Ascension Gates: Rise of the Beast Monarch-Chapter 110 - 109: The Arrogance of a Prince

The third floor of the Beast House remained immersed in an almost oppressive silence, the kind of silence that did not merely signify the absence of sound, but rather the presence of something deeper—something controlled, deliberate, and refined to a degree that only those with true understanding could appreciate. Unlike the lower levels, where the restless movements of beasts and the murmurs of attendants created a constant background noise, this place stood apart as a domain of restraint. Every creature here existed in a state of contained power, as though each one had long since learned the value of patience over impulse.

Aether stood calmly before one of the reinforced enclosures, his posture relaxed yet attentive. Within the dimly lit space, a Shadow Wolf observed him in return, its golden eyes glowing faintly against the shifting darkness that clung to its body. Its form was not entirely stable; shadows seemed to ripple along its limbs as though it were only partially anchored in reality. Despite that, there was no sign of chaos in its presence. Instead, it exuded a quiet, predatory awareness, as if it were constantly measuring the world around it and deciding when to act.

Aether studied the beast without haste, allowing his perception to extend beyond simple observation. He did not merely see the creature’s current state; he analyzed its structure, its energy pathways, and the subtle limitations that defined its growth. After a moment of consideration, he spoke in a low, composed voice.

"This one is acceptable," he said, his tone neither impressed nor dismissive, but simply factual.

Within his mind, the Fallen Succubus responded with a faint note of amusement. "Acceptable is not the same as ideal," she remarked, her voice smooth yet discerning. "It possesses a stable evolution path and respectable combat instincts, but it lacks the unpredictability that defines true growth. It can become powerful, but it will always follow a predetermined route."

Aether gave a slight nod, acknowledging her assessment without disagreement. "That is true," he replied. "However, perfection is not always necessary. For now, it meets the minimum requirement."

He took a step closer to the enclosure, his gaze locking with the Shadow Wolf’s. The creature shifted slightly in response, its shadowy outline flickering for just a fraction of a second. It was a subtle reaction, but one that did not escape Aether’s notice. It was not fear, nor aggression, but something closer to recognition—an instinctive awareness that the being standing before it was not something ordinary.

For a brief moment, the air between them seemed to tighten, as though an unspoken exchange had taken place. It was the kind of silent communication that existed only between entities capable of perceiving more than surface-level reality.

And then, just as Aether was about to make a decision—

A voice cut through the stillness.

"If you truly have confidence as a champion," the voice said, sharp and unrestrained, "then you should consider choosing from the unidentified beast eggs instead."

The sudden intrusion shattered the delicate balance of the moment, and Aether paused mid-step. Slowly, without any sign of urgency or surprise, he turned toward the source of the voice.

At the entrance of the third floor stood a group of individuals whose presence immediately disrupted the refined atmosphere of the area. At the center of that group was a young man who appeared to be around Aether’s age, yet carried himself with a confidence that bordered on arrogance.

His golden hair was styled with deliberate precision, and his sharp features were complemented by eyes that reflected a deep-seated sense of superiority. Every aspect of his appearance, from the luxurious robes adorned with intricate imperial patterns to the casual way he held himself, spoke of a life defined by privilege and unquestioned authority.

On either side of him stood two elegantly dressed women, both of whom leaned slightly toward him as though it were the most natural position in the world. Their presence was not merely decorative; it reinforced the image he projected—one of dominance, control, and entitlement.

Behind him, five figures stood in perfect silence. Unlike the prince, they did not draw attention to themselves, yet their presence was far more dangerous. Their posture was steady, their breathing controlled, and their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. They were not here for display; they were here for protection.

Aether’s gaze shifted briefly toward them, his perception immediately analyzing their capabilities.

"Level three," he noted internally, his tone calm.

The Fallen Succubus responded with quiet confirmation. "Not just ordinary tamers," she added. "Each one carries signs of mutation. Their beasts will not follow standard patterns."

Aether understood immediately. These were not guards chosen for appearance or status; they were individuals selected for their effectiveness. In terms of raw combat potential, they were far more significant than the young man they accompanied.

However, that did not make the young man irrelevant.

Power did not always manifest through strength alone. Sometimes, it came from position, influence, and the ability to command others without question.

The young man took a few steps forward, his expression carrying a faint smile that seemed more amused than friendly.

"I see you’ve already started your selection," he said, his tone casual, as though he were commenting on something trivial. "That is good. It saves time."

He paused briefly, then straightened slightly as though preparing for a formal introduction, though the arrogance in his demeanor made it clear that this was more for his own satisfaction than for Aether’s benefit.

"Allow me to introduce myself," he continued. "My name is Lion Solvaris."

The moment the name left his lips, the attendant standing behind Aether stiffened visibly. His expression shifted from professional composure to barely concealed shock.

"The crown prince..." the attendant whispered, his voice low but unmistakably tense.

