Barry rushed to the Xavier residence at top speed, only to be stopped at the gate.

"Please let me in. I'm Barry Lufter. My father's inside!"

No matter how humbly he begged, the guards wouldn't budge. Annoyed, they threatened him, "You little punk! We're already being nice by warning you. Here, then. We'll step aside. Try breaking in and see what happens."

When the two guards moved away, Barry backed down instead. One step across that gate would mean instant death.

"Well, well! If it isn't Barry Lufter! I heard you became an Intermediate-grade alchemist at Harmony Clinic. Have you come to show off at our house?"

A young man emerged, and Barry quickly greeted him with respect, "Mr. Jace."

The newcomer was Jace Xavier. He was from the main family line and was also Nerissa's cousin.

"Please, Mr. Jace, let me in. There must be some misunderstanding about my father trespassing."

Jace looked down at Barry with contempt. "If there's a misunderstanding, are you suggesting we Xaviers