Solo Leveling: Monarch of Knowledge

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Prize: A free one-month subscription to a tier, granting access up to three advanced chapters!

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(Sunday, June 16, 2026 – 2:24 AM)

As Adam dismissed the last of his spatial cubes, Petruccio approached with his usual smirk present but with a more serious air than before.

"So, should we schedule your rank evaluation for next week?"

Adam gave a small nod. "That's fine with me."

Without another word, he opened his palm and a faint ripple in space formed before his phone materialized out of thin air. Casually, he handed it to Petruccio, already displaying his contact number and bank account information.

"Don't forget the money." His tone was calm, but there was a clear weight behind it.

Petruccio let out a short chuckle before taking the phone and inputting the necessary details. As he did, Adam's gaze shifted slightly with his mind running calculations.

He sent over a detailed list, materials, specialized components, unique resources.

'With these, I can start building my base.'

Awà had already scanned an immense amount of data, enough for him to experiment with different energy sources and expand his knowledge further. He also had other priorities.

'I should take some time to relax, too.'

Petruccio glanced at the list but didn't comment, simply nodding in acknowledgment. Adam extended his hand, and Petruccio shook it firmly before stepping back.

Turning his attention to the little girl, Adam offered a warm wave with his previously serious demeanor softening slightly. The girl clutched the Elixir close, giving him a small, grateful smile in return.

With one final glance, Adam nodded toward Giorgio. The HA officer straightened instinctively, still unsure how to handle the presence before him.

Then, behind Adam, space twisted.

A light blue portal bloomed into existence, swirling gently yet radiating untouchable power. Without hesitation, Adam stepped forward and vanished with the portal sealing shut behind him.

....

Giorgio exhaled slowly, shaking his head before stepping toward Petruccio.

"That guy…" He let the words linger before sighing. "I can't tell if he's the most dangerous person I've met or the most useful."

Petruccio crossed his arms with his mischievous green eyes still fixed on where Adam had disappeared.

"A potential National Level Hunter was just born."

Giorgio froze as his expression flickered with disbelief before turning to Petruccio. "What did you just say?"

Petruccio sighed, rubbing his temple. "I've met one of Europe's Nationals before." His voice was lower now, more thoughtful. "And when Adam came to save me from Boris… the pressure he gave off?"

He glanced at Giorgio with his smirk now gone and replaced with something much more serious.

"It wasn't any lesser."

(2:30 AM)

The Hunter Association's cleanup operation was already in full motion.

Teams of hunters and support personnel spread across the ruined city, systematically clearing debris and securing the area. Strength-type hunters lifted collapsed structures with ease, earth mages reshaped terrain, and wind magicians swept away lingering dust and rubble. The process was efficient, almost mechanical, they had done this many times before.

Agents moved between the survivors, gathering statements. Some questioned hunters who had fought, while others interviewed civilians who had witnessed the chaos firsthand. Their goal was clear: piece together what had really happened.

Through it all, Petruccio stood at the center, overseeing everything with his usual relaxed posture, though his green eyes missed nothing. He exchanged brief words with agents and directed personnel when needed while making sure things were running smoothly.

Then, his phone vibrated.

Petruccio glanced at the screen before answering with his tone immediately shifting to formal respect.

"Chairman."

The other end remained silent for a second before a deep, mature voice finally spoke.

"How did everything go?"

Petruccio sighed before giving his report.

"It started at the Rome Grand Auction. Everything was normal until Adam Sen touched the A-Rank Essence Stone purchased by Matteo De Luca." He begun to explain.

"Immediately after, a series of attacks occurred, two S-Rank and three A-Ranks False Rankers as well Poison Sentinels, and numerous casualties."

He paused. "Adam awakened at the beginning of it all, when he touched the Essence Stone. Then, within minutes, he effortlessly defeated both S-Rank False Rankers before healing the entirety of Rome."

Petruccio finished "He also took one S rank body with him along with sealing the other one, still alive, storing both away in his spatial technique."

Silence followed.

Then, the voice on the other end finally spoke in an amused tone.

"So, Italy just had a High S-Rank hunter born… and one who has no problem stealing and taking full credit for his work, as well having shown two rare affinities." A chuckle followed. "Things are going to get interesting."

Petruccio rubbed his forehead. "And the De Luca family? What's their response?"

A tired sigh came from the other end. "Furious. They're demanding his immediate arrest."

Petruccio let out his own sigh. "Not that they can do anything. Adam is stronger than me and Mattia combined."

There was a pause, then laughter.

"When the De Luca family hears that.." the voice on the other end mused, "..they won't be happy."

The call ended, leaving Petruccio staring at the sky.

'This is going to be a mess.'

Before he could even gather his thoughts, a female HA officer approached with clipboard in hand.

"Sir, we need your signature on the cleanup reports and the official incident documentation."

Petruccio's shoulders slumped. His expression darkened as he took the clipboard with visible reluctance.

'Fucking paperwork.'

(1:17 PM)

A sharp vibration echoed through the quiet room.

Adam stirred slightly, blinking against the midday light filtering through the curtains. His body felt completely refreshed, as if the previous night's chaos had barely left a mark.

'Awa?'

[You slept for exactly 11 hours and 1 minute. Your body has fully optimized its recovery cycle long ago, but it seems sleep feels good.]

Adam yawned, stretching lazily before grabbing his phone from the nightstand.

Marie.

He stared at the screen for a moment before answering.

The moment he did, a deafening voice exploded from the speaker.

"Adam, what the hell happened last night?!"

Adam winced, pulling the phone slightly away from his ear.

"Why are you all over the news as a 'potential S-Rank Hunter'?!" Marie's voice was somewhere between shock, frustration, and complete disbelief. "I wake up, check the reports, and suddenly Italy has a new monster, and it's YOU?!"

Adam let out a short chuckle, rubbing his neck. "Relax, Marie. I just awakened and decided to have a little fun." His lips curled into a small smirk. "Gained some direct experience with traitors."

A deep sigh came from the other end of the call. "You're impossible."

Marie's tone, though exasperated, had softened slightly. "Tell me exactly what you did at the auction. The reports say you fought two S-Rank False Rankers and took them down. Is that true?"

Adam leaned back against the headboard with his smile widening slightly.

"Come over. I'll tell you in person."

There was a pause, then, in the background, he heard the unmistakable sound of a car engine roaring to life.

The car door slammed shut.

The call ended.

Adam chuckled. 'She didn't even hesitate.'

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