The silence in the room was deafening, and the tension was so thick it threatened to suffocate the inhabitants.

It wasn't every day that the leader of the Yonkel Faction personally proposed marriage to his daughter. Marrying the princess of a faction was but a dream for countless cultivators, as it led to a nearly unachievable status.

Forget for a moment that the leader himself proposed such an arrangement and even their family's status. Kellanoir was a beautiful young woman with a strong cultivation base and a loveable personality with strong morals.

Any singular reason mentioned would be enough to make them happy beyond belief. Now, this low-level human with an unknown background had the opportunity to obtain it all.

Everyone stifled their discontent while holding their breath and awaiting a response. They all knew the answer since logically, there was only one. Still, the wait was nerve-racking.

"Thanks, but no." Kade said with an apologetic smile before turning his body back toward his food.

Kade had known Tetron for two months. Over time, Kade had grown to think of the big red alien as a friend partially because he came around so much. He was kind and always offered advice, guidance, and even resources.

At first, he assumed that Tetron was just a close friend of Wompus with a kind heart, but he wasn't naive or gullible. Tetron showed far too much interest in him and that alone was suspicious enough, not to mention his overly enthusiastic kindness. If none of those were obvious red flags, Tetron's attempts at hiding his reaction and expressions were. The big guy wasn't a very good actor so it wasn't difficult to deduce that he had an ulterior motive.

While he could understand and didn't fault Tetron for this, that didn't mean he would go along with the alien's manipulation.

Clamor broke out instantly, some of it directed at Kade, while the rest was between the others in the room. Clearly, his answer was controversial.

"Ah... Uh." Tetron was stumped. After a brief moment composing his thoughts, he questioned "Why? I know that you have no affiliation with other factions, and I'm offering up my daughter here. What could possibly be more tempting?"

Kade waved his hand as he finished chewing "Discounting the fact that your daughter just tried to send me to an early grave?"

Tetron's expression turned awkward "Admittedly, I can understand your issue with that. However, it's not like you'd have anything to fear from her if you agreed. Having a strong spouse is something to be happy about."

"Besides." He continued, seemingly wanting to clear up this misunderstanding "I'm confident that you'll soon grow to care for each other deeply. I know that you're someone that appreciates when someone is real with you, as does my daughter. So you two will fit together perfectly."

By the time he finished he had a bright smile plastered on his face, confident that he had resolved any misgivings Kade might have.

"You're right." Kade said, to Tetron's delight "Her attack wasn't truly an issue for me, not one that I couldn't get over anyway."

Tetron's expression froze as Kade continued "Honestly, I just like freedom. I don't want to be chained down to an organization unless I'm the one in command. Even then, I'd delegate almost everything." He said with a light chuckle.

"Pfft, HAHAHAHA" Kades light chuckle was drowned out by Wompus' howl light cackle.

The wrinkly old man seemed to have just experienced the funniest moment in his entire life as he bowed over and fell to the side.

The laughter resounded through the building, echoing repeatedly. The sound was the greatest slap to the face that Tetron had ever received, causing anger to bubble up within.

His eyes darted between Wompus and Kade, the sight only causing his rage to build quicker. Wompus was rolling around like a buffoon with that obnoxious laughter. While Kade, the weak little prick, was sheepishly stuffing another fucking mushroom into his mouth.

A laugh caused the spark that had now grown into a blazing inferno. He had endured constant irritation and disrespect for two months all for this moment, yet his plans had failed embarrassingly in front of over a dozen people. Any shred of self-control he had rapidly slipped away

A heavy oppressive aura spread out instantaneously, bringing a temptest with it as the clothing of everyone in the room billowed. Tetron, the focal point of this anomaly, rose from the ground slowly as his body straightened out.

Levitating a meter off the ground, he struck an intimidating figure. Worse, dark golden energy burst from his body and shrouded him. The energy was thick, like water, but moved like an active flame.

Kade couldn't begin to describe the amount of pressure he felt. He imagined that even if the entire Earth was pressing down against him, it wouldn't be this heavy.

