Aelric's smile didn't fade. "I've heard from my father that Mark is… different. Stronger than me. Stronger than Amelia, Revenna. Stronger than any genius in Valora Continent."
Max's frown deepened.
Stronger than all of them?
If that were true, then why had he never heard of him?
Why had Mark Vandor—someone supposedly above all geniuses—remained in the shadows?
And more importantly—
What did any of this have to do with Palace Master Hugh's hatred toward him?
The confusion in Max's eyes was clear.
Aelric chuckled. "You're wondering why, aren't you? Why haven't you heard of him before?"
Max nodded slightly.
Aelric's next words wiped away any lingering doubt.
"Because Mark was set to become the strongest genius of Valora Continent… until someone else came and took that title from him."
Max's breath hitched.
The realization hit instantly.
He was the reason.
He was the one who took that title.
And Palace Master Hugh?
Was this the reason for his hatred against him?
