The Lord's Wager
Karimru. The lord of Mantis Hall and father to Robed. Even as a king mantis, he was renowned for his orchid mantis-like refined beauty. Among their kind, where beauty was prized above all and few could rival it, he stood out as one of the most striking.
Before meeting Robed's mother—the most beautiful orchid mantis of her time—he had drawn the attention of countless admirers in his youth. This led him to believe he possessed considerable expertise in matters of romance.
Then one day.
"Dad! There's this unusual kid in the survival exam. He caught an island longhorn beetle."
His daughter, who had become his entire world after losing his wife—precious enough to cherish like the apple of his eye—first mentioned Aleck with a tone of wonder.
Karimru began paying attention to Aleck not just because of his feats, but because Robed's mentions of him lingered in his mind.
"Aleck and I ended up in the same warrior class."
"Get this—Instructor Norton said during training, 'Even you couldn't do this,' but Aleck pulled it off so easily. Norton turned red and flustered. It was hilarious; I almost burst out laughing."
"Today I sparred with Aleck! Once we crossed swords, it was clear. That guy's a once-in-a-generation genius!"
"I made some primal-species dish for Aleck..."
Robed shared every little detail of her time with Aleck. What started as mere curiosity seemed to deepen without her realizing it.
"Dad, does this outfit suit me?"
"My skin feels a bit rough lately... Should I supplement with something?"
At some point, Karimru could only conclude one thing: Robed harbored romantic feelings for Aleck.
Upon realizing this, like any father with a daughter, he didn't want to think highly of Aleck. How dare this thief... Our precious girl.
So he observed Aleck more closely.
But setting aside his paternal regrets, the more he watched, the more unfathomable the boy seemed. And after the Mantis Hall grand battle, he sensed something beyond extraordinary.
"Lord, that child's potential is beyond my reckoning. I wouldn't be surprised if he surpasses me one day."
Norton, at ultimate body himself, acknowledged Aleck as a future absolute powerhouse.
"Lord, watching Aleck lately... it makes me wonder if I've been too narrow-minded, confining individuals within clan limits."
Even Monahan, lifelong devotee of superior-clan supremacy, began broadening his views.
Thus, Aleck approached Karimru as a gem to illuminate Mantis Hall's dark future.
"This child is worth investing in as a safeguard for our future."
It wasn't impulsive. He trusted his judgment, and the eyes of Norton and Monahan—peaks in their fields.
And there was an even more definitive trigger: Koon! The reclusive master known only to a few, grand sage of the Shinseon butterfly clan.
They'd exchanged visits often, and Karimru owed him a favor from the past, so he sought help now—via Koon's foresight ability.
"I'm thinking of betting Mantis Hall's future on this one. Can I look forward to the results?"
"Hmm, peculiar... Most enigmatic."
"What do you mean?"
"I've never seen such a hazy foresight. But one thing's certain... whichever way it goes, the odds of breaking your impasse are extraordinarily high."
"...!"
That was enough. Mantis Hall's decline was inevitable otherwise. Any path out of the mire made betting on Aleck more than worthwhile.
It was a decision made with utmost caution.
"So I can approve his relationship with Robed."
This meant giving everything—much like entrusting his life.
Karimru expected Aleck to be thrilled.
"If I may be so bold, Robed and I aren't in that kind of relationship."
"...!"
Karimru's face hardened at Aleck's reply.
"Are you saying you feel no attraction to my daughter as a woman?"
His face was chillier than ever, like facing a biting north wind.
Aleck felt a strange tension but pressed on.
"That's not it. Robed's incredibly appealing to anyone. But I'm not ready for romance, and she doesn't see me that way either."
"Ah?"
Karimru let out a hollow chuckle, realizing why Aleck reacted so.
"You... I thought you excelled at everything, but you're clueless about romance."
"...Pardon?"
"Haha! Well, as long as you like our Robed at least a little."
"Well... yes."
Aleck answered Karimru's near-coercive question awkwardly. Robed's appeal was undeniable, even to him.
"Understood. So, what of my proposal?"
Karimru returned to the point: become Mantis Hall's sword.
"Agreed. But promise no restrictions on my actions or whereabouts, and I'll devote myself fully—materially and otherwise—to Mantis Hall's independence and revival."
