Biocores: The Legendary Weapon Designer-Chapter 74: End of the Year

The Absolute Monarch sat on the rim of the training arena, his gaze fixed on the two young warriors battling below. The twins moved like lions, their strikes fierce, their footwork sharp. Their raw aggression was a far cry from their last public appearance.

A year ago, they had been different. Their transformation began the moment they witnessed his death.

The Monarch had long underestimated the boy’s influence on his grandchildren. That single event—the fall of Nioh during the Narnia Conquest—had done something to them. It had hardened them, sharpened their resolve in ways even he hadn’t anticipated.

The Glev main line had since remained hidden, trained in secret within a Cradle Zone controlled by the Monarch himself. But the twins’ sudden evolution forced him to reevaluate the future of his fiefdom. freёweɓnovel.com

Because if Nioh had lived... if he had nefarious intentions...

Then one day, this entire empire could have been his.

The Monarch exhaled, his thoughts interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Marsai entered the training hall, her demeanor composed. She bowed respectfully before addressing them.

"Greetings, Lord. Princes."

The twins halted their sparring immediately and approached her without hesitation.

"At ease, Marsai," the Monarch commanded. "Report."

Marsai straightened. "Thank you, my Lord. Pax and the Alliance have lost significant influence over the past year, due to both our direct actions and the fact that he has been stationed at the frontier. For the first time in years, our faction has taken the lead in the fiefdom."

A small smile ghosted across the Monarch’s lips. Expected. But his focus remained elsewhere.

"Any news about Little Uncle?" Sol asked.

Marsai hesitated, then delivered the answer with careful precision. "Unfortunately, there has been no sign of him. Lieutenant X and Sergeant Cryo have formed a small expedition team to search for leads, but so far, nothing substantial has surfaced."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice quieter this time.

"My Lord, it has been a year since the incident. Should we... declare him dead?"

The Monarch’s fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his chair. His expression remained unreadable.

"No," he said finally. "Until I see his corpse, the search will continue. I do not believe such an exceptional candidate would perish so easily." His tone darkened. "And watch the Dukes. They won’t surrender their ambitions so easily."

Marsai bowed. "Yes, my Lord." Then she turned and left the room.

The silence that followed was heavy.

"Grandfather," Sol spoke up. "Do you really believe Little Uncle is still alive?"

The Monarch’s eyes didn’t waver. "Your uncle is extremely talented. I have no doubt that he is alive."

Sol and his twin exchanged a look, but before either could speak, the old Monarch leaned forward, his voice carrying the weight of an emperor’s command.

"The reason he is in this situation is because you are too weak."

The words struck like iron.

"You need to grow stronger—and fast." His gaze bore into them. "It has been a year since we left the Archipelago. You have made progress, but it is not enough. Work harder."

The twins clenched their fists. They had no choice.

--

Back in the Citadel, Akron sat across from his sister, Lithaa, at a table adorned with exquisite dishes and fine drinks. The aroma of spiced meats and rich broth filled the air, but he barely touched his meal.

"You seem listless." Lithaa’s voice cut through the quiet clinking of utensils.

Akron blinked, snapping out of his daze. "Ah—sorry. I wasn’t paying attention."

Lithaa smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "That’s the third time today. And the fiftieth this month."

"I’m just a little stressed." He waved a hand dismissively before scooping up a spoonful of soup. "Year-end evaluations and all that."

Lithaa rolled her eyes. "The first year is about finding your footing in the Citadel. There are no major assignments—just a superficial evaluation and a few tests from your mentees. And let’s not forget, your ’partnership’ with the anomaly earned you more Conqueror Points than I’ve managed in three years. Your mentor is practically singing your praises across the Citadel." She tilted her head. "So tell me, what’s this really about?"

Akron tensed. "Can you not call him that?"

A knowing smile spread across Lithaa’s lips. "So, what you’re telling me is this has nothing to do with a tall, devastatingly handsome, ashen-haired genius you used to spar with every day?"

"You wouldn’t understand."

Lithaa grinned, but her amusement faded slightly as she prodded further. "Where is he, anyway? It’s been a month."

"I don’t know." Akron’s voice grew quiet. "He left without warning—to the Expanse."

Lithaa’s playful demeanor vanished. "His condition?"

Akron exhaled sharply, his grip tightening around his spoon. "It’s getting worse. Every time we sparred, he came back the next day with fresh bruises and scars. The last time I saw him, he was covered in bandages—head to toe. He could barely talk without losing his breath." His voice wavered. "I don’t understand why he pushes himself like this. He treats his body like it’s disposable. I’m worried sick."

Lithaa leaned back in her chair, watching her brother closely.

"Oh, Akron..." She sighed. "You don’t know his story. You come from a prestigious family. We’ve had our struggles, sure—but he? He was born into a world that doesn’t want him." Her voice lowered. "Being an anomaly is a curse in the Citadel. People tolerate him now because he is under Grimmes protection, but when you reach the upper levels, you’ll see how unforgiving this place truly is."

Akron stared down at his plate, his appetite gone.

Lithaa continued, softer now. "His path is one carved from pain and suffering. But he’ll survive. His mentor isn’t just anyone."

"I just wish I could do more..."

She reached across the table, flicking his forehead gently. "If you want to follow this path, you’d better be prepared."

Akron scoffed. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

Lithaa smirked, lifting her glass. "Ah, to be young and in love—in the city of conquerors and monsters. How tragic."

Then she burst into laughter, leaving Akron to stew in his silence.