Thanks for the Invite, I'm in Honkai Grinding Stats to Level Up

I apologize, everyone. When I uploaded the chapter just now, I was tired and hungry, and I copied it twice, causing you all to spend extra cat coins. I've now replaced the duplicate section with the original content of Chapter 69. After this, please click the top right corner and then click "Refresh Chapter Content" to update the subscribed chapter.

Once I wake up and write the new chapter, Chapter 69 will be replaced with the original Chapter 70. For those who have already subscribed, please click the option in the top right corner and select "Refresh Chapter Content" at the bottom to view the new content.

As an apology, in addition to the make-up update, I will add at least one extra chapter tomorrow.

Chapter 69: The Caslanas' Mixed Feelings

"Time's almost up. Is he really going to be late for his first appearance?"

Andrew glanced impatiently at his wristwatch and muttered to his cousin beside him.

Before his cousin could reply, an elderly man nearby, who was old but still sharp of hearing and sight, admonished him.

"It's not time yet, Andrew. Don't cause unnecessary panic."

"Understood..."

Facing this elder who was three generations his senior, Andrew, not in the best mood, could only obediently shut his mouth.

However, even with his mouth shut, Andrew's gaze towards the entrance remained unfriendly.

There were quite a few young people like Andrew here.

And it wasn't just the young people; even some of the older generation were looking towards the entrance with scrutinizing eyes.

Regardless of age, the vast majority of those present had heard whispers in the past few days that the Caslana family's patriarch position, vacant for years, might soon have an owner. However, this person was not from any of the current branches but a bloodline that had been living in exile.

Although the source of the information was unknown, the details were vivid, and everyone had heard the rumors, making it highly likely to be true.

It should be known that although the Caslana family often had its patriarch and outstanding members die on the battlefield, their genealogy had remained quite complete over centuries of inheritance.

The so-called bloodline living in exile could almost certainly be considered an illegitimate child in the conventional sense.

The young people didn't want to comment on whatever indiscretions their uncles or cousins might have committed outside the family.

Regarding accepting this person back into the family, the young people, who weren't particularly fond of the old rules and etiquette, were indifferent. After all, they shared the same blood, and it wouldn't be right to prevent a brother with whom they shared a blood connection from even paying respects to their ancestors.

However, if this illegitimate child not only returned to the family but also directly took the patriarch position that had been vacant for years...

Even though in modern society, the control of ancient clan systems over individuals has diminished, young people generally dislike having someone above them, even if only in name.

Especially when this person was not a highly respected elder, but an illegitimate child who, by universal values, was looked down upon—

You want to return to the family? We don't object. But if you want to lord over us the moment you return, it's bound to stir up some anger.

Moreover, although most of these young people had mediocre talent, and were even living ordinary lives without being trained as warriors to fight Honkai, they had still established a basic understanding of Honkai and a sense of honor for their surname from the older generation.

Gwen, an outsider who presumably intended to ascend to the Caslana family leadership with external help, was seen by the young people as an insult to the Caslana honor.

As for the older generation appearing relatively calm, it wasn't because they had no objections.

It was just that these elders, who had accumulated the wisdom of time with age, had sensed a hint of conspiracy from the news that had rapidly spread in the past few days.

Although they were all hot-headed youths in their younger days, as they grew older, family ties made them gradually shed their innate impulsiveness and become more steady.

Therefore, after the initial excitement, most of these steadier elders also realized something was amiss—

Even though they interacted with each other regularly, spreading the news so clearly to everyone within just a few days clearly indicated a manipulator behind the scenes.

And it was highly likely that the only one capable of causing such a stir within the Caslana family was the Destiny Archbishop hidden on the floating island.

Upon reaching this conclusion, these elders, who were once members of Destiny in their youth, had to force themselves to calm down.

