Chapter 601: Mark
Hearing those words, Lana’s eyes widened ever so slightly. A hint of curiosity appeared within them. "So that’s how it works..."
Mark noticed the flicker of interest and immediately continued.
"Girl, if this ability is properly nurtured, it could become one of the nation’s greatest weapons. You could even become the person who finally puts an end to every Ghost Portal."
The moment those words entered her ears, Lana’s heart tightened painfully. ’Responsibilities...’
That single word echoed endlessly inside her mind. It felt as though someone had suddenly placed a mirror directly in front of her.
For a brief moment, countless memories flashed through her mind. The endless abilities, like making talismans or easy cultivation.
’Was this... really my destiny all along? Was this why fate kept handing me everything?’
Mark continued speaking, completely unaware of the storm raging inside her heart.
"You’re an extraordinarily gifted talisman master. You possess an unprecedented level of mystical energy. Your cultivation speed is nothing short of monstrous."
He looked directly into her eyes. "What more proof do you need? You are the chosen one. The one destined to end this Ghost Apocalypse."
The corridor fell completely silent. Everyone stared at Lana with complicated expressions.
Axel, however, suddenly stepped forward. His fist clenched tightly enough for the veins on the back of his hand to bulge.
"What nonsense! Stop bothering my niece, old man. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to become rude."
Mark frowned the moment he noticed Axel standing beside Melody. "You? Why are you here?"
Axel crossed his arms before replying without the slightest hesitation. "Lana is my niece."
Those simple words immediately caused Mark’s brows to knit together. ’My information wasn’t wrong...’
He had already investigated Lana’s background.
Although he hadn’t been able to uncover everything, there had been enough clues suggesting that she belonged to an influential family.
Now that Axel himself had publicly acknowledged Lana as his niece, that speculation had essentially become fact.
Mark narrowed his eyes. ’Then why hasn’t she returned to the Peterson family yet?’
However, he quickly dismissed that thought. That wasn’t the important issue. He turned back toward Lana.
"I still believe you should come under my guidance. I’ll personally train you. I’ll make sure that your talent reaches its absolute peak. And together... we’ll bring this apocalypse to an end."
The moment those words were spoken, Lucian stepped forward without the slightest hesitation. Conrad followed immediately afterward.
Then Phillips. Then Axel. Even Melody silently moved beside Lana. Naina, Monica and Jenny also stepped forward.
Before anyone realized it, they had instinctively formed a protective circle around Lana. Lucian looked at Mark with a calm smile.
"There are countless heroes in this world. But having many heroes doesn’t mean all of them possess powers capable of rivaling the heavens."
He folded his arms. "Instead of searching for every capable individual and allowing them to shoulder this burden together, you’re trying to place the responsibility of saving the entire world onto Lana alone."
He stared directly into Mark’s eyes. "Don’t you think that’s incredibly irresponsible?"
Mark let out a helpless chuckle. "There are indeed heroes working under me. Many of them possess extraordinary abilities. But none of them can compare to Lana."
He slowly shook his head.
"Believe me. It feels as though fate itself has chosen her. No, it feels as though God Himself has designated Lana as the one destined to end this apocalypse."
Lucian’s smile disappeared. His gaze became frighteningly cold.
"I don’t care whether it’s God’s will or the Goddess’s blessing. I care about Lana. If you dare force her, if you ever make her do something against her own wishes..."
His voice became so cold that everyone instinctively felt a chill run down their spines. "I’ll make sure you regret ever being born in this country."
Conrad quietly stood beside him. He didn’t utter a single word. He merely gave a faint nod.
Yet that tiny movement represented the complete stance of the Peterson family. Seeing Conrad’s agreement, Mark slowly unclenched his fist.
After several long seconds, he finally sighed. "Very well. I won’t force her."
He looked toward Lana one last time. "But one day, you’ll change your decision. One day, you’ll wish to save this world. When that day comes, come find me. I’ll help you. I’ll personally train you."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned around and quietly walked away. Seeing this, Mason frowned.
He looked as though he wanted to say something, but Jessica gently shook her head, stopping him. She then turned toward Lana with an unusually soft and motherly smile.
"Lana, you are destined for extraordinary things. And if you ever require assistance... I hope you won’t hesitate to come to me."
With those final words, she quietly left as well. Vincent remained behind. He looked at Lana before smiling gently.
"Lana, if you truly believe that old man Mark is bothering you too much... Come to me. I’ll protect you. You’ll have the Roth family’s protection."
Lana blinked in genuine surprise. ’Does he really possess enough influence to oppose the Mystical Cultivation Association?’
One had to understand that the Mystical Cultivation Association possessed authority powerful enough to rival even the government.
Even the Peterson family couldn’t openly oppose them unless several other top-tier families united behind them.
As she pondered those thoughts, Naina quietly leaned closer and whispered into her ear.
"Well, Vincent belongs to one of the most prestigious families in the country. The Roth family is incredibly wealthy. They’re extremely influential. They also possess deep political connections. So the protection he’s offering isn’t empty words."
She paused before lowering her voice even further.
"However, we should still remain cautious. He may have political motives of his own."
Lana nodded once. "I understand."
Vincent smiled one final time before quietly leaving. Soon, Harper also stepped forward.
She looked at Lana with an apologetic expression.
"I’m sorry. I never expected that old man would react this way. I only invited him because I wanted someone powerful enough to prevent Thessy from harming you."