Chapter 105: Guardian’s Wall
faint smile appeared on Theodore’s face as he added, "He has already surpassed the Grandmaster Realm, so you’ll be in capable hands."
Nova and the others were slightly surprised to hear that. However, Nova quickly understood. If Dorian was the Guild Leader of the Frosthall Hunters headquarters in the Capital, then he was naturally someone of extraordinary strength.
Perhaps, once he arrived in Vaunis, he would finally learn what realm lay beyond the Grandmaster Realm.
With a polite smile, Nova nodded. "Thank you, Theodore. We truly appreciate everything you’ve done for us."
Theodore waved his hand dismissively.
"It’s the least I can do for all of you, especially for my daughter." His expression turned serious. "The Capital isn’t like Forstholme.
Even though I’m a Duke of this kingdom, political status only goes so far. In the end, strength is what truly matters in this world."
He looked at Nova with confidence.
"Knowing that Asia and her friends will be under Dorian’s care gives me peace of mind. Besides..." Theodore smiled faintly. "I know you’re no ordinary young man. It won’t be long before you surpass the Grandmaster Realm."
Nova simply smiled and nodded. Asia and Rieka also smiled, while Bai Chen quietly sipped his tea, silently agreeing with Theodore’s words.
After a brief pause, Theodore turned toward his daughter.
"Daughter, now that you’ve reached the Grandmaster Realm, are you planning to participate in the tournament as well?"
Asia gently shook her head.
"No, Father. Although I’ve reached the Grandmaster Realm, my combat experience against other humans is still lacking. Compared to the Empire’s true geniuses, I’d rather watch, learn, and gain experience."
Nova looked at her with a warm smile.
"Honey, why don’t you give it a try? You don’t realize it yourself, but you’re no less talented than any of the Empire’s young geniuses. I wouldn’t be surprised if you defeated your opponents with ease."
Asia lowered her gaze, clearly conflicted. It wasn’t that she feared getting hurt. She simply didn’t want to embarrass her father... or disappoint Nova.
Seeing her hesitation, Rieka spoke up.
"You should participate, Asia. This is the perfect opportunity to fight talented human cultivators instead of only demonic beasts. We’ve spent the last three years battling monsters. This tournament will let you experience an entirely different kind of battle."
She paused before letting out a small sigh. "If I had already reached the Grandmaster Realm... I would’ve participated too."
Her fox ears drooped slightly as she lowered her head in disappointment. Seeing his adorable wife like that, Nova couldn’t help but smile helplessly.
At that moment, he silently made himself another promise. Before the Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament began... he would help Rieka break through to the Grandmaster Realm as well.
"Sister-in-law, Junior Brother Nova speaks wisely. You should certainly participate," Bai Chen said encouragingly. "Should Sister-in-law secure a place among the top five, a pass to the Secret Realm shall also be yours. Such a rare opportunity should not be missed."
Asia looked around at everyone. Seeing their encouraging smiles, she let out a soft sigh.
"Sigh...Alright. I’ll participate."
A smile appeared on Nova’s face, and Theodore smiled as well. Although he was still worried about his daughter competing in the tournament, he didn’t want to hold her back from gaining valuable experience. After all, the Empire’s Grand Youth Tournament wasn’t a fight to the death.
Theodore nodded in satisfaction before continuing. "Now that we’ve settled everything, there’s one more thing I have for you, Nova."
He glanced at Rodrick, understanding immediately, Rodrick quietly left the room. A few moments later, he returned carrying a large wooden box, which he carefully placed on the table between them.
Nova raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"What is it, Father?" Asia asked, equally intrigued.
"Open it and see for yourself," Theodore said with a smile.
Asia nodded and slowly opened the wooden box.
Resting inside was a medium-sized shield. Although its appearance was rather ordinary, it radiated a powerful aura that immediately drew everyone’s attention.
Without hesitation, Nova activated his All-Appraisal Eyes.
