The months passed quickly, and the grueling training with Bartlow became a daily routine. Alex and Ruth had grown exponentially in both strength and skill over the year, each pushing past their previous limits. Bartlow had spared no mercy, ensuring they trained in body, mana, and spirit cultivation. There were days spent building physical strength, nights honing agility and reflexes, and many battles fought against the star beasts of Gorin Forest, where Alex had collected a total of 4,163 system points.
Ruth, whose natural agility and precision flourished under Bartlow's guidance, had also made remarkable progress. She had taken down a two-star beast on her own, albeit through a well-timed sneak attack. Her mana cultivation had reached the intermediate stage, and her body had progressed to the beginning stage. Her spirit cultivation, however, remained in the mortal stage, something both she and Bartlow were working to improve. Nevertheless, her accomplishments were worth praise, and her steady aim had only grown sharper over time.
Alex, on the other hand, had become a force to be reckoned with. Together, he and Ruth could now handle packs of three-star beasts with ease, and Alex himself was capable of taking down a three-star beast without any assistance. His body was now a finely tuned weapon, responsive to the lessons he'd learned from Bartlow. His mind-muscle connection had deepened, and his mastery of the sword and shield had grown to a level that impressed even his master.
But Bartlow never let them grow comfortable, always pushing them to improve. The older man had long since stopped going easy on Alex, treating him as a true advanced stage cultivator, and even sparring with him at full strength. Yet, despite all the progress, Bartlow continually reminded Alex that even though he had advanced greatly, he wasn't ready to face complete stage cultivators just yet.
Today's training was no exception.
As the year of intense training culminated, Alex found himself facing off against both Bartlow and Ruth in another sparring session. His muscles ached, but his focus was sharp. He had learned to dodge Bartlow's powerful strikes while keeping track of Ruth's arrows, which flew toward him with unnerving accuracy.
Bartlow's attacks came in swift, calculated strikes, each one designed to force Alex to react instinctively. At the same time, Ruth fired arrows from a distance, moving with agility around the courtyard to create different angles. This was a true test of Alex's growth—a battle against multiple opponents, where his mind and body had to work in unison.
He blocked a heavy swing from Bartlow, his sword vibrating from the impact, while twisting his body just in time to avoid an arrow that sailed past his shoulder. His breath was labored, and the sweat dripping down his face stung his eyes, but he couldn't afford to let up.
"Good, Alex!" Bartlow shouted mid-swing, his voice booming in approval. "You're holding your own better now."
Alex managed a grin, even as his arms shook from the strain of blocking another attack. But just as he sidestepped Bartlow's next strike, his eyes widened. He saw Ruth's arrow headed straight for his head. Panic seized him—there was no way he could dodge in time.
Everything seemed to slow as the arrow flew closer, and just when it was about to strike, Bartlow moved in a blur, catching the arrow mere inches from Alex's face. The wooden shaft splintered in Bartlow's grasp as the tension in the courtyard dissipated.
Alex stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat. His muscles, once taut with focus, now quivered with exhaustion.
Bartlow released the broken arrow and looked at both of his students with a stern gaze. "This is why you train, Alex. You're getting better, but never forget—you can't afford to hesitate in a real fight. And Ruth," he added, turning his gaze to her, "don't hold back, no matter how close you get. You must always be willing to go all out. I'm here to set the parameters. Trust in that."
Ruth, visibly shaken from the near miss, nodded quickly. "I'm sorry," she whispered, glancing at Alex. "I didn't mean to—"
Alex shook his head, finally catching his breath. "No, Ruth. You were great. That was my fault. I hesitated."
Bartlow crossed his arms, his demeanor softening slightly. "It's not about blame. It's about learning. You're both pushing past your limits, and that's what matters." He glanced at Alex with a sly grin. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves, Alex. You're doing well, but don't start thinking you can handle a complete advanced stage cultivator just yet. You're strong, but against someone at that level—or anyone with a higher cultivation—you still have a long way to go."
Alex nodded, accepting Bartlow's words. He knew how far he'd come, but he also knew there was still much to learn.
Ruth walked over to Alex, offering him a hand to help him sit down. "You're doing better than before, though. Last time, you barely lasted this long."
Alex laughed tiredly, taking her hand and easing himself onto a nearby bench. "You're one to talk. Your aim's getting scarily good. I almost feel like I'm dodging more than I'm blocking at this point."
