SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

After spending heartfelt moments with his son, the Daku King gently grasped Kent's hand. His grip was firm yet affectionate as he led him through the grand corridors of the palace. His deep voice echoed, commanding attention:

"Summon everyone. The time has come to welcome my son."

Soon, the vast hall swelled with more than a hundred members of the King household—servants, wizards, and family elders. The room fell into a hush as the Daku King took his place at the center, his presence demanding respect.

Everyone were curiously watching handsome young man.

Turning toward his queen, he whispered gently, "My love, behold our son Kaban."

The queen's eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat as she gazed upon Kent's face.

The gathered members stared at Kent like they were seeing a ghost.

"K-Kaban?" she murmured, her voice trembling. His features were striking, far more handsome than she remembered from the life before. A memory of his past cruelty flashed through her mind, darkening her joy with fear.

"How could this be?" she whispered under her breath. "If his heart is as dark as before… but with this face…"

The Daku King placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "He has returned, my queen. And this time, fate may have given us another chance."

But as the queen struggled with her emotions, the hall buzzed with low murmurs. Fake smiles stretched across familiar faces, and false congratulations flowed like poisoned honey.

"Welcome back, Prince Kaban," said a thin, sharp-eyed noble, bowing slightly. His smile didn't reach his eyes.

Kent, embodying the arrogance of his past self, didn't offer even a nod in return. Instead, he scanned the room with a cold, calculating gaze and offered only a smug smirk.

"No need for false pleasantries," Kent said, his voice low and laced with disdain. "I can see the fear in your eyes. It suits you."

The noble stiffened, retreating quickly to the shadows of the crowd.

The queen, watching this exchange, felt her heart sink. "He hasn't changed… or has he?"

Despite the heavy atmosphere, the Daku King's face radiated genuine joy. "My son has returned. This is a day of celebration!" His voice echoed across the hall like thunder.

Suddenly, a frail yet sharp voice pierced the moment of triumph.

"We cannot accept him just yet."

All heads turned toward an old woman stepping forward, her cane clicking against the marble floor with every determined step. Her eyes, sharp and unyielding, settled on Kent.

"Who are you to declare your return without proof? We cannot believe you are Kaban merely because the king says so."

Kent raised an eyebrow, amused. "You doubt your own blood, old woman?"

"Blood is not enough," she retorted. "Show us something deeper—memories, power, something only Kaban would know."

The Daku King frowned. "Elder Mira, how dare you question my word?"

Mira met his gaze without flinching. "Your Majesty, I do not question your authority. I question the safety of this family."

The murmurs grew louder, voices overlapping:

"She's right… what if this is a trick?" "His face is too perfect… Kaban never looked like that." "We must consult the Old Patriarch."

Kent smirked, folding his arms across his chest. "Fine. Take me to the Old Patriarch. This Kent King wants to meet Grandfather.

"Did you hear what he said? The audacity!"

"He called himself Kent King? Doesn't he realize what he's getting into?"

"After all the sacrifices made by Old Patriarch Kumar King for this family, this boy dares to speak with such arrogance?"

Many people cursed Kent in their hearts after hearing his bold comments. Everyone knew the legendary history of the King family. The foundation of their power had been laid by none other than the revered old patriarch, Kumar King himself. A man who had personally led countless conquests as a general under the present Emperor of the Red Silk Country.

The King family's influence had spread under his mighty leadership. Even Emperor Kai of the Red Silk Country respected the old patriarch as both a loyal subject and a formidable warrior. The treasures accumulated by Kumar King were legendary—each one kept sealed for the future growth of the King family.

Now, Kent followed Daku King, the current head of the family and the son of Kumar King, through the ancient corridors of the estate. They approached the secluded cultivation chamber, a place no ordinary mortal dared to tread.

The chamber resembled a vast hut, constructed from divine stone materials that shimmered faintly with spiritual energy. Inside, Old Patriarch Kumar King sat in a lotus position on a raised dais, his long white hair flowing down to his shoulders. His eyes remained shut, deep in cultivation.

Before him, an ancient sword was embedded in the rocky floor. It radiated a strange blue glow, circulating waves of energy that pulsed with immense power.

Daku King immediately dropped to his knees, kowtowing in deep respect. "Father, I bring news most joyous. My son, Kaban, has returned. He has been reborn and come back to our family. Please offer him your blessings."

The old man's eyes snapped open.

"What did you say?" His voice was low, gravelly, yet carried an undeniable authority. "Repeat that, Daku."

Daku raised his head, his voice steady with emotion. "Your grandson, Kaban, has returned from his rebirth. He stands before you now."

For a moment, silence blanketed the room. The old patriarch slowly stood up, his gaze fixed upon Kent. The young man's features were sharp, handsome—an anti-mirror of Kaban's former self, yet somehow more refined.

"Your grandchild greets you, grandfather," Kent said, bowing slightly. "May your life be long and prosperous."

Kumar King's eyes narrowed in disbelief. His aura flared involuntarily. "Impossible. The curse should have ensured your soul's banishment to the lower realms for eternity. How did you return?"

"Let's just say," Kent smirked, "I found a way back, stronger than before."

The old man's heart trembled at the casual arrogance in Kent's voice. The resemblance to Kaban was undeniable, but something was… different.

"Daku," Kumar King commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Send an envoy to the Emperor's Castle. Summon Pradeep, the Aura Reader, and So Mu. I need confirmation of his identity."

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