Chapter -23.
Clank!
The sound of swords clashing echoed in the distance as Callum sat comfortably against a tree, watching two guys completely absorbed in their duel. He couldn't help but think, "Wow, he's really improved! But how can someone get this much better in just one day?" Just yesterday, it seemed like he was making progress, but now it was like a whole new level.
"Maybe he's secretly getting lessons from someone?" Callum murmured to himself, as that seemed like the only explanation for such a leap in skill. "But hey, it's great! Now he won't be looked down upon by the others."
Meanwhile, Lucien, who had just lost to Dorian again despite giving it his all, felt a bit down. He had hoped that with his new talent, he could take on anyone, but here he was, with Dorian's sword pressed against his neck.
Feeling satisfied with how training went, Lucien finally stepped back and said, "Alright, I admit defeat." Lucien could hear Dorian let out a long sigh of relief and say, "Really? Thank goodness! I thought I was going to collapse practicing with you." Dorian plopped down on the ground, looking completely drained.
"By the way, Mr. Lucien, do you feel any changes in your strength?" Dorian asked, reclining on the grass and looking at Lucien with curiosity in his eyes.
"Why do you ask? Is something off with my strength?" Lucien replied quickly. He had definitely felt stronger since last night, but since his system didn't show any stats, he was just as curious as Dorian.
"Well, 'wrong' might not be the best word to use," Dorian explained, putting his hands behind his head as if they were on a picnic. "What I mean is, your strength has really improved compared to our last duel. Back then, you were about the strength of an average person or a beginner swordsman, but now my hands are feeling a bit numb from blocking your attacks! It's like your strength has increased by leaps and bounds."
'Phew, what a relief! The pain I went through last night would have been for nothing if I were to be still weak,' Lucien said with a sigh of relief after hearing Dorian's explanation. He then plopped down on the ground to take a well-deserved rest.
Dorian noticed the smile on Lucien's face and couldn't help but chime in, "Hey, Mr. Lucien, with the strength you've got, I bet you'll outshine most of the warriors on the hunt! So, no need to worry!"
Lucien chuckled and replied, "Not that I was worried, but I really appreciate the encouragement!" He closed his eyes, soaking in the warm breeze.
[Meanwhile, inside Adam's house]
"Are you really sure he was the one behind it?" Adam asked, reclining in his comfy chair and eyeing the two guys in front of him with a hint of irritation. He had a pretty good idea of why they were there.
"Absolutely, sir! But you know, he must have done something to those wooden dummies. I mean, when you tried to smash them after becoming a third-level swordsman, you couldn't do it! So how could someone like him manage to take it down?" One of the men, sensing Adam's interest, let his curiosity get the better of him and blurted out his thoughts.
"Hey, you shouldn't have said that, you idiot!" The other guy, who had tag-along just to catch a glimpse of Effie's stunning figure, couldn't help but facepalm at the ridiculous comment from the moron in front of him. He silently pleaded not to be caught in the crossfire since he hadn't said a word, only trying to give this dolt some decent advice.
Just as he braced himself for a beating or at least a couple of slaps, an enticing scent suddenly wafted in, capturing the attention of the three men. They turned toward the smell and saw Effie walking down the small staircase, her movement hypnotically swaying.
Adam was ready to pummel the pathetic loser in front of him after hearing that nonsense. But then he caught sight of his mesmerizing wife descending the stairs, and all his anger momentarily dissipated. He looked at her and asked, "Are you going to stay with the young miss today too?"
Effie, ignoring the lustful gazes of the two sleazy guys, maintained a steady gaze at Adam and replied with authority, "Of course, and honestly, there's nothing important left for me to do at home." She softened her tone slightly, mindful of the unsavory company, but she was confident that Adam understood her better than she could express.
"Alright, have a good time and send my regards to the young miss. I won't walk you out since I have guests," Adam snapped, frustration leaking through his façade. He still loved his wife physically and wanted every right a husband could claim, but Effie wasn't someone he could easily toy with. All he was left with was the bitter thought of imagining her with others while he stayed behind, simmering with irritation.
As Effie's figure vanished into the distance, Adam redirected his fury toward the two pathetic losers still wearing those ridiculous looks on their faces. He could see the desperate longing they had for his wife, but he knew there were no other decent options left to him just before the hunt. So, he pushed that disgust aside and barked, "Listen up! I get what you're trying to imply, and yeah, it sounds like he probably cheated. But the others? Not at all. So for now, I want both of you to march back to the training grounds and get rid of any trace of that stupid wooden dummy that dumbass Lucien wrecked, and then return tonight. I've got something crucial to discuss, and trust me, you're both going to love it."
Instead of getting called out for their blatant disrespect toward his wife, those two idiots just gawked at him like he was some kind of joke. they even thought he was okay with being called a green hat, but as soon as they heard he had a plan, they shot up from their chairs, bowing eagerly in front of him, ready to do anything to bring that arrogant fool down a peg and stomp on him.
Meanwhile on the other hand, Adam felt an uncomfortable rage boiling inside him and decided it was time to head to his usual spot to vent his frustration.