Ruth blushed slightly at the compliment, sitting beside him. "Well, we've both come a long way. We worked hard this year."
She smiled at him, and Alex returned it, feeling the weight of their year-long journey lift slightly. "Yeah, we did. And with the New Year's Ball coming up, we'll get to show everyone just how far we've come."
Bartlow, hearing their conversation, walked over with his sword still in hand. "Exactly. The ball is an important opportunity. Show the nobles your strength, but don't let it get to your head. Keep training, keep improving."
With that, Bartlow dismissed them for the day, telling them to see lady mane before turning in for the night since she had some news for them. Alex and Ruth nodding thanked bartlow for his support in todays training.
After Alex and Ruth caught their breath from the intense sparring session, they made their way toward Lady Mane's office, as Bartlow had requested. They thanked Bartlow again for his guidance before heading inside the estate. Once they arrived at Lady Mane's office, she greeted them warmly, gesturing for them to sit. After the usual pleasantries, Lady Mane's tone shifted to a more serious note, indicating they had important matters to discuss.
Lady Mane began explaining the significance of the upcoming New Year's Ball, a grand event hosted by Duke Hamilton for all the nobles in the region. "This ball," she began, "is not just a celebration but a key political gathering where nobles renegotiate terms on lands, alliances, and other vital relations. But for us, it's much more. It's an opportunity."
Alex listened carefully as she explained the dynamics. Lady Mane elaborated, "With the profit you've brought in by hunting star beasts in Gorin Forest, you've proven to be a valuable asset to the Mane family. We now have a chance to pitch an idea that could secure the family's future—a guild specifically designed for cultivators and adventurers to hunt star beasts. With support from other nobles, we could establish a profitable guild, where we offer a payout for beast carcasses in exchange for a 25 percent cut."
This revelation took Alex by surprise. He hadn't realized just how much of an impact his efforts had made. Over the last few months, he'd noticed changes around the estate—Lady Mane hiring new guards and staff—but he hadn't understood the full scope of how much wealth he had generated. He gave Lady Mane a puzzled look, which she acknowledged with a soft smile.
"You've done more than you realize, Alex," Lady Mane continued. "But this ball is about more than just money. It's also about reputation. There will be a small fighting event where nobles present their sponsees—those they believe are worthy of competing in the upcoming nobility trials."
Alex furrowed his brow, unsure. "How does winning a fight at this event help?"
Ruth, clearly excited about this part, jumped in, "It's not just about winning, Alex. It's about showing off your strength and gaining recognition. If other nobles see your potential and you make a strong impression, you'll gain their favor. That favor could be crucial when it comes time for the nobility trials."
Lady Mane nodded in agreement, then added, "Exactly. The more support you have from other nobles, the better your chances of ascending in rank during the trials. It's not just about strength, but about reputation, alliances, and how well you can navigate the political landscape. Remember, my family lost its rank as Viscount not because we lacked strength but because we didn't maintain the right relationships with other noble houses."
Alex, deep in thought, asked, "So even if I win the event, it doesn't guarantee I'll be granted nobility?"
Lady Mane sighed slightly. "No, it doesn't guarantee anything on its own. But winning, and more importantly, gaining the support of others, will significantly improve your chances. If you play your cards right and build strong connections, you can surpass your current station."
Alex nodded, finally grasping the full scope of what Lady Mane was saying. The New Year's Ball wasn't just a celebration or a mere test of strength—it was a political battlefield, and every move he made there could shape his future.
Lady Mane sat up straighter, her tone shifting to one of urgency as she continued to explain their plans. "In one week, we will be traveling to Duke Hamilton's manor," she said. "We will arrive early in the morning, giving us time to build relationships with the other nobles before the ball officially begins. This will give us a critical edge in gathering information on the other sponsees the nobles will be bringing to the event."
Alex nodded, taking it all in. He appreciated Lady Mane's thorough approach, but something still nagged at him. "I really appreciate all the help you're giving me," Alex said slowly, "but I have to ask… what exactly is your benefit in all this? Given that your family is at risk of losing its noble status, what happens if I do become a noble? Won't that put the Mane family in an even more vulnerable position?"
Lady Mane's expression hardened, her eyes locking onto Alex's with a seriousness that hadn't been there before. "Let me be very clear, Alex," she began. "Once you become a noble, especially if you follow the path of a nomad noble like Bartlow, I will expect something in return. I want an alliance with you—a mutually beneficial one. You'll share estates, alliances, and resources with me, and in return, I will continue to support you, both politically and financially."
