For now, Theo's group was already making their way out of the frigid region. Alongside Theo were Leo, Lore, Elyas from the Burning Seven, Hitch from the Alchemy Seven, and nine other young adventurers hailing from the Royal Clan and various other factions.
Apart from Theo, almost everyone wore a dark expression, especially Leo and Lore. Ever since they had joined this arrogant and greedy prince, they hadn't laid their hands on a single treasure of real value. All of them had fought tooth and nail against vicious beasts, only to be rewarded with worthless scraps. Even something as modest as a third or fourth grade magic crystal never made it into their pockets.
Meanwhile, Theo was grinning from ear to ear, his mood sky-high. He didn't even have to lift a finger; in his eyes, his so-called servants did all the dirty work to gather the loot he desired. None of them dared defy his commands. He was a prince—and there were three other members of the Royal Clan keeping watch over him, ready to put any rebellious youngster in their place.
As they traversed the snowy expanse, the group occasionally stumbled upon the corpses of young Adventurers. And each time, Theo shamelessly claimed every last belonging from the fallen, not leaving so much as a copper piece behind. Whenever they found survivors, the prince would simply recruit them into his ranks, expanding his force of unwilling servants.
Even though Leo and Lore knew perfectly well they were being used as little more than errand boys, they couldn't muster the courage to protest. The prince's status was far too high in the kingdom; crossing him would only spell ruin for their futures.
The gap between the Royal Clan and the Noble Clans was simply too vast. The Royal Clan ruled the entire Sacred Dragon Kingdom. The nobles were merely subjects, forever beneath the king's commands.
So even if every shred of pride within them recoiled at serving this wretched prince, they had no choice but to obey.
At one point, Leo and Lore discovered a Fifth Grade Magic Crystal—but of course, it ended up in Theo's hands. Even though their hearts burned at the injustice, they could do nothing. Not only was Theo a prince, but none of them could match his strength, let alone wrest the treasure away.
They didn't even dare let their irritation show. So they plastered on hollow smiles whenever Theo looked their way, though deep inside, they felt sick to their stomachs. Playing along with this arrogant prince was an insult to their principles.
After several days of combing the snowy region—and having more or less searched the entire place—they were now heading for the plains, all because Theo demanded it.
Leo and Lore would have preferred to sweep through the forests in hopes of finding their missing comrades. But as always, Theo's word was law.
They hadn't seen even the faintest trace of the Soaring Seven. And so, they began to suspect those members were either somewhere in the forest or wandering the plains just like them. They clung stubbornly to the hope their companions were alive and safe, unwilling to consider the possibility of something worse.
Though they forced themselves to stay positive, both were secretly anxious. They had no way of knowing whether their friends still drew breath.
As they carefully made their way toward the edge of the snowy region, the arrogant prince spoke up again.
"I advise you all to remain vigilant," Theo declared with self-important gravity. "If you are attacked by a Vicious Beast in secret, you'll die without a doubt. Protect yourselves—and protect me."
The group's mood sank even further. They were the ones fighting, and yet every reward went straight into this shameless prince's hands.
Some of them were red-faced, ready to explode with anger—when suddenly, all of them stiffened, alert. A powerful aura was approaching from not far off.
Everyone—everyone except the prince—instinctively drew their weapons.
They turned toward the source of the presence, eyes wide in shock as they spotted two figures approaching. A glimmer of relief lit up their expressions at last—someone truly powerful had arrived!
It was Ashe, accompanied by Finn—the boy who had already attained the 5th Level Profound Rank!
The moment Leo and Lore recognized the figures, joy and anticipation flooded their faces. Their eyes shone with renewed hope.
They immediately broke away from Theo's side, moving toward Ashe and Finn—only to freeze mid-step, their eyes widening in horror.
A massive vicious beast's presence was suddenly erupting from beneath the thick snow!
Without hesitation, they scrambled backward, retreating as fast as their legs could carry them.
The moment they reached a safer distance, the snow exploded skyward, showering the area in a blizzard of white powder—revealing a colossal white worm emerging from its hidden burrow.
