"So this is Alpha's talent… Haha, it seems this prince has truly stumbled upon a treasure."
Alhaitham gazed at the blonde elf girl with admiration, as though looking at a priceless artifact. Was he surprised? Perhaps. But at the same time, he felt as if it had all been predestined. The talent he saw in Alpha was remarkably similar to his own—a rare and dazzling ability: the [Universal Genius].
No wonder she's able to absorb knowledge so quickly, he thought, watching her from a distance. So far, she's shown no weakness in any subject. If her talent really is [Universal], then everything makes sense.
But even among those who possess the same type of talent, there were levels.
"If I use myself as a benchmark," Alhaitham murmured with narrowed eyes, "then Alpha's talent is probably less than 50 points."
This wasn't arrogance. It was simply a factual comparison. If he, Alhaitham, needed a single day to master something, then Alpha required two or three. Her talent, while extraordinary, was still inferior to his system-enhanced potential.
Still, that was already impressive. Exceptionally so.
Alhaitham's own talent had been bestowed upon him by the system—a high-end, almost divine cheat. Alpha, on the other hand, had achieved her results purely through natural ability, a level that already surpassed 99.99% of people in the world.
"She's a one-of-a-kind genius in her own right. But even so, that makes me—this prince—the strongest genius among mankind."
Alhaitham couldn't help but sigh in pride. It was a quiet, self-assured moment… until something broke it.
"Huff… Huff… Huff…"
"It's okay, Beta. I know it's hard at first, but you'll get used to it eventually," Alpha said gently, turning to the silver-haired elf who was catching her breath. "Let's just focus on today's goal… I don't need to catch his sword. If I can dodge one of his attacks, I'll consider it a win."
"W-Woo… Got it…"
Beta nodded awkwardly, her expression full of uncertainty. The objective sounded simple, but she knew better. After witnessing Alhaitham's swordsmanship firsthand, she had no illusions about its difficulty.
Even when he deliberately held back, Beta couldn't withstand a single strike. His technique was beautiful and fluid, yet devastatingly effective.
On the other side, Alpha was also feeling frustrated.
Just yesterday, she'd promised herself that she would one day catch up to him. But today, she realized the gap between them wasn't shrinking—it was growing wider.
His swordsmanship today… it's even more refined than before. Was he holding back all this time? I thought I was making progress… but instead, I feel even further behind.
How do you do it? You're still so young, and yet you already wield such power and technique… You really are full of mysteries, Alhaitham.
And those mysteries only made him more compelling.
Alpha stared at his back, eyes filled with a mix of frustration and longing. Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword, a new determination rising within her. If she couldn't do it in one attempt, she'd try twice. If twice wasn't enough, then three times. She would keep going—again and again—until she closed the gap between them.
Even if the goal was far away, giving up would mean losing everything.
Despite being a natural genius, Alpha trained harder than most mortals.
This isn't just about revenge anymore, she thought, her expression growing solemn. I still want to destroy the Diabolos Order. I haven't let go of that hatred. But more than that… I want to stand beside him. Not behind.
Alhaitham had placed her in charge of the [Dark Night Courtyard]—the first seat, no less. He had high expectations for her. She couldn't let him down.
Alpha clenched her fists.
The Courtyard was still too small. It needed more people—more descendants of heroes. They had to expand their numbers, their influence, their strength. One day, the Courtyard would grow into an organization worthy of Alhaitham. And when that day came, they would crush the Diabolos Order.
For now, she would work hard. Tirelessly. She had a mission.
Just then, a pink-haired maid approached with light steps.
"Your Highness," Ram said softly. "Princess Agnes is here."
"Huh? My sister? Is she skipping class again?" Alhaitham asked, already expecting the answer.
Ram nodded, and Alhaitham let out a small sigh. His elder sister, Princess Agnes, was infamous for ditching her lessons—an unparalleled truant in the royal family.
Sure, the classes were boring, but they were essential training for royalty. Alhaitham had completed them in just three days. Agnes, on the other hand, found them intolerable.
He gestured subtly to Alpha, who nodded in understanding. She took Beta by the hand, and the two quietly slipped into maid uniforms. Like Ram and Rem, their official roles were Alhaitham's attendants.
A burst of orange rushed into the room.
"Hey, Ah Mo, I'm here to play!"
Agnes, wearing a vibrant orange princess gown, dashed toward him and launched herself into a practiced leap, landing against Alhaitham like a cat pouncing on its favorite perch.
"You skipped class again, huh?" Alhaitham raised an eyebrow. "I'm amazed you got away. How'd you manage it this time?"
He wasn't annoyed. If anything, he was curious. Their bond as siblings was close, and he didn't mind her clingy antics. But after Agnes had skipped classes ten times, their father—the king—had placed a circle of royal knights around the classroom to prevent any further mischief.
Did she really slip past all of them?
Agnes giggled.
"Actually, I didn't get caught. Father sent the knights elsewhere today—there's a huge commotion going on in the palace."
"A commotion?" Alhaitham tilted his head. "What kind?"
"I'm not sure about the details," Agnes said, tilting her head thoughtfully. "But I heard something terrible happened. Apparently, the southern xxx Mountains got pierced overnight by some unknown force."
"…That sounds absurd," Alhaitham muttered, his gaze shifting away awkwardly.
Agnes shrugged. "Right? I thought the same. But it's got everyone on edge. The whole palace is buzzing."
Later, Alhaitham would find out that the entire kingdom had been placed on high alert. Rumors spread quickly—some speculated it was the appearance of a legendary beast. Others feared it was the work of a long-dormant evil. Even the king had lost several strands of hair over the incident.
Of course, the truth was far simpler.
It was Alhaitham's fault.
But saying so out loud would only cause trouble. Even if no one believed him, the consequences would be annoying at best and catastrophic at worst.
So, he kept quiet.
Ahem. Do good deeds without leaving your name. No need to thank me for opening up a convenient mountain pass for everyone.
"Pfft—"
Alpha, standing nearby in her maid outfit, let out a soft laugh. Her eyes sparkled as she watched Alhaitham's awkward attempt to cover things up.
No one else could have guessed that the mysterious force that "pierced the mountains" was standing right here, pretending to be innocent.
No one… except her.
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