Fifteen minutes later, Rose emerged, having changed into fresh clothes. She looked as ethereal as ever—like a painting come to life.
Ethan was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure. Striking a gentlemanly pose, he gestured grandly.
"After you, my lady."
Rose’s cheeks flushed red. She quickly walked past him, muttering, "Let’s go. I’m starving."
She didn’t let him see her face, which was just as well—if he had, he would’ve been stunned all over again.
While waiting, Ethan had already booked a restaurant. He walked to his car and opened the passenger door. Rose got in. Ethan circled around and slid into the driver’s seat.
He glanced at her. "Shall we?"
Rose nodded softly.
As the car pulled onto the road, Ethan tapped the screen, and music filled the cabin.
> "City lights blur through the windowpane,
Your hand’s close, but we don’t say a thing.
The silence talks louder than words could do,
And every red light feels like it waits for you..."
Rose’s heart fluttered as the melody played, but she did her best to stay calm.
Ethan broke the silence. "The admission test is on July 31st—just eighteen days away. How’s your prep going? Still planning on Literature, or switching to Martial Arts?"
Rose paused, her voice quiet. "I was leaning toward Literature... but now, I think I’ll take the Martial Arts course as well. Yesterday was a wake-up call. I don’t want to feel that helpless ever again."
"You’re right," Ethan nodded. "The world revolves around strength. Research has value, but in front of a Martial Emperor, even a genius scholar is nothing. Still—" he smiled gently, "you have me. Even if you don’t train, you’ll never be left helpless again."
Warmth bloomed in Rose’s chest, but she didn’t respond. Instead, she leaned back and turned to the window.
They drove in silence. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at a 2-story building. The restaurant was on the rooftop.
Ethan parked, unbuckled his seat belt and stepped out. He walked around and opened the door for her.
Rose stepped out and glanced up at the building. They entered and took the elevator up.
The top floor wasn’t luxurious, but it didn’t need to be. Amber lights glowed softly from the ceiling. The scent of basil, butter, and roasted garlic floated through the air. Jazz music murmured in the background, giving the space a warm soul.
Ethan pushed open the door and let Rose walk in first. She took in the space—the dark oak panels, the framed cityscape photos, and the shelves lined with small potted plants. A quiet smile touched her lips.
A hostess greeted them warmly. "Welcome to Arabelle’s. Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes," Ethan nodded. "Under Ethan Hunt."
The hostess checked the book, then smiled. "Welcome, Mr. Hunt. We’ve been expecting you." She waved to a waiter in uniform.Then she instructed him.
The waiter looked Ethan and said politely, "Please, this way."
They were led to a corner table with a wide window view. Pale curtains fluttered in the evening breeze, golden light washing in. Rose smoothed her skirt as she sat, sneaking a glance at Ethan.
He looked completely relaxed, like this was just another casual evening. Yet his eyes never seemed to leave her for long. Their eyes met in the mid air.
Rose lookes away instantly like she caught during stealing something.
The waiter handed them menus. "Would you like something to drink while you decide?"
"Lemon soda," Rose said.
"Same," Ethan added.
The waiter disappeared.
The menu was simple. Ethan scanned the options. "Grilled chicken with herb rice for me. You?"
"Creamy garlic pasta," Rose said.
"Nice choice," Ethan said with a smile.
When the waiter returned, they placed their orders. The soft murmur of other diners, the clink of cutlery—it all wove into a comforting ambiance.
They sat quietly, watching the city outside. A boy passed selling flowers. A young couple zipped by on a scooter, laughing. Time moved slower here.
Ethan broke the silence. "Rose, are you managing your studies with your part-time job at the dojo? It’s got to be exhausting."
Rose sighed. "I don’t have much of a choice. If I get into Aurora Martial University, I’ll have to leave for the Super City. Mom and Zara still need money. This job pays well—I want to leave something for them before I go.I’ll probably need some time before starting earning again you know."
Ethan nodded. "I understand. But if it’s only about money, I can help. You can pay me back when you’re settled."