She leaned forward slightly, her voice unwavering. "Should you have the opportunity to increase the Mane family's standing within the nobility, I expect you to take it. This family has done a lot for you, and I believe it's a fair arrangement."
Alex, sensing her sincerity and the weight behind her words, felt a sense of relief. It wasn't some elaborate trick or hidden agenda. Lady Mane wanted something clear and straightforward: an alliance. And in return, she was offering him ongoing support. He smiled slightly, the tension easing from his shoulders.
"I accept your proposition, Lady Mane," Alex said confidently. "I'll do everything I can to support the Mane family and help raise its status."
Lady Mane's stern expression melted into one of satisfaction. She nodded, clearly pleased with his response. But then, her tone took on a playful, teasing edge as she added, "Now, one more thing you should be aware of at the ball, Alex."
He raised an eyebrow, unsure of what was coming next.
"Ruth will be coming of age to marry once the ball begins, and you should know that she will be… quite the topic of conversation." Lady Mane leaned back with a smirk. "Other nobles may take an interest in her, especially since she's your personal maid. It's not uncommon for higher-ranking nobles to make offers or pitch ideas to lower-class nobles—like the Mane family—to agree to certain terms regarding their servants. And if you're not careful, someone might request Ruth's hand as a personal maid… or more."
Alex stiffened, not having expected that twist. His eyes widened slightly, and he glanced at Ruth, who was blushing but remained silent. Lady Mane continued, her voice light but laced with warning, "The powerful have ways of getting what they want, one way or another, especially at events like this. So, if you don't want other nobles making offers for Ruth's hand, I suggest you come up with a plan. Quickly."
Alex swallowed, the weight of the upcoming ball now feeling heavier than ever. He gave Ruth a quick glance, noticing her blush deepening at the thought, but he could see the seriousness in her eyes too. He needed to protect her, not just from the beasts of Gorin Forest but from the more cunning threats that could arise from the noble houses.
"I understand," Alex said quietly, his mind already racing to figure out a solution.
Lady Mane smiled knowingly, and with that, she dismissed them for the day. Alex and Ruth left her office, the stakes of the New Year's Ball now crystal clear.
As Alex walked with Ruth, the weight of Lady Mane's words lingered in his mind like a dark cloud. The thought of losing Ruth to some noble's whims, of being powerless to protect her, stirred something deep inside him. It was a feeling he hadn't felt since Melisa—since he had lost her, a piece of his heart shattered that night in the flames.
The idea of losing another love, of seeing Ruth torn away from him, brought a sharp, overwhelming rage. It was as though the pain of Melisa's death resurfaced, fueling a dark and cold resolve. He couldn't bear the thought of going through that loss again. Not this time. Not Ruth.
A killing intent flickered in his mind, something primal and fierce, pushing all doubts aside. His heart hardened. If anyone tried to take Ruth from him, they would pay with their lives. He would kill or die trying to protect what was his. There was no room for hesitation anymore.
As that resolve took root, he looked down at Ruth, her tearful eyes fixed on the ground as they walked. Her words echoed in his ears: "I'd rather leave this world than be torn away from you." He felt his chest tighten. That was it. This wasn't just about the nobles or the ball—it was about protecting Ruth from anyone who thought they could control her fate. Losing her wasn't an option.
His grip tightened around her hand, and he stopped walking. Ruth looked up at him, surprised by his sudden halt, and in her eyes, he saw the same determination he felt.
"I won't let them take you," Alex said, his voice low but filled with the quiet fury building inside him. "I don't care who I have to fight or what I have to do. If anyone tries to take you away from me, they'll regret it. I'll win. I'll make sure no one can even think of taking you from me."
Ruth blinked at the intensity of his words but didn't back away. Instead, she nodded, her own resolve echoing his. "I trust you, Alex. I know you'll protect me."
Alex took a breath, his heart pounding, not with fear but with purpose. He wouldn't let another love be taken from him—not like Melisa. The killing intent in his mind became clear, and he knew now that he would either kill or die trying to protect what was his.
After Alex calmed his mind, he gently squeezed Ruth's hand, his fierce resolve still burning inside him. He needed to speak with Bartlow, to get advice on how best to approach the upcoming event. But first, he wanted to make sure Ruth was taken care of, and that he could return to her with a clearer head.
"Ruth," Alex said softly, "I need to talk to Bartlow about all of this. Can you wait for me in my room? I'll meet you there once I'm done."