Aether remained completely unaffected by the revelation. He had already recognized the type of person he was dealing with; the title only confirmed it.

Lion’s gaze shifted slightly, not directly focusing on Aether, but rather on something beyond him—something that could not be seen with ordinary senses.

"...Interesting," he murmured, his eyes narrowing just a fraction.

The Fallen Succubus’s voice echoed within Aether’s mind, her tone noticeably colder than before. "He cannot see me clearly," she said, "but he can sense something. That alone makes him more dangerous than the others."

Aether did not react outwardly, but he acknowledged the implication. For someone at Lion’s level to even faintly perceive the presence of the Fallen Succubus was not normal.

Lion’s attention returned to Aether, his smile widening slightly.

"You have something rare," he said, his voice carrying a note of interest that bordered on possessiveness. "Something... valuable."

He raised a hand and pointed casually, as though indicating an object rather than a person.

"I want it."

The words were simple, but the intent behind them was unmistakable. This was not a request, nor was it an attempt at negotiation. It was a declaration of ownership over something he had not yet obtained.

The entire floor seemed to grow heavier in that moment, not because of any visible power, but because of the authority that Lion carried with him.

"That humanoid-type beast of yours," he continued, his tone as casual as before. "Sell it to me."

Silence followed his statement, stretching just long enough to emphasize its weight.

"I will give you another beast in exchange," he added. "One with equal potential."

To anyone else, such an offer might have seemed generous, even overwhelming. To be acknowledged by the crown prince and offered a trade of that level would have been considered an honor.

But Aether was not "anyone else."

He did not respond immediately. Instead, he simply looked at Lion, his expression calm and unchanging.

Then, without raising his voice or altering his tone in any way, he spoke.

"No."

The single word was delivered with absolute clarity.

For a brief moment, nothing happened.

Then, the atmosphere shifted.

It was subtle at first, like a faint ripple spreading across still water, but it carried a distinct tension that had not been present before.

Lion blinked once, as though processing what he had just heard.

"...What did you say?" he asked, his voice no longer entirely casual.

Aether met his gaze directly.

"I said no," he repeated, his tone unchanged.

The guards behind Lion shifted slightly, their posture becoming more alert. They did not move to attack, but the readiness in their stance was unmistakable.

For a moment, it seemed as though the situation might escalate.

Then, unexpectedly, Lion laughed.

It was not a loud or aggressive laugh, but rather a soft, amused sound, as though he had just encountered something unexpectedly entertaining.

"You are interesting," he said, his smile returning, though it carried a sharper edge now. "Most people do not refuse me."

Aether’s response was immediate and unhesitating.

"I am not most people."

The simplicity of the statement carried more weight than any elaborate explanation could have.

Lion’s smile faded slightly, though it did not disappear entirely. Instead, it transformed into something more measured, more calculating.

"...Good," he said after a brief pause. "Then let us see if your confidence is justified."

He turned slightly and gestured toward a distant section of the floor that had remained unnoticed by most.

"There is a different option," he said. "One that requires more than simple selection."

Aether’s gaze followed the direction of his gesture, landing on a sealed area that was clearly separated from the rest of the floor. Unlike the enclosures he had examined so far, this section was closed off, its contents hidden behind reinforced barriers and layered formations.

"Unidentified beast eggs," Lion explained. "Creatures with unknown origins and unverified evolution paths. Most of them are worthless."

He paused briefly, his eyes narrowing with interest.

"But some of them... are not."

He turned back to Aether, his smile returning once more.

"If you truly deserve the title of champion," he said, "then prove it."

The challenge hung in the air between them, clear and undeniable.

"Choose one," Lion continued. "If it turns out to be worthless, then you walk away with nothing."

His tone remained calm, but there was an underlying sharpness to his words.

"But if it is not," he added, "then I may reconsider taking that beast from you."

The implication was clear. This was not just a test of skill; it was a contest of judgment, instinct, and confidence.

Within Aether’s mind, the Fallen Succubus spoke quietly.

"He is provoking you," she said. "And he is testing whether you rely on certainty or instinct."

Aether did not respond immediately. His gaze shifted between the Shadow Wolf and the sealed section, his thoughts moving rapidly beneath his calm exterior.

The Shadow Wolf represented stability. It was a known entity with a predictable path and a guaranteed outcome.

The unidentified eggs, on the other hand, represented uncertainty. They carried risk, unpredictability, and the possibility of failure.

But they also carried something else.

Potential.

Aether looked back at Lion, then toward the sealed section once more.

"...Interesting," he said quietly.

The tension on the third floor deepened as the two stood facing each other, neither willing to yield.

One was a prince who had never been denied.

The other was a challenger who had no intention of bowing.

And between them lay a choice that would determine not just the outcome of this moment, but the path that followed.

The silence returned, but it was no longer the same.

Now, it was filled with anticipation.