Back then, while he was a mortal in Layer 3 of the Sub-realm, Krune had obtained the Cloud Whale, an active ability that was at the peak of body development. So, with that, he understood that just unlocking the entire potential of the Cloud Whale could make one tremendously strong.

Of course, to attain that would take decades as a mortal. Nevertheless, even the amount he had unlocked just now caused him to become powerful, now hovering in the air calmly.

With a tug of his hand, Krune landed on the roof of the manor he was using, calmly landing atop it like a feather. His presence was like a ghost, not even having any weight.

Moreover, even the air currents supporting him were gentle, not exhibiting any violent gales. Thanks to his training, Krune had completely attuned himself to the Cloud Whale.

He had already done it once in the Sub-Realm before. But now, as this was the sole ability he was training, his attainment had become deeper.

'I guess this experience would enrich my abilities further.' Smiling in response, Krune watched the air currently around him die down as a massive eye opened behind him for a moment before vanishing.

Smiling in response, he muttered, "Let me see how you fare this time, Demon."

He then sat on the roof cross-legged, meditating for the rest of the night, watching Wang Hao exit the manor once it had turned dawn.

It seemed he wanted to train at the crack of dawn.

Gazing at the other party, Krune smiled and thought to himself, 'It seems his abilities have improved a lot.'

Today was the day they were graduating from the County Academy. Normally, they would take up a government position after this and proceed with their lives accordingly.

However, thanks to Krune's involvement, the three of them attained perfect scores in all subjects, turning into exceptional students that news of them reached the capital. With that, they received qualifications to pursue higher education in the Imperial Academy.

Graduating from there would allow them to take up a position in the Royal Court. Of course, Krune didn't care about that. Killing the Demon and completing this arc of suffering was his goal.

For the past five years, other than investigating some rumors, Krune only trained his abilities. After all, he was aware that fighting the Demon would only cause his death once again.

So, until he possessed the required power, he couldn't hope to face it. With that, heading towards the Imperial Academy was his best choice.

There, he could meet with the princes of the Empire and get to know the Imperial Meisters stationed there. After all, no matter how much he understood about Imperial Arms, there was a clear difference in them, with them having the Star Imperial Arms.

They were in a class of their own, strategic value weapons that were only taken out when the situation was deemed urgent.

'But first, I should obtain the Imperial Arms of the Liu Family. That would strengthen myself further and help me in my fight against the Demon,' Krune thought, gently landing on the ground as he startled Wang Hao, asking, "Do you want to visit my house?"

"Why so sudden?" Wang Hao asked in surprise. As he was fifteen years now, his body had grown considerably, sporting toughened muscles.

Moreover, thanks to being an Imperial Warlock, his physique was many times stronger than a regular human. There was also an abundant vitality and regenerative power that allowed him to train nonstop and grow stronger.

"Now, what are you making us do again, Liu Heng?" A melodious voice rang out as the graceful figure of Chen Xue walked out. Seeing the two boys whisper something secretly, she pouted in irritation.

"Well, I'll be inheriting my family's Imperial Arms. It'll be a good experience for you." Krune laughed.

"I don't think we're qualified to see that." Chen Xue shook her head. "Besides, an Imperial Arms is a family's secret. Showing it to outsiders is frowned upon."

Seeing Wang Hao nod in response to her actions, Krune smiled and said, "However, showing it to the sole pair of Imperial Warlocks in the world is fine, you know."

"W-What?" Wang Hao was stunned before he entered a battle stance.

As for Chen Xue, even though she was alarmed, she didn't show it on her face, looking like Krune hadn't said anything concerning.

"How did you know that?" Wang Hao was a bit simpler when compared to her as he glared at Krune, telling him, "If you don't give us a proper answer, then I won't even consider the fact that we're friends and cut you down immediately."

"Relax!" Krune laughed as he gently pointed his index finger, condensing a palm-sized Cloud Whale. "I feel like showing this would be better than any excuse I could make up."

"The Cloud Whale!" The two shouted in surprise as Chen Xue asked in shock, "How do you have it?"

"This isn't an Imperial Arms, you know," Krune said, motioning for the Cloud Whale to move towards Chen Xue, causing her to touch it.

After a couple of seconds, she asked, "Why does it feel stronger now? What exactly is this Cloud Whale?"

"An emblem of peace!" Krune said seriously, even though he was just making up nonsense. "In the entire world, there just exists one and is passed on from one wielder to their successor upon their death. Our goal is to bring peace to this world, simple as that. I'm the current generation peace wielder while Wang Hu was the previous generation wielder."

"Actually..." he continued. "There was another wielder in between, but he died within a day since possessing it. Every wielder is able to inherit memories from the previous three wielders. That's how we can unleash peace onto the world."

"Is that how you came to know about us?" Chen Xue asked.

"Yes." Krune nodded before continuing, "Though, all I know is the fact that you're Imperial Warlocks and the fact that Wang Hu wished with all his being that the both of you could bring peace onto this world. Beyond that, I don't know much. That's why"

"I was testing you at the start to see if you wholeheartedly went through Wang Hu's wishes." Krune smiled after that. "For the past five years, I was able to confirm everything.. That's why I have revealed my identity to you two now."