The past three days had flown by, a whirlwind of effort and strategy as the Cole family executed their missions flawlessly. It wasn’t just about the tasks—they were shaping a reputation, establishing a presence that had begun to ripple across Novan City.
As the sun rose on the fourth day, Ethan sat alone in his study, sunlight streaming through the wide windows, casting a warm glow across the room. He felt the weight of his role more acutely than ever, but with it came a growing sense of pride. The Cole family wasn’t just surviving; they were thriving.
With a sense of purpose, he tapped open the Great Family Panel, his gaze immediately drawn to a new feature under this panel—a tab labeled Inventory. His fingers paused momentarily, anticipating a new discovery before he clicked on it.
Inside, a neatly organized list of items appeared:
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[Great Family’s Inventory]
Basic Strength Potion x 300
Basic Speed Potion x 300
Basic Endurance Potion x 300
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Ethan’s eyes scanned the details as he carefully selected each item in the Inventory, reading the descriptions.
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[Basic Strength Potion]
Effect: Increases Strength by +5 points per use.
Limit: Maximum 5 uses per week for each individual.
Restriction: Unusable by Family Head.
[Basic Speed Potion]
Effect: Increases Speed by +5 points per use.
Limit: Maximum 5 uses per week for each individual.
Restriction: Unusable by Family Head.
[Basic Endurance Potion]
Effect: Increases Endurance by +5 points per use.
Limit: Maximum 5 uses per week for each individual.
Restriction: Unusable by Family Head.
=====
As he processed the information, Ethan leaned back in his chair, one hand resting thoughtfully under his chin. “Five points… That’s a solid boost if used effectively,” he murmured. “And if each person can use it five times a week, that’s twenty-five points in a single attribute if I prioritize.”
He allowed himself a small smile. This was exactly the kind of strategic edge the Cole family needed.
“But these restrictions…” he muttered, reading again that he couldn’t use the potions. He tapped his finger against the table, considering his options. “Well, that’s fine. If anything, it’s better to build a strong foundation for everyone around me first.”
Ethan’s thoughts turned to the Warlords. They were already at the Middle Star Soldier rank. Still, a push in their core attributes could propel them to the High Star Soldier level. “If I can get them there first, they’d be able to handle more of the city’s threats independently—without me having to jump in every time.”
And then, there were the Ascendants currently at the Higher Star Apprentice rank. If he also focused on them, he could have more Soldier Ascendants in the family, adding depth to their strength.
His gaze sharpened as he mapped it out mentally. “The Warlords first, without a doubt,” he murmured, his fingers tapping lightly on the arm of his chair. “They’ll benefit the most from this. Once they’re settled at High Star Soldier, I’ll focus on the Higher Star Apprentices. Every additional Soldier Ascendant is a step toward establishing the Cole family as a real power.”
A glint of satisfaction crossed his eyes as he considered one last thing—the items were tangible, physical resources. That meant he could distribute them himself, reinforcing his role as the family head. “Perfect,” he muttered, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
As Ethan closed the Inventory panel, a thought struck him suddenly—could these potions be used on his family and friends? The idea was tempting. If these potions could boost ordinary people, it might open a whole new realm of possibilities for those he cared about.
He leaned forward, a gleam of curiosity in his eyes. “If I can increase the strength of those around me… What would that mean for them?” He murmured to himself, contemplating the potential impact.
With his newly acquired Divine Eyes ability, he realized he could assess their statuses afterward to see if the potions had any effect. It would be the perfect way to confirm his theory.
But he knew this wasn’t something to rush. The potions were powerful; if they affected non-Ascendants, he’d need to approach them carefully. The last thing he wanted was to put anyone at risk to satisfy his curiosity.
“Let’s try it with a small dose,” he muttered, thinking through his plan. He’d start with those he trusted most, gauging the effects gradually.
A hint of excitement sparked within him. This could mean more than just protection; if his family and close friends grew stronger, they wouldn’t be as vulnerable in a city dominated by Ascendants.
“I’ll try it,” he decided, his mind racing with possibilities. “One step at a time. If it works, they’ll be ready for anything.”
The Warlords gathered at Ethan’s study, the weight of their presence filling the room with an air of intensity. Ethan had specifically asked to meet them here, wanting all of the Warlords to be present this time. Each of them had arrived swiftly, prepared for whatever task their new leader had in store.
But their arrival hadn’t been without a few unexpected moments.
Ethan’s younger brother, Jacob, had been the one to answer the door. Though Ethan had warned him about the visitors, nothing could fully prepare the teenager to see the seven formidable figures standing on the doorstep.
