[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-grand-return-system":3,"chapter-grand-return-system-grand-return-system-chapter-181":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Grand Return System",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1080251,1397,"Chapter 181: Awakening Beneath Scorched Skies","grand-return-system-chapter-181",181,"\u003Cp>Awakening Beneath Scorched Skies\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lavahound Elder let out another quiet sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Talent... can be cultivated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Strength... can be gained.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But mindset...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head slowly, the movement heavy with meaning, as if years of experience pressed down on his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...that is what decides everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freddy said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply stood there—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the distant wasteland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The horizon flickered with a dull red glow, smoke rising in long, twisting streams. The wind carried heat even this far up the wall, dry and suffocating, mixed with the faint metallic scent of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes lingered in that direction, unfocused... yet sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something inside him was shifting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not fully understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not fully accepted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lavahound Elder’s voice broke the silence again, softer this time, almost conversational.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Freddy... do you know when a person truly loses?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freddy blinked, pulled from his thoughts. His brows furrowed slightly as he turned toward the elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...when?\" he asked, his voice lower now, lacking the earlier arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lavahound Elder smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When they believe dignity is more important than survival.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freddy’s fingers twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That line hit deeper than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could respond, one of the nearby experts suddenly spoke up, unable to hold back his curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also heard... that Harry,\" the man said, hesitating slightly as if unsure how ridiculous it sounded, \"even made up a lie and said that he was some filial son.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another snorted lightly, though there was no mockery in it—only disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah... I heard that too. Said he suddenly changed his ways overnight. Started respecting his elders, acting humble...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lavahound Elder nodded, not denying it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps Respected Leon took a fancy to that,\" he said calmly. \"And was willing to bring him along.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then added—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although those actions may seem unbearable... even lowly...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes shifted slightly toward the direction Leon had left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...they often buy you a little chance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words settled like dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone fell silent for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A subtle realization spread among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expressions changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some frowned thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if a veil had been lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freddy’s pupils shrank slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that’s... how it happened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind replayed everything again—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry kneeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry smiling shamelessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry swallowing his pride without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Freddy had only felt contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a faint, bitter regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Damn it,\" he muttered inwardly, his jaw tightening. So this is how I lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of frustration rose in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had known earlier...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts trailed off—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I would have knelt down too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The realization hit him like a cold slap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main reason wasn’t that he lacked opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was that he had been too stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too slow to react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And worse—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two experts beside him had shared the same temperament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrogant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impulsive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Always ready to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hadn’t even paused to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would have expected—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That the other party could nearly kill them with a single strike?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freddy’s expression darkened at the memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That overwhelming pressure—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That helplessness—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time in his life...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt inferior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not in strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not in talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in something far more fundamental.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Temperament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the face of danger—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry had chosen to survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had swallowed everything and adapted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Freddy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had frozen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So...\" Freddy muttered slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly as a thought formed, \"...Respected Leon likes filial sons?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question sounded almost absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was logical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this period, rumors had already spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry Taylor—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once reckless young master—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had suddenly changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had become respectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Obedient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even humble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He no longer acted arrogantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He listened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He endured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He adapted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, Freddy had laughed at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t laughing anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that’s what it takes...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dangerous thought began to take root.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then why can’t I do the same?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heartbeat quickened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I perform well...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I change...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe one day... he won’t see me as an enemy anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t even care about benefits anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of that...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meant nothing compared to one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Leon chose to hold a grudge—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There would be no future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not for the Lavahound family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as I can ease that grudge...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anything is worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freddy stood there for a long moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning the idea over again and again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if he had found the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slapped his hands together, the sound sharp and sudden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand!\" he shouted, startling everyone around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to be a filial son too!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The declaration echoed across the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a full second—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one reacted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Huh?\" one of the experts blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Did he just say that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freddy didn’t wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he turned around and started heading back toward the Lavahound residence, his steps quick, almost impatient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t even look back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if he had already decided—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And nothing could stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group stood there, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expressions ranged from disbelief to outright confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Did we hear that right?\" one of them asked, scratching his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our young master... wants to be filial?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another burst into laughter, unable to hold it in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha—unbelievable! Did I hear wrong? Young Master actually said he wants to be a filial son too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even those who tried to remain serious couldn’t hide their reactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Freddy Lavahound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most arrogant, reckless young master they knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to become... filial?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like the world had flipped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lavahound Elder, however, did not laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply watched Freddy’s departing figure, eyes calm... but faintly relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Interesting,\" he murmured softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was surprise, yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But more than that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seed had been planted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Freddy had begun to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that alone—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lavahound Elder nodded slightly to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A good start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his gaze back toward the wasteland, where two figures had long since disappeared into the smoke and flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope this is a good turning point,\" he said quietly. \"Otherwise...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice trailed off for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...who will the Lavahound family rely on in the future?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed again, then turned and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, the city wall emptied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the weight of what had just happened...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because in this world—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bloodline mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inheritance mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Freddy—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was the future of the Lavahound family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he failed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire household would fall with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lavahound Elder understood that better than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why he had spoken those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to teach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to provoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To force change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And judging by the result—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But whether Freddy could maintain it...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That remained to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far beyond the city—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside Ashford City—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment one stepped past the walls—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Order ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wasteland stretched endlessly ahead, scorched and broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sea of flames burned across the land, devouring everything in its path. Trees stood like blackened skeletons, their branches reaching toward the sky like desperate hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground was cracked, soaked in darkened blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy with the scent of death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two figures walked through it slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon led the way, his steps calm, unhurried, as if the chaos around him was nothing more than passing scenery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry followed closely behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, he had been excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes moved across the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Broken weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scorched earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everywhere he looked—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was evidence of what had happened here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for once—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t boast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t show off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because something about this place...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t allow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence stretched between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry sniffed lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brows lifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It smells... kind of good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tilted his head, genuinely puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The smell of roasted meat...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words slipped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Careless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfiltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment they did—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leon stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And without a single word—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clean, sharp slap landed on Harry’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not hard enough to injure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But enough to sting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression blank for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Ow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realization hit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze slowly lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the blackened remains scattered among the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To what he had just called...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roasted meat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1440,"2026-06-03T10:40:08.788Z","2026-06-03T10:40:17.095Z",1,"novelbin.me","99d9ced59a79a8170b597a1e5631e325874134d9811fc771323a8c69032d5791","grand-return-system-chapter-182","grand-return-system-chapter-180",234,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fgrand-return-system-cover.jpg"]