Even if they were only low-to-mid-level personnel in Destiny in their youth, considering the previous patriarch's attitude towards Otto and the previous patriarch's fate, these elders could vaguely understand what Otto meant to the current Caslana family.

Although they were angry that their once glorious family was now being manipulated, the elders, who were more concerned about the lives of their family members, could only sigh helplessly in the face of the irresistible Otto—

As long as he was indeed a blood relative of the Caslana family, and Otto didn't, in turn, bring in a blonde-haired, green-eyed Apocalypse to be the Caslana patriarch, they could accept it.

In fact, the elders could even console themselves, thinking that Caslana was once the shield of the people. If the patriarch position were given to ordinary young people, it might seem too much like a decline. It wouldn't be bad for a promising young man, rumored to be able to cooperate with others to defeat an Emperor-class Honkai Beast, to serve as patriarch.

However, when the elders used their past connections to inquire further about Gwen, this bit of self-consolation seemed to become laughable—

In over a year, from a weak ordinary person to an A-rank knight capable of fighting an Emperor-class Honkai Beast, and one who was highly regarded among them, Ganesha.

What kind of BS is that?

This isn't hundreds of years ago, when Honkai's manifestations were just infected, mutated beasts, and a well-trained elite Caslana could be rated A-class.

It was under this concern that the elders tacitly approved, and even pushed for, this family gathering, wanting to test Gwen's mettle. Even if he only had half the strength rumored, for the sake of the family's continuation and their loved ones' lives, they would begrudgingly accept him—

Although the young people present had not received training as Honkai warriors, they still had good fundamentals and generally possessed the ability to take on several ordinary people with ease.

Even those ranked B-class in the current Destiny ratings would find it difficult to take down all these young people without causing fatal injuries, especially without the aid of equipment—

The elders knew that in the current combat power evaluations, the strength provided by equipment was included and constituted a significant portion.

And as long as Gwen reached the strength of an elite within the B-class after more than a year of training, the elders could console themselves by calling him a prodigy and even appease the younger generation.

And as more and more eyes turned towards the entrance, a figure quietly came into view on the path leading from the main gate.

Upon seeing the distinctive white hair, the elders breathed a slight sigh of relief. At least it wasn't a blonde-haired, green-eyed Apocalypse, unlike the Apocalypse family being taken over by Theresa, who had obvious Caslana physical characteristics.

As Gwen approached, the distance between them gradually shortened. The Caslanas in the hall could feel the profound and steady aura emanating from Gwen, which relieved those who worried about scenarios from literature where villains seize family property through manipulation.

Finally, under the gaze of many complex eyes, Gwen stepped into the hall, meeting those gazes, which were either scrutinizing or carrying a faint hostility.

I apologize, everyone. When I uploaded the chapter just now, I was tired and hungry, and I copied it twice, causing you all to spend extra cat coins. I've now replaced the duplicate section with the original content of Chapter 69. After this, please click the top right corner and then click "Refresh Chapter Content" to update the subscribed chapter.

After I wake up and write the new chapter, chapter 69 will be replaced with the original chapter 70. Everyone, please click the option in the upper right corner and select refresh this chapter at the bottom to view the new content.

As an apology, in addition to the make-up update tomorrow, I will add at least one more update.

The content of chapter 69 updated early this morning has been reset and can be safely read.

If readers still see the chapter title "Amber King" after pulling down the directory to refresh, you can click the three dots in the upper right corner, expand them, and then click "Refresh this chapter" below to view the latest chapter.

There are still three more chapters being worked on for later today, as a small compensation...

Chapter 70: Mingling

"There's only some hostility, not that kind of malicious intent to eliminate them once and for all..."

Gwen released his mental power, sensing the emotions of everyone present, and sighed inwardly.

"It seems I judged them by my own low standards."

"..."

Kevin initially wanted to remain silent, but ultimately spoke up.

"The world isn't as beautiful as people imagine, but it's often not as bad either..."

"Yeah, the world is still beautiful a lot of the time...

