Liline turned back to the gathered crowd once more.
"Are there any more individuals here who previously purchased a Vornis?"
She waited.
The hall remained quiet.
Then, Donnie looked at Liline again.
"There's no need to call for others, Miss."
Liline glanced at him. "Oh?"
Donnie gave a small nod.
"I've already acquired them."
She raised her eyebrow. "Acquired?"
Donnie smiled. "Yes. I've purchased all five Vornis from the original buyers."
A small ripple of shock passed through the crowd.
Liline's eyes narrowed slightly in interest. "All five?"
Donnie smiled, nodding.
"Correct. I made offers they couldn't refuse. Fair prices. No pressure."
She floated slightly forward.
"Then, Mr. Donnie, would you mind showing them to ?"
Donnie gave a brief bow. "Gladly."
He snapped his fingers once.
From the hallway, several uniford assistants entered.
They guided a heavy cage made of alloyed steel and reinforced crystal plating.
Inside—five Vornis stood in formation.
Their chro bodies glead, armor reinforced.
Every movent was synchronized. Sharp. Precise.
The eyes of each beast locked on Liline.
Liline smiled faintly. "I see… You've taken good care of them."
Donnie nodded. "Of course. I've been feeding them high-quality reforged steel. Pure ore and military-grade scraps."
He paused, glancing at the beasts with clear pride.
"They work together better than I expected. Their synergy? Impeccable."
"But…"
He tilted his head slightly, "I do find it unfortunate."
Liline looked back at him. "Unfortunate?"
Donnie nodded.
"They're powerful. Durable. Efficient."
He stepped toward the cage, placing a hand on the steel fra.
"But in the end, they're still classified as Elite-Tier beasts."
And at that exact mont—
Lucius, still watching from the upper gallery, furrowed his brow.
He stepped closer to the edge of the viewing platform.
"…Did he just say Elite-Tier?"
---
Lucius stood silently, eyes locked on Donnie below.
He spoke to Liline from his mind.
"Ask him. He just ntioned 'Elite-Tier.' Let's see if he knows what Sovereign-tier ans."
Liline gave a small nod and turned to Donnie, still standing beside the Vornis cage.
"Mr. Donnie."
She hovered toward him.
"You ntioned the term 'Elite-Tier.' I'd like to ask—are you also familiar with Sovereign-tier beasts?"
Donnie raised her eyebrow before nodding.
"Of course. Every S-Rank tar knows about Sovereign-tier classification."
He glanced briefly around the room.
"Though… those below S-Rank usually don't."
Liline smiled lightly. "I see. If that's the case—could you explain what you know? For the benefit of those listening."
Donnie shrugged. "I don't know why you're asking, but sure."
He folded his arms, speaking with steady confidence.
"All S-Rank tars are aware that upon reaching this level… a new path becos visible."
"It's called the Beast King Stage."
There was a brief murmur among the other survivors.
Donnie continued without pause.
"To step into it, a tar needs a cultivation art aligned with their bonded beasts."
"And more importantly, they need beasts of the proper tier."
He raised a finger.
"See, just like humans have talent tiers—Common, Elite, and Sovereign—beasts also do."
"Most tars only ever feel the power bonuses from beast fusion or armant."
"The higher the tier, the more power you will have after it."
He pointed casually toward the Vornis behind him.
"Now here's what we know as S-Ranks."
"—Common-tier beasts cap out around B-Rank."
"—Elite-tier beasts, like these Vornis, can push up to S-Rank."
"—But Sovereign-tier beasts? They go beyond. Past S-Rank."
Donnie didn't stop.
"And here's the kicker."
He held up two fingers now.
"Only Sovereign-Tier tars can bond with Sovereign-tier beasts."
"Elite-talent tars like ? We're locked out. No matter how skilled we are."
There was a short silence.
"But…"
Donnie's voice dropped, "there's a loophole."
He looked straight at Liline.
"If an Elite-Tier tar manages to bond with a Sovereign-tier beast that's still in S-Rank form, there's a 50% chance our talent will evolve into Sovereign-tier."
His smile returned.
"That's why Sovereign-tier beasts are so coveted. They're more than just strong."
"They're our one shot at breaking through. Becoming more."
The room had gone quiet.
Donnie stepped back slightly, folding his arms again.
He looked at Liline. "Was my explanation good enough?"
Liline's smile deepened.
"As expected of you, Mr. Donnie. That was more than good enough."
---
From the room above, Lucius stood silent, watching everything.
He exhaled slowly through his nose.
"I see…" he muttered to himself.
"So they already knew about Sovereign-tier beasts."
His eyes narrowed.
"It seems I'm the only one who didn't… as expected. I'm new to this world."
There was no bitterness in his voice.
He tapped his finger lightly against the table.
Then, without moving his lips, he sent a thought directly into Liline's mind.
"Liline. Create five single platforms. One for each Vornis."
"Make them grand. Futuristic. Let them rise from the ground. No function—just for show."
"Then… tell Donnie to open the cage."
"Tell the Vornis to walk to the platforms. I'll handle the upgrade myself."
"And let Donnie know—it's a reward. For his good explanation."
Liline's eyes glowed faintly for a second as the ssage flowed through.
She gave a subtle nod.
"Yes, Master."
She turned toward the group as a rumble shook the ground beneath them.
From the polished black floor, five gleaming platforms rose in perfect sync.
Each one was shaped like an arc-edged pedestal, pulsing with faint lines of energy.
Grand, futuristic and smooth.
The crowd murmured in awe.
Liline glanced back at Donnie, smiling.
"Mr. Donnie. Please open the cage."
Donnie looked intrigued. "Of course."
He gave a short signal.
The tallic lock disengaged, and the Vornis stepped forward one by one.
Liline gestured toward the platforms. "Vornis units, stand upon the platforms."
Without hesitation, the five war beasts moved into position.
One per pedestal, standing tall.
The crowd watched, tension rising.
Liline turned slightly to Donnie, her smile returning.
"And one more thing."
He looked at her.
"Lord L has decided that your clear explanation deserves more than thanks."
She let the silence hang.
"The upgrade on your Vornis will be a bit better than before."
"Free of charge."
Donnie's eyes widened slightly.
He stepped forward and bowed politely.
"Please tell Lord L… I'm honored. I didn't expect anything in return."
He looked at Liline.
"And thank you, Miss Liline. For relaying his will."
Liline smiled. "You earned it."
Donnie nodded. "Then I'll accept it with pride."
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