And so, the marriage eventually took place.

Of course, it was kept low-key. After all, they weren't nobles, but at the very least, their close friends, colleagues, and siblings were all present.

Calus finally learned who Mabi's family was.

A very powerful hidden family, one that even the King treated with utmost respect.

The years passed like the autumn season, as old things faded away and new ones blossomed.

"Dad… Dad, look! I did this!"

An excited young voice rang out as a man lying beside a pond lifted his fishing rod and turned.

A small girl, no older than six, ran toward him holding a piece of paper.

The man smiled, stood up, and carried her in his arms. Happiness filled his heart as he kissed her cheek.

"Alright, show Daddy what you did," he said.

She pointed proudly at the paper.

It was a drawing of three figures,

A large stick figure, a slightly smaller one beside it, and a tiny one in the middle.

A father, a mother, and a little girl.

"Wow, it's beautiful. Is that us?" the man asked with a laugh.

The little girl nodded, puffing out her chest proudly.

"Yes! That's you," she said, pointing at the larger figure.

"And there's Mommy," she added, pointing to the other one.

"And this is me! But soon I'll grow tall, maybe even taller than you and Mom!"

"Silly girl. It isn't good for a girl to be too tall," the man said, gently pinching her cheeks.

"Hmph! I'll be big too, so I can bully Dad!" the little girl pouted.

The man burst out laughing once more.

Then he noticed another detail.

"Princess, what is this small bump on your mom?" he asked, pointing at the drawing.

"Oh! That's my little brother. We're a complete family now!" the girl said with a smile.

The man blinked.

"And who told you your mom is pregnant? Or are you just hoping for a sibling already?" he asked, lightly pinching her nose.

"No, Dad… Mom told me a few seconds ago. When I saw her stomach, it looked bigger like this!" the little girl spread her arms wide to show the size, unaware that her father had frozen in shock.

Pregnant…? His wife was pregnant?

Right on cue, she appeared at the door.

"Food is ready," her soft voice called.

Mabi stretched lightly as she looked at Calus.

"Mabi… are you pregnant?" Calus asked, walking toward her while carrying their daughter.

His eyes were filled with warmth, care, and a hint of anxious excitement.

Immediately, Mabi shot their daughter a look.

The girl quickly lowered her head, avoiding eye contact.

"Well… yes. I was planning to tell you tonight, but it seems someone couldn't keep quiet and revealed it early," Mabi said, glancing at their daughter again.

The girl hurriedly hugged Calus.

Seeing this, a smile spread across Calus's face. He stepped closer, wrapped his arm around Mabi's slender waist, and kissed her forehead.

"I love you," Calus said softly.

"I love you too," Mabi replied.

They were both fighters. Even though her body showed no visible signs yet, Mabi knew. She had been eating more and growing slightly weaker.

The pregnancy was already taking a toll on her, just like it had with their daughter.

Crack.

A small twig snapped.

Calus and Mabi broke their embrace and turned toward the sound.

"Sorry for interrupting such a beautiful moment," a middle-aged man said as he stepped forward and bowed.

A crest was visible on his chest.

Calus and Mabi narrowed their eyes.

It was the crest of the Genius Academy.

Simply put, for him to be here, he must have been sent by the King, the only one who knew their location.

After their wedding, Calus and Mabi decided they would raise their children with love and give them a normal life before they awakened their powers.

That was why they moved to a quiet town.

They lived in a small house beside a pond, with a large river flowing behind it and a forest stretching out in front.

They were in the midst of a thriving ecosystem, yet no dangerous beasts came near because of their overwhelming aura.

Only harmless small and medium herbivores wandered close, creatures Calus happily fed with his daughter.

And now… a member of the Academy was here.

Was it time already?

Calus gently put his daughter down.

"Mabi, take her inside," he said.

"Yes," Mabi replied, though she gave the man one last look before leaving with their daughter.

The moment she was gone, the man forced a stiff smile.

His back was drenched in cold sweat.

Although he had attended the same academy, not everyone was a monster like Calus and Mabi. They were King-level experts,terrifying ones at that.

"Ah… it's nothing. Come, have some tea," Calus said calmly, inviting him as they walked toward the pond.

Calus quickly brewed tea, and the man accepted it with a smile.

"It's a dream come true to meet one of the academy's legends," the man said, taking a sip.

His eyes brightened, it was excellent tea.

"It's nothing. How's the academy? Have they accepted the next batch?" Calus asked.

"Yes. Most of us who graduated have returned as teachers. While none are as terrifying as you and the others, this batch shows promise," the man replied.

Calus nodded. As long as they continued producing strong talents, the academy's future was secure. The experiment had been a success.

"That's good to hear," Calus said, sipping his tea before gently setting the cup down.

His expression suddenly changed.

"So… why are you here?" he asked.

The man froze for a moment.

One wouldn't believe they had once been in the same academy, yet Calus had already reached the King Realm, while he was only preparing to break into the Diamond Realm. The gap between them was enormous.

"Yes…" the man hesitated.

"The King said it's time. He wishes to see you to discuss some matters," he finally said.

Calus wasn't surprised, his guess had already been confirmed. But this time, he was fully prepared.

Over the years, he had reached the peak of the King Realm and was only a step away from the Half-God Realm.

This time…

If the organization dared to make a move, he would destroy them without hesitation.

********

4/10..

So the remaining 6 coming shortly