Training at the Creighton Estate was proving to be as worthwhile as I had hoped. My control over five-circle magic had increased significantly, and I had learned more spells in greater detail. The demanding regimen was sharpening my skills at an impressive rate. As the end of the year 2042 approached, I couldn't help but reflect on my journey.

Technically, I had skipped over an entire decade and then some. This wasn't my original world, so "skipping" wasn't quite accurate. I still didn't know how I came to this world or for what purpose. It was much too early for me to understand; I had been here for less than four months.

I knew that discovering the reason behind my presence here would take time and power. I would probably need to reach at least -rank, if not -rank, before uncovering the truth. Until then, all I could do was focus on my training and prepare for whatever lay ahead.

'It is shocking how quickly I got stronger,' I thought as I closed my eyes, immersing myself in shadow training. I visualised my past self when I first entered this world.

Back then, I only knew a couple of four-circle spells and was at -rank. My senses weren't as sharp as they are now, and my swordsmanship was rudimentary at best.

'How many of the old me could I defeat now?' I pondered. 'At least a dozen without even using Lucent Harmony.'

How did I get this much stronger so fast? There was no way my efforts alone made this possible. Sure, I managed to obtain an invaluable pill—coincidentally in the hands of a schoolgirl who didn't know its value—that allowed me to jump mana ranks quickly. But still, this level of progress wasn't normal.

I opened my eyes, letting the reality of my rapid advancement sink in. The pill was a significant boost, but there had to be more to it. My intense training at the Creighton Estate, the guidance from powerful mentors, and perhaps even the mysterious bond with Luna—all these factors contributed to my growth.

Yet, something felt off. My progress defied the usual pace of training and advancement. It was as if an unseen force was pushing me forward, accelerating my journey.

I glanced at my surroundings, the grandeur of the Creighton Estate contrasting with my humble beginnings in this world. My senses, now finely tuned, picked up the subtle energy fluctuations around me.

"Uncle," I turned around to face Alastor as he approached me. He wore a sleek navy blue suit adorned with golden buttons, exuding regality and class—an expected aura for one of the Kings of this world.

"You should get ready soon, Arthur. It's almost time for your party," Alastor said.

"Will you be joining us?" I asked.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I have plans to meet some old friends instead."

My eyes widened in surprise. Old friends... there were only a few beings worthy of that title from the King of the North.

The other Kings and powerhouses who dominate this world.

"So, all of them are going to meet now," I thought, astonished. The top powerhouses were usually too busy with training or managing their territories to casually gather. This was unexpected.

Sure, they would attend the End of Year festival for their children, but even that was a rarity.

It was a burden carried by the strongest.

"Who are these old friends, if I may ask?" I inquired, trying to keep my curiosity in check.

Alastor's eyes sparkled with a mix of nostalgia and amusement. "The other Kings and a few select individuals who have stood the test of time and power. We rarely get to meet like this."

"I see," I replied, nodding. The magnitude of such a gathering was immense. A meeting of the world's mightiest beings, each wielding unimaginable power and influence. It wasn't something to be taken lightly.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Enjoy your party, Arthur," Alastor said, patting my shoulder. "And remember, you are strong."

My lips curled into a determined smile as I clenched my fist. "Thank you, Uncle."

He was right—I had grown strong. Stronger than Jin. Stronger than Rachel. Perhaps even stronger than Ren now.

And soon, I would surpass them all.

The next version of myself that I would create at the Mount Hua Sect... I would reach a level that could defeat Lucifer.

But for now, it was time to party. I headed back to my guest room, my mind shifting gears from training to celebration. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with a large wardrobe that contained an array of clothes suitable for various occasions.

I opened the wardrobe and browsed through the options. My fingers brushed against the fabrics, feeling the textures of silk, cotton, and wool. After a moment of deliberation, I settled on a tailored black suit with subtle silver accents. It was formal yet comfortable, perfect for a New Year's gathering among friends.

