Priscilia tilted her head, her amber eyes softening ever so slightly. "Well, whether it's true or not doesn't matter much. What truly matters is how you choose to use it. An SS-rank affinity is practically unheard of, especially for something as misunderstood as Dark magic."
Alicia nodded in agreement, her expression resolute. Then, with the boldness that only she could muster, she declared, "It doesn't matter even if you are—or become—the Demon Lord. Even if you face fear, envy, or outright hostility from others, I will always stand by your side. You'll never face it alone."
Hearing her unwavering declaration, Alex felt a swell of emotion he couldn't quite name. Touched deeply, he hesitated, momentarily at a loss for how to respond.
Meanwhile, Priscilia's face betrayed a subtle twitch, hinting at the thoughts swirling beneath her outwardly calm demeanor. 'This madwoman... I just hope she doesn't go overboard and do something absurd in the future.'
The tension in the bath gradually dissipated, though Alicia's words lingered, heavy with promise. Alex leaned back against the edge of the tub, allowing himself a rare moment of respite. The soothing warmth of the water eased his body, even as his mind churned with thoughts.
Aurora's voice echoed in his head, laced with amusement. "You know, she might be dead serious about that Demon Lord part. You'd better not disappoint her expectations, Alex."
He groaned inwardly, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "She's definitely one of a kind."
Priscilia sighed, breaking the silence with a wry tone. "I hope you don't end up becoming like her, Alex."
Alicia turned to Priscilia with a puzzled look, utterly oblivious to the veiled jab. She couldn't have been more mistaken in her interpretation.
The bath resumed its serene ambiance, but Alex couldn't shake the feeling that his life had just grown significantly more complicated—and, strangely enough, a whole lot brighter.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
It had been over a month since Alex became Alicia's disciple. With only a week left before the academy resumed, he found himself reflecting on the profound changes that had taken place.
His progress was undeniable. His swordsmanship had improved drastically, evolving from rudimentary movements into something that felt fluid and natural. The techniques no longer seemed like borrowed expertise but had begun to feel like an intrinsic part of him.
Alex's Sword Novice skill had initially provided him with fundamental knowledge and proficiency in wielding various types of swords. However, that knowledge was more akin to raw data imprinted in his mind rather than a refined skill honed through practice.
In execution, his abilities had been chaotic. His body lacked the muscle memory to properly execute techniques, and the dissonance between his learned knowledge and physical movements was painfully evident.
To the average observer, Alex's abilities seemed extraordinary—perhaps even flawless for someone his age. But to Alicia, the renowned Sword Empress, his flaws were as obvious as cracks in a shattered mirror.
Her scrutiny was relentless, her keen eye and unparalleled experience able to detect even the subtlest imperfections in his form. Flaws that others might dismiss as inconsequential were glaring red flags to her.
One of the most glaring issues was Alex's lack of proper technique. While his raw stats and natural talent marked him as a prodigy, he lacked the finesse to wield them effectively. It was as though he were a finely crafted blade with a dull edge—full of potential, yet far from reaching it.
Alicia's training was nothing short of grueling—brutal, spartan-like, and unrelenting. Yet, it was undeniably effective.
What surprised Alex the most, however, was how exceptional Alicia turned out to be as a teacher.
Despite this being her first time instructing someone, she had an uncanny ability to pinpoint even the smallest flaws in his techniques with precision and clarity.
Yet, her feedback was always delivered with patience and a calm demeanor, devoid of any hint of frustration or disappointment.
Under Alicia's exacting guidance, however, things were starting to change. Day by day, his movements became sharper, his strikes more precise. There was a growing sense of control in his techniques—a balance and refinement he hadn't realized were missing.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
Alex stood outside the manor, clad in a sleek black battle outfit. His attire consisted of a fitted black shirt, tight black jeans, sturdy black boots, and a stylish jacket layered over it.
