Scar's pupils dilated. She was an A-rank. That explained everything. That was why her physical stats were high enough to match his movements and parry his speed attack. But he was surprised she already held a formal rank at seventeen.
"She took the exam early?" Scar questioned mentally.
[Actually, she likely hasn't taken it at all,] Miley corrected. [The inspect feature calculates a target's rank by executing a real-time diagnostic scan of their active mana cells and energy density, mapping it directly against the official metrics. Right now, she might not even know she has scaled to A-rank... but you do]
"Cool. This should be quite useful," Scar smirked, impressed by the skill. "What about me? Scan my rank."
[Sorry, but the skill can't be inverted] Miley said. [You cannot use the Eye of Horus to inspect your own metrics. You must take the standard exam to determine your rank]
Scar scoffed, rolling his eyes. "So I can use the skill on everyone but myself? That's ridiculous."
[Hey, I didn't make the rules,] Miley replied flatly.
Scar chuckled. "What if I use a mirror?"
[I doubt that'll work] Miley offered with a hint of digital amusement. [The skill works on physical biological targets only, not reflections. But you're welcome to try. Who knows, your reflection could be so strong it'll register as a physical target]
Scar ignored the sarcasm. Then his stomach growled violently. He remembered that he hadn't eaten since he returned from hunting, failing to refill his calories after the extreme hard work he done all day.
Just as he reached out his hand to grab a plate of food, a familiar teasing voice drifted into his ears from behind.
"Well, look who it is... my favorite alter ego, Scar."
Scar frowned. He recognized that smooth, feminine voice instantly.
He turned around slowly and standing right in front of him was Alicia.
She was dressed in a stunning, short crimson gown that perfectly accentuated her slender frame, her red hair flowing beautifully down her back. She looked radiant, but her lips were curved into that same, terrifyingly sharp smirk.
"Alicia," Scar breathed, his hands instinctively curling into tight fists at his sides.
"So, what's up with you and Rose?" Alicia teased, leaning against the edge of the table and tilting her head. "Looked like you two had a lover's spat from across the room."
Scar ignored the tease, his tone dropping into a dangerous rasp. "What are you doing here?" he asked sharply.
Alicia looked down at his clenched fists, then up to his hostile expression, her smile widening. "Oh, come on. You didn't actually think I'd miss your big day, did you? We're friends, remember?"
"Friends don't blackmail and threaten to stop each other's hearts," Scar retorted coldly.
Alicia let out a soft chuckle, waving her hand defensively. "Are you still mad about that? Look, I'm sorry for how I acted yesterday, but it was the only way I could get you to listen and not try to attack me. I heard how you almost killed Emily in a spar—and even I can't take Emily on in a one-on-one fight without serious preparation. I had to act tough to ensure you would be completely restrained and intimidated."
"That doesn't change the fact that you are blackmailing me," Scar noted, his voice unyielding.
"Guilty as charged," Alicia smiled sweetly, entirely unapologetic. "But it's the only leverage I have to ensure you do what I need you to do."
"You could have tried asking nicely first," Scar growled.
Alicia laughed. "You are not exactly the conversationalist from what I've heard. You're more of a 'kill first, ask questions later' kind of guy," she said. Then she leaned in a bit closer, her eyes glittering with curiosity.
"Honestly, I'm just glad Felicity didn't erase you. Having two consciousnesses in one body is far better than one. Double the neural capacity, double the effort." She raised a delicate brow. "By the way, when is the other Henry coming out anyway? Do the two of you have an agreed schedule for control? Or do you just play rock-paper-scissors in the submind to decide who gets the wheel?"
"That is none of your business," Scar snapped.
"You're right, it's a personal topic," Alicia conceded easily. "I shouldn't have pried." Then her expression turned slightly more critical. "So, are you working toward getting faster? I can sense your baseline velocity has increased slightly since yesterday afternoon, but... it's a very small window of progress."
"You shouldn't be concerned about my growth," Scar said sharply, glaring at her, "because I won't be doing anything you say. I am not your pet."
Alicia raised a brow, her smirk turning ice-cold. "Did you forget our conversation, Scar? Did you forget what I said about letting TRIAD know about your 'special' condition?"
"I don't care," Scar scoffed, leaning in. "Felicity is also aware of it. She is aware of me. And she won't let you say anything to TRIAD."
Alicia stared at him for a second, then let out a pitying chuckle. "Wanna bet?" she challenged with a confident smirk. "Felicity might have accepted you into her home for her own reasons, but she has known me my entire life. She trusts me far more than she trusts you. If you go to her right now and tell her I'm threatening you, I bet she will just laugh it off as a joke and assume I'm trying to motivate you. But I assure you... I am not joking."