His lungs contracted, unable to pull in air. He had almost no control over his body as it trembled at the formless suppression. His muscles were so tense that they began to burn.

He was like a rabbit facing down a dragon. A predator that the pathetic prey could never hope to contend with. He could only watch on as the predator exercised its anger.

Kade watched as Tetron raised his hand causing energy to condense before releasing. The strike seemed so simple. It wasn't a spell, or so he thought. Regardless, everything in him told him that just the slightest graze of the attack and he would cease to exist.

Something was off, though. He had lost nearly all control of his body from the aura alone and it took everything he had not to let his body fall into a bow. Even so, at this moment, his mind was clear.

He had truly felt an insurmountable fear in the beginning, but at some point that suppression lifted. Despite knowing that death was imminent he wasn't scared. He didn't feel anything he had expected. Not anger, nor resentment. No bitterness nor sadness.

He felt some admiration and interest when looking at the attack. Motivation and inspiration when experiencing the breadth of power Tetron wielded. Bold creativity and a modicum of understanding would be what flowed through his soul at the moment before his death.

*BOOM*

Kade's vision was shrouded in bright white light, the overwhelming sound of an explosion wiping out his sense of hearing. For a split second, he wondered if his death had just been that quick and painless until a silhouette appeared in his vision.

It was vague and fuzzy at first, but the blinding light faded quickly and revealed a wrinkly figure in front of him. It brought with it freedom from the crushing aura and a feeling of safety.

He adjusted his posture, bringing his hand to a comfortable position as his eyes closed. He understood that the situation was still tense and dangerous, but he couldn't pass up this moment.

So, he began meditating.

"Going a bit far, aren't you, Tetron?" Wompus questioned, his tone solemn and his back straighter than it had been in a decade.

Tetron glared down at the old man "I am the leader of the Yonkel Faction. An ascended cultivator. The punishment for disrespecting me is death, no matter if he is the spiritual disciple of an Archmage."

Wompus sprouted a smile that slowly morphed into a terrifying grin "I know who you are, Tetron. The real question is, do you remember who I am?"

Both men glared at each other as their energy enshrouded them, swirling around as if in preparation for pending destruction.

The first to show change was Tetron, as his energy seemed to deflate ever so slightly.

Wompus struck while the iron was hot "I may be just an Archmage, but I'm the last Archmage anyone would dare fuck with. So think again on your decision to attack my grand disciple, because I don't mind dying today. Do you?"

Tetron felt his emotions flare. Wompus was a legend deserving of the tales spoke of him. Angering him was equivalent to signing your death certificate. He was relentless, like a grim reaper hellbent on dragging his target to the afterlife.

It would be a mistake to underestimate him due to his advancing age. The man was a genius mage through and through, having created many devastating spells. One such spell even caused ascended beings to feel apprehension.

And after decades out of the spotlight, who could be sure that he hadn't created something far more dangerous and terrifying?

Tetrons' energy deflated another step. He allowed his gaze to drift to Kade. Suddenly, his energy spiked and began to fluctuate wildly for a short time before slowly receding in its entirety.

"Haaaaaa." He released a deep sigh as all signs of anger left his face "It's not worth it. Old habits... Damn, that brat can be irritating sometimes."

The pressure lifted as Tetrons feet contacted the ground, allowing everyone in the room to take a breath. Kade hadn't been the only one experiencing pure terror, the rest of them had as well. Even with their cultivation, they felt completely powerless.

"It wasn't that bad." Wompus retorted with a frown "He just said no. We agreed that it would be his decision. You just failed to expect that someone would have the balls to tell you no."

Tetron waved his hand "That's not what I meant, you old fool. Look behind you!" He said while pointing.

Wompus knit his brows as he turned to find Kade in seated meditation, causing his jaw to go slack. Could this brat truly enter meditation in the middle of a confrontation between cultivators at their level?

Right after being attacked by an ascended being and almost losing his life?

