### Chapter 334
There was no one who could defeat him in the sea.
This was a statement made by none other than Balheim’s head, the Sovereign of the Spirit King, Balok Balheim.
And he was telling the truth.
Dino Bardon really was unbeatable in the ocean.
No wonder—he possessed not only the godly power of water but also divine artifacts.
He was the strongest in the sea.
There was no skill that could surpass his Aqua where water existed.
Yet Kraush could only watch him in awe.
He was all too aware of the costs that came with such power.
Gods never grant power out of goodwill.
Just look at the Emperor’s earlier words—skills inherently consume part of a person’s talent.
But the real deal starts after death.
“For borrowing a skill, humans must offer up their talent to the divine after they die.”
This was the reason why Kraush held a certain skepticism toward gods and skills.
Few knew of this reality, and even Kraush only understood it right before his demise.
The truth of the gods was hidden from most.
Gods rise in rank through the talents that humans sacrifice.
Thus, they set their sights on talented folks with the hopes of elevating their own status.
“But that only applies before a human ascends to demigod status.”
Even if bestowed with skills, they cannot acquire talents if they are of the same divine rank.
So gods are always on the prowl for the most talented humans while wishing that these talented ones never reach demigod status.
This was the unspoken truth about the gods.
Kraush came to learn this right before his downfall.
“Dino has received divine artifacts too.”
The Sea King, Dino Bardon, gained not just skills but also artifacts from the god of water.
In that sense, it wasn’t far-fetched to say he sold away his potential to become a demigod.
He was on the level of power found in individuals like Dino.
He must also have known the price of that power.
Yet he chose to accept the risks and embraced the divine artifacts.
Kraush didn’t know the reasons behind Dino’s choices either, as he had also collapsed with Karandis when Poseus fell.
“It’s you!”
At that moment, Dino spotted Kraush.
Breaking into a grin, he bounded right before him.
Dino was nearly 2 meters tall.
Kraush, despite being no small fry himself, had to look up, feeling a slight strain in his neck after a long time.
The overwhelming presence he exuded made him seem even more monstrous.
Indeed, despite being granted divine power, he was a demigod.
Kraush felt as though he stood before the Spirit King.
“Kraush Balheim. It’s an honor to meet you, Dino Bardon.”
When Kraush greeted him, Dino flashed a sharp smile.
Then, he slammed his hand down on Kraush’s shoulder.
It felt as if his shoulder might break.
“No need for formality!”
Did he really need to shout that?
Kraush struggled to endure the ringing in his ears.
“Besides, my god says to run away when he sees you.”
“Huh?”
At that moment, Kraush’s face fell in confusion upon hearing those words.
A god telling him to run away?
Could this man actually have a casual chat with a god?
Gods typically only show up when they’re sealing a skill or collecting their dues.
Thus, it was practically impossible to have a conversation.
“Oho, you’ve really stolen a lot, haven’t you? Quite the ‘skill thief.'”
As if on cue, Kraush’s eyes widened.
It was an undisclosed fact that he could steal skills through the Black Hood.
While some might have had an inkling, no one has openly talked about it.
Yet Dino saw through Kraush’s secret instantly.
It was clear; someone must have told him.
Definitely.
This man was talking to the god of water.
Kraush looked at him with a tense expression, unsure just how much he had revealed in his conversation with the god.
“It looks like it’s quite a dilemma for you.”
Then Dino caught onto Kraush’s reaction.
He suddenly grabbed him with brute force.
“Hey!”
In the blink of an eye, Kraush found himself lifted onto Dino’s shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
This was unlike any treatment he’d ever experienced.
“Uncle?!”
Karandis’s jaw dropped at the sight.
Kraush was still an academy student at Rahern Academy, but he was from the prestigious Balheim lineage.
After all, he was the youngest candidate among the Ten Great Lords.
This meant he could one day be the head of Balheim.
Even someone as notorious as Dino would be taken aback if he treated such a person like a sack.
“Poof! Then let’s go!”
But Dino didn’t care at all.
Ignoring anyone else, he turned towards Karandis.
“Karandis, the Emperor wants to see you. Go on.”
“The Emperor?”
Karandis’s eyes widened.
Even though the aging king of Poseus still had a way with the ladies, she was often at the bottom of the royal hierarchy as the ninth princess.
Thus, she rarely had one-on-one time with her father.
“Yes, be on your way.”
Dino said that then began striding away.
As Karandis turned to Kraush with anxious eyes, he waved his hand nonchalantly as if it were nothing.
“Don’t worry about it.”
How could he remain so calm in a situation like this?
Karandis marveled at how exceptional Kraush really was.
＊ ＊ ＊
Dino brought Kraush to a secluded area of the royal palace.
Instead of walls, there was an open cliff providing a breathtaking view of the endless sea.
From this perspective, the sea appeared incredibly serene, but just beyond lay the dangerous waters of the Golden Realm.
