Chapter 035: Mana Tea (2)
The libraries of magic towers and mage families contain theories that are similar yet distinct.
For instance, while everyone knows the principle of creating flame through magic, each individual uses different theories and methods to generate a fireball for combat.
Because he had mastered the archives of Kellion, Mitchell’s presence brought a favorable wind to the development of the mana vehicle.
Yet, even amidst the work, Mitchell never neglected his personal training.
While he didn't fully agree with Karian’s sentiment that martial power was all that mattered, he did agree that it had to be the top priority.
No matter what else you possess, if you lack the strength to protect it, everything will eventually be stolen.
That was why he made sure to head out every morning with Nox to train.
Heave, heave—
After hours of swordsmanship practice, his breath reached the tip of his throat.
However, Mitchell’s face was filled only with joy.
He could feel himself growing stronger with each passing day.
Even without intentionally drawing upon the energy in his Aura Hole, his physical body had strengthened beyond what he had used.
The Nightmare’s Inner Core had transformed Mitchell’s body to that extent.
Though his stage remained the same, he decided to trust Karian on that matter.
[It seems your unbalanced growth will be resolved soon.]
If his training in the Demonic Realm focused on increasing mana to achieve a trickle-down effect, now that he had broken through his stage once and his body was strengthened by the Inner Core, he was focusing on honing his swordsmanship and energy manipulation skills.
Mitchell caught his breath and called out to Nox in his mind.
Before long, Nox came galloping over and sat down beside Mitchell, appearing accustomed to the routine.
Mitchell stroked Nox’s back and sat with him to begin meditative breathing.
Wuuuung—
After a long time spent exchanging energy, they reached their limits.
Only then did Mitchell open his eyes and mount Nox’s back.
“Let’s head back now.”
After several months of meditating together with Nox, an Inner Core had finally formed within the creature.
Though it was only the size of a pea, the effects were undeniable.
First, a part of their souls became intertwined, allowing them to communicate their will without physical contact.
When far apart, they could only sense each other's presence, but this alone gave Mitchell a much greater sense of security when he went out with Nox.
Second, Nox had awakened his own unique ability.
According to Karian, even among Nightmares, different abilities awaken depending on the environment.
The ability Nox awakened resembled the Ghost Soul Footwork.
It allowed him to run at high speeds while erasing his presence.
Thanks to this, as long as there was a reasonable distance from others, he could run as much as he wanted without being detected.
[Since he’s half-spiritual, his ability to erase his presence is truly remarkable.]
“I know. It’s great because we get where we’re going so much faster.”
Mitchell slowed down and looked around only when he reached the outskirts of Langa, where people were starting to gather.
“Fresh lamb for sale!”
“Buy the fruit that came in today!”
The scenery he saw when he first arrived in Langa was dark and desolate.
Addicts and drunks were scattered throughout the streets, and gambling dens were always overflowing with people.
Scenes of children playing and merchants shouting their wares were previously only found near the House of Lunei within the massive city.
But now, from the entrance of Langa to the slums, a tingling sense of hope lingered in the air.
“It looks like the Family Head has distributed food again.”
[Hmph, as if that isn't obvious. When I founded the House of Lunei, Langa was nothing more than a village of slash-and-burn farmers. It only developed like this because of me, who distributed food and wealth.]
“As expected, everyone from the ancestor to the descendants is incredible.”
[Heh heh, it’s good that you realize it. And 'Family Head'? You should call him 'Father.']
“I can change how I address him slowly.”
Unlike when he had said it just for show to Karian, the name "Father" didn't come easily now that he had actually become an adopted son.
Fortunately, Kayden understood, so he was still calling him "Family Head" for now.
[You were calling him 'Father' just fine when you needed something.]
“That’s because...”
[You must be shy. Anyway, I don't see that pointy-eared fellow today.]
The person Karian called "pointy-eared" was none other than Lauren.
Since Mitchell first joined the mana vehicle project, Lauren had sought him out every single day without fail after his training.
Karian, feeling that his training time was being cut short, detested Lauren.
[Tsk tsk, of course. There he is.]
As expected, Lauren was on his way toward Mitchell as he returned.
Mitchell looked at Lauren and shook his head.
“Mitchell, you’re a bit late today. We need to get to the workshop quickly. I’ve ordered your meal to be brought there, so it should arrive soon.”
“Hold on a second. Let me drop Nox off first.”
“What for? Nox can find his way back just fine. Nox, you can go back alone, right?”
Snort—
Nox turned his head away from Lauren, feigning indifference.
But Lauren wasn't one to be ignored.
Lauren exerted a powerful pressure of mana, and Nox eventually bowed his head and headed toward the training grounds alone.
This happened so often that the guards on the way to the training grounds even opened the gates for him.
Mitchell gave a bitter smile as he watched Nox walk away.
“You don't have to go that far; he’s smart enough to understand.”
“Right, so smart that he even pretends not to hear me. Hmph, to think such a sly monster exists.”
Whatever the mother Nightmare had done, even Lauren—who was an elf sensitive to nature's energy and a high-ranking mage—hadn't realized Nox was a monster.
However, he had been found out because Lauren had happened to see the two of them resonating with dark aura while searching for Mitchell.
‘I barely managed to stop him from attacking back then, when he was insisting on hunting the monster.’
Mitchell shuddered, remembering that dizzying moment.
An earnest attack from a mage reaching the Master stage was that terrifying.