Beside him, Alicia stood tall, wearing a matching outfit that highlighted her imposing yet graceful figure. The symmetry of their attire was striking, and if not for the noticeable height difference, they could have easily been mistaken for a couple in matching outfits.
As they stepped out of the manor, Alex's eyes widened in astonishment at the sight before him. Parked just outside was a futuristic sports car, its sleek design radiating power and sophistication. The metallic sheen and aerodynamic curves made it look like something out of a high-tech dream.
"Master, where are we going?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and awe as he slipped into the passenger seat. The car's luxurious interior—complete with leather seats and cutting-edge displays—left him momentarily speechless.
Alicia gracefully slid into the driver's seat, her every movement exuding confidence. With a casual flick of her wrist, the engine roared to life.
She glanced at Alex with a faint smile. "We've done plenty of indoor training. I thought it was time for a change of pace before we move on to the next phase of your training, my disciple."
Alex felt a mix of anticipation and unease. Whatever she had planned, he knew it would be anything but ordinary.
Over the past month, their time wasn't solely dedicated to training. They also indulged in various activities like shopping, exploring new places, and going out, all to expose Alex to a broader range of experiences.
One of the more memorable—if not mildly traumatizing—activities was shopping. Alicia had made it her mission to drag Alex through countless stores, insisting he try on every conceivable type of outfit.
Alex could only think wryly to himself, 'Is she using me as a mannequin for her personal fetishes?'
But shopping trips were just the tip of the iceberg. Alicia's behavior grew increasingly bold as time went on.
She started making peculiar requests, such as asking for hugs at random moments, locking arms with his while they walked, and occasionally acting helpless or needy—like a clingy girlfriend fishing for attention.
Then came the more intimate demands. She began insisting they sleep next to each other, often cuddled up, either wrapped in her arms or with her snuggled against him. All of this was justified under the vague excuse of "bonding".
Aurora, ever the playful commentator, seized every opportunity to tease him. During one such moment, her voice echoed in his mind, dripping with amusement. "She's grooming you, Alex."
Alex had already arrived at a realization that was as amusing as it was unsettling: Alicia was undeniably possessive, obsessive, and unpredictable—traits that perfectly fit the archetype of a yandere.
At first, her eccentricities had been overwhelming, even suffocating. But as the days passed, he found himself growing accustomed to her quirks, even finding a strange comfort in them.
'She's definitely over the top.' Alex mused as the car sped down the highway, Alicia humming softly beside him. 'But it's not all bad. She's the first person who's ever cared this deeply for me—well, in this new world.
Their car came to a smooth halt in front of the teleportation center, a massive dome-shaped structure that dominated the surrounding skyline.
The building housed an teleportation gate, capable of instantaneously transporting people to distant locations—a blend of ancient magic and modern magic engineering.
As they exited the car, Alicia led Alex toward the VIP section. This exclusive area allowed them to bypass the long queues and the tedious wait for scheduled departures. For Alicia, this level of luxury was second nature, but for Alex, it was still a novelty he hadn't fully adjusted to.
They stepped into the teleportation gate, and with a faint hum of energy, the world around them blurred and shifted. A moment later, they emerged on the other side, the stark change in scenery leaving Alex momentarily disoriented.
Gone were the urban confines of the bustling city. In their place stretched a vast, untamed wilderness. The air was crisp and cool, filled with the earthy scent of trees and moss.
Alex scanned his surroundings, his confusion evident. "Master, how is there a teleportation gate here? I thought these were only built in major cities."
Alicia glanced at him with a small, knowing smile. "These are private gates." she explained, her tone casual. "They're operated under the authority of noble families or powerful clans. Unlike public gates, they can be placed in remote locations, but they're heavily protected and meticulously maintained. Of course, their use comes with a hefty price tag."
"Ah, I see." Alex muttered, nodding as he absorbed the new information.
Though he had grown accustomed to teleportation and no longer experienced the disorienting nausea of his first trip, the complexity and sophistication of the system still fascinated him.