There, marine monsters swarmed so menacingly that ordinary ships couldn’t pass.
Kraush found himself looking down at the sea from a higher vantage point.
After all, Dino still had him perched on his shoulder.
“We’re almost there.”
Only then did Dino let go of Kraush.
Kraush jumped down lightly.
Seeing his agility, Dino grinned.
“Indeed, worthy of being called one of the Ten Great Lords with those moves.”
“Can you gauge my abilities from just a single leap?”
“Strong folks notice everything!”
If that’s the case, then it must be true.
After all, Dino ranked among the strongest in the world, behind only the Spirit King.
“Now, let’s finish what we started talking about.”
Dino put his hands on his hips and laughed heartily.
“So, is your strength derived from that skill?”
Kraush regarded Dino for a moment before breaking into a smile as well.
“Is this question related to the Ten Great Lords exam?”
“Not at all!”
That was a prompt, unwavering response.
It was almost as if such an answer diminished the weight of the inquiry.
But Kraush nodded nonetheless.
“Then I see no reason to answer.”
Kraush did not know what sort of person Dino was.
Just because someone made it to the Ten Great Lords doesn’t mean they’re inherently noble, and Kraush was well aware of that.
Therefore, he saw no advantage in giving hasty answers.
“However, if you answer my curiosity, I will answer back.”
At that, Dino’s smile began to widen once more.
He had heard Kraush was only 17 years old.
To have the audacity to pitch such an idea was quite bold.
‘Is it because he believes in his own strength?’
No.
Those who do tend to exude confidence from every pore.
But Kraush was different; he carried the scent of someone rising steadily from the bottom.
‘At his age, to reach this level already and to carry such a scent…’
It intrigued Dino.
“Fine! Let’s go with that!”
Dino readily accepted it, his interest piqued.
“Now, you ask your question.”
Dino generously allowed Kraush to start the questioning.
With a refreshing response from Dino, Kraush quickly jumped in with his question.
“Can you communicate with the god of water?”
When Kraush asked, Dino blinked.
His expression was as if he found the query absurd.
But to Kraush, this was a significant matter.
He wasn’t omniscient about the gods either.
Even if they were revered beings, they often remained powerless when faced with destruction.
He understood they had their own existence, but he was baffled by why they endow humans with skills and what in the world they aspire to achieve.
Thus, he wished to unravel those curiosities.
“It’s possible. The god of water has a pretty relentless streak.”
Dino easily replied, still wearing the look of disbelief.
If the god of water heard that, they might get pretty ticked off.
“…How is that even possible?”
Gods undoubtedly have their own will.
Just look at the god who granted him the Black Hood.
Yet Kraush had never seen a god that diligently followed a human around day-in and day-out.
“I have no idea. Maybe I caught their fancy.”
Dino replied breezily.
Just casually saying he was favored—how could that be?
Kraush briefly felt a headache creeping in.
He was recalling just how reckless Dino could be.
“Is it my turn to ask a question now?”
“Yes, you asked if my strength comes from the skill.”
Kraush summoned flames of black energy into his hands.
The fierce aura radiating from the blazing embers was enough to warm Dino’s face.
“It’s somewhat similar. At least my foundation stems from that skill.”
Kraush knew well that he wouldn’t have made it this far without the Black Hood.
That fact was clearer to him than anyone else.
Hence, he acknowledged his growth to the Black Hood.
But that alone wasn’t everything.
“Though, I have many more fortuitous encounters supporting my journey.”
Kraush had faced countless experiences to reach this stage.
Those A-List achievements could never be boiled down to just the Black Hood alone.
To him, strength wasn’t merely derived from power.
He had witnessed many figures rise to prominence.
But even the strongest of them eventually crumbled in some way.
Could he truly brandished them as strong?
‘No.’
Physical strength isn’t the only truth in this world.
Kraush believed that the multitude of experiences and memories—both before and after his reincarnation—shaped him far more than the Black Hood did.
To treat it as merely a skill would belittle everything he had accomplished thus far.
“Having those fortunate encounters is also a form of strength.”
Dino nodded in satisfaction upon hearing that.
“I know you must have some other questions.”
“Indeed.”
Kraush nodded in affirmation.
“Then pass the exam I give you this time. If you do, I’ll answer everything.”
The Ten Great Lords examination.
Kraush displayed a confident smile upon hearing that.
“It might be so easy to clear.”
“I hope that’s the case.”
Just then—
Kraush heard footsteps approaching.
As he turned, he saw a man with black hair walking toward them.
His red eyes beneath that long hair exuded an ominous aura.
At the same moment, his shadow began to wobble.
The Dominator.
Glide Lacroix.
He had arrived.
“Looks like the other candidate is no pushover.”
Dino wore a villainous grin, clearly looking forward to the upcoming showdown.
“Passing the exam is first-come, first-served.”
At the end, Dino morphed into the ominous villain he truly was.
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