Chapter 476: Dark Demon, King of All Beasts (8k)
“Is this really effective, this magic potion made from Komodo grass juice?” After mustering up the courage to drink the cup of water, Dark asked doubtfully.
“It should… It should work, right?”
Aurora said uncertainly, as she had never drunk it and didn’t need to.
“Of course it works.” Su Na walked over and said, “Komodo magic potion can effectively enhance physical strength, but it needs to be taken after one’s energy is completely depleted to maximize its effects.
On average, a person who consistently takes it for a month can gain the physical enhancement equivalent to three years of intense training.
Of course, there is a limit to how much physical strength can be increased. Everyone has different innate talents, so their limits vary. The Komodo magic potion cannot help you break through your limit.”
Dark’s face turned even greener: “So I have to take it for at least a month?”
Su Na teased, “What, unwilling to persist? This is something that can’t be bought with money.”
“No,” Dark replied, “I was thinking if it could be improved in taste.”
“In fact, that’s not difficult,” Su Na winked and said, “But to become outstanding, one must endure hardships. Willpower training is also part of warrior training.”
“Alright,” Dark immediately understood.
It wasn’t that it couldn’t be improved, but he didn’t want to improve it.
As the effects of the potion began to take hold, he gradually felt his limbs regain strength, his breathing steadied, and even an excess of vitality surged within him, eager to be released.
Alvaraite looked at him with some concern and carefully asked, “How do you feel? Can you sense any energy flowing inside you?”
“Energy?” Dark frowned, “This is the energy?”
Alvaraite nodded, “Another effect of the Komodo magic potion is to simulate the flow of energy. Experiencing the flow of energy is like copying calligraphy. Once you get familiar with it, you will naturally distinguish true energy.”
“I see.”
Dark closed his eyes and focused intently.
The “energy” simulated by the Komodo magic potion appeared extraordinarily clearly in his perception.
His research into the “Technique of the Shadow God” had clearly enhanced his perceptiveness beyond that of an ordinary person.
He raised his hand and traced the flow of energy across his body, ending near his navel.
He then said, “It has stopped, mostly gathering in this area.”
“That’s the navel chakra,” Alvaraite smiled, “It seems the chakra you can open most easily is this navel chakra. Take a short rest, and I’ll teach you a breathing technique. If everything goes well, you should be able to open your first chakra in one or two weeks.”
“Breathing technique?” Dark lowered his head and looked at his navel, suddenly asking, “What does it mean to open it?”
Alvaraite explained, “When energy breeds within the chakra and forms a vortex, continuously flowing, it means the chakra is opened. Each chakra opening brings a slight improvement in basic constitution, making the feeling very noticeable.”
Dark pondered, “Does the breathing technique have good or bad variations?”
Alvaraite shook her head, “Breathing techniques that have been passed down have been refined over time. Even if there are differences, they are minimal.
Ultimately, the breathing technique is just a key to opening chakras. A warrior’s traits are determined by their chakras, not the breathing technique.”
“I see.”
Dark took a deep breath.
“Let’s start then.”
…
Alvaraite opened the ceiling of the Training Ground, allowing fresh air to circulate, and instructed Dark and Aurora to sit cross-legged in the center of the field.
She adjusted their postures slightly and then sat in front of them, beginning to impart the breathing technique.
Suna Montiel Farley stood on the side, observing closely.
In essence, the breathing technique was not difficult and required no prerequisites.
During wartime, everyone practiced martial arts, and almost every soldier learned the breathing technique.
Even if they couldn’t open chakras, they could still adjust their breathing to increase stamina, making long journeys more stable and enduring.
Once chakras were opened, it was akin to mastering a basic enhancement spell that could be instantly cast without incantation.
By circulating energy to the corresponding parts, one could strengthen them to a certain extent.
With more chakras opened, both the quality and quantity of energy would increase, leading to progressively greater enhancement effects.
Opening three chakras was equivalent to mastering a basic enhancement spell.
Opening six chakras was equivalent to mastering an intermediate enhancement spell.
If the seventh chakra, the Brahma Chakra, could be opened, it was equivalent to mastering an advanced enhancement spell, along with an additional unique exclusive spell.
Of course, the quality and quantity of energy, as well as the “aura” gained after opening all seven chakras, varied from person to person.
High-talent individuals like Diana and Aurora generated energy in their chakras far faster than they consumed it.
They didn’t even need to activate it; it naturally flowed into their limbs and organs, surpassing even the realm of intermediate enhancement spells.
It was akin to having a high-level enhancement spell active at all times!
This was what was known as innate divine power.
For a normal warrior to reach such a level was nearly impossible.
…
After only half an hour, Alvaraite had fully imparted the breathing technique.
Relying on the discipline cultivated while practicing the “Technique of the Shadow God,” Dark followed Alvaraite’s instructions for inhalation and exhalation.
A complete cycle of the breathing technique took about five minutes.
Three cycles equated to one period, or fifteen minutes.
Except for the initial cycle which was somewhat sluggish, Dark gradually became proficient.
Fifteen minutes later, he successfully completed one period of breathing and exhalation, and he distinctly felt a heat gathering near his navel.
He abruptly opened his eyes, but before he could speak, Alvaraite pressed his forehead, “Don’t lose heart, continue for two more cycles.”
Dark immediately calmed himself and continued the breathing exercise.
Seeing that he had closed his eyes again, Alvaraite slightly retracted her fingers, exchanging a serious glance with Suna Montiel Farley.
Both of them showed a hint of surprise in their eyes.
Because after only one cycle, signs of the navel chakra opening were already evident!