As I changed into the suit, I took a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship. The jacket fit perfectly, accentuating my frame without being restrictive. The silver accents added a touch of sophistication without being overly flashy.

I glanced at myself in the mirror, adjusting the collar and smoothing out any creases. The transformation was complete. I looked ready for the celebration, but more importantly, I felt ready. Ready to enjoy the company of my friends, to celebrate our achievements, and to look forward to the future with renewed determination.

With a final look in the mirror, I headed out to join the others, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for the evening ahead.

The maids guided me to the hall designated for today's event. Since it was just going to be the eight of us, we didn't need one of the massive halls typically used for grand gatherings. Instead, a more private room with comfortable seating was a much more suitable choice.

I entered the hall and saw that Lucifer and Rachel were already there, ready for the evening. Lucifer was wearing a flashy white three-piece suit with a light blue tie, his usual confidence radiating from him.

However, my eyes were immediately drawn to Rachel. She wore a pure gold dress that shimmered elegantly under the soft lighting of the room. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, the fabric flowing gracefully as she moved. It wasn't flashy or tacky; instead, it seemed to enhance her natural beauty, making her look almost ethereal.

The gold dress highlighted her sapphire eyes, making them stand out even more. Her golden hair cascaded down her shoulders in gentle waves, complementing the dress in a way that made her look beyond perfect—she looked radiant.

I couldn't help but stare for a moment, captivated by her presence.

"Arthur!" Rachel turned her head towards me and smiled brightly, her cheeks slightly flushed. "You look... amazing!"

"Uh, yeah," I stammered, caught off guard by her compliment. I quickly coughed into my fist to regain my composure. "You look beautiful as well, Rachel."

Her smile widened, lighting up her face even more as she came closer to me with an excited gleam in her eyes. The delicate scent of her perfume wafted gently in the air as she moved, adding to her captivating presence.

"I can't believe it's almost time," she said, her excitement palpable. "This is going to be such a great night."

"Oh, some of them have arrived!" Rachel exclaimed as she checked her phone.

I sensed the distinct mana fluctuations from the incoming guests. Each signature was familiar yet subtly different, reflecting their growth and strength.

'So, you also got stronger, Jin, Seraphina, Ian,' I thought, grinning inwardly at the thought of our impending reunion.

Rachel turned to me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's go greet them!"

We made our way to the entrance, the anticipation building with each step. The hallway was adorned with elegant decorations, setting the perfect atmosphere for the evening. As we reached the entrance, the grand doors swung open, revealing our friends.

Jin walked in first, his stealthy stride matching his all-black attire. 'Does he ever wear anything else?' I thought, noting his -rank that matched mine. He gave a brief nod, his silent demeanor unchanged.

Seraphina followed, her presence serene yet undeniably strong. She wore a stunning black and silver dress that shimmered with every step. Her quiet gaze met mine, conveying more than words ever could.

Ian burst in next, his fiery energy almost palpable. He was dressed in a bold red suit that mirrored his vibrant personality. "Ready to see how far we've all come?" he exclaimed, his eyes blazing with excitement.

"It's been a while," Jin said softly, his eyes locking onto mine with a knowing look. "Seems like everyone has been busy getting stronger."

"Indeed," I replied, my grin widening. "Tonight's going to be a celebration to remember."

"It's good to see everyone again," Seraphina said softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

A beat of surprised silence fell over the group as Ian's voice cut through the chatter. "Whoa, hold on a sec," he said, his eyes bouncing between Seraphina's dress and my suit. "Is that...coordinated? Did you two plan this?"

A warmth bloomed in my cheeks, but I forced a casual smile. "Not at all, Ian," I replied, my voice light. "Just a coincidence, I guess. Right, Sera?"

Sera turned towards me at the sound of my voice. A faint blush touched her cheeks, mirroring mine for a fleeting moment. A single, surprised blink was her only response, but a hint of a smile played at the corners of her lips, a rare occurrence that left me strangely flustered.