Strongest Family System

The carriage wheels clattered over the uneven stones as the road opened up, the air filled with a subtle mix of pine and dust. The morning mist had lifted, and now the sun poured its bright light onto the path. Yet for Mathew James, the light felt cold—only a reminder of the dark fate that awaited him.

"Each rotation of the wheels brought him closer to Magical City's centre. His mind wandered through countless scenarios. Partners changing loyalties, traders declining business, killers lurking in darkness."

He knew the Osborns would not stay idle. Robert was cunning, and John Osborn was ruthless. They would have already sensed his absence, perhaps even guessed at his purpose. Opposite him, Billy Walker remained still as stone. "His face betrayed no emotion, his breathing remained controlled, and his bearing stayed fiercely alert."

"He looked utterly disconnected from his surroundings, as though all events were meaningless." To Billy, whether it was the James clan or the Osborn clan, it was just a mission, one he would execute without hesitation.

"Three days," Mathew whispered under his breath. His fists tightened. That is all the time we have. Billy's eyes shifted toward him, cold and calm. "Three days is enough."

The words hit hard, like steel clashing against stone, filled with certainty and unwavering resolve. For a moment, Mathew felt his own nerves settle, but only slightly. He knew the reality—if the Osborns had hidden strength, if they had allies waiting in the dark, even Billy's blade might not be enough.

The walls of Magical City came into view on the horizon, standing tall under the afternoon sun. Mathew inhaled slowly. "Osborn clan… This time, it is either you or us."

The carriage pressed on toward the storm. As the carriage passed through the city gates, its creaking was drowned out by the vibrant energy of Magical City. Merchants called out their wares, guards kept watch, but no one dared to intrude. Meanwhile, Mathew James remained quiet inside, his thoughts laser-focused and brimming with expectation.

Finally, the carriage came to a stop in front of the James estate. Servants rushed forward, excited to greet their clan leader upon his return.

But as the door opened, a second figure stepped down after Mathew—tall, broad-shouldered, his gaze cold and unreadable. A wave of pressure rolled through the courtyard, much like a fierce gust of wind that came out of nowhere.

The servants stiffened, their knees weakening. "This aura…" someone whispered, too afraid to continue. Inside the main hall, the elders of the James clan had already gathered. Their eyes lit up at the sight of Mathew's return—but soon fell on the unfamiliar man standing behind him.

"Clan head", one elder said cautiously, "this person is…?"

Mathew raised his hand, silencing their questions. "His expression held seriousness, but resolve sparkled within his eyes. This man is here to assist us. For three days, he will lend his strength to the James clan."

The elders exchanged uncertain looks. None dared question the man directly—his presence was suffocating, his aura far beyond anything their clan possessed. Still, whispers stirred. "Such power… Where did the clan head find him?"

"Could he be a mercenary? An ally from another city?"

The stranger remained silent, his gaze sharp, as if he could cut down anyone who wasted his time. The only person who knew the real truth about his identity was Mathew—he was Billy Walker, a member of the Walker clan.

To everyone else, he would be a shadow, a concealed blade that only revealed itself when the time was right. Mathew moved closer, spreading a map of Magical City over the table's surface.

His voice was calm, yet it held the heavy burden of choice.

"We will not waste this chance. The Osborns have spread too far. Their shops, their warehouses, their estate—everything will be marked and struck in one clean sweep." The room grew tense; the elders leaned in, their hearts pounding. The unknown man behind Mathew did not speak, but his mere presence filled them with both dread and hope.

Tomorrow, the storm will break. On the other side, Sai hurried into the courtyard, his cloak still carrying the night's chill. He bowed quickly, his tone urgent.

"Young master, Mathew James has returned to the city. But… he was not alone. A mysterious man accompanied him. His aura was concealed, yet from the pressure he emitted, I believe he may be stronger than anyone the James clan has ever revealed."

Robert's eyes narrowed, his expression turning sharp. "So… Mathew did not just return—he brought a blade with him." He leaned forward slightly. "Keep your shadows close on them. If they make a move, use the communication stone to report instantly. Do not try to test this man's strength on your own. Understood?"

"Yes. Young master." Sai bowed again, his tone firm. "I will not disappoint you." Then, he melted into the shadows of the night. Robert remained still for a moment, then slowly called out in his mind.

"System. Open my status."

A faint glow appeared before him, cold lines of text spreading across his vision.

