Several months had passed since the rigorous training began, and both Seraphine and Damian dedicated themselves to their respective pursuits. Damian displayed an innate talent, quickly grasping the techniques of manipulating demonic energy with ease.
On the other hand, Seraphine struggled with the intense training, as it was a realm of physical exertion she was not accustomed to.
Alice's training program was not limited to mere physical exercises; she introduced Seraphine to a technique from the murim novels, which focused on enhancing the body without relying on cultivating qi.
Many considered this technique ineffective and challenging to master. Despite the hardships, Seraphine diligently followed Alice's guidance, gradually honing her physique to that of a skilled knight. Now, she could even fire a shotgun single-handedly.
"Can we take a rest first, Alice..." Seraphine's voice was tired as she sat on the grass under the shade of a tree, catching her breath after a long day of training.
"Despite your struggles, it seems our training has paid off to some extent," Alice commended, observing Seraphine's improved physique and strength. Thanks to the unique technique, Seraphine's muscles had become more intense and powerful, though her appearance still maintained a slender elegance.
"It seems we don't have to worry much about my weakness anymore, right?" Seraphine said, feeling content that she was now capable of protecting herself to a certain extent.
"Yes, but it's still not enough, Seraphine. I think it's time for a new type of training," Alice replied. She knew that relying solely on physical strength wouldn't be enough to stand against mana users.
"Ugh... New training again," Seraphine groaned, expressing her lack of enthusiasm for most of Alice's training sessions.
"Don't worry, this one will be different, Seraphine," Alice assured her.
"What kind of training are you talking about?" Seraphine asked curiously, wondering what training Alice had in mind this time.
"I've analyzed your body, and it seems your brain and mental energy are strong enough to learn telekinesis. It's a technique from a sci-fi novel that I researched through the internet, and I think it will suit you," Alice explained, displaying information about the technique in front of Seraphine. After reading through it, Seraphine had a question for Alice.
"So no more physical training, right?" Seraphine asked hopefully, as she preferred other types of training over physical exercises.
"Yes, but you'll need to practice your brain and control mental energy much harder," Alice added, making it clear that the new training would come with its own challenges.
"I actually prefer this type of training over running all day. Let's do it, Alice!" Seraphine declared with determination, eager to embrace the new training that Alice had in store for her.
As Seraphine rested under a tree in the mansion's field, Damian sat near the window of his office and observed her. A smile of contentment appeared on his face as he watched Seraphine, finding her presence comforting and enjoyable.
"It seems like Seraphine has taken on the role of the mansion's owner, doesn't it?" Marcus commented with a hint of teasing in his tone as he stood nearby, pouring the milk tea that Seraphine had personally taught him to serve for the young master.
"I really don't mind. She's the one who helped restore the mansion and paid off the whole debt. We should be thankful to her," Damian replied, glancing at Marcus with a pleasant mood.
"I couldn't agree more, young master," Marcus responded, acknowledging Seraphine's invaluable contributions.
As Damian held a cup of tea in one hand and drank it, he used his other hand to practice his demonic energy. He manifested the demonic flame, which resembled the mana from the fire element but was much more powerful and brighter.
"It seems your training has paid off, young master," Marcus said with admiration for Damian's achievements. Even though Damian's abilities were not yet announced to the public, his current strength was enough to gain recognition in the social circle once again.
"It's all thanks to Seraphine, Marcus. Her teaching is truly astonishing," Damian said, offering his heartfelt compliment to Seraphine for the role she played in his progress.
" by the way, young master, it seems your father has sent you a letter, "
Marcus casually brought up this matter. Damian's expression immediately changed, and he couldn't help but feel awkward whenever his father was mentioned.
Curious, Marcus gently handed the letter to Damian, who hesitated for a moment before opening it to read its contents. As he scanned the words written on the paper, Damian's expression became more and more displeased, and his eyes started to frown.
"What is it about, young master?" Marcus inquired, sensing that something was amiss. Damian's father rarely sent letters, especially not for trivial matters.
"He wants me to be the representative for the hunting ceremony this year," Damian replied, the frustration evident in his tone as he continued to read the letter. The hunting ceremony held significant importance in the noble society, with the head of the family typically being the representative. It was unusual for Damian's father to pass this responsibility onto him.
"Oh..." Marcus was taken aback, not fully comprehending the reasoning behind Damian's father's decision. Sending Damian to the ceremony instead of taking the role himself was unexpected.
Having finished reading the letter, Damian's frustration reached a boiling point. He swiftly used his demonic flame to burn the letter to ashes, showing his displeasure. Marcus could see that Damian was clearly unhappy with the order.
"He really doesn't think to help me and just orders me around like an errand boy. I don't understand his intentions at all!,"
Damian muttered, his hand covering his face in frustration. He couldn't fathom why his father always treated him so poorly, and at times, he even questioned whether he was truly his father's biological son. The complicated and strained relationship with his father continued to burden Damian's heart.
In the pages of the original story, the details of the hunting ceremony were shrouded in mystery, seldom mentioned beyond its occurrence. The event, though seemingly innocent and joyous for the noble participants, had a profound impact on Damian's life. It became a catalyst for his inner turmoil, igniting an inferno of inferiority complex that left him desperately yearning for power.
The hunting ceremony, a grand festival attended by nobles, was an opportunity for them to showcase their hunting prowess. The victor of the hunt would receive a special honor from none other than the crown prince himself, Cedric Ashbourne, the original male lead of the story.
Although Damian's fate may seem predetermined, Seraphine's presence has introduced the potential to alter the course of his story. As a beacon of light, she serves as a source of guidance and inspiration for Damian, encouraging him to become a better person and strive for a brighter future. Only time will tell how Seraphine's influence will shape Damian's future.