Scar gritted his teeth so hard his jaw ached. He wanted nothing more than to smash his fist through her smiling face, but the agonizing memory of her Inner Machine seizing control of his internal organs yesterday was burned into his mind. She could drop him dead on the floor before his speed even registered. She was just that dangerous.
He decided to see exactly what rank she was at. He activated the Eye of Horus.
——————
*Name: Alicia Carter
*Age: 18
*Rank: A
*Ability: Metal Manipulation, Inner Machine
*Hp: 1200/1200
——————
Scar's eyes narrowed. It was exactly as he thought. She was at A rank. But her HP seemed significantly higher than Rose's.
"Her health pool is absurdly high for an A-rank," Scar noted internally. "Why?"
[Because while Alicia is technically classified as an A-rank, her raw energy density is massively superior to ordinary elites,] Miley explained rapidly. [In terms of sheer destructive output, she is on par with high-tier S-ranks. She simply lacks the specific requirements to be formally classified higher]
"What?" Scar was stunned. "So she is as powerful as an S-rank? How?"
[The ranking system isn't linear] Miley said. [There are B-rank mages in this world who possess niche combat powers that can decimate an A-rank if the match-up is right.]
"Then the ranking system is fundamentally flawed," Scar deduced. "If it assigns titles that don't match their actual lethality."
[It is not flawed; it is mathematical] Miley corrected. [To advance to a higher rank, a person must simultaneously fulfill three strict thresholds: a specific mana cell count, a total baseline energy level, and a designated percentage of active Ability Mastery. If even one pillar is deficient, you remain capped. Alicia, for example, possesses an insane energy reservoir and a ridiculous mana cell count. It is her low Ability Mastery that is keeping her trapped in A-rank]
Scar paused. "Low mastery? The girl literally seized control of my nervous system and could've crushed my organs with a twitch of her fingers. How the hell is that 'low mastery'?" He scoffed.
[Believe it or not, but she has yet to master even fifty percent of either of her abilities] Miley dropped the bombshell calmly. [The fact that she possesses two fundamentally different abilities makes mastery even more harder. People with multiple abilities face an immense scaling wall; they cannot focus their neural pathways on a single discipline. They must master both simultaneously to advance, and that takes decades of intense refinement.]
Scar felt a cold drop of sweat slide down his neck. The information was terrifying. If Alicia was this powerful, this untouchable, while utilizing less than half of her actual potential... what kind of monster would she be when her mastery hit 100%?
[Alicia is like this because of her genes] Miley added. [The Carter family is known for their ridiculous amount of mana cells and massive energy levels. It is pure hereditary fortune]
"I don't care about her genes," Scar snarled back. "No matter what kind of blood flows through her veins, I will get stronger. I will outscale her, and I will find a way to eliminate her."
"Hey! Earth to Henry." Alicia snapped her fingers directly in front of his face, breaking his internal dialogue. Scar snapped his focus back to the physical world, his eyes locking onto her.
"You completely zoned out on me," Alicia noted, her eyes narrowing playfully. "What, were you having a meeting with the second Henry in there? What are the two of you planning?"
Scar opened his mouth to deliver a hostile retort, but Alicia cut him off, waving her hand.
"I know, I know... it's 'none of my business'," she chuckled. "Anyway, I'll be heading home soon. I have to prepare for the upcoming entrance exams."
Scar raised a skeptical brow. "Entrance exams? For what?"
"For admission into the Mage Academy, of course," Alicia said, as if it were obvious.
Scar knew what a Mage Academy was through the memories he had inherited. They were elite educational institutions designed specifically for individuals with awakened abilities to master the deep principles of mana, and learn more on how to use their powers. It was like college, but with majors focused more on advanced technology, combat application and energy mastery.
There was only one major academy per nation, and getting accepted into one was incredibly difficult due to millions of applicants. The entrance exams were a brutal gauntlet of physical tests, tactical trials, and raw ability displays. Those who graduated were hailed officially as "Mages," having a higher chance of securing cool, high-paying jobs in global syndicates, while normal university graduates were left with basic corporate labor.
But Scar felt absolutely zero interest in any of it. He never liked the idea of going to classes and writing dumb, pointless exams to determine who the smartest was and had a higher chance of getting stupid, boring jobs.
To him, school was nothing more than forced education that taught people how to be slaves for richer people. A system built to produce obedient tools for the elite.
"What's the point of going to an academy if you're already powerful and come from a wealthy family?" Scar asked, his tone dripping with cynicism. "What knowledge could they possibly give you in a classroom that you can't just find out yourself on the web?"
"Sometimes it's not about the knowledge," Alicia chuckled, her eyes softening with a strange expression. "It's about the experience. The relationships. The memories."
"I'd rather go to prison than go to school," Scar stated flatly. "They're more or less the same thing anyway. Prison is just way cooler."