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[Guardian’s Wall]
[Rank: Heaven]
Description:
[A one-time-use Heaven Grade defensive treasure that appears as an ordinary shield while dormant. Upon activation, it erects a 50-meter Celestial Barrier capable of withstanding attacks from opponents far above the Grandmaster Realm for 30 seconds, protecting everything behind it. Once its power is exhausted, the shield shatters and is permanently destroyed.]
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Nova’s eyes widened in surprise.
This was an incredibly valuable life-saving treasure. Although it wouldn’t last forever against an overwhelmingly stronger opponent, surviving for thirty seconds against such an enemy could mean the difference between life and death.
Theodore’s expression gradually turned serious as he looked directly at Nova.
"I heard from Asia that, three years ago, a fortune teller examined your fate. According to her, your destiny was shrouded in darkness, and after three years, a great calamity would descend upon you... one that could put your life in danger."
He paused before continuing.
"I’ve never believed much in fortune tellers or prophecies...But as a father, I can’t simply ignore those words."
Theodore gently pushed the box toward Nova. "This is the most precious defensive treasure in my possession. I want you to have it."
"And don’t even think about refusing."
Nova let out a helpless sigh. He turned to look at Rieka. The moment their eyes met, Rieka quietly looked away. Nova instantly understood.
He had specifically asked Rieka not to tell Asia about the prophecy, yet she had done exactly that. Naturally, Asia had then shared it with her father.
Seriously... they kept all of those huge secrets for me, yet they couldn’t keep the one secret I asked them to keep the most... the one I hid because I didn’t want them—or anyone else—to worry.
Nova could only shake his head inwardly.
What he didn’t realize was that both Rieka and Asia had never been able to forget the fortune teller’s warning. Every time they remembered it, an inexplicable uneasiness gripped their hearts.
No matter how much they trusted Nova’s strength...The thought of losing him was something neither of them could bear.
Nova let out a quiet sigh before nodding.
"Thank you. I truly appreciate your consideration."
Without refusing any further, he accepted the shield and stored it inside his inventory. Of course, to everyone else, it appeared as though he had placed it into his spatial storage ring.
Nova always wore one to avoid drawing suspicion about where he kept all of his belongings.
With that, the meeting came to a peaceful end.
Bai Chen returned to his inn to rest, while Nova decided to spend the remainder of the day with his wives .
Their first stop was Tharuk’s residence. Since Tharuk already knew they would be departing the following day, Rieka spent a few hours talking with her grandfather, while Nova and Asia stayed with them and enjoyed the peaceful afternoon together.
Afterward, the four of them went into the city and spent the rest of the day shopping. They bought several new sets of clothes and other necessities for their upcoming journey.
Before returning, Nova purchased two Face Veils from the System Store, spending 50,000 Evolution Points.
He had no intention of using them to hide his wives’ beauty—he would never admit that reason even if it crossed his mind.
Instead, he wanted to protect their identities.
These weren’t ordinary veils. They were special treasures capable of concealing the identity, making it impossible for others to recognize them through ordinary perception or even by using significantly stronger senses.
Asia and Rieka eventually returned to their respective homes, while Nova headed back to his own before evening. Since Edward was on leave that day, he remained at home, allowing Nova to spend the rest of the day with both of his parents.
Before they knew it, the day came to an end.
The next morning finally arrived.
Standing out of the walls of Forstholme were Nova, his two wives, and Bai Chen, ready to begin their journey to the Capital.
Seeing them off were Edward, Jenna, Theodore, Rodrick, and Tharuk. Although none of them spoke, the expressions on their faces clearly reflected their reluctance to see them leave .
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[ A/N]
I’ve revised the treasure ranking system since using the same rankings for both treasures and weapons felt confusing. Treasures now have their own ranking system, while weapon ranks represent their individual power.
For example, Nova’s Rouve is now a High-Level Grandmaster weapon, whereas a protective artifact could be a Heaven-Grade Treasure.
Treasure Ranking:
Bronze → Silver → Gold → Earth → Heaven → Saint → Divine → Celestial → Ancient → Origin
Thanks for reading...