Jacob’s eyes went wide as he took in the Warlords: Lucan, towering with his steady gaze; Rhea, with her piercing stare; Thorne, massive and intimidating; Seraph, calm and calculating; Calder, solid and observant; and finally, Axel and Flint, who flanked the others with an air of restless energy.
For a moment, Jacob simply stood there, frozen in place. “Uh… E-Ethan said you’d be coming,” he stammered, his voice barely a squeak as he tried to hold his ground.
Lucan gave a slight nod, attempting a reassuring smile, though his stern expression seemed only to heighten Jacob’s nervousness. “We appreciate it, Jacob,” he said, his voice deep and calm.
Flint, the more unpredictable of the group, chuckled softly. “Kid, are you sure you want to be answering doors with that look on your face? People might get the wrong idea,” he teased, winking.
Rhea stepped forward, bending slightly to meet Jacob’s eye level; her usual intensity softened. “Thanks for letting us in. You’re braver than you think?” she said, offering him a gentle smile.
Jacob’s shoulders relaxed just a bit. “Um… thanks,” he replied, swallowing hard before gesturing them inside. “Ethan’s waiting in his study.”
The Warlords followed him inside, their heavy steps echoing down the hallway. Even as they walked past him, Jacob felt a sense of awe and trepidation in their wake.
As they reached the study, Jacob took a deep breath, giving Ethan a quick nod before ducking out of the room, relieved to have completed his duty.
Ethan couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “Thanks, Jacob. I’ll see you later.”
Jacob hurriedly shut the door, leaving Ethan alone with the Warlords. He glanced over his new allies, his expression shifting from amused to serious.
“Thank you all for coming,” he began, his tone carrying both gratitude and purpose.
“Always around, boss,” Axel said with a playful wink. “You know we wouldn’t miss it.”
Flint chimed in with a grin. “Yep, can’t shake us that easily. We’re like a bad habit.”
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head at their lightheartedness, while Calder, ever the steady one, spoke up in a more grounded tone.
“Well, I’ve been around too,” he added with a slight nod. “For the last few days, I’ve been standing in for Axel while he was off gathering intel.” Calder gave Axel an approving nod. “Steven’s family was hidden well, but Axel did a solid job getting the info we needed.”
Axel gave a quick, satisfied nod. “Took a bit of digging, but I’ve got the location pinned down now.”
Ethan raised an eyebrow, a surprise lighting his eyes at Axel’s revelation. “You found them? That’s… impressive, Axel,” he began, his mind already turning to the next steps. “Looks like getting them back might just be—”
Before he could finish, a familiar chime sounded in his mind, a system notification interrupting his thoughts. He blinked, momentarily distracted, and then pulled up the panel.
The Warlords were looking at him in confusion.
The mission details filled his view.
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[Mission: Rescue Operation]
Objective: Use the information gathered by Axel to locate and rescue Steven’s family. Ensure the operation’s success without harm to the captives.
Rewards:
1. 15,000 EXP
2. 50 Ascension Points
3. 50 Free Attribute Points
4. Exclusive Item Unlock
=====
Ethan read through the objectives, his focus sharpening. “Well,” he said, glancing back at the Warlords, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Looks like the system wants in on this rescue mission, too.”
The Warlords straightened, picking up on Ethan’s newfound resolve. Lucan gave a brief nod, his voice steady. “Then it’s settled. We’re ready whenever you are, Ethan.”
The atmosphere in the room shifted the playful tone from earlier replaced with a focused determination.
Ethan let the mission notification linger momentarily before closing it, his eyes shifting back to the Warlords with a faint, amused smile. “Before we dive into any rescue mission,” he began, a glint of anticipation in his gaze, “I have something for each of you.”
Axel raised an eyebrow, a playful grin forming. “Wait, is this about your promise a few days ago? The one about helping us get stronger?”
Ethan chuckled, nodding. “Exactly. I didn’t forget. I’ve got something that’ll give each of you a serious boost in strength, speed, and endurance.”
As the Warlords exchanged glances, a flicker of excitement sparked in the room. Ethan held up a few sleek vials, each filled with a vibrant liquid, setting them on the desk before him. “These are potions designed to elevate your attributes in those areas. Strength, speed, endurance—all essential for what’s coming. Now, the exact details on how much each one boosts you… well, that’s random, I guess.”
The Warlords leaned in, intrigued, their curiosity piqued by the idea of such a straightforward path to growth.
“One thing, though,” Ethan continued, his tone becoming serious. “You can’t exceed five doses of each type of potion per week. I don’t know what happens if you do, but we’re not about to find out.”
The Warlords nodded, acknowledging the caution, each one eyeing the potions with a newfound sense of respect.