"Hahaha, that's the spirit. I never intended to micromanage. Just keep growing as you have; become our pillar someday."
Their views aligned, drawing the two mantises closer.
They then discussed Mantis Hall's support plans in detail.
* * *
To think things worked out like this.
After the private meeting with Karimru, I headed to the Mantis Hall Treasury—reward from the grand battle—lost in thought.
It felt like a whole honeycomb of honey had rolled my way unexpectedly.
Karimru's offer was a stroke of providence.
The lord backing me is like giving me wings.
Of course, there were caveats. No immediate full support.
The reason: amid my steady feats, overt backing might draw enemy eyes. Kind's cover was temporary, with limits.
So the lord would manage my achievements and public opinion personally for now. No great fame or honors, but who cared? I'd secured my goals without needless risks.
Though aiming for Chung Hak Gwan does make it a bit bold...
Karimru sighed in relief at our alignment. Promising youths often obsessed over fame and stagnated young.
But I'd vowed to stay low until I had minimal self-defense—pre-reincarnation, my lesser-mantis facade kept rivals at bay.
Now it's different from the start.
Plus, Megaera mantis awakening could come anytime, with unknown changes—constant vigilance needed.
The moment they learned of my unique power, my safety was toast.
By Chung Hak Gwan's return, he'll have things sorted...
He asked me to wait; I agreed readily.
If things went my way at Chung Hak Gwan, I'd achieve satisfying growth anyway.
I've got the power now to grow beyond Mantis Hall's walls.
Mantis Hall felt confining. Spies purged, it was looser, but Craig refocusing meant no blind spots.
Heading to Chung Hak Gwan was the best growth choice now, and Karimru greenlit it.
"Aleck, over here!"
As I walked lost in thought, a familiar voice called from ahead. Robed waved, beaming.
Kind, Bishier, and Ruslan were with her.
"You're a bit late!"
"Sorry, had some business. You all wait long?"
"Aigoo, our Aleck niiiiiim! Thanks to you, we get Mantis Hall Treasury access... This delay's nothing! I'd camp here waiting if needed!"
Kind gushed excessively, nearly breathless.
Why's he so hyped?
I smirked at his excitement—probably thrilled for his first treasury visit.
"Kind, saying that makes it sound like I was scolding Aleck for being late!"
"Oops, not my intent! I figured you'd never mean it that way, Robed..."
"Still, he might misunderstand."
"Nah, I didn't think that."
Robed smiled relievedly.
Hm, she does seem more conscious of me than I thought.
Normally unthinkable, but after Karimru's words, her actions felt different.
I must've seemed oblivious to her interest...
Maybe it was true. I'd probe her feelings sometime.
For now, focus on treasury choices.
"Let's head in."
Haon guided us inside from the entrance.
We accessed the second floor—B-rank treasures and up.
"Whoa... jackpot."
Awe-struck, mouths agape at the splendor: elixirs, weapons, runes, artifacts gleaming valuably everywhere.
"Runes in all varieties!"
Runes drew most interest—rare acquisition meant priority.
"Ooh, isn't this the Iron Shell Rune Zadan used in the finals?"
Kind pointed at a deep purple orb, iron-shell pattern floating within.
"B-rank too...!"
He swallowed hard. Not Zadan's A-rank, but same root—grow it to match.
Runes couldn't swap once equipped, but upgrading was possible.
"Suits Ruslan best, right?"
All nodded.
"Yeah."
Kind smacked his lips regretfully.
He knew it didn't fit him—his swift sword akin to Takwin's, broad mantis not shield clan for full effect. Just finals' impact lingered.
"I'll take it then."
"Perfect for you, Ruslan."
"Congrats—found a match right away."
"Hey, I spotted it! Don't forget!"
Ruslan claimed the B-rank Iron Shell Rune decisively.
Others hunted runes too—priority for all.
Me included. With A-rank Origin Protection Rune and S-rank Super Regeneration Rune, two slots empty.
Molting might add more in growth stage, but filling one now was smart—pre-Chung Hak Gwan spec boost.
Anything worthwhile?
I scrutinized: ignition, hypnosis, chill, strength, origin protection, acceleration.
And then.
I spotted one that fiercely caught my eye.
This is...!