Dimension System: SSS Rank Talent Awakening

Chapter 162 A Party of Connections

---

The next morning Dabi wakes up received a massage from Althea Illyrian.

She says, at evening she will send someone to pick up Dabi for the party.

Tells Dabi to meet / receive the man who will be send at his home at afternoon.

The day went very peacefully. In morning Dabi prepared breakfast pack lunch for his siblings Eli and Mira. After breakfast Dabi sent the to school with nanny kora.

Rest of the day Dabi was doing some random work. Like clearing, reading book, organising his siblings toys.

Scrolling the system shop checking different item, etc. Soon the day just end.

At afternoon...

A butler comes from Illyrian family and knock of Dabi house. Dabi says the man to wait for five minutes. He will leave after his siblings come back from the school.

Eli and Mira comes back asked Dabi why he dressed up like that. Where is he going ?

Dabi tells he is going to party. They show some tantrum says we want to go too. Dabi says sorry. I can't take you today. It's a Nobel party and I was only invited.

But I promise to take you both out tomorrow. It's Sunday. I will take you to big restaurant where it's like a party.

Eli and Mira says ok. Come back home soon. Dabi says you both do your homework. I cooked dinner for you so you both go eat Frist.

Then,"Dabi leaves with the butler of Illyrian family."

The towering iron gates of the Illyrian estate opened with a creak, revealing a sprawling mansion surrounded by immaculate gardens.

Lanterns, enchanted to glow in shifting hues, lined the cobblestone path leading to the grand entrance.

Carriages rolled up in a steady stream, delivering guests dressed in finery that sparkled under the evening sky.

Dabi stepped down from his modest escort vehicle, the borrowed formal attire feeling alien against his skin.

The mansion loomed ahead, its golden windows gleaming like watchful eyes. Dabi adjusted his collar, his discomfort evident as he made his way inside.

The foyer was even more overwhelming marble floors veined with silver, chandeliers encrusted with gems, and walls adorned with moving murals that depicted legendary battles.

The air buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of crystal glasses.

Servers in crisp uniforms weaved through the crowd, balancing trays of hors d'oeuvres and exotic beverages.

Nobles, scholars, and politicians mingled, their words carrying the weight of influence and power.

Dabi felt out of place, a commoner in a sea of privilege. But he pushed the discomfort aside, his mind focused on the goal: connections.

If Aunt Nazu had ties to this world, this party might hold the answers he sought.

As Dabi navigated the labyrinth of social clusters, he caught sight of a familiar face near the refreshments table.

Butler Beriz, the unknown family's loyal steward, stood tall and composed, his sharp suit immaculate. Dabi hesitated, a flicker of unease passing through him.

Beriz noticed him and approached with a warm, practiced smile. "Master Dabi," he greeted, bowing slightly. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here." Continue your journey on empire

Dabi nodded, keeping his tone neutral. "Beriz. I didn't expect to find you at a party like this."

"I often attend such events on behalf of the family, or comes with them." Beriz replied smoothly. "Maintaining appearances is... part of the job."

The subtle emphasis on the word job caught Dabi's attention, but he chose not to address it.

Beriz's gaze softened, and he leaned in slightly. "I trust Eli and Mira are doing well?"

Dabi's guard went up instantly. "They're fine. Why do you ask?"

Beriz raised a placating hand. "I mean no harm, Master Dabi. I was just checking.

"Their safety is of great importance to you." I know that. Then he changed the conversation.

Did Vantore family caused any trouble for you? Did any elder or other senior members harassed you in any way?

Dabi says, "No". Everyone is good. You don't have you worry about that. I am just concerned about you and your siblings safety, "Master Dabi"

The mention of safety struck a nerve. Dabi narrowed his eyes. "And why would their safety be at risk, Beriz?"

The butler hesitated, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "The world of nobility is rife with shadows, Master Dabi.

Even the most innocent can be caught in their schemes. I only wish to remind you to remain vigilant."

Dabi clenched his fists, his frustration simmering. "I don't need your advice, Beriz. I'll protect them."

