Chapter 234 - Chapter 234: Chapter 224 Bast Leone (2/2)
“Yes, that was when I realized what destiny truly is,” he said. “It turns out that most people in the world are just pawns of fate, pathetically toyed with.”
Self-mockery was plastered all over Bast’s face, yet there was a certain strong ambition glinting in his eyes.
“However, I am different now, and even fate has become a plaything in my hands!”
Bast paused for a moment, the passion in his eyes fading as he continued, “My power was discovered by chance, on an insignificant night, when the few remaining Transmutation Extraordinary Exponents among the East Coast Natives slaughtered their way in.”
“They set Fein City ablaze, no, it was still just Fein Town back then, with a massive fire.”
He said, reflectively, “That fire was so tremendous, and since the main forces of various families were busy exterminating the nearby native tribes and were not in the town, the fire caused a horrendous number of casualties.”
The flicker of flames still seemed present in Bast’s eyes, the past never easily faded but lived within the memories of the survivors.
That night was like a bizarre fantasy under a colossal cloak of raging flames, with the fire casting its light upon each falling house, as if pushed over by a merciless demonic hand.
Dense smoke enveloped the area, blasts resounded unceasingly, and screams intertwined with the roar of flames to form a tragic and terrifying symphony; the fierce blaze danced in the night, like an uncontrollable demon indulging in its wrath and destruction.
The people inside the town seemed so small and fragile in the face of the relentless flames.
“I managed to escape at the first sign of danger, but then, shocking realization dawned upon me—my sick mother was still trapped in the flames! No one had helped her escape from her room!”
Viscount Bast’s hand trembled slightly as his goblet shattered, the wine spilling over his withered palm.
“At that moment, I felt ashamed, angry, and anxious, and I rushed into the inferno, trying to save her…”
“But it was all too late!”
Bast took a deep breath, fell silent for a long while, his gaze seemed to look afar, as though recalling the various events of the past.
The fire back then was like a fierce beast, baring its fangs and claws, devouring everything into ashes, consuming the lives on the land.
Amidst the dancing flames, the sky was filled with dense smoke and ash, as if the end of darkness was quietly descending.
The boy walked out of the sea of fire, holding a burning body in his arms.
Under the horrified gazes of everyone around, he roared to the sky!
Viscount Bast’s gaze drifted as he slowly said, “I should have died in the fire, yet I emerged severely injured, displaying physical abilities beyond those of a mere mortal.”
“That’s when my family realized there was something different about me.”
Byrne had heard of the rare individuals who could reach the Beginning Level without taking a Magic Potion; from this perspective, Bast could also be considered one of the lucky ones.
“When that old man returned, the family conducted a third bloodline test on me, and finally, my power of Bloodline was discovered, to the astonishment of the whole family!”
He smiled as he took hold of Byrne’s hand, his voice subtle as he said,
“You haven’t experienced that feeling, being utterly despised by others and then later pursued by them. I want to tell you, it’s the most marvelous experience in the world!”
Byrne had some understanding of a similar feeling, but he also knew that it definitely wasn’t as intense as what Bast had experienced.
“From that moment on, I knew that becoming strong and excellent was the only foundation of everything!”
“Even if it’s affection—even apart from my mother’s love—all other love is conditional. If you are of no value, you can’t attract love at all!”
His tone became increasingly passionate as he spoke louder,
“After that, I’ve been constantly striving to become stronger, seizing every opportunity to grow! Eventually, I became the head of the Leone family. Because my power is strong enough, I am the king of the Lion clan, the big picture in their hearts. Those weaklings are even willing to die for me!”
Viscount Bast said this with an unstoppable sneer, his eyes filled with intense mockery.
“Abel, Renzo, they had no respect for me decades ago, but now, everything is completely different.”
Byrne sank into deep thought, as he had always been wondering who the arrogant siblings Bast mentioned could be, whether it was Abel and Renzo or not.
So it was indeed them.
Now he finally understood why Viscount Bast had always been so cold-blooded towards his kin; this man simply didn’t believe in the connections brought about by blood ties.
Perhaps he himself couldn’t trust him either…
Just then, Viscount Bast suddenly changed the subject.
“I’ve never told anyone else about this, Byrne, I’m telling only you, and that is during my attempt to break through to the Monarch, the Stars Embrace Order is very likely to come.”
Byrne was slightly startled, seemingly in disbelief as he asked, “The Stars Embrace Order?”
Viscount Bast nodded slightly, saying, “Yes, I once cooperated with them, and they hold leverage over me, just as I hold leverage over them.”
“We used to be able to check each other, but everything will be completely different once I reach the Monarch Level. Therefore, those heretics definitely do not wish for me to succeed in breaking through!”