NOVEL WEB Chapter 16: CHAPTER 15: Word Gets Out
In the Arcana mansion, tension thickened the air like fog before a storm.
"Are you sure that is what happened?" A deep, gravelly voice echoed across the vast room. It was the kind of voice that didn't just ask questions—it demanded answers, the kind that could make even a seasoned warrior's spine stiffen.
The speaker sat like a statue carved from ancient pride and power. Raven Arcana, Patriarch of the Arcana Clan, looked every bit the emperor of his domain. In his late sixties with snow-white hair tied into a precise ponytail and a thick, immaculate beard, he wore a pristine white suit that shimmered under the chandelier's glow. The golden Sun crest of the Arcana Clan blazed proudly across his back like a divine branding.
Kneeling before him was a sharply dressed man in an obsidian suit. His posture screamed discipline, and the sharp push of his glasses up the bridge of his nose added an extra note of severity.
"Yes, my lord," the man—Firah—answered, his voice as cold as his demeanor. "Although the Arcane Empress intervened in the Scarlet Vein's operation, it was her son—youngest heir to the Ethera family—who killed most of the cult members before her arrival."
Raven's brow furrowed slightly, a rare show of interest.
"I see... So all the Guardian-issued reports were fabricated?" he asked, his words slicing into the silence like a dagger.
"Yes, sir. All a cover story. The Arcane Empress planted them to conceal her son's capabilities. She even filed a fake hospital record to make it seem like he was injured during the first wave."
A long pause.
Then, a smile.
"So... the Ethera Clan has created a monster of their own," Raven murmured, almost fondly. His gaze fell, thoughtful. "Alright. Good job, Firah. I want you tracking the Scarlet Vein's movements—their attacks have been far too brazen lately. And perhaps... it's time we call a council."
Firah gave a curt nod. "Yes, sir. I'll begin preparations immediately."
He turned to leave, but Raven stopped him.
"Oh, and Firah—keep me updated the moment the Ethera boy wakes up."
Firah hesitated. A flash of discomfort. Then: "Understood, sir."
Raven leaned back into his chair, eyes narrowing with interest.
"Things are finally getting exciting again."
---
In a mysterious dark chamber, only bathed by the multiple candle lights scattered across it.
Dozens of robed figures knelt in absolute silence, all facing one man with his back turned to them. The man, cloaked in a long coat laced with golden trims and standing tall with dark-trimmed hair, radiated quiet menace.
The air was thick with fear and reverence.
The moment he raised a glass of crimson wine to his lips, the entire chamber went silent—as if the act itself demanded it.
"So... I give you all one job. Just one. And you get humiliated by a ten-year-old," the man said, his voice smooth but dipped in venom.
Murmurs rose. Panic. One figure stepped forward, desperate.
"My lord! We—we didn't know the child was—"
Pop.
The man flicked his fingers.
And just like that, the pleading figure's head exploded like a dropped tomato. Blood splattered across the chamber, but no one dared flinch.
"How many times must I remind you not to speak without permission?"
The room remained deathly still.
"I want a meeting with the Blood Warlords. Inform them: Phase One begins now."
The rest of the robed figures bowed low before vanishing into the shadows.
Left alone, the man raised his wine glass again.
"Ethera… that brat has become a thorn. But no matter. I pluck thorns."
---
"Ugh… damn, my head hurts."
Astrid groaned as he forced his eyes open. The sterile ceiling greeted him like a bad omen.
"Where the hell… am I?" he muttered. The smell of disinfectant slapped his nose so hard he nearly sneezed his soul out.
It didn't take a genius to figure it out—he was in a hospital. A fancy one, judging by the king-sized bed, luxury white walls, and tray of untouched food beside him. On his right was a white chair with a book left behind, as if someone had just stepped out. Opposite him hung a large mirror—
—and what he saw nearly gave him a heart attack.
"I look like a freaking mummy. Great."
Bandages wrapped around his chest, arms, forehead… only his eyes were spared. He looked like someone had tried to gift-wrap a war crime.
"Did I… actually survive?"
Then the memories came flooding back—the battle, the Scarlet Vein, Lia, the explosion of raw power—
"Oh yeah! The system!"
Astrid's eyes lit up as he willed the interface open.
---
<<< Quest Completed >>>
<<< Level Up >>>
<<< Level Up >>>
<<< Host leveled up from EXP gained while fighting the Scarlet Vein >>>
<<< However… due to host incompetence and failure to complete the final phase of the quest, only partial rewards will be granted >>>
<<< Reward Breakdown >>>
Five percent increase to all stats
Two percent increase to current Talents
New Talent: Locked (due to premature intervention)
<<< The System is Disappointed >>>
---
Astrid blinked.
"You lying, half-baked, junkyard-rigged excuse for a system! I risked my life out there! I almost died for you!"
<<< The host should perhaps not be so fragile next time >>>
"FRAGILE?! I soloed half the cult with a sword the size of my torso while bleeding out from my ribs!"
<<< Host should consider survival part of the job description >>>
"You're lucky I can't uninstall you."
<<< Host termination in 10… 9… 8… >>>
"WAIT! I WAS JOKING! GEEZ!"
<<< …Pathetic. Claim your rewards and move along. >>>
Astrid grumbled, but the moment he accepted the rewards, he could feel it. His muscles relaxed; his breath came easier. Power quietly surged through him.
"Okay… not bad," he muttered, cracking his neck.
<<< Current Status >>>
Level: 5
Strength: 20
Speed: 22
Endurance: 25
Charm: 37
Luck: 35
Magic Energy: 55
"Just need to hit 100 in everything and I'll become the next anime final boss," he said, smirking.
Just as he leaned back with a sigh of contentment, the door swung open.
A nurse peeked in. Their eyes met.
Her eyes widened.
Then, she screamed like she'd seen a ghost.
"The young master is awake!!!"
Astrid's face fell.
"…Dammit."