Venzula Empire.

Southern Continent.

Richtchard City.

Wildermere District.

Two individuals stood before a very large estate. The estate stretched for as far as the eyes could see. These two people were naturally Kailen and Dawnseer. The estate they were currently standing before was the Mayor’s office.

Kailen and Dawnseer were led by a butler on arriving to one part of the estate. It was a very large mansion. Kailen and Dawnseer were told to make themselves at home after they were led politely to a refreshing living room and offered some delicacies. They were informed the Mayor would be with them soon.

Kailen and Dawnseer were a bit surprised. They thought Kailen would have directly been led to the artificial secret realm of the Mayor’s office when he arrived. However, they had been told to wait for the mayor?

"It seems the mayor values you more than we thought," Dawnseer said to Kailen.

Kailen nodded. "Yeah."

The duo waited for a few minutes. Very soon, a human dressed in blue jeans, sneakers, and a white t-shirt walked into the living room. He was chocolate-skinned, had brown hair and deep brown irises. He had a very athletic build, and he was good looking. However, what stood out about him the most was the enigmatic, void-like glint that kept flashing in his eyes.

The moment Kailen and Dawnseer saw him, they stood up to formally greet him.

"Oh, please... there’s no need for formalities, Guild Leader Dawnseer and Mr. Darkhaven." He gestured for them to take their seats on the sofa. "I am sure you already know who I am," he said, tone warm.

Kailen and Dawnseer nodded.

"Very well. That saves us the time for unnecessary introductions. Let me get straight to the point, Mr. Darkhaven. I agreed to the request of those LEA people not because of the contribution you made in the Grimwood District." He paused, then glanced warmly at the two seated across him, listening to him calmly. "I agreed because of one simple thing. Our city has been the laughing stock of the other cities in the Southern continent for too long. We’ve not been able to even make it to the intercontinental competitions before during the National Guild Union competitions."

On hearing his words, Kailen stared at Dawnseer, a bit surprised. Dawnseer nodded, confirming his words. Their city had never made it to the intercontinental competitions before. As for the national level, they could only dream of it. Kailen figured out where the man’s words were going, but he silently listened.

"I have been paying attention to your feats. To how you handle situations with not just brute strength but tactical acumen. You have the mind of a survivalist. And survivalists survive. That’s not all. You have a high principle comprehension speed, one that is unlike anything that has ever appeared in this city," Dexter continued. "In fact, even in the entire Southern continent, among those with high principle comprehension speed, you are on another level. This is why I am confident to bet on you that this time, you can bring honor to our city and help us get to at least the intercontinental competitions. This means you will have to be number one in the Southern continent by the end of the intercity competitions."

"I know you are participating in the competition for your own personal reasons, but I still decided to put this out there. Also, if you manage to get to the intercontinental competitions, I will recommend you to the artificial secret realm of a friend. He’s a Rank 5 novice-level transcendent like myself, but his comprehension is deeper than mine. Naturally, his insights will be more useful than mine."

On hearing these words, a glint flashed through Kailen’s eyes. He was participating in this competition anyway. And just like the mayor had just said, it was not because of some heroic reason to bring glory and honor to the city. But he would still get the benefit the mayor had just mentioned for winning at the intercity level of the Southern continent.

"I am actually aiming to win at the national level anyway. There’s no reason to reject his offer. It will just be a step to climb along the way," Kailen mused inwardly.

"We have a deal, sir," Kailen simply replied.

Dexter beamed with warmth and a smile. "Don’t call me sir; you can call me Dexter from now."

On hearing Dexter’s words, a glint of shock flashed through Dawnseer’s eyes. This man may appear warm and easy-going, but he was very selective about people he allowed to behave familiar with him. It seemed Kailen Darkhaven was really more exceptional than she had even thought, if this man held such a high opinion of him to allow him to be familiar with him.

Kailen nodded warmly.

"Dawnseer, you’ve really roped in a very formidable person into your guild this time," Dexter said. "Come, let me show Kailen to the secret realm, and let me show you around after that."

Dawnseer beamed with a smile. This man wanted to familiarize himself with her because of Kailen? She sighed deeply. Her decision to invest a lot into Kailen was starting to pay off earlier than she had expected.

As for Kailen, he realized this man anticipated the Dawnseer Guild will become very influential in the future because of their connection to Kailen. He may have said he expected Kailen to get to the intercontinental competitions, but Kailen had used emotional resonance to read his thoughts. This fellow was certain without a doubt that Kailen would eventually appear in the top ten at the national level. He wanted to associate himself with Dawnseer before that happened. He didn’t want to miss his chance.

Kailen sighed inwardly. "What a smart and opportunistic fellow."

Dawnseer herself caught on, too. But so what? The universe has never been a charity foundation. Everything operated on merit and opportunities. There was nothing unexpected about what the mayor was doing. She would have done the same thing if she were in his position. Besides, she had nothing to lose but a lot to gain by getting acquainted with such a powerhouse.

"Sure, sir," she replied.

"Kailen, please."

"Okay, Dexter."

"Right this way."

The trio led them out of the room, headed towards the place where the secret realm was.