"Electric Snow Worm! That's a Fifth Grade Vicious Beast! Its power is comparable to a 4th Level Profound Rank!" someone screamed.
Despair filled their eyes. Their feet refused to move, as if nailed to the ground. Cold sweat dripped from their brows as the realization sank in—
This might be the end.
ROOOAR!!
The enormous worm fixed its gaze on Leo and Lore and lunged with terrifying speed.
It let out an ear-splitting roar, splitting the air as it opened its cavernous jaws—countless dagger-like fangs glinting inside.
It intended to swallow them whole.
The Adventurers and Theo himself retreated at once when they saw the beast charging the two boys.
They were all Scarlet Gold Rank—none of them stood the slightest chance of saving their comrades. Even if they could, none were willing to throw their lives away for them.
With its overwhelming strength, the Electric Snow Worm could crush their bones to powder in a single bite.
Leo and Lore went pale as corpses. Fear consumed them until their vision turned blank.
But then—
Finn sprang into action. His eyes sharpened, and in one smooth motion, he drew his High-tier Excellent Armament.
There was no time to hesitate. The monster was already too close.
Scarlet energy engulfed Finn's crimson blade. He swung it three times with blinding speed.
Rapid Three Slashes!
Each strike landed true, smashing into the creature's thick body before it could even let out another roar.
The beast shuddered—and then fell still.
A heartbeat later, its enormous form split cleanly into three pieces, the severed segments crashing heavily into the snow.
Foul-smelling green liquid gushed out, dissolving everything it touched into sludge.
No one moved.
Not one person present noticed the stench—every eye was fixed, stunned, on the boy standing calmly before the fallen beast.
Finn… had just killed a 4th Level Profound Rank creature in a single attack.
'How…?'
Even if he was one rank stronger, there was no way such a beast should fall so easily… was there?
And that weapon… a High-tier Excellent Armament!
An Excellent Armament was the ultimate symbol of status and wealth.
Among them, only elders, clan patriarchs, or sect masters ever wielded such treasures.
So how did Finn—just a boy—possess something this valuable?
They simply couldn't fathom the mystery. In that moment, it felt as if this boy was wealthier than the prince himself.
Not far away, Theo's eyes gleamed with naked envy. He had an Excellent Armament too—but his was only a low-tier.
There was simply no comparison.
Still, all he could do was stare and seethe. Even if he yearned to claim Finn's blade for himself, there was nothing he could do but stifle the itch in his greedy palms. Unless by some miracle Finn dropped dead on the spot, he'd never get his hands on it.
After a long silence, everyone gradually collected themselves. They turned to Finn, who was already sheathing his weapon, their eyes a mixture of awe and fear.
Thank the heavens this monster of a boy wasn't their enemy. No—thank the heavens they hadn't provoked him.
A moment later, Lore stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Thank you…for saving us, Finn," he said, voice unsteady.
Finn looked at him and smiled lightly.
"You don't need to thank me. We're part of the same faction—and I swore I'd help any of my fellow members when they need it."
He tilted his head.
"And besides…aren't we friends too?"
Lore blinked, then nodded dazedly.
He really did admire Finn. The boy didn't just say he valued his comrades—he proved it.
All his life, Lore had been self-serving, never caring about others unless he stood to gain. But now…
Suddenly, Ashe's voice cut through the quiet.
"Oi, Finn. Aren't you going to collect the magic crystal and the valuable parts from that beast?" she called, pointing to the corpse.
Finn shook his head. He'd already gathered more than enough fine meat and precious materials. He didn't need anything else.
When Ashe heard that, her eyes practically sparkled.
Lucky her—she'd get all the spoils.
'Greedy woman,' Finn thought wryly as he watched her busy herself.
Ashe's hands glowed with soulforce, protecting her skin from the beast's poisonous blood.
Before long, she pried free the Fifth Grade magic crystal. A brilliant red glow bathed the area.
Apart from Finn, every eye there lit up with envy as they stared at the gem. But none dared make a move.
With Finn here, they knew better than to let their greed get the better of them.