Her heart warmed again, but she shook her head. "Thank you, but I’ll manage. Besides, the instructor job also helps me train my martial arts. It’s not wasted time."
He respected her pride and didn’t press further. Instead, he said, "I’m heading to Super City in five days. I’ll wait for you there."
Rose blinked.
You should know one needs a valid reason to get into the city. And to live there, you need special status—like being a university student.
But then again, this was Ethan. With the strength and potential he showed, nothing seemed impossible for him.
"Why are you going?" she asked.
Ethan didn’t hide anything. He shared the truth about his family background.
Rose was speechless. "No wonder you’re so... monstrous. Three Martial Emperors in one family? Those genes must be something else..."
Their drinks arrived—tall glasses of chilled lemon soda, sugar-rimmed with lime slices.
Rose took a sip. "Sweet, with just the right bite."
"Like you," Ethan said with a smirk.
Rose’s heart skipped.This was sudden attack and she wasn’t prepared for this. Her face turned scarlet. "Don’t talk nonsense," she muttered.
They chatted a bit more, and soon the food arrived.
After a hearty meal, Ethan left a tip—5,000 Alliance Coins. The waiter, whose monthly salary barely reached 3,000, was overwhelmed with gratitude, bowing repeatedly.
Ethan simply waved. Rose rolled her eyes.
"Show-off."
Ethan smiled smugly.
As they left the restaurant, the waiter came to the door to see them off. Ethan drove Rose home but didn’t go in this time. He had other plans.
---
Back at home, Ethan entered his room and sat cross-legged. His parents were still at work, clearing up some lingering affairs. They’d be back by morning.
He activated his Primordial Three-Elemental Breathing Technique.
Cosmic energy surged toward him like a black hole devouring the universe.
Thirty minutes passed—
Boom!
Level 7 Master.
Another thirty minutes—
Boom!
Level 8 Master.
Forty-five minutes more—
Boom!
Level 9 Master.
He looked inward. His core had expanded to 44 centimeters.
But he didn’t stop.
Becoming a Grandmaster meant true transformation—the gateway to be able to use elemental force. It marked the evolution of life itself. A Grandmaster could live up to 500 years. The apocalypse itself had only begun 50 years ago.So the concept of 500 years of lifespan was an absurd thing for the current humanity.
Grandmasters and Masters couldn’t be said in a same breath.
Ethan took a deep breath and continued cultivating.
Fifteen minutes later, his core reached full saturation. Excess energy flowed into his gene lock.
The lock devoured the energy greedily. After two hours, it finally reached capacity—and began to crack open.
Ethan felt a massive shackle inside him loosen.
The shackle of evolution.
Then—
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
A deafening rumble.
The first lock of the Grandmaster Realm shattered.
Three streams of cosmic force burst from his core—golden, white, and purple.
Light, Metal, and Thunder.
The energy wrapped around his body like an aura. He couldn’t control it much yet—just enough to envelop himself. But that was already incredible. The aura doubled his strength and speed. In battle, it would be a game-changer.
Ethan opened his status panel:
> [Master: Ethan Hunt]
Physique: 34,720
Spirit: 34,720
Talent: Infinite Comprehension
He was now stronger than a Level 9 Grandmaster—on equal footing, if not more. His core was 88 cm, surpassing Emperor level, which was at 80 cm.
His speed was now a staggering 12,000 m/s, 3,000 m/s faster than an average Level 9 Grandmaster.
All he lacked now was a worthy skill—and equipment strong enough to channel his might.
But that was a problem. His Frostmourne, a C-9 grade sword, could no longer bear the full force of his power. Grandmasters above Level 6 typically used D-series weapons, especially when using strength-enhancing techniques.
Ethan didn’t dwell on it. He looked down. His body was once again covered in sticky black sludge—a second baptism. This time, the impurities expelled were even greater.
He headed to the shower, scrubbing himself clean.
Then he changed into a comfortable outfit and stood before the mirror.
He was already handsome after the first baptism but now he looked divine. Like an fallen angel in the human realm.
His body—and his mental power—had changed.
Now, it was time to see just how much.