Having a powerful lord as a father figure, what's wrong with just wanting to draw cards?

"The entire continent is now engulfed in war. Even though I have never lived in a place that has been ravaged by war, I know very well that those places filled with the smoke of battle still exist."

The demon race waged wars everywhere, and various races and nations, under pressure to survive, resorted to militarism. Even our empire began a near-mad expansion and invasion.

The rich and peaceful Central Plains will be a coveted prize for all forces after the demon invasion ends. At that time, whether due to domestic pressure or the desire for power, wars between people will not cease for a long time.

"Professor Montgomery, my purpose in studying military command is singular: to possess power in such chaotic times, and then to protect those I wish to protect."

Montgomery nodded slightly, as if agreeing with Domi's view of the world situation: "But you must know that power is also the primary driving force that gives rise to desire."

"Once you gain enough power, you will no longer be satisfied with what you have..."

"And then become the person you least want to be, right?" Domi answered in advance, clearly already knowing what Montgomery was worried about.

"If that day ever comes, what would you do?"

Montgomery asked the question with great seriousness, as if Domi's answer at that moment would determine everything in the future.

Domi has pondered this question for a long time, or rather, there has never been a clear answer to it throughout history.

There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people's eyes.

Only by starting from the deepest desires of one's heart can one obtain a clear answer, regardless of whether that answer appears 'qualified' or 'just' on the surface.

After a long silence, Domi shook his head: "I'm sorry, Professor, I can't say right now, because I don't know what to do either."

Montgomery's expression was unreadable; he simply said, "I understand, but even so, it's better than some untrustworthy megalomaniac."

"Who is that person?"

"You'll see."

Around noon, Domi said goodbye to the villa in Montgomery and went back to the library to pick up Shea. If he didn't go, the 'bookworm' might become so engrossed in her studies that she would forget to eat and sleep.

As luck would have it, they ran into Natsu Edward and his friends, who were also there, at their favorite cafeteria, number four.

The reason is simple: the fourth canteen sells food from the southeastern part of the empire, which is Domi's hometown, so they are more used to the food.

The group gathered around a large table, eating and chatting in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

While the others were chatting about recent news, Domi explained the results of the investigation to Nats.

"A...a Dragon Slayer Mage? No way?" He gaped, seemingly unable to believe that someone who never used magic could possess such a special ability.

Shia, sitting next to Domi, also listened intently. It was the first time she had ever heard of this term; she guessed that Domi had learned it from some professor.

"No one can be sure until the results are out. It could be a natural magical attribute that has never appeared before. No matter what it is, Natsu, you have the talent to learn fire magic."

Even if it's only at the beginner level?

"Yes, even if it's only at the beginner level."

The more Domi used his 'magic hands' to deeply analyze, disassemble, and blend magic, the more he felt that talent wasn't that important. As long as you had comprehension, what did it matter how bad your talent was? As long as your magic supply was full, you wouldn't be much worse than someone with perfect talent.

Domi felt that although Nats was straightforward, passionate, and a bit naive, he wasn't stupid and might actually achieve something.

"By the way, in order to find out whether it is dragon-slaying magic or not, I need to go home and find my grandfather."

At this point, Edward and Argyle, who were chatting happily next door, shut their mouths without hesitation and looked over at the same time.

Ernest's attitude towards his grandson was extremely poor.

In their few meetings, without exception, Ernest relentlessly mocked the three of them, using the most offensive language possible, which made Edward and Argyle, who possessed advanced and perfect talents, completely lose their confidence.

Now Domi is actually going to personally go find Ernest and confront that man with a mouth as sharp as a snake?!

All they could do was offer their silent blessings to Domi.

Domi glanced around, puzzled, then looked at Natsu sitting directly opposite her: "Just in case, Natsu, could you come too?"

"Domi, you mean... I, go back to your house with you?"

"You could say that if the root of everything... please allow me to describe you this way, if you hadn't come, it would have likely caused some kind of obstacle."

"No...I didn't mean that..."

Having lived two lives, Domi immediately saw what Nats was worried about, because he had been the same way before. If his rich friend invited him to his house, he would feel inferior and genuinely resist because his house was so poor.

Natsu is in this situation right now, but Domi, as someone who's been through it all, knows how to ease the situation and said:

"Don't worry, just treat it as a vacation and enjoy yourself in Bloomfield. I'll be your guide! Just come over whenever you need me."

That's fine, Nats agreed.

He might go mad if he were to spend all his time in that mountaintop castle, one of the most famous 'man-made wonders' in the entire empire.

Then Nats began to silently ponder what reason he could come up with to tell Stewart and persuade him to approve the leave slip...

At this moment, Shia, who was sitting next to her, nudged Domi with her elbow: "Why don't I come along too? It's been so many years since I've seen Uncle and Aunt."

Domi was overjoyed when he heard this. He was worried about being all alone on the road. How could Natz, this rough old man, compare to a girl who was fragrant, soft, and could whimper?

"Haha, why be so formal? Just call them Mom and Dad!"

"Then I'm not going."

"Okay, okay, I won't say anything anymore, go ahead, go ahead~"

Then Domi asked Edward, Argyle, and Ivy if they wanted to go together, but they all shook their heads.

