Chapter 11: Overlords Presence [1]

The car came to a stop a short distance from Don Aldric Riina.

Enzo remained in the driver’s seat as I stepped out, letting the cold air of the parking garage wash over me.

My father stood nearby, cigar in hand, his eyes following my approach.

"That’s a beautiful handprint on your cheek, my son."

Damn, was he mocking me?

"Always treat women with care, Lorenzo. Especially the woman you love. I thought you would know better."

My frown deepened.

"I know how to treat women, Father. I don’t need to hear a lecture from you."

My father’s expression remained unchanged. He took another drag from his cigar before replying.

"Is that so? Then tell me, Lorenzo. What exactly do you call grabbing a woman’s wrists, forcing yourself on her, and leaving handprints on her face?"

I frowned.

Damn it. He knew?

Considering the Riina family’s influence, it wouldn’t be surprising if my father had already received a report about what happened yesterday.

But his tone suggested he wasn’t looking for an explanation. He was testing me.

"I don’t see how that concerns you," I replied.

My father’s eyes narrowed.

"You’re my son, Lorenzo. Your actions concern me whether I like them or not. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean I’ll clean up every mess you make."

So he was referring to what happened with Sofia.

Interesting. That was different from what I’d expected.

From Lorenzo’s memories, I knew Don Aldric was an intimidating man who valued strength, loyalty, and the Riina family’s reputation above almost everything else.

He was protective of his family, but he wasn’t the sort of father who blindly indulged his son’s every whim, especially when it threatened the family.

"Anyway, we can continue this conversation at home. Let’s go."

"Yes, Father."

My father patted my shoulder and turned toward the car. However, just as he reached for the door, he stopped.

"Salvatore."

"Yes, Boss."

The middle-aged man stepped out of the driver’s seat and walked around the car until he stood in front of me.

I frowned.

"Father?"

"Lorenzo, stay still for a moment."

My father stepped beside Salvatore, and both men turned toward the other end of the parking garage.

Curious, I followed their gaze.

An elderly man with long white hair was walking toward us, accompanied by a young woman who looked rather embarrassed.

The moment I recognized them, I understood why my father and Salvatore had positioned themselves in front of me.

The old man was Dreck Storms, the Sword Saint and one of the Overlords who controlled the domains covering the eastern continents.

According to the game’s information, he was 107 years old. Yet his exceptionally well-trained body made him look no older than a man in his late fifties.

He was one of the strongest individuals in the world, and his presence was enough to make even my father take him seriously.

As Dreck approached, he rested one hand on the sword hanging from his left hip.

My eyes narrowed.

Was he planning to draw his sword right here?

Neither my father nor Salvatore moved. They simply watched him approach.

When Dreck stopped a few meters away, his hand remained on the hilt for another moment before he finally released it.

Then he pointed in my direction.

"There."

A faint metallic clink came from Salvatore’s pocket.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Before either side could make a move, the young woman behind Dreck spoke.

"Grandpa..."

Alice Storms tightened her grip on his hand, looking uneasily between the two men.

Dreck glanced at her, and his stern expression softened.

"Don’t worry, sweetheart. Nothing’s going to happen."

He turned back toward us and pointed at the white SUV parked beside my father’s sedan.

"I’m trying to get to my car. Would you mind moving a little?"

"...Your car?"

I looked at the SUV.

So that was what this was about?

My father burst out laughing.

"Hahaha! I was wondering whose car that was. Turns out it belongs to you, old man. Sorry for the inconvenience."

He stepped aside, and Dreck shrugged.

"Is he your son?"

"Yes. He’s the eldest son of the Riina family."

Dreck glanced at me with interest.

"So the eldest Riina heir is entering the academy. Interesting."

"Even if it’s not for my sake, our son deserves an education at a good institution."

"Hahaha! That’s right! Parents can do anything for their children."

I stared at them.

These two had looked ready to fight moments ago, yet now they were laughing together.

I had no intention of asking what that was about. I valued my life too much to get involved in whatever strange relationship these two old monsters shared.

After exchanging a few more words with my father, Dreck turned toward his SUV. However, as he passed me, he stopped.

"You’re Aldric’s son, aren’t you?"

"Yes."

Dreck nodded.

"Then make sure you live up to my expectations."

I raised an eyebrow.

His expectations?

Had I somehow become involved in something without my knowledge?

"Of course. Have a safe journey, old geezer."

Dreck stared at me for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Hahaha! That mouth of yours! You really are just like your father!"

His laughter soon faded, and he turned toward my father.

"I was worried your son would turn out to be a scumbag like his father, but it seems my concerns were unnecessary. Raising a child alone can’t be easy, especially without a mother. After all, a family isn’t complete without a woman to raise the children properly."

His expression grew serious.

"There’s a lot of talk about your son, Aldric. If even one of those rumors is true—"

"Then what?" my father interrupted. "Are you threatening my child right in front of me? Old age must have made you lose your mind, old man."

Boom!

My father’s aura erupted.