In the morning, Selena woke up. She stepped out of her room and paused in front of Adrian's door. She tried to open it, but it was locked from the inside. Gently, she knocked on the door.
Inside, the sound of knocking stirred Adrian from his sleep. He got out of bed, walked over, and opened the door.
The moment Selena laid eyes on him, her gaze brightened with surprise. Today, her son looked completely different—his skin was exceptionally smooth and clear, his face carried a newfound confidence, and his body no longer seemed as frail as before.
Without saying a word, Selena wrapped him in her arms. Adrian was startled for a moment, but when he realized it was his mother embracing him, he hugged her back tightly.
After a little while, Selena kissed his forehead softly and smiled.
"Today, my son looks so handsome…"
Hearing this, Adrian tried to hold back a small laugh. He glanced down at himself and said,
"Mother, does that mean I wasn't handsome before?"
Selena fell silent for a moment. She wondered how her quiet, reserved son had suddenly changed so much. But she didn't let any doubt show on her face and answered affectionately,
"You were always handsome—but today, you look especially wonderful…"
She gently caressed his cheek and said,
"Alright, now get up and freshen up. Come, let's have breakfast together."
Adrian nodded.
"Alright, Mother."
He turned and walked towards the bathroom. Meanwhile, Selena went downstairs and instructed the maids to set the breakfast table. Then she returned to her room, where Victor was still resting.
Selena looked at him and said,
"Adrian is coming down for breakfast. You both should get up too."
At the mention of Adrian's name, Victor's eyes immediately stirred with surprise. This was the same son who almost never left his room early in the morning—and today he was coming to have breakfast with everyone. Then he remembered that Adrian had lost his memory.
Meanwhile, Adrian finished bathing and came out of the bathroom. He had changed into clean clothes. This time, he wore a white and golden outfit that looked perfect against his smooth, glowing skin.
He went downstairs and saw the maids arranging the breakfast on the table. His father Victor and both mothers, Selena and Evelyn, were also emerging from their room.
Adrian smiled and greeted them.
"Good morning, Father. Good morning, Mother. Good morning, Little Mother."
All three of them smiled back warmly. Today, Adrian looked more confident and striking than ever. Victor and Evelyn both had a glimmer of amazement in their eyes.
Victor gestured for him to come closer.
"Come here, Adrian."
Adrian walked up to him. Victor looked him over carefully, from head to toe, and said,
"Your body looks much healthier than before."
Adrian had known this question would come, so he replied without hesitation,
"I took the pills Mother gave me last night."
Selena smiled and gently interrupted,
"Alright, you can talk later. First, let's all have breakfast together."
And so, everyone sat down to share their meal.
Adrian thought to himself:
Status
Name – Adrian Thorne
Cultivation Base – Martial Master Stage – 7
Bloodline – ???
Destiny Points – 12
Skills – Golden Eye of the Spy (Rank: Divine)
Cultivation Types – Normal Cultivation / Dual Cultivation
Cultivation Methods – Technique of Heaven's Pleasure (Dual Cultivation Technique) / Divine Energy Gathering (Normal Cultivation)
Seeing his Cultivation Base, a calm satisfaction appeared on Adrian's face. He recalled that the last time he checked, he only had 2 Destiny Points. But now…how had they reached 12?
He asked silently in his mind—
"System, how did my Destiny Points increase?"
The system's cold, mechanical voice echoed in response:
"Host has advanced their Cultivation Base to Martial Master Stage – 7. In addition, your familial relationships have improved. As you continue to progress, you will gain more friends and allies, which will further increase your Destiny Points.
Once you accumulate more than 100 points, you will be eligible to encounter a special opportunity that can greatly enhance your power and Cultivation."
For a moment, Adrian remained lost in thought. Noticing him distracted, Selena gently called out—
"Adrian, where are you lost? Finish your breakfast."
Hearing Selena's voice, Adrian nodded.
"Yes, Mother."
He focused again and continued eating.
Just as he took another bite, the system's voice echoed in his mind once more—
Mission – 1
Objective: Gather complete information about your surroundings and understand your current situation.
Learn the city's layout.
Investigate the current social and political conditions of the city.
Study the city's history.
Reward:
1 Bottle Body Refining Pills (Saint Rank)
1 Bottle Bone Marrow Refining Pills (Saint Rank)
Time Limit: 8 Hours
Adrian slowly exhaled, still hearing the system's cold, mechanical voice echo in his mind.
"All three objectives must be completed for the mission to be considered successful. In the event of failure, 2 Luck Points will be deducted."
Hearing this, Adrian almost choked on the bite he had just swallowed.
Selena immediately leaned closer, concern in her eyes. She poured him a glass of water and gently held it out.
"Eat slowly, my son. The food isn't going to run away," she scolded softly.
Adrian took the glass, drank a few sips, and then sighed.
"Mother, you were the one who told me to focus on eating—so I started eating faster. And now you say I should slow down? What is your son supposed to do?"
His words caught Victor and Evelyn off guard, and they both burst out laughing.
Seeing them laugh at his expense, Selena's lips pursed in mock annoyance. She reached over and pinched Adrian's ear lightly.
"You cheeky brat…teasing your own mother, are you?"
Though it didn't actually hurt, Adrian still pretended to wince.
"Ah—Mother, please! That hurts!"
The warm, familiar scene made Victor feel a deep sense of peace. Watching his family like this, he felt as though all the old burdens on his heart were slowly dissolving. That terrible incident two days ago…maybe it had truly been a hidden blessing in disguise.
When Adrian finished his breakfast, he set his cup down and looked up at Selena.
"Mother, where is the library? I'd like to go there."
The mission was still echoing in his head—he needed information about the city's history, its current state, and its layout. The library was the most logical place to start.
Selena smiled warmly.
"Wait a moment, dear. I'll take you there myself."
Adrian shook his head gently.
"You don't need to trouble yourself, Mother. If you could just have someone show me the way, that would be enough."
Selena nodded and turned to one of the maids waiting nearby.
"Take the Young Master to the library."
The maid bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Madam."
She looked to Adrian and gestured politely.
"Young Master, please come with me."
Adrian followed her out of the hall. As they walked, he noticed the crisp morning sunlight streaming through the tall windows, gilding the corridors in gold.
When they reached the library's grand entrance, two guards were stationed on either side. Seeing Adrian approach, they immediately straightened and bowed in unison.
"Young Master," they greeted respectfully.
Adrian inclined his head just slightly in acknowledgment and walked past them with the maid.
Inside, the library felt almost like a cathedral—rows upon rows of shelves rose nearly to the ceiling, crammed with thousands of neatly organized books. The faint scent of old parchment and polished wood hung in the air.
The maid turned to him and spoke softly.
"Young Master, is there any particular subject you'd like me to help you find?"
Adrian offered her a faint, polite smile.
"No need, Sister. I only wish to browse a few volumes myself. Thank you for bringing me here."
The maid stared at him, clearly surprised. She had never heard the Young Master speak so gently or address anyone with such courtesy. In the past, he had been cold, arrogant—quick to anger and even violence if a servant displeased him.
Seeing this, she was so stunned she nearly forgot to respond. Then she bowed quickly.
"As you wish, Young Master."
With that, she turned and quietly walked away, leaving Adrian alone in the towering silence of the library.