Aiwei's reason was simple. Unlike the three brothers who had been away for a whole year to gain experience, Aiwei had stayed at home until the start of the semester. He was almost driven to despair by Uncle Mitchell and Aunt Lucia, and he didn't want to go home again anytime soon. He preferred the freedom of the academy...

After Aiwei replied first, Edward's subtle actions were noticed by Domi, but he saw through it but didn't say anything: "Uh... I have some personal matters to attend to, so I won't reply."

Argyle's reasons were much more reasonable. As the class monitor, he had to start some class activities in the third week and attend the grade's class monitor meeting. Even with his excellent office skills, Argyle almost had no free time.

"Have fun when you get back, and remember to say hello to Mom and Dad, and the two people in Greenville for us."

"Well, definitely."

Without delay, they embarked on their journey from Kalia to the territory of Brofield the next day, and arrived three days later. Kalia, located slightly north of the central part of the Empire, was a fast route to anywhere in the Empire.

Despite the presence of Fomalhaut, Carlos still received firsthand information immediately and began preparations in advance. After Domi and the others arrived, he immediately held a welcoming banquet.

This is like an old father welcoming his child home occasionally; he's incredibly enthusiastic at first.

At this moment, Nats realized what it meant to live in a wealthy family. It was impossible not to be envious. Look at this castle that seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see, and look at the maids with different personalities on each of his sides. Damn, it was simply a life of paradise!

Ms. Grace spotted her future daughter-in-law in the crowd at a glance and immediately showered her with concern, treating her like her own daughter.

At this moment, even though Shia had been involved in politics for many years and was proficient in all kinds of rhetoric, she forgot everything in this moment full of genuine emotion. She nodded obediently like an ordinary little girl, completely devoid of her usual mischievousness and willfulness.

Her virtuous and mature side was fully revealed, making Lady Greta very proud. She would take Shia's hand and go around showing off to other noblewomen, saying how excellent her daughter-in-law was.

The ladies smiled on the outside, but were cursing inwardly. This wasn't some ordinary girl rescued from the countryside; she was an imperial princess, how could she not be outstanding!

Morey also attended the banquet, and with Domi's arrangement, he will take the initiative to contact Nats. Presumably, they already know each other to some extent.

At this moment, Carlos walked over, indeed acting like an old father, asking about almost everything in the academy, such as whether he was getting used to the food in the cafeteria, what classes he was taking, how his dorm was, and if he needed anything...

After questioning him for a while, they finally asked Domi why he had come back.

"I've come to see Grandpa Ernest."

Even Carlos was startled upon hearing this name, and his expression turned serious:

"What are you looking for him for?"

"Father, have you heard of dragon slayer mages?"

Carlos shook his head: "I've only heard a little about it. You should ask your grandfather, but be prepared, getting him to comply with your wishes won't be easy..."

He quietly added, "Your grandfather is as stubborn as an ox; if you can't get the answer, don't force it."

"There's actually someone in this world who can scare Carlos like this?" Domi swallowed hard. "I understand..."

After letting Morey play with Nats, Shia went back to her guest room and tidied up as if she were at home. After spending some time with Kelsey and Catherine, Domi went alone to the vicinity of the castle's shrine.

Next to the shrine was Ernest's secluded living room, which was styled somewhat like a Japanese dojo—simple, spacious, and almost devoid of other furniture.

In Domi's memory, the door seemed to have never been opened on its own.

He walked to the door and knocked on the sliding door.

The thumping sound echoed in the space, lingering for a long time.

thump—

Boom--boom--

"Something's wrong!"

At this moment, Domi suddenly realized that the echo was too abnormal. He immediately closed his eyes, guarded his mind, and actively shut down his hearing by using the Shadow Flow Technique to control various parts of his body to the extreme.

Even with my hearing shut off, the echo of the knocking still reverberated in my mind, lingering like a persistent melody!

Generally, the system will react to mental attacks such as illusions or possession that are highly hostile, as was the case when resisting the possession of the last Bronze King.

Since the system didn't react, it meant the voice wasn't hostile; it was very likely a small challenge from Ernest.

If that's the case, then if he doesn't pass this challenge, he probably won't even get to see Ernest.

"It seems I'll have to show some real skill."

Upon realizing this, the long-dormant Soul-Devouring Energy within Domi poured out, filling the entire space like a deep blue ocean.

No matter what kind of magic it is, it can only vanish in the face of the Soul Devouring Energy. Even the strongest magic is the same; the only difference is how quickly it disappears.

For sound magic to work, it needs a certain amount of space to be cast. As long as he fills all the gaps, the attack will break down on its own.

As it turned out, Domi's decision was correct; the voice in his mind did indeed dissipate, and when he opened his eyes, he found himself inside the room.

At the far end of the dimly lit room, two eternally burning blue candles burned. Behind the candles sat an old man with a hunched back, dressed in a white robe, his back to him.

Just as Domi was marveling at this miraculous method, a calm, aged voice that felt strangely familiar to him rang out:

"A precocious little blond kid."

"Please speak freely about what's on your mind."

Chapter 185, Section 184: God said, "Go to the royal city."

Domi instinctively knelt behind Ernest, the strongest human he could currently approach at close range. He didn't dare to breathe and cautiously said:

"Grandpa Ernest, I would like to ask you about the Dragon Slayer Mage."