Alicia burst into a bright laugh. "You are a very interesting alter ego, you know that? I really hope the two of us can get along."
"I hope not," Scar countered.
"Well, you don't have a choice," Alicia smirked, turning to walk away. "Because you're going to be seeing a lot of me from now on. We will be having training sessions together."
Scar froze, his posture snapping rigid. "Training sessions? What the hell are you talking about?"
Alicia paused, looking over her shoulder with a raised brow. "Hasn't Felicity told you yet? You are being placed on a comprehensive training schedule with several different instructors... including me," she stated. "Though my block is more of an assessment. I'll be conducting regular kinetic trials to monitor, evaluate, and map your acceleration curve so I can think of tactical adjustments and inventions to make you faster. It's going to be so much fun."
Scar was awestruck. Training sessions? With multiple people? The information hit him like a physical blow.
"Due to my own training, we would only be able to meet a few times in a week," Alicia continued smoothly. "But you have to always answer me whenever I call." Then without waiting for him to respond, she turned and began walking away. "Bye, Scar. We'll be in touch." She melted into the crowd, leaving Scar standing completely paralyzed by the catering table. He was still shocked by everything he'd just heard. Felicity hadn't mentioned a single word about a training schedule.
His eyes scanned the ballroom in a sudden frenzy of rage. Within seconds, he spotted her across the hall, casually sipping wine and laughing with a group of local lords.
Scar marched across the floor, his aura so intensely dark and hostile that the guests naturally parted before him. He walked straight into Felicity's circle, completely ignoring the nobles.
"Mom," Scar said, his voice a tight, forced rasp. "Can I see you for a minute? It's urgent."
The local lords blinked in surprise at the boy's absolute lack of manners, but Felicity maintained her flawless composure. She turned to her guests, offering an apologetic smile.
"Excuse me for a moment, gentlemen. Family duties call." She said, before leaving the party with Scar.
The moment they stepped out of the grand ballroom and into the quiet, pristine hallway, Scar slammed the double doors shut and turned on her.
"I just heard a rumor from an incredibly annoying redhead," Scar said, his voice flat. "She claims you've organized a schedule for me to undergo training sessions with multiple people."
Felicity blinked, surprised by his immediate knowledge, before her face brightened into a smile. "Oh. Alicia already told you. Yes, it's true. I was planning to go over the details with you this morning, but it slipped my mind during the broadcast prep. I have organized a series of training for you on various aspects that are relevant to your current capabilities."
"I didn't agree to that," Scar snapped, crossing his arms.
"But you have to," Felicity explained calmly, leaning against the marble wall. "Due to my position as a city leader and the many responsibilities that come with it, I cannot always be present to oversee your training. So I decided to distribute the task to some trusted friends and allies. Starting tomorrow, you will be placed on a tight, rotating schedule, undergoing two or more different training blocks every single day."
"No," Scar refused vehemently. "I have my own things to take care of. I have parameters to meet." He had daily system quests to execute, and he needed to hunt beasts for EXP. A packed schedule would completely cripple his progression.
"I am fully aware of your... requirements," Felicity said, her eyes flashing with a knowing glint. "Which is why I have meticulously structured the blocks to ensure you receive frequent time off. You can use those free hours to venture into the forest and do whatever it is you do."
Scar remained entirely adamant, his jaw set. "What kind of training am I even receiving? And who are these 'allies' you've asked to train me?"
"You will see when the time comes," Felicity said smoothly, waving off his paranoia. "For now, just focus on getting a lots of rest tonight. Trust me, Roy... you are going to need every ounce of it."
Scar let out a long, frustrated sigh. He desperately wanted to reject the entire arrangement, but a bitter reality checked his anger: The Agreement. Last night, he had signed a cold war treaty with this woman. In exchange for infinite resources and autonomy, he had agreed to follow her direction for his own survival. She had the right to organize this.
Plus, she was an overpowered SSS-rank matriarch. Going against her will was suicide. He could easily just refuse to do anything she says, but that would only get him killed. He had to endure her wishes and subtle manipulations for the sake of his survival. It's also why he couldn't just refute Alicia's demands. Apart from her threats to alert TRIAD of his existence, the girl was also incredibly powerful.
Scar hated agreeing to the demands of the two women, but he had no choice. They were both capable of eliminating him without breaking a sweat. He had to give in and pretend to be an obedient little lamb. At least until he was finally able to destroy all his oppressors.
"Fine," Scar growled through his teeth. "But what about Alicia? Why the hell is she on my schedule?"
Felicity chuckled softly, a look of genuine amusement crossing her face. "I felt it would be highly beneficial for you to spend time around her. She has a remarkably brilliant mind, and she says she has unique methods to make you faster."
"She's lying to you," Scar said, stepping closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Alicia is blackmailing me. She threatened to expose my lack of mana cells to TRIAD if I don't submit to her demands."
