The Ashford Clan was also aware that the Griffin Clan of the Cygni Continent and the Elrod Clan of the Rigel Continent were in possession of a few of these scales, which hadn’t been bought from the auction. Aaron and Claude believed that they had formed some kind of agreement with each other. This also meant that it was possible for the Leventis Family to have a scale or two in their possession. What did this mean? It meant that they also had a chance of crafting a Mythical Gear, which would definitely elevate their Families to great heights. But what the Monarch Clans and the other Prestigious Families didn’t know was that the Leventis Family was already in possession of four Mythical Equipment. If this news were to be spread to the public, it would cause those who stood at the apex of power in the world to join hands and eliminate the Leventis Family before they could become a greater threat. However, until they found proof, they couldn’t move so hastily. "Where is he now?" Aaron asked. Even if he didn’t say any names, Claude immediately understood who his father was referring to. "He is currently at the Summer’s Residence with his siblings," Claude replied. "You’ve met him twice already," Aaron stated. "What is your opinion of him?" "Aside from the fact that I find him very annoying, I think he’s a very capable and talented individual," Claude replied honestly. "Mmm." Aaron leaned on the couch and closed his eyes. "How is Project EXODIA?" "It’s seventy percent complete," Claude replied. "If our calculations are correct, we might finish the project anywhere between four to six years." This time, Claude’s face glinted with pride. Project EXODIA was the secret weapon the Ashford Clan was building. Once it was finished, they would have a weapon that was strong enough to contend with a Peak Rank 9 Sovereign and even possibly defeat a Majin Prince or an Archon. They had been working on this project for the past decades, and finally, the research had gotten a breakthrough, speeding up the project by several folds. "Claude, remember this," Aaron said in a serious tone. "Glory City can be destroyed, but Project EXODIA must be completed without fail. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes, Father," Claude replied firmly. "I will not fail you." The two exchanged a smile with each other. However, they didn’t notice that there was a small fly resting on one of the leaves of a plant inside Claude’s office. It had seen and heard everything, and it had already passed this information to its Master. ——— Summer’s Residence… ’Project EXODIA?’ Thirteen smiled faintly as he looked at the scenery in front of the balcony of his room. ’It seems that the Ashford Clan is cooking something big. A weapon that can defeat a Rank 9 Sovereign and possibly a Majin Prince or an Archon is indeed a powerful weapon.’ Truth be told, he found it quite impressive that the Ashford Clan was actually creating such a weapon. Of course, the other Clans and Prestigious Families were also pooling their resources to create a weapon that could defeat High-Ranking Jinns, or possibly even each other. He wanted to investigate more about Project EXODIA, but after careful consideration, he decided to just let the Ashford Clan build it to completion. If his spy bots were discovered, it might cause complications that might delay the building of the Ashford Clan’s ultimate weapon. In any case, Thirteen wasn’t worried even if Project Exodia was completed. He was already in possession of three weapons that could destroy any High-Ranking Monsters from the face of Pangea. One of these weapons was Project Athena, which was currently in outer space acting as a satellite, giving him vital information that he needed. The other was Project Nautilus. After the battle in the Rigel Continent, Thirteen had already fine-tuned his modifications, amplifying its firepower. The Third was Project Hell. This was the latest addition to Thirteen’s weapons, which he had tinkered with during the time that he was in Pangea. There were also other Projects like Project Apocalypse. However, Project Apocalypse was a long-term project, and it was only ten percent complete. It would take years to reach full completion. When the time comes, Thirteen would no longer have to worry about any threats in Pangea. While he was thinking about these things, a beautiful sorceress slowly descended from the room above his own and hovered in front of him. "What are you scheming at this time?" Erica asked, crossing her arms over her chest while giving Zion the look ’you still smell like milk in my eyes’ stare. Thirteen stared back and gave Erica the ’what milk? I didn’t drink any milk last night’ gaze. The two stared at each other for a few minutes before Erica blinked, making Thirteen look at her in disdain. The Sorceress clicked her tongue because she had never won a staring match with the teenage boy, who only showed his weak side when he was asleep. "Do you think the tournament will still continue?" Erica asked as she gently lowered herself on the balcony and sat on top of it, dangling her feet in front of her. "It will continue," Thirteen replied. "This minor setback is not enough to topple the prestige of a Monarch Clan." "Are you really not joining?" Erica gave the teenage boy a sidelong glance. "Do I even have to?" Thirteen asked back. "How can you guys win if I join?" "You might defeat the others, but you won’t be able to defeat me," Erica patted her chest with confidence. Thirteen didn’t reply and simply gave the Sorceress the ’just where is that confidence of yours coming from?’ gaze. Even if the teenage boy didn’t say it out loud, Erica could tell what Zion was thinking. However, after experiencing the harsh training in the Rigel Continent, her confidence had grown a lot. Thirteen had to admit that Erica had the right to feel confident. With her power now, she could even defeat the members of the Hero Party as long as she fought them from the skies. Even Thirteen would find it hard to fight Erica with the limitations he currently possessed. Though if they really did fight against each other, the teenage boy was still confident that he would be the winner in the end. "Get ready because the Dragon and Phoenix Tournament will start in three weeks," Thirteen said. "If you don’t reach the semifinals, I’m going to give you a punishment." "Easy peasy," Erica replied with confidence. "If you’re not there, I can easily become the Champion hands down." "You’re so naive, Erica," Thirteen shook his head. "Do you really think that the Ashford Clan will not play dirty in their own home turf? They can easily drug your food and water before the fight starts, you know?" "Do you really think I’m that stupid?" Erica pouted. "Of course, I already planned to bring my own food and water to the tournament. Also, I’ll be cautious and make sure I don’t go to random places alone. I’ll always have you or Sherry to accompany me at all times." "I guess there’s still hope for you," Thirteen smirked. "Then why don’t we make a bet?" Erica said. "I won’t settle in just reaching the Semifinals. I want to be the Champion. If I become the Champion, you will grant me one wish." "Do you really think I’m a genie?" Thirteen replied. However, he didn’t reject Erica’s proposal. "So, what do you want if you become the Champion?" Thirteen inquired. "I’ll tell you after I win," Erica replied. "And what if you lose?" "I won’t lose." "Like I said. What IF you lose?’ ’Like I said, I WON’T lose." Thirteen found the beautiful sorceress’s confidence truly amusing. But, he was also looking forward to the start of the tournament, which would officially start three weeks from now.