Beriz inclined his head. "Of course, Master Dabi. Should you ever require assistance, do not hesitate to call upon me."

With that, he melted back into the crowd, leaving Dabi with more questions than answers.

Dabi had barely processed his exchange with Beriz when Althea Illyrian appeared at his side, her emerald gown flowing like water as she moved.

"Dabi," she said, her tone urgent yet controlled. "I need your help."

Dabi raised an eyebrow. "Help with what?"

Althea cast a quick glance over her shoulder. "There's a... situation.

The son of a government minister Haldric Wren is being... persistent. He refuses to take no for an answer."

Dabi's frown deepened. "And what does that have to do with me?"

Althea hesitated, her usual poise faltering for a moment.

"I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend."

"Just for tonight. It's the only way to get him off my back."

Dabi stared at her, incredulous. "You dragged me to this party for this?"

"Not entirely," Althea admitted, her tone softening. "But it's important.

Haldric is not someone you can simply brush off. If you help me, I promise to return the favor."

Dabi crossed his arms, weighing his options. He didn't trust Althea not completely.

But refusing her might draw even more unwanted attention. With a sigh, he nodded.

"Fine. But this better be worth it."

Althea's relief was palpable. "Thank you. Just... follow my lead."

I will make sure to repay you for this favour. Althea Illyrian said to Dabi.

The ballroom was a dazzling sea of swirling gowns and tailored suits, the music a lively waltz that set the mood.

Dabi followed Althea to a secluded corner, where a tall, broad-shouldered man with slicked-back blond hair stood, his expression a mix of arrogance and irritation.

"Haldric," Althea said coolly. "I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Dabi."

He is the winner of the national raking tournament. I am sure you heard of him.

He is the new rising star of our celestial kingdom. One of most genius among our generation.

She just non stop praise Dabi. As if she is showing her true feelings for Dabi. Like a love sick girl. For her there no one better than Dabi in the entire world.

Haldric's was felling jealous and angry, piercing blue eyes raked over Dabi, his lip curling in disdain.

"This is your boyfriend? A commoner? Surely you can do better, Althea Illyrian."

Dabi's jaw tightened, but he remained calm, meeting Haldric's gaze evenly.

"And you must be the minister's son who doesn't understand the word no."

The crowd nearby stilled, their attention drawn by the tension in the air.

Haldric's eyes flashed with anger. "Watch your tongue, commoner. Do you know who I am?"

"I do," Dabi replied, his voice steady. "You're the kind of person who thinks power excuses bad behavior. Unfortunately for you, I don't care who you are."

A murmur of approval rippled through the onlookers, and Haldric's face darkened. "You think you're clever, don't you?

You have no place here. You're just a sideshow, a celebrity that people will forget by tomorrow."

Dabi took a step forward, his expression unreadable. "Maybe. But at least I don't need my father's influence to make people tolerate me."

The silence that followed was deafening. Even Haldric seemed momentarily stunned, his fists clenching at his sides.

Before the confrontation could escalate further, a sharp clap echoed through the room.

"That's enough," Althea said, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Haldric, leave us. Now."

Although Haldric was the son of government minister. Althea Illyrian is still a royal.

He can't show any hostile behaviour in front of so many people. He decided he will deal with Dabi later.

Haldric glared at her, then at Dabi, before storming off, his pride visibly wounded.

As the party resumed its rhythm, Althea pulled Dabi aside to a quieter alcove.

"You handled that well," she said, her tone almost admiring.

Dabi crossed his arms. "You could've warned me he'd be that obnoxious."

Althea smirked. "Where's the fun in that?"

Dabi's eyes narrowed. "Why did you really invite me to this party, Althea? Was it just for this little act?"

Her expression turned serious, and for the first time, she seemed genuinely vulnerable.

"Partly," she says I just want to be a good friend to you Dabi. That's not the only reason though, The other reason is this-

" I believe we can help each other."

"How?" Tell me.

Dabi asked with a curious expression....

---