My SSS-Rank Innate skill: Infinite Adaptation core

Theodore quickly calmed himself. He wasn’t seriously injured — just a few light bruises. Nova had clearly held back most of his power. Theodore let out a deep breath and smiled.

”I lost.”

Nova smiled and extended his hand. Theodore grabbed it and stood up. He dusted himself off and looked at Nova with a mix of surprise and respect.

”I lost the bet, and you won,” Theodore said. ”So you have my permission to have a relationship with my daughter. I can see you’re around the same level as me... which is honestly unbelievable considering you awakened recently.”

He continued with a warm smile, ”I don’t expect you to reveal all your secrets right away, but I hope you will one day. Since we’ll be family in the future, I hope we can build trust between us.”

Theodore could have suspected Nova was the Slaughter Monarch, but he dismissed the idea.

Nova had used his Monarch Mask to mask his level around Theodore’s own, which was honestly true, as after fighting in the beast tide, Theodore had also reached Level 300, putting him close to Nova’s level.

And the aura he had felt from the Slaughter Monarch that day was far more deadly.

He assumed the Monarch must be a Grandmaster, while Nova was only around his level. This worked perfectly in Nova’s favor, keeping his identity hidden as Slaughter monarch .

Although Nova could have revealed it to Theodore, he chose not to. It would only put the Duke and his family in danger if his enemies discovered the connection. This was also why he hadn’t told even his parents yet.

He planned to reveal it to his lovers or wives in the future, since he would always be by their side. But until he became significantly stronger and built his own powerful legion, he wouldn’t take the risk.

Nova nodded politely and smiled. ”Of course, Lord Frost.” Theodore smiled warmly. ”Since you defeated me, from now on you can just call me Theodore.”

Nova was surprised. ”How could I? That would be inappropriate.”

Theodore shook his head. ”I insist. I want to have a friendly relationship with you. And imagining my daughter with someone who will one day reach even greater heights... I couldn’t be any happier.”

”Sigh... Alright, Theodore,” Nova said with a helpless sigh.

He saw Rodrick and Asia approaching. He smiled at Asia as she came closer and asked with slight nervousness, ”Are you both okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”

Theodore laughed lightly. ”No, not at all, my dear daughter. As you can see, we’re both fine.”

Asia nodded, relieved. Both of them were uninjured, only some light bruises, though their clothes were tattered, leaving their toned bodies on full display.

Rodrick quickly brought fresh clothes for them to cover up. Asia turned to Nova, still in shock. ”You were always this powerful?”

”Hahaha... Now you believe me,” Nova laughed.

He then turned to Theodore and said seriously, ”I hope you can keep my strength a secret between us. If people find out, it won’t just create problems for me — it will affect everyone around me, including my parents and your family.”

Theodore laughed lightly and nodded in understanding. ”You don’t have to ask. I already knew that. I would never do anything that could harm my future son-in-law. Hahahahaha!”

Hearing her father casually call Nova his son-in-law, Asia’s face turned a deep shade of red. Theodore laughed even louder seeing his daughter’s cute reaction.

”So, what are your plans now?” Theodore asked curiously. ”Since I know your true level, you should definitely participate in the competition that will be held in the capital in three years.”

Nova grew curious after hearing about the competition again and decided to ask for more details. ”Can you tell me a little more about this competition?”

Theodore smiled and explained, ”It’s called the Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament. It’s held once every ten years, which makes it even more prestigious.

As the name suggests, participants must be under the age of 30 and have reached at least Level 500 — the Grandmaster Realm.

Geniuses and prodigies from all four kingdoms of the Kaelor Continent participate in massive numbers, making the event truly grand. Even the Human Emperor himself often comes to watch.

And if the timing is right, emperors from other continents sometimes attend to witness the Human Empire’s youth tournament for themselves.”

Nova listened with full attention, growing more excited with every word. His blood boiled with anticipation.

Not only would he get to see the most outstanding geniuses from this kingdom and the entire empire, but he might even witness the Emperors — said to be among the greatest powers in the world.

Nova grew even more curious and asked, ”If this tournament is really that grand, there must be some truly special rewards for the person who wins it.”

Theodore’s smile widened. ”You’re right. The grand prize is truly awesome and priceless.”

He continued, ”The first ranker receives one million platinum coins and one Evolution Stone.”

Nova’s eyes widened in surprise. Even Asia, who was hearing about this for the first time, was stunned. An Evolution Stone — something that could permanently raise one’s potential rank by an entire level, no matter their current rank?

Nova had already received two from the gacha wheel like it was nothing, and he didn’t even need them anymore. His innate skill had already raised his potential from C to A.

The monetary prize was also absurd. One million platinum coins — Nova couldn’t even imagine what he could do with that kind of wealth.

He caught onto Theodore’s words and asked curiously, ”You said ’first ranker.’ Does that mean there are multiple winners and more prizes?”

Theodore smiled and continued, ”Yes. There are four other winners, making five total rank holders in the Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament.

Aside from the first ranker, who gets one Evolution Stone and one million platinum coins, all five top rankers receive a special pass.

A pass to enter a secret realm alongside the five major powerhouses of the Empires who are above the Grandmaster Realm... even I don’t know exactly how strong they are or what Realm they are in ?.”

As Theodore continued, Nova’s questions kept coming. He asked again, ”I have two more questions. One of which you’ve probably already guessed, so I’ll start with the first.”

”If the tournament is as grand as you say, why is it being held in our kingdom? There are four kingdoms in the Human Empire, right?”

Theodore nodded with a smile. ”To put it simply, it’s just our turn this time. The hosting rotates between the four kingdoms. There’s no deeper reason than that.”

He continued with a knowing grin, ”And as you were about to ask — ’What the fuck is this secret realm?’”

Theodore laughed heartily. Rodrick shook his head, seeing his lord acting like a child. Even Asia looked a little surprised and embarrassed.

Nova simply smiled awkwardly.

Theodore continued, ”As the name suggests, it’s a secret realm — a separate dimension, or you could say a gateway to another world with its own space.

It opens once every ten years. This separate world contains countless priceless treasures, opportunities for growth, and even powerful inheritances.

Only fifty people can enter it. Each continent of the different races sends their own ten people — five seniors and five juniors. And this Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament decides which five juniors from the Human Continent will join the five seniors.”

Nova nodded, then couldn’t help but ask again, ”I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time, but I have a few more questions.”

Theodore laughed lightly. ”It’s fine. Since I ignited your curiosity, I should help put it to rest by answering them. Besides, this information will be valuable for both you and Asia, so I don’t mind at all.”

Nova nodded, and Asia listened with full attention as he asked, ”If the Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament decides the five junior candidates, then what about the seniors? And how do the other races decide their ten candidates?”

Theodore replied, ”Honestly, I don’t know exactly how they choose the five seniors who will enter the secret realm. If I had to guess, it’s probably done through voting among the major powers. If they held a tournament for them, the entire continent might be destroyed in the process.

As for how the other races decide their candidates...”

”They also hold tournaments among themselves.”

”Okay, now the last question for today,” Nova said. ”Where does this secret realm open?”

Honestly, this was the question that had been bugging him the most. Since all races participated in the event, the location must be neutral ground.

Theodore’s expression turned serious as he answered, ”There is a small landmass located between the Human Continent and the Dragon Continent. It’s roughly the size of this kingdom and is known as the ’Desolate Land’. It’s a place where no race lives permanently.

It’s filled with countless demonic beasts and unknown creatures — all of them terrifyingly powerful.”

Thanks for reading...