Felicity blinked in mild surprise. Then, she burst into a sudden, delighted laughter. She purred softly, shaking her head. "Oh, isn't that adorable? Look at the two of you, you're getting along so well already."
Scar stared at her, his mind completely stalling. Getting along? Didn't she hear a single thing he just said?
He spoke up again, his voice deadly serious. "This isn't a joke. She really threatened me."
"She is simply trying to push you to work harder, Roy," Felicity said, her tone smooth, entirely unbothered. "Alicia does not mean those words literally. She would never actually expose you to TRIAD. She is merely using a sharp incentive to ensure you don't slack off. She is doing it for your own good."
Scar stood completely shocked in the hallway. For his own good? The girl was literally going to give him a heart attack, and Felicity thought it was just a healthy motivation tactic.
He opened his mouth to argue, but Felicity raised a finger, her aura briefly flaring with an absolute, unyielding cold that locked his joints.
"I have made my decision, Roy," she said, her voice turning into the unbendable decree of a Sovereign. "We will not debate this matter further. You will listen to Alicia, you will attend her blocks, and you will do exactly what she says. She is trying to help you survive."
Then, the pressure vanished as quickly as it had arrived. Felicity smoothed down her dress, her warm smile returning effortlessly. "Now, I must get back to our guests before my absence causes some dumb rumors. Do not overthink the schedule, sweetie. Everything I do... is for your own good."
"Yeah. No shit," Scar muttered sarcastically.
"Language, darling," Felicity cautioned playfully, waving a hand over her shoulder as she pushed the double doors open and slipped back into the roaring luxury of the ballroom.
Scar was left completely alone in the silent, empty hallway. His fists were clenched so hard his nails drew blood against his palms. He let out a long, slow, boiling breath, forcing the violent adrenaline to recede from his muscles.
Now he understood why Alicia was so confident earlier. Felicity trusted her way too much. The leverage was completely skewed in her favor.
He glanced at Felicity's retreating form. Beneath the high-society fashion and the warm, maternal smiles, she was an absolute enigma. A Sovereign who commanded the world with an iron fist.
Scar furrowed his brows and used Eye of Horus on her. He needed to know exactly what kind of monster he had made a deal with.
When the bright gold screen resolved, displaying her info, Scar's breath caught in his throat.
——————
*Name: Felicity Myers
*Age: 121
*Rank: SSS
*Abilities: Ice Manipulation, Psionic Force, Super Speed, ???
*Hp: 5,000,000 / 5,000,000
——————
Scar was shocked to the core. His highly analytical mind struggled to process the sheer, crushing weight of the numbers glowing before him.
First, her age. One hundred and twenty-one.
Scar blinked, staring at the back of a woman who looked barely a day over thirty. He knew that in this world, the biological integration of high-tier mana cells drastically slowed cellular aging and extended lifespans, but a human living for more than a century was insane. It suddenly made perfect sense. No wonder she was hailed as a legendary hero of the ancient Beast War... she along with the other world leaders had actually been alive and fighting when it happened a century ago.
But the second revelation hit him even harder: her abilities. He already knew she was a master of Ice Manipulation, and her Psionic Force was no surprise.
But Super Speed?
Felicity had never mentioned having this as a singular ability. She was practically a speedster like him.
Then, his eyes drifted to the final, obscured line with the question marks.
Scar frowned in confusion. It was globally accepted knowledge that Felicity Myers was the anomaly of the century—a woman famously known to wield more than fifty different abilities. He had expected the Eye of Horus to generate a massive, scrolling list of powers. Seeing only four core slots was jarring. His tactical mind immediately began to piece the puzzle together.
If she only possesses four true abilities, then that hidden fourth slot must be the key to how she uses a dozen more abilities.
It had to be the mechanism or the catalyst that allowed her to perhaps mimic, steal, or utilize the other ones.
Finally, his gaze dropped to the bottom of the screen to her health pool.
Scar let out a breathless, disbelieving scoff in the empty hallway. Five million? Why the hell would a human being have five million Health Points? His own HP pool was a microscopic grain of sand compared to the vast, insurmountable ocean of hers. She wasn't just a Sovereign; she was a walking demigod. With a health pool that massive, she was basically immortal.
He banished the screen with a thought, his chest tight. He pushed the staggering revelations to the back of his mind, making a firm, mental note to confront her and interrogate her about that hidden fourth ability later when the time was right.
He glanced back at the heavy doors of the ballroom, listening to the chatter, the classical music, and the clinking of champagne glasses. The lingering adrenaline from their argument, combined with the terrifying data he had just processed, completely killed his appetite. He wasn't in the mood for the party anymore.
Turning on his heel, Scar walked away from the ballroom and headed up the grand staircase toward his room, eager to bury himself back in his research of the world economy.