Ruth looked up at him, her eyes still glistening from the earlier tension, but she gave him a small smile, nodding in agreement. "Of course, Alex. I'll run a bath for you, and I'll wait for you in bed."
Her words, as always, carried warmth and reassurance, and Alex felt his heart ease slightly. No matter the storm ahead, Ruth was his anchor.
"Thank you, Ruth," Alex said, grateful for her constant thoughtfulness. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "I'll be back soon."
With that, Alex watched as Ruth turned and headed toward his room, her figure disappearing down the hallway. He took a deep breath, clearing his mind of everything but the task ahead. It was time to find Bartlow.
As he walked through the mansion, his thoughts sharpened. He needed Bartlow's wisdom—whatever insight his master could offer might just be the key to navigating the dangerous path ahead.
Alex, noticing how late it had gotten, hurried to Bartlow's room, urgency in every step. He knocked on the door, and Bartlow, looking somewhat confused at the sudden visit, opened the door. "What's all this about, lad?" Bartlow asked, raising an eyebrow at Alex's tense expression.
Alex stepped inside, quickly explaining everything Lady Mane had told him about Ruth's precarious situation at the upcoming New Year's Ball. He shared his fears, asking if Bartlow could use his influence to keep Ruth safe.
Bartlow, however, merely chuckled. "If it were that simple, Lady Mane wouldn't have even brought it up. Being a nomad noble, my rank may be higher than most, but my allegiance is only to the Godsent kingdom and the Mane family. If I tried to use my power here, it could backfire, making Ruth, Lady Mane, and even you, a larger target."
Alex furrowed his brow in confusion. "But why?"
Bartlow sighed and crossed his arms. "Nobles don't take kindly to outsiders meddling in their affairs. Using my influence would be seen as an abuse of power. It might even provoke them to retaliate, making the situation worse for all of us. Ruth's safety doesn't just depend on authority—it depends on strength. If you were to fight in the tournament at the ball, facing opponents two stages higher than you and winning, that would prove your potential to everyone. And strength is the only thing that truly earns respect in our world."
Alex was starting to understand the gravity of the situation. Strength and influence weren't just tools—they were survival in the world of nobles. He realized that winning those fights would be his best shot at protecting Ruth. "Then train me, Bartlow. Push me harder than ever before. Train me at an expert level," Alex asked, determination blazing in his eyes.
Bartlow, intrigued by Alex's resolve, grabbed his arm. "Let's see if your body's ready for what you're asking." He infused his mana into Alex, scanning his cultivation. Bartlow's face shifted to one of suspicion when he felt that Alex was still at a complete beginner stage cultivation level. He checked Alex's bone age, just as a precaution.
Bartlow's eyes widened slightly when the scan revealed Alex's bone age—20 years old. "That's impossible," Bartlow muttered to himself, his suspicions deepening. "Your bone age should have aligned with your physical age. But now… you've aged to twenty within the last year."
Bartlow looked at Alex, searching for answers. "Do you understand what this means, lad? By now, you should be at the expert stage in cultivation. But your cultivation is still beginner."
Alex, confused by the sudden shift in Bartlow's demeanor, shook his head. "I honestly don't know what's happening. I didn't even know my body was that of a twenty-year-old."
Bartlow stared at Alex for a long moment, as if trying to read the truth off his face. After what felt like an eternity, Bartlow explained. "This correlation between your bone age and cultivation doesn't make sense. It's like something is holding back your cultivation, even though your body has aged far beyond what's normal. If anyone else were to find out, it would raise suspicions—dangerous suspicions. So keep this between us."
Alex, feeling the weight of the unspoken warning, nodded. He was grateful Bartlow hadn't pressed him further about the system, even though it loomed at the back of his mind as the likely cause of this phenomenon.
Bartlow gave Alex one last look. "Tomorrow, we'll push you through expert-level training. We'll see how your body handles it. But remember this, Alex: keep your mouth shut about this. An anomaly like you will draw attention, and not the good kind."
Alex nodded once more, thanking Bartlow before leaving the room. As he walked away, his mind swirled with questions he wasn't ready to face. All he knew was that tomorrow's training would test him like never before.
Before Alex could walk too far, Bartlow called out one last thing. "And, lad… no matter what happens, Ruth's safety is in your hands. Don't lose sight of what matters."