All except Theo, whose eyes nearly bulged from their sockets as he all but drooled over the crystal and the Fifth Grade remains.
When Ashe finally tucked it away, Theo felt a sharp stab in his chest, as if a hundred needles were piercing his heart.
If only he could add that crystal to his collection, he'd surely earn tremendous favor from his royal father…
After a moment of simmering resentment, Theo drew in a breath, smoothed out his expression, and turned to Finn and Ashe. He swept past Leo and Lore as though they were beneath notice.
Only a handful of princes—and Diana—were worthy of standing as his equals. Everyone else was nothing.
He had long since accepted that he could never surpass the strongest princes. So he took out his frustrations on the weak.
"Miss Ashe, you've reached the 6th Level Scarlet Gold Rank—how extraordinary. Truly, you are blessed by the heavens. I hope I may have the chance to train alongside you someday," he said with a too-smooth smile.
Ashe ignored him outright, her gaze falling on Leo before settling on Lore.
"Just the two of you? Where are Ezekias, Lan, and Juvia?" she asked coolly.
Lore froze, his face turning pale. This was the first time Ashe had ever spoken to him first—usually, he had to initiate every conversation.
Still, he steadied himself and forced a smile.
"We…we haven't found them yet…" he stammered.
Theo's brow twitched as Ashe brushed him aside. But he merely turned and fixed his gaze on Finn.
"Finn Doria," he declared grandly, "you currently possess the highest strength among us. I invite you—and Miss Ashe—to join my group. With your power, we could gather countless Fifth Grade Magic Crystals. Your contribution to the kingdom would be immeasurable."
Ashe and Finn exchanged a look—like they were sharing an unspoken joke.
Even now, this pompous prince insisted on playing the tyrant.
"No need, honored prince," Finn replied calmly. "Miss Ashe and I are searching for the remaining members of the Soaring Seven. I have no reason to join your group."
Even in front of a prince, Finn had no intention of bowing.
'You want me to be your lackey? Keep dreaming.'
Theo's expression darkened.
"I am a prince, and you dare refuse my invitation?! You come from a mere Ordinary Clan—what right have you to deny me?!"
Finn's face turned blank. He regarded the prince coldly.
"I don't care whether you're a prince or not. In this realm, you're just another Adventurer taking the trial. I am not your guardian—and I am certainly not obligated to protect you. Even Lord Helbram never forced my hand—so why would I listen to you? Now if you'll excuse us, 'your highness,' we have companions to find."
"Leo, Lore. Let's go."
Leo and Lore broke into quiet smiles. They stepped over to Finn without hesitation.
Inside, they were nearly giddy. Finally—someone had put the arrogant prince in his place.
They hated Theo's smug tyranny, so watching his expression sour was nothing short of delightful.
Finn turned to leave with Ashe and the others—but Theo suddenly stepped in front of them.
"Is there a problem, your highness?" Finn asked coolly.
His patience was wearing thin.
"No problem," Theo replied with an oily smile. He looked back at the eleven other Adventurers before facing Finn again. "There are many here who hope for your guidance. Won't you grant them this small favor?"
Finn could hardly stand this man's hypocrisy. Was it really so hard to ask for help humbly?
"If they wish to follow us, they may. I'll protect them to the best of my ability—but if they ignore my instructions and get themselves killed, I won't take responsibility," Finn said levelly.
Most of the young Adventurers immediately agreed. They would rather follow Finn than live as Theo's slaves any longer.
Theo's face darkened to an ugly shade as he glared at Finn.
"I am a prince—and you expect me to follow you?! Have you lost your mind?!"
Finn's eyes turned glacial.
"'Your highness,' you're free to travel alone if you prefer. You don't need to follow me."
He turned to the others.
"Let's go."
Without another word, Finn and the majority of the group began moving toward the plains.
The ones in gold-trimmed uniforms stayed rooted in place, glancing uneasily at their prince.
Theo's fists clenched so tight his nails drew blood from his palms.
As he began walking after them, his expression was twisted with rage.
'Finn Doria…you will pay dearly for showing such disrespect to a prince!'