The dining hall was unusually quiet that morning.
Warm sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the luxurious breakfast spread laid across the long dining table.
Seated at the head of the dining table was Alexander Crimson, Antonio's father.
Although he was in his late thirties, time seemed to have little effect on him. His neatly styled black hair, sharp facial features, and piercing crimson eyes gave him an imposing yet refined appearance. Years of relentless training had sculpted his body to perfection, making him appear more like a seasoned warrior than the head of one of the world's wealthiest noble families. Every movement he made exuded confidence and authority.
Alexander was not only the patriarch of the Crimson family but also an S-Rank Hunter. His overwhelming strength had earned him a reputation that few dared to challenge.
Beside him sat his wife, Serena Drake Crimson.
Despite being in her thirties, she possessed a youthful beauty that could easily make others mistake her for a woman in her early twenties. Her silky black hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders, framing her flawless complexion. Her delicate facial features and deep black eyes radiated elegance and gentleness. Even without extravagant jewelry or makeup, her natural beauty was captivating. She carried herself with the grace and dignity expected of the mistress of the Crimson family.
Serena was also an S-Rank Hunter, but unlike her husband, she rarely participated in combat. Instead, she was recognized as one of the most powerful businesswomen on the continent. Under her leadership, the Crimson family's business empire expanded across countless industries, making their influence extend far beyond the battlefield.
Looking at the couple together, it was easy to understand why the Crimson family stood at the pinnacle of society. They possessed immense wealth, overwhelming strength, and influence that reached every corner of the continent.
Antonio had inherited his father's most distinctive feature—
The mesmerizing crimson eyes that symbolized the Crimson bloodline.
Antonio's father folded the morning newspaper before glancing at the empty seat across from him.
"He still hasn't come down?"
His mother looked toward the entrance with a hint of confusion.
"That's unlike Antonio. He's always punctual."
At that moment, Tiffany approached the table with her usual composed demeanor and offered a respectful bow.
"Good morning, Master. Madam."
Antonio's father nodded.
"Good morning, Tiffany. Have you seen Antonio? We haven't seen him since we returned."
"Young Master informed me yesterday evening that he wouldn't be joining dinner and asked not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency."
A slight frown appeared on his mother's face.
"Is he feeling unwell?"
Tiffany hesitated for a moment.
Last night, Young Master Antonio had told her not to disturb him unless it was an emergency. He had also mentioned that his mana awakening had left him completely exhausted.
She lowered her gaze.
Should I tell Master and Madam about the Young Master's mana awakening?
It was a significant event for every noble family. Normally, such news would be reported immediately.
Yet Antonio had neither instructed her to inform his parents nor given her permission to reveal it.
Tiffany found herself caught in a dilemma.
On one hand, as a servant of the Crimson family, she should report such an important matter to the heads of the household.
On the other hand, she had served Antonio for nearly a decade and understood his personality better than anyone. He valued his privacy above all else, and betraying his trust was the last thing she wanted.
After a brief moment of silence, Tiffany made her decision.
"Young Master only said he had overexerted himself during training," she replied calmly. "He requested not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency."
She chose to keep the truth to herself.
If Young Master wishes to reveal his mana awakening, it should come from him... not me.
Antonio's father exchanged a glance with his wife.
"He has been training harder than usual lately," he muttered.
His mother sighed softly.
"Even so, skipping both dinner and breakfast isn't like him."
She set down her teacup.
"Tiffany, check on him. If he's still asleep, wake him gently. If he's ill, call the family physician immediately."
"Understood, Madam."
As Tiffany was about to head upstairs to wake Antonio, she suddenly noticed someone coming down the stairs.
It was Antonio.
He had already left his room.
Tiffany stopped in her tracks and looked at him carefully. Something about him seemed different from yesterday.
His expression remained as cold and emotionless as ever, but his aura had subtly changed.
Antonio noticed her staring.
"Is something wrong?" he asked calmly.
Tiffany hesitated before shaking her head.
"No, Young Master. It's just..."
She studied him for another moment.
"You seem unusually energetic today."
Antonio remained silent for a moment.
Then he replied calmly,
"I simply had a good rest."
Tiffany wasn't convinced.
She knew something had happened.
Her gaze lingered on Antonio for another moment before a thought suddenly crossed her mind.
Could it be because of the mana awakening?
She remembered how exhausted he had been the previous night. The awakening had strengthened his body as well.
Perhaps... this change is the result of his awakening.
Tiffany's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at him.
Whatever had happened, one thing was certain—
Antonio was stronger than he had been yesterday.
Antonio entered the dining hall.
His parents were already seated at the table, enjoying their breakfast. The moment they saw him, both turned their attention toward him.
"Antonio," his mother called. "Come sit down."
Antonio walked toward the table without saying a word.
His father studied him carefully.
There was something different about his son.
"Antonio," Alexander said, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "Come here for a moment."
Antonio stopped.
"What is it?"
Alexander stared at him for several seconds before asking,
"Have you been training?"
"Yes."
His father was about to say something when Antonio suddenly stopped.
He looked at both of his parents.
"I have something to show you."
Before either of them could respond, Antonio slowly released the mana within his body.
A powerful wave of mana spread through the dining hall.
The air around him seemed to tremble as a crimson-colored aura surrounded his body.
The expressions of both Alexander and Serena changed instantly.
Alexander's eyes widened.
Serena slowly put down her teacup.
They were both S-Rank Hunters.
They could immediately sense the mana radiating from Antonio.
"That... F-Rank..."