Alex nodded in agreement, feeling the heavy burden resting on his shoulders. With renewed determination, he made his way back to his room. The New Year's Ball was approaching quickly, and with it, the chance to prove his strength, protect Ruth, and secure his future.
As Alex entered his room, he found Ruth already waiting in bed, her gentle smile greeting him. "Your bath is ready," she said, her voice warm and comforting. "I'll be waiting here."
Alex smiled, thanking Ruth for her constant care. He finished his bath, the warmth of the water soothing his sore muscles, but his mind was occupied with the conversation he had just had with Bartlow. The weight of the discovery about his bone age still lingered heavily in his mind. After drying off and dressing, he joined Ruth in bed. She immediately snuggled into him, her presence calming his nerves as they embraced each other closely.
But Alex knew he couldn't keep this from her any longer. He needed to tell her the truth. "Ruth," he started, his voice a little hesitant. "I need to tell you something. Bartlow just told me that… my body is now that of a twenty-year-old."
Ruth laughed softly, thinking Alex was making some sort of playful joke. "If you're trying to make an excuse to declare me your personal maid at the New Year's Ball, you don't have to lie about your age," she teased, brushing his arm.
But Alex didn't laugh. His expression grew more serious, and Ruth quickly realized he wasn't joking. She pulled back slightly to look at him more closely. "Wait… you're serious?"
Alex nodded, his face full of uncertainty. "Bartlow said my bone age is twenty, but my cultivation is still only at the complete beginner stage. He said I should be an expert-level cultivator by now, but… something's off. And I don't know why."
Ruth's playful demeanor vanished, replaced with concern. "Could there be something you're missing? Some explanation?"
Alex hesitated, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. He thought about everything—the system, his cultivations, and all the powers he had gained. Should he tell her? This wasn't just a small piece of information—this was the core of his existence, something even Bartlow didn't fully understand.
But as he looked at Ruth, her face full of concern and love, Alex knew he had to tell her. She wasn't just his personal maid—she was his partner, his confidante, and the woman he intended to spend his life with. He couldn't keep this from her if he truly wanted her by his side. In his heart, she wasn't just a maid; she was his equal, his future wife, no matter what title the world gave her.
"I need to tell you something, Ruth," Alex said, his voice soft but determined. "It's about my cultivation… about why things are different for me."
Ruth noticed his hesitation and looked down, her own uncertainty filling the space between them. "It's okay," she said quietly, her voice almost breaking. "If you're not ready to share it with me, I can wait."
"No," Alex said firmly, lifting her chin so she could meet his eyes. "I want to tell you. You deserve to know."
And so, Alex began to explain everything. He told her about how he had become a cultivator, about the Divine God system, and how it had blessed him with abilities. He spoke about his cultivation systems—Demonic Accession and Heavenly Descent—explaining the powers that came with each and how they had shaped him. He revealed his struggles, the constant strain on his body, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his rapid aging. He told her about the system points, the skills he had unlocked, and the unexplainable power that was pushing him beyond normal limits.
Ruth listened intently, her face a mix of awe, concern, and deep thought. As he spoke, she tried to piece together everything, processing all the information he had shared. There was a lot to take in, but as she looked into Alex's eyes, she knew one thing for sure—she trusted him completely.
"So… that's why your body aged so quickly," Ruth said quietly, thinking aloud. "You've been using these subsystems and abilities that are altering you faster than you realize. It explains why Bartlow was so confused… But why wouldn't your cultivation match your bone age? Is it because your body is advancing at a different rate than your spirit and mana?"
Alex shrugged, feeling just as puzzled. "I don't know. It's all tied to the system somehow. It's giving me power, but it's holding something back too. Bartlow said that if anyone found out about this, it could be dangerous."
Ruth sat in silence for a moment, her hand resting on Alex's chest as she thought deeply. "Whatever this is, it doesn't change anything between us," she finally said, her voice steady. "I'll stay by your side no matter what. If this system has given you the power to protect me, then we'll figure out how to use it to your advantage. But you're not alone in this, Alex."
Alex felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had shared his deepest secret, and instead of fear or doubt, Ruth had only shown him love and trust. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he whispered, "Thank you, Ruth. For everything."
Ruth smiled softly, laying her head on his chest once more. "We'll get through this together. No matter what comes next, we face it as a team."
With his heart lighter and his resolve stronger, Alex closed his eyes, grateful for Ruth's unwavering support. Whatever challenges lay ahead—whether at the New Year's Ball or beyond—he knew that with Ruth by his side, he could face them all.