Chapter 201: Arrival of the Awakeners Families.

The following day,

Thoren and his family sat around the dining table, enjoying a sumptuous meal prepared by his mother.

Now that his parents and Elara had taken the healing and blood recovery potions, their bodies had almost fully recovered from their past suffering.

The pallor that once haunted their faces had faded, replaced by a healthy, rosy glow.

Their once-haggard appearance was gone, and vitality had returned to their limbs.

Dressed in fine, expensive clothes, each of them carried a distinct charm that reflected their temperament.

Serene radiated a quiet elegance, Ardyn exuded a calm, grounded authority, and Elara… she was simply radiant.

Elara could not stop smiling. She hummed a cheerful tune under her breath, her joy bubbling over in a way that filled the entire room.

As for his parents, although they did not voice it aloud, Thoren could clearly see the relief and happiness etched on their faces.

For the first time in a long while, they looked at peace.

“Brother, you promised we’re going to visit many beautiful places today,” Elara said, raising her head and staring at Thoren with her wide, sparkling eyes. “Right?”

“Of course,” Thoren replied with a faint smile. “We’re going shopping.”

“Yah!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat.

Serene shook her head lightly. “Why do you have to indulge her so much? She needs to prepare to return to school.”

“Mom!” Elara pouted, her lips forming a small, exaggerated curve. “I will return to school. But can’t you let me enjoy today with him? After all, he’ll be returning to the Abyss later.”

At her words, the atmosphere shifted.

Their parents’ expressions faltered ever so slightly.

Even though they had long known that Thoren would soon return to the Abyss, they still couldn’t help but feel worried… and afraid.

Things had finally begun to settle.

Their lives, once filled with suffering and uncertainty, had taken a turn for the better.

For a fleeting moment, they wished, perhaps foolishly thought that everything could remain this way.

But they knew better.

A deep sigh escaped Ardyn’s lips as he lifted his head and looked at his son.

“When you were on the first floor… did you see your sister? Or hear anything about her?” he asked.

Since the topic had already surfaced, he felt it was the right time to ask about their first daughter.

At the question, Elara’s smile slowly faded. Serene straightened in her seat, her expression tightening.

Thoren understood their concern. He knew how much they worried about his older sister.

“I think… she has already ascended to the second floor,” he said slowly.

“…What?”

“How is that possible?” Serene asked, a deep frown forming on her face.

Everyone knew that when the first floor was cleared, Awakeners were given the opportunity to return to the surface albeit only for twenty-four hours.

Yet now, their daughter had supposedly ascended without ever coming back.

Ardyn remained silent, his gaze fixed on Thoren, waiting for him to continue.

“I believe she had her reasons for not returning,” Thoren said. “But from everything I’ve gathered… she’s not dead.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“Once I ascend to the second floor, I’ll continue searching for her. So… you don’t have to worry too much.”

He forced a reassuring smile.

“I’ve also heard that she’s very powerful now. Only a few can match her, and with her party, they were practically invincible on the first floor.”

Thoren spoke carefully, choosing his words in a way that would ease their hearts.

“Really?” Elara asked, her eyes lighting up again.

She had always admired her older sister. To her, she was more than family, she was a role model.

Hearing that she was strong, thriving… it filled her with pride.

And indeed, their parents’ worry eased slightly. The thought that their daughter was alive and powerful was something they could hold onto.

“Enough about that…” Thoren said, rising to his feet. “Let’s talk about our plans for today.”

Just as they were about to continue, a light knock sounded at the door.

Hmm?

“Come in,” Thoren said calmly.

Creak!

The door opened, and a sturdy man stepped into the room.

From the aura he exuded, it was clear he was a hunter.

He was the head of security for the estate.

“Sir, Ma’am… you have visitors,” he said respectfully.

Thoren was not surprised. He had already sensed their arrival the moment they entered the estate grounds.

“Take them to the hall,” he replied.

He had expected this.

In fact, he had anticipated many visitors today; it was all part of his calculations.

Turning to his parents, he said, “I suppose shopping will have to wait a bit.”

…

…

In the main hall, a group had already gathered.

They were all dressed in luxurious clothing, each person carrying an extraordinary bearing.

Some were from the older generation, while others were younger heirs and prodigies of their respective families.

Some had come with their parents to meet the newly risen Awakener, while others had been sent as representatives.

But they all shared one thing in common.

They were from Awakener families.

Among them were young women dressed elegantly, their makeup carefully done to enhance their beauty.

Their eyes occasionally flickered toward the entrance, anticipation and calculation evident in their gazes.

After waiting for about five minutes, the doors to the hall were pushed open.

Thoren walked in.

Behind him were his parents and Elara, their eyes filled with curiosity as they took in the scene before them.

This world, the world of Awakeners and powerful families was still new to them, and everything felt unfamiliar.

“Master Thoren…”

One after another, the guests rose to their feet and approached him.

“I am the heir of the Silverthorn family,” a young man with raven-black hair said respectfully. “This is a token of goodwill from my family.”

“Thank you,” Thoren replied, accepting the gift with a calm smile.

He had already done his research.

The Silverthorn family was one of the three most powerful Awakener families in Suncrest City.

Another figure stepped forward.

She was a beautiful woman dressed in elegant violet attire.

Her long legs and well-proportioned figure drew immediate attention.

For a brief moment, many in the room seemed to forget their purpose for being there.

All eyes were on her.

Thoren, however, merely glanced at her briefly before calmly averting his gaze, his expression unchanged.

The game had begun.

And he intended to play it well.

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