He was either fearless or stupid. Perhaps a bit of both.

Unsurprisingly, everyone remained silent. It was evident that Kade was experiencing enlightenment and none of them would dare to disturb him. Doing so could cause him to lose the epiphany and as a result, anger Wompus.

And so, they waited in silence with mixed emotions. Kade's actions in this ordeal were astonishing. None of them could raise their head to see that attack, but he did. In doing so, he gleaned enough information that he was now experiencing enlightenment.

Everyone had to reassess the young human at that moment because clearly, they had thought far too little of him.

Someone that escaped everyone's radar was the beast, Obruo. No one thought of the fact that Obruo was resting against the young human, nor at what moment it had moved.

...

Kade opened his eyes and bolted up from the ground "Pen, and paper! Anyone got a pen and some paper?!" He yelled frantically while looking around the room.

He only waited a moment without response before dashing out of the room, returning a few minutes later with a few books and a few pieces of paper.

He returned to his previous spot and plopped down while flipping open a book. The sound of pages flipping and a pen scribbling were the only sounds in the room.

"Kade." Graakas spoke up.

"Yeah?" Kade replied absentmindedly

"Is this really the time for you to be doing that?"

Kade scoffed "I have to. I don't have a big alien brain like you, so I have to write shit down to remember it."

"That's not how this works." Graakas mumbled quietly, having decided not to bother any longer.

Luckily, Kade stopped writing after a few minutes and snapped the book shut while staring at the paper.

"Finished?" Wompus asked teasingly

Kade nodded his head like a chicken pecking at rice, content with his work.

"Just so you know, Knowledge gained during enlightenment isn't forgotten. At least, I've never heard of such a case. Also, the higher you climb, the better your memory will become." Wompus explained

Kade finally looked up from the piece of paper in his hand with an awkward expression "Why didn't you tell me before I confessed to having a tiny brain?"

"Because it was funny..." Wompus grinned. "Anyway, we have something important to discuss so put your doodles away."

Kade shot him a glare but slid the paper into a book nonetheless. "I'll accept his pinky, but I'd prefer the entire hand."

Wompus raised a brow "What are you talking about?"

Kade smiled and turned his head to Tetron "Compensation. I deserve a pinky at least."

"Bah." Wompus scoffed "Get it yourself. I'm not risking my life for a pinky."

Kade began to stand when Tetron's voice boomed "Don't test me, brat. I'll admit fault today, I allowed my anger to get the better of me. But my patience only goes so far."

Kade sat back down "Then I'll allow you to keep your pinky, for today." His eyes narrowed as a toothy grin spread.

Tetron's left eye twitched. He knew it was a joke, but he still felt a bit irritated.

"This is about us, Kade." Wompus spoke to bring Kade's attention back to the main topic "Formally, you are Graakas' disciple, but it's no secret that I have been the one teaching you."

"Now, the training camp is about to end and I am pleased with the progress that you've made. As such, I'd like to take you as my final disciple. What do you say?"

Kade's eyes widened for a moment as he shot a glance toward Tetron.

"Don't worry about that, it has been settled."

Kade nodded in acknowledgment before cupping his chin and falling into thought. A few moments passed before he had his answer.

"Thanks, Old coot, but no."

Suffice to say, refusing two divine offers in a single day made everyone question his sanity, but it wasn't entirely unexpected.

"I don't have any issue with this, brat. Don't let that worry you." Tetron spoke up.

Kade shot him a sidelong glance "I know. You like to make deals. I don't doubt that you'll keep your word. Rather, I have my own reasons for my decision."

Tetron was surprised at how accurately he had determined the situation. They had indeed made a deal that, if Kade refused Tetrons' offer, Wompus could take him as a disciple.

Wompus let a downcast sigh escape his lips before shaking his head and waving his hand "So be it. Regardless, since I've taught you thus far, you need to become acquainted with my other disciples."

He pointed to the shorter alien Kade has seen in the hall "This is my first disciple, Phendral."

