### Chapter 26: A New Home and a New Mentor
Arthur made his way through the dense forest, his thoughts on the lessons Lyra had been teaching him. He was eager to learn more and to harness the power within him more effectively. When he arrived at the clearing where they often met, Lyra was waiting for him with a thoughtful expression.
"Arthur, I've been thinking," she began, her tone serious. "I want you to come live with me in the forest. It will be easier to train you and keep you safe."
Arthur considered her offer for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Lyra. I trust you."
Lyra smiled, relieved. "Good. Follow me."
They walked deeper into the forest, the canopy above thickening and the sounds of the village fading away. After a while, they arrived at Lyra's home—a beautiful, secluded house built into the side of a hill. The structure blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings, vines and moss covering the stone walls. A small stream ran nearby, its gentle babbling adding to the serene atmosphere.
"This is where I live," Lyra said, gesturing to the house. "It's not much, but it's home."
Arthur looked around, taking in the peaceful environment. "It's beautiful."
Lyra led him inside. The interior was cozy and inviting, filled with wooden furniture and shelves lined with books and magical artifacts. The air was filled with the scent of herbs and the faint hum of enchantments.
As they explored the house, a sudden voice interrupted them. "So, this is the famous Arthur I've been hearing about."
Lyra turned, her face paling. "Mother, what are you doing here?"
Seraphina stepped into the room, her presence commanding. "I wanted to meet the boy who's captured my daughter's attention."
Lyra tried to protest. "Mother, I was just—"
But Seraphina cut her off with a wave of her hand. "Lyra, dear, I had almost given up on having grandchildren. You've been married for years and never once blessed me with a grandchild. I thought you might be infertile."
Lyra's face turned crimson. "Mother, I just... I'm too young to think about children!"
Seraphina laughed. "Lyra, you're 253 years old. That's hardly young by Awaken standards."
Ignoring her daughter's embarrassment, Seraphina turned to Arthur. "Now, Arthur, I've heard quite a bit about you. But before we get to know each other better, I need to have a word with Baal."
Arthur blinked in surprise, feeling Baal stir uneasily within him. "You can talk to him?"
Seraphina nodded, her expression turning serious. "Yes, and I intend to."
With a simple gesture, she transported herself and Baal into a mental space where they could converse privately. Arthur could only watch as Seraphina's formidable presence confronted the demon within him.
"Baal," Seraphina began, her voice icy. "You and I have some unfinished business."
Baal attempted to speak, but Seraphina didn't give him a chance. With a swift movement, she struck him, sending him reeling. "That was for killing my daughter's husband. And thank the gods he was an arrogant asshole I didn't like, or you'd be wishing for hell right now."
Baal tried to protest. "I had no choice—"
Another blow silenced him. "You will not harm Arthur, or so help me, I will make you wish you were dead."
Baal, thoroughly cowed, muttered, "Understood."
The next ten minutes were a blur of Seraphina's relentless assault. She pummeled Baal with a ferocity that made Arthur wince, each blow echoing with the weight of centuries of anger and grief. When she finally stepped back, Baal was left trembling and battered.
Back in the physical world, Seraphina returned her attention to Arthur, a warm smile replacing her stern expression. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes. You may call me Grandma."
Arthur smiled awkwardly. "Alright, Grandma."
Seraphina placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch gentle yet firm. "Show me what you were doing when you became an Awaken."
Arthur nodded and began to demonstrate, focusing on his breathing and drawing in the energy from the air around him. He combined it with his own life force and circulated it through his body.
Seraphina observed intently, her eyes narrowing in concentration. She touched his back, projecting what he was doing so he could see it. "You have an extraordinary amount of mana, Arthur, and your ability to draw mana from the air is remarkable. But there's something more. You're transforming this mana into life energy, which is unheard of. It enhances your physical strength and regeneration but reduces the mana available for spells."
Arthur looked at her in amazement. "Is that bad?"
Seraphina shook her head. "Not necessarily. It's unique. But it means you need to learn to control your mana more efficiently."
She began guiding him through a technique, adjusting his breathing and the flow of mana through his channels. "This is the Breath of the Ancients technique. It's a family technique that will help you control your mana better. Follow my lead."
Arthur mimicked her movements, feeling the mana flow more smoothly and efficiently through his body. When they finished, he felt a surge of energy and clarity.
"Now, try a spell," Seraphina instructed.
Arthur focused, casting the simple light spell he had learned from Lyra. This time, the light in his hand was incredibly intense, almost like a small sun, radiating a powerful and controlled energy.
Seraphina smiled with approval. "Very good, Arthur. You've made remarkable progress. Remember to practice this technique regularly. It will help you control your mana more effectively and enhance your overall abilities."
Arthur felt a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude. "Thank you, Grandma. Thank you, Lyra."
As the day turned to evening, they gathered in the living room once again, sharing stories and laughter. Arthur felt a deep sense of belonging and purpose, knowing that he was on the right path.
Baal, who had been unusually quiet throughout the day, finally spoke up. "That witch is out of her mind. But you, boy, you're lucky to have her on your side."
Arthur smiled to himself, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the ancient demon. "I know. And I'm going to make the most of it."
At one point, Seraphina's voice interrupted their mental conversation. "Baal, be quiet."
Baal immediately fell silent, much to Arthur's amusement.