But preparing for the worst at least prevents oneself from getting hurt or disappointed because of it."

Gwen responded softly in his mind to Kevin's words, his gaze sweeping across the hall, meeting each of the gazes that were either hostile or scrutinizing.

Regardless of their attitudes, Gwen's gaze remained as calm as still water, unwavering like the silent earth.

The brief eye contact eased some of the worries of those with keen senses—

As the saying goes, eyes are the windows to the soul.

From Gwen's eyes, they detected no greed or covetousness as they had expected. His open gaze even lessened some people's negative feelings towards him.

However, Gwen didn't possess the overwhelming charisma that would command immediate respect. A simple exchange of glances wouldn't win over those who harbored reservations.

In fact, some impulsive youngsters even took it as a sign of being ignored.

But before these people could speak, Gwen spoke first—

"Greetings to the esteemed elders and the young talents of the Caslana family. My name is Gwen, and I am very happy to meet you all, my kin, here today.

Please forgive me, as my head sustained some damage during a Honkai incident last year. I've lost most of my past memories, can't recall my parents' names, and don't know how I should address you all.

So, please just call me by my name."

Gwen spoke loudly, his gaze sweeping across the hall. He noticed that some gazes softened, while others grew even more grim, clearly interpreting his words as a show of dominance.

However, Gwen was unconcerned. Before anyone else from the Caslana family could speak, he continued:

"Judging by your expressions, you probably know some things about me. But please allow me to introduce myself briefly—

According to the Valkyrie who rescued me, I am a survivor found in a small town in the county of Hassberg, Bavaria.

Bone age tests indicate I am currently seventeen years old.

After being discharged from the hospital last year, I began Valkyrie training.

By the end of last year, I officially became a C-class Knight.

In the summer assessment this year, I was promoted to B-class Knight.

Three days ago, I was promoted to A-class Knight for my meritorious service in confronting the Emperor-class Honkai Beast Ganesha ten days ago..."

Gwen spoke at a moderate pace, his voice neither too loud nor too soft, making it difficult for anyone to interject. His recounted achievements then left everyone in disbelief—

Except for a few elders, the vast majority of those present were unaware of Gwen's resume. However, they had a general understanding of Destiny's ranking system and the strength of Honkai Beasts, knowing what Gwen's words implied if they were true.

Yet, precisely because Gwen's claims were so astonishing, they were hard to believe.

After processing Gwen's words, many people frowned, looking at him with displeased expressions—

Trying to fool them with such tales? Do they really think we know nothing about Destiny's ranking system just because we haven't joined yet?

However, facing their questioning gazes, Gwen's expression remained unchanged as he continued:

"From the era of Saint Kallen five hundred years ago to the present, Honkai has been strengthening alongside human development. It has evolved from merely infecting beasts to the current Emperor-class Honkai Beasts, and even Herrschers who resemble gods.

In 1952, the first Honkai outbreak occurred, leaving almost no survivors in Berlin.

In 2000, the second Honkai outbreak occurred, with fewer than a hundred survivors in the vast Siberia. Half of Asia was affected, and several mega-cities suffered fatal blows.

And this is not the end, but merely the beginning—

It is foreseeable that future Herrschers may cause destruction on an equal or even greater scale.

And as the shield of the people, the Caslanas cannot stand idly by.

However, confronting Honkai requires not only passion but also immense strength.

And I... happen to possess that..."

Saying words that could easily be perceived as provocation, Gwen's expression gradually turned serious. He slowly unbuttoned his shirt, took off his jacket, and casually tossed it towards a coat rack in the corner—

"Of course, I also know that what I've said so far could easily be dismissed as lies."

So, come on, everyone—

Let's see if I'm more qualified than you to wield this power!

I won't use Honkai energy; I'll face you with my own strength alone…

If you've received basic combat training and theoretical instruction, you should understand this proves my point."

"……"