the faint clink echoing in the room. "Impressive indeed," he said, his deep voice carrying an air of approval. "Achieving the Iron rank within a day of awakening shows not only talent but determination. But the color shift in your blood... That will require further study. You may have more potential than we initially thought."

The weight of his words hung in the air. Gaining Arnold's attention was difficult, and receiving his approval was even rarer. Asher could feel the heightened expectations from every corner of the room. But instead of feeling burdened, he found a quiet resolve growing within him.

Arnold then looked at the two remaining young family members, waiting for their introductions. Though the focus was briefly shifted from Asher, the shock of his swift progression lingered in the minds of everyone present.

The other two now no longer had disdain in their gazes as they looked at him, they all wondered how he is so fast in achieving the Iron Rank, when they all have even yet to start reading the Energy vein creation methods properly.

They but for now left aside their astonishment as they composed themselves and began to introduce themselves.