Alex was jolted awake by a familiar voice, crisp and teasing.
[Good morning, Host. It's time to get up and face the world.]
Alex opened his eyes, groaning as he stretched his sore limbs. "Morning, Nova. You know, I don't exactly need a wake-up call."
[Clearly, you do, or you'd still be drooling all over yourself,] she replied, the smirk practically audible in her tone.
Rolling his eyes, he stood and took a deep breath, sensing a slight increase in his strength. His progress had been surprising; he could tell he was halfway through the Flesh Training stage of his cultivation manual. With one more night of intense training, he might even reach the third stage.
"Nova, any idea why I'm advancing so fast?" he asked, frowning. "I feel like I'm flying through these stages."
[How should I know?] she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
[I arrived here with you and only have your memories to go by.] She paused, as though considering, before adding, [However, it could be because of the dense mana in your sub-dimension—or maybe other factors we haven't discovered yet. Perhaps you should study more about this world instead of blindly relying on me.]
"Helpful as always, Nova," he muttered, ignoring her smug laugh.
Shaking his head, he exited his sub-dimension, reappearing in his bedroom—only to realize with horror that his skin was covered in a layer of blood and impurities from his cultivation. He looked down, grimacing at the grime.
"Fantastic," he muttered. "I need a shower."
But as he made his way to the bathroom, a soft knock sounded at his door. He barely had time to react before the door swung open and a maid stepped in, carrying a fresh set of clothes. She froze mid-step, her eyes widening as she took in his appearance.
Alex stared at her, equally shocked, realizing he was covered in blood and sweat. He managed a strained smile, trying to diffuse the awkward silence. "Uh… morning?"
The maid's face turned bright red, and with a high-pitched squeak, she practically bolted out of the room, leaving the clothes behind.
Nova burst into laughter. [Well, that was charming. You really know how to make an impression.]
"Oh, shut up," Alex muttered, his cheeks heating. He grabbed his fresh clothes, heading straight for the bath to clean up and hoping that by the time he joined his family for breakfast, he'd managed to regain at least some dignity.
By the time he reached the dining room, Alex was composed, his usual self. His father and sister were already seated, looking only mildly surprised to see him. He could tell they hadn't expected him to make an appearance two mornings in a row.
Olivia gave him a once-over and smirked.
"Well, look who's decided to pretend he's part of the family two days in a row. I was starting to think yesterday was a fluke."
"Good morning to you too, Olivia," he replied, rolling his eyes as he took his seat.
James raised an eyebrow, though a slight smile tugged at his lips. "You're up early again, Alex. Not that we're complaining."
"I'm trying to get into a routine," Alex replied, helping himself to some breakfast. He could feel Olivia's eyes on him, though she said nothing further, simply watching him with that same mix of suspicion and disdain.
The meal passed with the usual banter and a few of Olivia's typical jabs—her thinly veiled sarcasm doing its best to poke holes in his newfound dedication. Toward the end of breakfast, James set down his cup and looked at Alex.
"Your tutor will be arriving shortly after breakfast," he said, glancing up at Alex with a hint of approval.
Alex blinked, caught off guard. "Already? I thought it would take a few weeks."
Olivia looked equally surprised. She raised an eyebrow, giving him a snide smile. "A tutor, huh? Didn't think anyone would waste their time on you."
James shot her a warning look. "Olivia, enough. Alex needs this training if he's going to compete at the academy level." He turned back to Alex. "Head to the backyard after breakfast; your tutor will meet you there."
Once they finished eating, Alex made his way to the backyard, taking in the grandness of his family's estate once again. The courtyard was surrounded by lush greenery and stone paths winding through meticulously arranged flower beds. A stone fountain sat in the center, adding an air of serenity that reminded him of a hidden sanctuary.
"Almost like a palace," he murmured, marveling at the luxury around him. It's incredible we still live like this, even on the edge of bankruptcy.
As he approached the center of the courtyard, Alex noticed a figure waiting—a middle-aged man with a few strands of gray in his hair, yet a build that suggested he was anything but frail. His posture was straight, his demeanor composed, and his butler's uniform was pristine, exuding a quiet, unassuming strength.
Alex's eyes widened as he realized where he had seen the man before. "You're… my mother's butler?"
The man looked slightly taken aback, his brows lifting. "It's been a long time, young master," he said in a soft, measured voice. "You remember me?"
Alex hesitated, realizing how strange it might seem for him to recall someone he hadn't seen in years. But he committed to the lie, nodding slowly. "I… just remember that you were always there, helping my mother."
The man's expression softened, and he offered a slight bow. "My name is Alfred. I served as your mother's butler and remained in the Argoth estate at her request, even after her… disappearance."
Alex's curiosity flared. "Why did she ask you to stay?"
Alfred's gaze was unreadable, though his tone was respectful. "I will tell you everything… once you reach S-rank. One of your mothers requests."
Before Alex could press him for more details, Nova's voice chimed in his mind, her tone oddly serious. [Be cautious, Host. Alfred is not what he seems. I can't say much more than that.]
A chill ran down Alex's spine, but he maintained a calm expression, nodding at Alfred. "Fine. I'll take you up on that challenge, then."
Alfred observed him carefully, as though sensing a shift in Alex's demeanor. After a pause, he continued, "Your father has asked me to tutor you in basic mana cultivation, the academy's required knowledge, and weapon handling."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Why you, though? Couldn't Father have hired any other tutor?"
Alfred's lips curved in a faint smile. "I was the one who taught your mother everything she knew. Your father knew that so he asked me to train you."
Alex glanced at Alfred, noting that he appeared about the same age as his father, yet his expression carried a youthful sharpness that belied his years. Something about the way he spoke and carried himself felt… timeless.
Alfred seemed to notice his confusion and chuckled. "All in good time, young master. Reach S-rank first, and then you may ask your questions."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And to motivate you further… I know something about your mother's disappearance."
The words hit Alex like a punch. He felt his pulse quicken, the flood of questions threatening to burst out. "What do you know? Tell me!"
Before he could say another word, Alfred's knee shot up, catching Alex in the stomach with surprising force. Alex flew back, landing hard on the ground, gasping as he tried to catch his breath.
"Kids these days," Alfred said, brushing off his uniform with a look of mild disdain.
"No manners whatsoever."
Wincing, Alex struggled to his feet, glaring at Alfred. He hadn't expected the man to be this strong.
Nova's voice, amused as ever, echoed in his mind. [See? You've been underestimating people again. Alfred isn't someone you can just demand answers from.]
Alfred watched him with a keen eye, nodding in approval. "That's better. As I was saying, I'll be training you in three areas: mana cultivation, academy knowledge, and weapon mastery. Each day, we'll push your limits. Are you ready?"
Alex took a deep breath, his eyes hardening with determination. He glanced at Nova's amused expression in his mind, then back at Alfred.
"Ready as I'll ever be," he replied, bracing himself for whatever lay ahead.
Alfred nodded, his stance shifting into that of a mentor rather than a servant.
"Good. Now, let's begin Lesson One"