Chapter 22: First Impression Lasts The birthday celebration of the Patriarch of the Leventis Family was a monumental event. Those who wished to form a connection with the Leventis Family would do everything in their power to attend such an important gathering. Unfortunately, not everyone had the connections or influence to get an invitation. The Five Monarch Clans, the important members of the Central Government, and the members of the other Nine Prestigious Families were the only guests who were guaranteed to receive of such an invitation. As for others, they could only rely on their social skills and ability, as well as connections, to get through the Gates of the Leventis Residence. This was why Thirteen decided to use this opportunity to have a better look at what kind of family his father was born into, as well as get a better understanding of the other powerful figures who ruled the world from the shadows. "Grandma, it's best that we make a lasting impression on everyone," Thirteen said in a serious tone. "This is why timing is important." The old lady looked at her grandson with an amused look on her face. "Timing?" Lady Callista asked with a smile. "So, what is the perfect timing for our entrance, Zion?" "Leave it to me, Grandma," Thirteen replied. "I'll make sure that everyone will remember our entrance in this party." The five-year-old said this with such a serious expression on his face that Lady Callista wasn't able to stop herself from lightly pinching his cheek. However, since she didn't mind playing along with her grandson, she decided to listen to him for the time being. As one of the Patriarch's wives, she didn't need any introductions to show how important she was in the Leventis Family. However, she was also very curious about what her grandson was planning, so she looked forward to what he was going to do. Hans groaned internally because he had a feeling that Thirteen was up to no good. Lady Callista's personal maid, Trisha, shared Lady Callista's thoughts and was also very curious to know what the little boy was up to. ————————— Inside the Main Hall of the Leventis Residence... A handsome middle-aged man sat on a throne, overlooking the hall where his guests were currently eating, drinking, and mingling with the members of the upper echelon of their society. He was the host and birthday celebrant of this celebration, and everyone was paying close attention to him. Arthur Leventis, the Patriarch of the Leventis Family, was considered to be the strongest among the Thrones of humanity. Some people would even say that he was a Pseudo-Monarch because, even though he still hadn't stepped into that rank, he was the closest one to reaching the Monarch rank. However, attaining such a rank wasn't easy. One would have to gain the recognition of not only the world but also The One in order to step into that rank. The fastest way to do that was to conquer a Tier 9 Dimensional Gate. However, everyone knew how hard it was to achieve such a feat. Out of hundreds of Thrones who had tried to challenge Tier 9 Gates, where one of Thirteen's former Hosts had died, no one else dared to try and do so a second time. Only Six People had come out alive from that expedition. Five of them were the current Patriarchs of the Five Monarch Clans. Most people thought that they were the only survivors, but in fact, there was one more. The General who led the expedition had also survived thanks to his Rebirth Ability. He had died in battle, but when the Boss was dealt the killing blow, his ability activated, allowing him to revive once again. He was the Sixth Monarch and was also the current head of the Central Government. The Five Monarchs dared not to challenge him because of how influential and powerful he was. Someone who had the Ability of Rebirth was an opponent that no one wanted to face. Even if they ganged up to kill him, he would just revive again and teleport to a random place. The vengeance of a near-immortal Monarch was something that no one wanted to face, so the Five Monarchs made peace with him and came to a compromise. This was why the Central Government became the backbone of the Human Race, allowing a semblance of law and order to remain in a post-apocalyptic world, where Monsters and Monsters in Human Skin threatened the lives of the common folk. Of course, ruling the Human race aside from the government were the Five Monarch Families, as well as the Ten Prestigious Families. The General, who survived the Tier 9 Dimensional Gate also understood that these families had a role to play. He might be strong, but he couldn't defend humanity alone, so he accepted the compromise of the Monarchs. This was the best option to keep the stability of the world while fighting against the Jinns and Majins, the constant threat hanging over their heads. "It's almost time, Father," a man, who seemed to be in his early thirties, whispered in the Patriarch's ear. Arthur nodded and lightly tapped the armrest of his throne, catching the attention of everyone in the room. "Thank you, everyone, for attending this celebration," Arthur said. "I do not care for such festivities, but my family does. I simply let them use my name to hold this yearly event so that I can see all of your annoying faces." Cheers and chuckles echoed within the hall as the representatives of the Five Monarch Clans, the Central Government, and the Prestigious Families all raised their glasses to acknowledge the Leventis Patriarch's words with amused expressions on their faces. They knew that he was a no-nonsense type of guy, but they also knew that this was one of those occasions when he would use his own type of humor to entertain his guests. "I don't like long speeches, so let me just say one thing," Arthur said. "You can all pl--" At that exact moment, the door of the hall opened. Since no one was talking, those who had a higher rank and were able to notice this small change shifted their attention to the door. Naturally, Arthur, whose speech was disrupted midway, looked in the direction of the door with a frown. No one in the Leventis Family would dare disturb his speech, so he wanted to see just who had the guts to do this. However, the moment his gaze landed on the old lady sitting in the wheelchair, the frown on his face eased up. He could get angry with anyone, even with the Five Monarchs, but he would never direct a look of displeasure toward his beloved wife, who was suffering because she shielded him from harm. However, when his gaze landed on the five-year-old boy who was standing beside her, his hands, which were resting on the armrests of his throne, stiffened for a brief moment. Similar to what happened to Lady Callista, he thought that time had rewound itself when his eyes landed on the boy who looked very much like his son when he was of the same age. Thirteen, who was being gazed upon by countless people, remained calm. But deep inside, he was chuckling wholeheartedly, for he had succeeded in stealing the show. The Second Phase of his plan was to leave a lasting first impression, not only to the members of the Leventis Family but also to the important members of the upper echelons of society, who controlled the entire world in the palms of their hands.