Chapter 257: The Titan’s Awakening

Chapter 257: Chapter 257: The Titan’s Awakening

The Dark Wyvern touched down on the outskirts of the Remmos estate. Snow crunched under Lucian’s boots as he dismounted, the beast dissolving into shadow behind him.

The Remmos estate was a sprawling, fortified compound on the outskirts of Novy Bratislava. Tall stone walls, patrolled by armed guards and reinforced with mana-powered turrets, surrounded a massive mansion that had stood for generations. It was the seat of the Remmos crime family, one of the most powerful underworld organizations in Eastern Europe.

As Lucian and Bruno approached the main gate, the guards’ eyes widened. The guards immediately snapped to attention, their hands flying to their weapons before they recognized Bruno’s imposing figure.

"Young Master Bruno!" one of them exclaimed, immediately straightening his posture. "You’re back! We didn’t expect you so soon!"

Bruno waved a dismissive hand. "I have a guest. Make sure no one disturbs us in the east wing training room."

"Yes, sir!"

The heavy iron gates swung open, and they walked through the courtyard. Lucian kept his hands in his pockets, his hood still drawn over his silver hair. The Remmos family clearly took their security seriously.

As they entered the main foyer, a woman emerged from the drawing room. She was stunningly beautiful, with long, flowing chestnut hair, sharp brown eyes, and a curvy figure accentuated by a form-fitting burgundy dress.

"Honey, you’re back!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up.

Bruno’s grim expression softened instantly. He walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I’m back, Mira. Did you miss me?"

Lucian stood to the side, watching the scene unfold. He couldn’t help but smile faintly. Even a brute like Bruno had someone waiting for him at home.

Mira giggled, playfully slapping his chest. "Miss you? I barely noticed you were gone. The maids have been keeping me company."

Bruno raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And here I was, thinking about you every single day."

"Oh, please," Mira teased, rolling her eyes. "You were probably out there fighting and getting into trouble. Don’t think I didn’t hear about the attacks on the news."

Bruno chuckled, leaning down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss. Mwah... Mira melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck. The kiss lingered, far too long for a public setting.

Lucian cleared his throat loudly breaking the romantic moment. "Ahem."

Bruno and Mira broke apart, slightly breathless. Mira’s cheeks were flushed a pretty pink, and she looked at Lucian with a mixture of curiosity and embarrassment.

"Oh, I’m sorry," Mira said, straightening her dress. "I didn’t realize you had company."

Bruno gestured toward Lucian. "Mira, this is a friend of mine from the academy. He’ll be staying with us for a while."

Mira smiled warmly at Lucian, offering a polite bow. "A friend? How delightful. Any friend of Bruno’s is welcome in our home. Please, make yourself comfortable."

Lucian gave a curt nod. "Thank you for your hospitality."

Mira then told Lucian with a polite smile on her face. "I’ll prepare some refreshments. Are you staying for dinner?"

Bruno looked at Lucian, who gave a small, almost imperceptible shake of his head. "No, I’m sorry love. We have important training to do. We’ll be in the private training room. Please make sure no one disturbs us."

Mira pouted but nodded, kissing Bruno’s cheek. "Alright. Don’t take too long, darling."

Bruno watched her walk away with a soft, genuine smile, then turned to Lucian. "Alright. Let’s get to it."

The private training room was an underground chamber, reinforced with mana-infused steel and ancient barrier formations. It was the size of an indoor stadium, with a high ceiling, training dummies, and a stone floor carved with countless battle scars.

Bruno crossed his arms, his expression turning serious. "Alright. So why exactly did you need a training room?"

Lucian didn’t answer immediately. He pulled up his system interface, scrolling through the Bloodline Shop.

Lucian didn’t answer immediately. He walked to the center of the room and pulled up his system interface, scrolling through the Bloodline Shop.

System, show me King Grade Bloodlines suitable for a close-combat tank.

[Displaying available King Grade Bloodlines.]

[Description: A bloodline derived from the ancient Titans, beings of immense physical power and earth-shaking strength. Grants the user a colossal physical form, unparalleled durability, and the ability to manipulate their own density and size.]

[Perks:]

[1. Titan Form: The user can transform into a massive, towering version of themselves, increasing all physical stats by 200%.]

[2. Density Control: The user can increase or decrease the density of their body, making themselves immovable as a mountain or light as a feather.]

[3. Earthshaker: Physical attacks release shockwaves that can shatter the ground and create localized earthquakes.]

[4. Titan’s Regeneration: Grants a passive, high-speed regeneration factor that scales with the user’s physical size.]

Cost: 150,000 SC

Lucian smirked. Perfect.

He had accumulated over 200,000 SC from his recent battles and quests. Spending 150,000 was a significant investment, but Bruno was worth it. The man was a monster in close combat, and this bloodline would turn him into an unstoppable juggernaut.

[Purchase Successful. 150,000 SC deducted. Current SC: 60,000.]

A small, glowing orb materialized in Lucian’s hand. The liquid inside was a deep, molten orange, swirling with golden flecks of light that pulsed like a heartbeat.

Bruno’s eyes narrowed. "What... is that?"

Lucian turned to him, a smile on his face. "The key to pushing you to the next level."

Without waiting for another second, Lucian lunged forward, grabbing Bruno’s shoulder.

WHOOSH!

The orb struck Bruno’s chest and immediately melted into his body. Bruno’s eyes widened in shock as the intense, overwhelming energy flooded his veins.

"AAGH!" Bruno screamed, his eyes flying open.

The bloodline entered his veins like liquid fire. SSSSS!

"AAARGH!" Bruno screamed, dropping to his knees. His body began to heat up, glowing with a fierce, orange light. His muscles bulged, his veins popping as the Titan bloodline forcibly rewrote his genetic structure. Sweat poured from his body, evaporating instantly into steam.

CRACK! CRACK!

His bones groaned and cracked, restructuring themselves. His height shot up, his frame expanding as the bloodline took hold. The training room’s temperature skyrocketed.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!" Bruno roared, his voice cracking with agony.

"Trust me," Lucian said calmly, stepping back. This is the painful part. But if he can’t survive this, he’s not worthy of the bloodline. I need useful allies in my future quests especially when I go back to my true home.

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

The screams died down, replaced by a low, guttural growl. A brilliant, orange cocoon of energy formed around him, encasing him completely. The cocoon pulsed with a warm, golden light, like a second heartbeat.

Lucian sat down cross-legged, waiting patiently.

Two hours passed.

CRRRRACK!

A fissure appeared in the cocoon. Then another. And another. Finally, the entire shell shattered outward, revealing a massive, towering figure.

Bruno stood at least twelve feet tall. His body had grown twice as large as before, his muscles chiseled and dense as steel. His skin had taken on a faint bronze hue, and a subtle, orange energy radiated from his pores.

His short, dark hair now crackled with a faint, orange energy.

He slowly opened his eyes, revealing glowing, molten amber irises. Looking down at his massive hands, he closed and opened his fists feeling the immense, earth-shattering strength coursing through his veins.

"This... this is incredible," Bruno whispered, his voice a deep, rumbling bass.

Lucian activated Primordial Sight, analyzing the transformed warrior.