[System Status]

Name: Robert Osborn

Cultivation Realm: Spirit Root Realm – Level 1 (Mid-Stage)

Soul Power: 50,000

System Points: 330,420

Skills:

Shadow Step – Level 2: Breath Sync (Minor Success Achieved)

Twin Dragon Fang – Level 2: Coiling Scales Technique (Minor Success Achieved)

Mountain Fist – Level 1: Grounded Form Achieved

Soul Awakening Realm – Level 3: Soul Seed Formation Achieved

Quests:

Main Quest: Strengthen the Osborn Family – Progress: 0.5%

Robert studied the panel in silence, his mind racing.

Mathew came back with a newfound strength… And in response, I will gather my own strength.

His fingers tapped the table, and his eyes gleamed. "System, show assassin purchase list."

A series of shadows flashed before his eyes—figures cloaked and masked, their blades dripping with unseen blood. Prices stretched from ten thousand points to millions. Robert scrolled through them quickly, his pulse quickening.

Then his eyes froze.

[Shadow Reaper Assassin] – Spirit Root Realm Level 5 (Peak Stage)

Price: 300,000 System Points

Description: Can be summoned instantly. Appears at the host's back. Requires Soul Power to sustain form—1000 Soul Points consumed per hour. Disappears when Soul Power is exhausted.

Robert exhaled slowly, then, without hesitation, selected it. The system's cold voice rang in his mind: "Purchase confirmed. 300,000 System Points deducted. Remaining points: 30,420."

A faint chill swept across the room as though something unseen now lingered just beyond the veil.

Robert's lips curled into a smile. "Good… Mathew James, you may have brought back your mysterious shadow. But I… I have summoned death itself." The lantern flickered again, its shadows stretching unnaturally long. Robert's smile lingered as he whispered, "Disappear."

The spine-chilling presence evaporated in an instant, leaving the room wrapped in silence.

Knock… Knock…

Robert's head turned. He schooled his features into calmness. "Come in." A servant stepped inside, bowing respectfully. "Young master Robert, the leader of the clan, has summoned you."

Robert's eyes brightened. Father… So he has emerged from seclusion. Though relief and excitement stirred within him, his outward composure never wavered. He nodded. I will be there shortly.

The servant bowed again and withdrew. Robert straightened his robes, took one last look around the quiet chamber, and left. His footsteps echoed with a sense of determination as he navigated the shadowy hallways of the Osborn estate.

Several moments later, he found himself at the known entrance—the chamber where his father worked. He stopped briefly, took a settling breath, and knocked softly.

"Come in," said a voice that was both steady and soothing.

"Robert pushed the door open and stepped inside."

Robert quickly bowed with respect. "Father. Elder Chris."

Both men gave a small nod of acknowledgment. John's voice was steady, yet it carried the commanding tone of a clan head long accustomed to power. "Sit."

Robert obeyed, seating himself respectfully. His father's gaze lingered on him, appraising. For the first time in many months, Robert felt like a child again before that piercing look—but he also carried the pride of having grown stronger.

After a brief silence, Robert leaned forward slightly and asked, 'Father…' Did you break through?

A faint smile touched John Osborn's lips, his eyes glimmering with sharpness. "Yes. I have now stepped into the Soul Manifestation Realm, Level 2—Low Stage."

Robert's chest tightened with excitement. He stood up swiftly and bowed deeply. "Congratulations, Father! With this breakthrough, the Osborn clan's strength will rise to new heights."

John's smile deepened as he nodded. "For sure. It was a tough time being alone, but it really yielded results. This level of training, our foes will definitely think twice before making a move."

Elder Chris, who had remained silent, now spoke with measured calm.

"Clan Master, all remains secure. The situation is under control." The James bloodline has made no unexpected decisions thus far. The western market district provides consistent financial returns, and our alchemy experts have enhanced their production methods. Under young master Robert's supervision, we created increased amounts of first-tier and second-tier medicinal compounds."

"At this information, John's eyes grew warm with fatherly approval. He looked back at Robert with renewed attention. 'You have handled everything superbly, son. Staying true to our clan's roots while I kept to myself, guiding the pharmaceutical experts and ensuring everything runs smoothly in the market—these duties can be quite overwhelming.

I am proud of you, son."

John nodded, satisfaction evident in his smile. But beneath that cheerful exterior, his eyes sparkled with a sharpness—he realized that this peace would not last indefinitely.