80 years ago.
"Oh! You've finally awakened, Evan." The young Duke Lorelei heard his instructor's voice. "Yes, Teacher. Thank you very much for helping me. I'll not disappoint you."
"Hahaha. Just awakening your spirit alone is already good. How about your absorption rate? Let me check." An elderly man extended his hand.
"Yes."
Instead of giving an immediate answer, the elderly man frowned as if he had found something wrong.
Evan looked at his teacher with an expectant look, yet the only answer he got was that of disappointment. "Your absorption rate is only 62%."
"62%?" Evan's face turned pale. "How can this be? I only have a 62% absorption rate?"
His teacher could only shake his head; his disappointment could be clearly seen in his face.
As someone who was born into a noble family, having a spirit was good, but having a low absorption rate was the same as having no spirit.
After all, their path was limited, let alone for a third son like him.
His hellish days in the mansion had just begun.
During the night, he overheard his father talking with his first wife. "That useless child. His absorption rate is too low to be even considered my son."
During the day, he listened to the servants gossiping about him. "62% is too low, isn't it? Even the second son has an 83% absorption rate, let alone the eldest young master, who has an 88% absorption rate. The third young master is skilled with the sword, but in the end, his talent is lacking."
On the training field, he was bullied by his two elder brothers. He was beaten up black and blue while listening to their mockeries. "Why would our father even take that lowly maid as his wife?"
"You are a disgrace to this family."
His name started getting known by people, which ended up going back to the Marquis household.
He eventually learned that his mother passed away due to the intense harassment, which came from the jealousy of other wives. He returned to the family and took his revenge, ultimately becoming a marquis.
Evan never took a shortcut. He took one step at a time and continuously grew stronger. It was hard and tiring, but in the end, he managed to become the strongest arbiter with his hard work.
The king rewarded him with the title of duke, as he ended up marrying a royal.
...
Duke Lorelei walked toward Lean, who was crawling on the ground to get away.
"Duke Lorelei. This is just a misunderstanding! You shouldn't kill me! I'm still young, right? I can reach transcendent rank in the future."
Duke Lorelei's expression turned sad after seeing such pathetic behavior. "I might favor the younger generations, hoping that their talents will create a better future. That's probably why I expect a lot from Noel Ardagan. I can see the talented version of myself in him. I want to see what kind of future I 'could' shape if only I were a bit more talented.
"You, too, have a higher absorption rate than mine. If you work a bit harder for another decade, you can probably reach spirit transcendence." Duke Lorelei closed his eyes. "I can't understand why you choose to take a shortcut, listening to the demon's temptation. Demons are our common enemy. Yes, you're talented, but you are now my enemy.
There's only one thing I'll do to a talented younger generation from the enemy side."
"Duk—" Lean raised his hand, trying to stop him.
Unfortunately for him, Duke Lorelei had drawn his blade. Lean's body was ripped apart into pieces as if he were being cut by hundreds of blades.
And from his body, Duke Lorelei could see a demon crystal, which ultimately proved that he had fused with a demon.
Duke Lorelei had a pained expression as he turned to Tristan and the others. "I'm sorry that you almost died in my territory. I'll properly compensate you."
Tristan politely lowered his head. "Noel Ardagan's student, Tristan, greets the Duke. I thank you for saving us. This gratitude will always be remembered in my heart."