Evolution of the Ruined Heir-Chapter 149: Watching

"You’re very cool, Ninth Cousin."

Malakai turned and blinked. A girl no older than twelve stood beside him. She was short, cherubic, and her eyes shone as she stared at Malakai.

’Why is she talking to me?’

Octavia Von Sanguine, the Tenth Vein. The only daughter of Vaelira Von Sanguine, the Sixth Pulse.

Just like her mother, Octavia had a knack for chaos. Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at Malakai like she had discovered a treasure chest.

Malakai raised a brow, unsure of what to make of her.

Then she chirped, "The way you walked through the crowd without flinching, it was so badass! You have to teach me how to do that!" She brought her hands together, clasped in a pleading fist with full-blown puppy eyes.

Malakai wasn’t sure how to respond. But he remembered her mother, the way she’d completely checkmated Varnel during the meeting. If this girl was anything like that woman... his guard needed to stay up.

Still, she hadn’t been rude. So he wasn’t going to be rude either.

"Just walk calmly. Keep your back straight. Look forward."

Octavia blinked, then suddenly burst into laughter, her voice echoing through the area.

"You’re so hilarious. You actually meant it, huh?"

Malakai frowned.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No, no, don’t mind me." She paused, then smiled brightly.

"You know, when I heard you beat up Eighth Cousin, I almost didn’t believe it. But now..." her voice rose a little, just enough for the people around to hear, "I’m starting to believe it."

Malakai immediately noticed it.

’She raised her voice.’

Now, others nearby were listening. And as expected, Julius’s gaze burned into him again.

Then she added, "I always thought Eighth Cousin was a genius, but you’ve only evolved for three months and still beat the crap out of him!"

"Octavia..." Julius snarled through gritted teeth.

More heads turned. More stares landed on him. And the air only seemed to thicken with every passing second.

Octavia tilted her head and blinked innocently.

"What, Eighth Cousin? Did I say something wrong?"

"What the hell are you doing?" Julius snapped coldly.

"Stating the truth. Or... are you saying it was a fluke?"

"YES!" Julius shouted before his brain caught up with his mouth.

Octavia’s lips twitched. She fought the grin threatening to split her face.

Manipulating idiots like Julius was always easy.

"Oh my..." she said. "So you mean Ninth Cousin won by mistake? Ah! Then are you saying that if you fought again, you’d win?"

A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire and Julius froze as the realization hit.

He had been played.

Now, if he and Malakai met during the Hunt... he had to win. Otherwise, he’d be branded a liar too.

"I’ll make you regret this." he hissed.

Octavia whistled. "So violent." She turned back to Malakai.

"Why can’t you be more like Ninth Cousin here? Maybe you wouldn’t get your ass handed to you so often."

Julius’s face darkened. Octavia tongue was as sharp as her mother’s. Maybe sharper. There was no winning against it.

He turned away, biting his tongue, knowing that if he kept talking, he’d just dig his grave deeper.

But it was too late. The crowd was already filled with anticipation. Whispers turned to chatter and excitement brewed. A rematch between the Eighth and Ninth Vein, everyone wanted it.

Octavia smiled in satisfaction.

’Ahh, Mother, you’re missing out on all the fun...’ she purred inwardly. She was just twelve, and she loved causing chaos. Just like her mother. Something about it just made her feel... whole.

’Heh, this is going to be fun—’

Before she could finish, she froze. She couldn’t move.

’W-what is this...?’

A cold aura had suddenly engulfed her. Slowly, she looked up, and met Malakai’s eyes.

Cold.

It felt like a blade had been placed against her throat.

’Killing intent...?’ The realization struck her.

’How does he have so much...? He’s just two years older than me!’

Malakai was just two years older, but why... why did it feel like he had been through hell and back?’

Malakai spoke, voice like iron:

"If you try to manipulate me again... I’ll make you my target."

Octavia shuddered. She didn’t even realize when she quickly nodded.

The killing intent vanished as quickly as it came, but Octavia’s body still trembled.

She had never felt anything like that before.

Just as she tried to make sense of what had happened, the grand doors of the main building suddenly opened, and the entire clearing fell into silence.

A figure stepped out.

In the next instant, an overwhelming aura slammed down on everyone present. Without a single word being spoken, every person in the clearing, without exception, sank to one knee, fists thumping firmly against their chests as they echoed in perfect unison:

"All blood flows to you, Sovereign. May your will shape the veins of the world."

"Stand," came the Sovereign’s calm voice.

The command was obeyed instantly. Everyone rose to their feet, though their heads remained respectfully bowed.

Behind the Sovereign were the Pulses, each flanking him with dignified silence, their gazes forward.

Othric swept a measured glance across the assembled crowd. Then he nodded once and spoke in a steady tone.

"Today is a monumental day, for each of you, and for the clan."

"It is a day to show the world the force that you are. To show them the might of the Sanguine."

"Today, the entire region will be watching. The clan will be watching. I will be watching."

His words burned with weight.

"And I expect nothing but the best. Raise the Sanguine to the peak."

"Am I clear?"

The response was immediate.

"Yes, Sovereign!"

Othric nodded once.

"Recite the creed."

"When death comes close and shadows near..."

The words echoed from every mouth as they began to chant the ancient creed in unison.

But in the middle of the creed, Malakai suddenly felt it, a heavy gaze settling on him like a mountain. His head slowly rose, and then he froze.

The Sovereign was staring directly at him.

’His eyes...’

The Sovereign said no words but Malakai understood those eyes. He knew exactly what they meant;

He would be watching.