Kade's eyes sparkled "Ah, the second pinky I'm owed."

Wompus and Phendral frowned at the same time.

"What's up with you and pinky fingers?" Wompus asked, genuinely curious

"Tsk." Kade clicked his tongue "Lookup Japanese rituals and you'll understand. Better yet, just watch a movie. You might enjoy those more."

Wompus gave a curt nod before pointing to the next person and continued down the line. Kade stopped again at Onodar, the fifth disciple and the third pinky owed.

"You already know Graakas, my eighth disciple. Then, there was Yisik, my ninth. You would have been my tenth and final disciple."

Kade nodded before looking around at the ones mentioned "As you all know, I'm Kade. It's a pleasure to meet all of you except Phendral and Onodar."

A few sighs rang out when he finished his sentence. He was so close!

"I see you hold a grudge. If you live long enough to mature, perhaps you will understand our actions." Phendral said with arrogance oozing from his lips with every word.

Kade chuckled "I understand them perfectly. It was the most admirable form of brown-nosing I've ever seen."

"Brown-nosing?" Wompus asked, slowly becoming enamored with humanities unique culture

"You'll enjoy that one." Kade responded with a smirk "There is also Asskisser and Bootlicker."

While the aliens didn't have context for most of his jokes and insults so far, when it came to asskisser, they were able to piece it together. As a result, there were quite a few delayed chuckles accompanied by ferocious glares.

'Yeah, that's right. Fuck you.' He thought as he basked in their hateful gazes. They tried to kill him for insignificant reasons, so to hell with them.

"If Phendral and Onodar are 'asskissers' because they attacked you, then I suppose that makes me one as well?" Kellanoir spoke up with her hand on the hilt of her blade and a dangerous glint in her eye.

Kade turned to her before shaking his head "No, that makes you a good daughter."

She raised a brow, her hand tightening around her hilt "Is this another veiled insult?"

Again, Kade shook his head "No. If I felt like someone was insulting one of my adoptive parents, I'd attack too."

Her dissatisfaction loosened slightly before she sneered "What about my pinky?"

"You had a good reason, so we can pass this off as a misunderstanding. but next time, you'll owe me both." He said nonchalantly.

"You have to be strong enough to take them first. Otherwise, you're just making empty threats." She said as she rolled her eyes.

Kade didn't reply and just smiled. He could already see his future pinky collection. Maybe that would be one of his eccentricities.

"Alright. I can't say that this has turned out how I expected, but it was interesting nevertheless." Wompus said as he stood up "Thank you all for showing up. I didn't prepare anything to celebrate with, and I have some business with Kade. So you can all take your leave now."

His disciples all rose to their feet and bowed to him, while their disciples kowtowed. After, they left the manor without another word. Tetron and Kellanoir didn't bother with such gestures.

"I hope I didn't ruin this day for you, Wompus." Tetron said

Wompus shot him a glare "It ended okay, but my grand disciple is right. Compensation is in order."

Tetron sighed before flicking his finger. Two marbles appeared in his palm.

"I had planned to give these to Kade as a dowry. Instead, they can facilitate our reconciliation."

Wompus's brows shot up "That works."

He had been thinking along the lines of repairing the damage to his house and maybe some pocket money. After all, He was the lord of the Yonkel faction so his outburst couldn't be said to be completely unfounded. But he wouldn't decline such a generous offer.

Tetron facepalmed the moment the marbles left his hand, realizing he had played himself. Hopefully, it wouldn't turn out to be a significant loss.

He turned to Kade "You're welcome to return to the Yonkel base as you wish, all I ask is that you prioritize us when selling your spoils and information." He tossed a golden medallion over.

Kade caught it and gave it a glance before stuffing it into his pocket "Sounds fair."

With a nod, Tetron left the manor with Kellanoir in tow.

Shortly after they left, Wompus spoke with surprise "I figured you'd give him more trouble for attacking you."

Kade narrowed his eyes as a smirk formed "I'll get what I'm owed in time."