Chapter 381 Thoughts

If there was any class often compared to Necromancy, it would be the Beast Tamer class.

The reason was simple—they shared a surprising number of similarities.

Both were typically seen as support classes that relied on external forces for power.

Both had contract slots.

And both could still hold their own in direct combat.

That’s why they were considered Rare-grade classes. Even if the 4 attribute points per level was not there, these classes were not simple.

Even physical-focused Common-grade classes would find it difficult to defeat them in close quarters.

Of course, a big part of this was due to the assigned attribute points per level.

But overall, the two similar classes were in their own class.

Michael didn’t care much for the Beast Tamer class.

At least, not in the beginning.

He’d always been naturally curious about it—how it functioned. But that curiosity was just that: curiosity. Idle interest. He was a Necromancer. His path was set.

But things changed after he began to understand his talent better.

Necromancers and Beast Tamers were often viewed as two sides of the same coin. One dealt with the dead, the other the living. Both relied on external forces—and both could become devastatingly powerful.

Michael’s talent allowed him to evolve anything connected to his soul.

This seemed overpowered in theory but reality hit Michael with limitations.

Because his class only allowed soul connections with undead creatures, his use of this talent was restricted from the start. He couldn’t just go around connecting to items, beasts, or even people.

He was locked into what his class permitted.

And undead, while strong and versatile, came with their own limits.

Perhaps it was a bit wrong to say they had limitations but while there was bound to be something that the dead couldn’t do, the living could.

And Michael wasn’t even concerned about this because he wanted to have living monsters. No. It because if he could gain the method to connect his souls with other things, it was only then his talent would show it’s true potential.

And now... there was a girl with the [Beast Tamer] class.

Even with the resources of Aurora, Michael had never come this close to finding a way to connect his soul to a living being.

As for himself?

The only reason he could evolve himself was because of that rare soul-nourishing treasure he’d consumed during his journey with Mage Lian. That fruit had tightened the bond between body and soul, allowing him to touch his inner essence more easily.

Without it, he might never have been able to evolve himself anytime soon.

Of course, there was a possibility that the method used by the Duke’s daughter wouldn’t work the way Michael hoped—or even work for him at all.

And even if it did, it might only allow him to connect to living beings.

Still, the very thought of it thrilled him.

If he could get the method it would be great.

Michael exhaled slowly.

This wasn’t just a political meeting anymore. It was something else.

Opportunity.

Not necessarily romantic—though the Duke clearly hoped for that.

If Michael could understand more about Beast Tamers through her... maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to overcome the core limitation of his class.

To bond with the living.

He didn’t know if it was possible yet, but Detect had shown him the spark.

And he wasn’t the kind of man to ignore sparks.

The Duke was still watching him, that slight smile not quite fading from his face.

"You have the look of a man who just realized something important," the Duke murmured.

Michael glanced at him, lips tightening faintly. "I suppose I did."

Michael looked toward the doors where Arianne had exited. For a long moment, he said nothing.

Michael met the duke’s eyes again.

"Time. That’s all I’m asking for," he said.

The Duke’s grin was slow but genuine. "Then let’s see what time makes of the two of you."

The Duke nodded once, as if affirming something silently, then stood up. He adjusted the cuff of his long robe and looked down at Michael with a knowing expression.

"I’ll have the documents prepared," he said. "The land, the title—all of it. Someone will attend to you shortly."

Michael rose politely to his feet. "Thank you, Your Grace."

"There’s no need for thanks," the Duke replied, already walking toward the exit.

The Duke chuckled lowly, then exited the chamber, the heavy doors closing softly behind him.

And just like that, Michael was alone.

The silence in the hall deepened without the Duke’s presence.

Michael sat back down slowly, his fingers resting lightly on the armrest.

He couldn’t deny it anymore—he was intrigued.

Not by the idea of courtship, though Arianne was undeniably charming and beautiful. Nor by the title and wealth that came with marriage into nobility.

A direct soul connection with a living being.

He tapped his fingers absently on the polished wood, thoughts spiraling.

If he could get Arianne to share the method—or even just demonstrate it—he might be able to work backward from it.

However, now that he thought of it, if this didn’t work for him, he had other options.

Mage Lian.

The man now owed him. Not one favor, but several. If Michael made the right request, the old mage might give him a pleasant surprise.

Michael’s thoughts were still racing when the doors to the hall creaked open again.

This time, it wasn’t the Duke—but Peter.

The man held a sleek, dark leather briefcase in one hand.

"Lord Mic Nor," Peter said with a respectful nod. "I’ve brought your documents."

Michael stood as Peter approached and handed over the briefcase.

"This contains the formal proof of your new title, as well as documents outlining the full ownership of your territory," Peter explained. "It’s all been signed, sealed, and registered under the Duke’s authority."

Michael accepted the briefcase.

Peter continued, "Should you wish to travel to your territory, simply notify us ahead of time. The Duke requested that he be informed before your departure. He also expressed that you are welcome at any time... and that he’ll be expecting you to visit again."