Though it fell short of Diana and Aurora’s extraordinary talent, it was clearly not ordinary.
Aurora, sitting next to Dark, opened her eyes, curiously looking at Dark’s profile.
Her skin emitted a glow, a sign of smooth energy flow.
Clearly, she had just mastered the breathing technique and had connected all six chakras within her, circulating them effortlessly.
Thus, she did not continue further, merely covertly observing Dark.
…
Half an hour later.
Dark smoothly completed the third cycle, and the continuous heat near his navel finally reached a threshold, bursting forth without any hindrance.
Instantly, that heat spread throughout his body, significantly enhancing his constitution.
At the navel, an invisible vortex had formed!
“Has it opened?”
Dark opened his eyes slowly, adapting to the changes around him.
Because it was too easy, he barely felt anything.
“Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step on the path of a warrior.”
Montiel Farley remarked approvingly.
Alvaraite, however, was still pondering, “Strange, talent is supposed to be predetermined. Normally, your talent should just be enough to open all seven chakras. But now, your talent has clearly improved significantly.”
“Talent improvement?”
Upon hearing this, Dark’s pupils constricted, thinking to himself, “Could it also be due to the preliminary activation of the Demon God’s bloodline?”
His Demon God bloodline had awakened slightly due to the recovery of memories from his past life, though the awakening progress remained at 0%, showing no signs of exposure.
However, even so, his mana talent had increased dramatically, growing noticeably every day upon waking.
But the Demon God bloodline was different from the “human” talent associated with “energy,” which could extend to “sub-humans,” theoretically unrelated to the Demon God’s bloodline.
“Could there be other reasons?”
Dark fell into deep thought.
…
“Let’s retest your talent.”
Alvaraite’s words interrupted Dark’s thoughts.
He asked, “How do we do it?”
Alvaraite said, “Just close your eyes.”
Dark closed his eyes.
Alvaraite then raised her hand and placed her finger on his forehead again.
Dark felt a warm current seep into his forehead, slowly spreading throughout his body.
After about two minutes, Alvaraite withdrew her finger, her eyes filled with surprise.
“How is it?” Montiel Farley asked curiously.
Alvaraite exclaimed excitedly, “Eight chakras! An extra hidden chakra!
The wheel.
“This is good news.” Lord Montiel Farley exclaimed in admiration, “Your precious one truly has great potential. Even if they aren’t a natural-born Saint, postnatal awakening is not impossible. It seems that the golden apple you took to maintain the purity of your lineage is not without effect.”
“Ahh!”
Alvaraite grabbed Dak’s head and gave him a firm peck before saying, “Now that the first chakra has been opened, let’s start with physical strengthening training right away!”
“Wait.” Dak struggled to free himself from Alvaraite’s embrace, puzzled, “If there are eight chakras, what is the eighth one?”
Alvaraite finally released him, explaining slowly, “If I’m not mistaken, it should be the Lion King Chakra.”
“Lion King Chakra? What special traits does it have?” Dak’s thoughts stirred, suddenly having some clues.
Alvaraite explained, “Under normal circumstances, humans only have seven chakras. Only those with extraordinary talent can have more than seven. These additional chakras are all located outside the body, similar to the seventh chakra, the Brahma Chakra. Opening each such chakra adds another ‘aura.’ In the terms of a mage, this is equivalent to gaining an exclusive spell.”
“So that’s how it is.” Dak looked forward to it, “I hope my aura will have the风采 of the ‘Beast King Fist.'”
Alvaraite asked in confusion, “Beast King Fist?”
Dak smiled slightly, “It’s the ultimate skill of the Lion Beast.”
…
Opening the first chakra was merely the beginning of the martial arts path.
To master the “Beast King Fist” sooner, Dak gritted his teeth and started high-intensity physical training under Alvaraite’s pained gaze.
At the beginning, Aurora trained with him, but eventually withdrew halfway due to lack of results, taking on the role of a sweat-wiping and water-fetching assistant.
On the other side…
Dak’s golems also began their learning journey with the arrival of the tutors.
Since Dak had entrusted the authority to give out small red flowers to the tutors, the golems also put in extra effort.
Mrs. Cook’s teaching was very strict.
Golems who were distracted during class were called up to the podium and punished with a ruler.
Although golems’ reactions to pain were weaker than humans and Mrs. Cook’s strength couldn’t break through their defenses, the humiliation of public punishment still spurred them to listen attentively.
In short, hands could be slapped, but face couldn’t be lost!
…
The first day of summer tutoring began.
Both Dak as the master and his golems went through a painful yet joyful experience together.
By nightfall, Dak, along with everyone else, hosted a farewell banquet for Lord Montiel Farley despite his exhaustion.
After dinner, Lord Montiel Farley called Dak to the balcony alone.
Dak roughly guessed what she wanted to say and said proactively, “Aunt Suna, don’t worry about me. I’ll take care of Aurora like a real sister.”
Lord Montiel Farley was momentarily speechless, then turned her head to look at the night sky and murmured, “Then I entrust her to you.”
When they returned to the living room, Aurora couldn’t help but approach Dak and asked, “What did Mommy say?”
Dak replied calmly, “She told me to take care of you like a real sister.”
“Oh?”
…
The evening’s incident passed quickly.
Early the next morning, Lord Montiel Farley officially left the Duke’s Mansion.
After seeing her off, Dak and Aurora returned to the training ground to continue their training.
Dak got up at five every morning, warmed up, drank a Komodo potion, and then sat down to practice breathing techniques.
After four cycles, he stopped to eat breakfast and read a newspaper for leisure.
After resting for half an hour, he resumed intense physical training until dinner time.
In the evenings, he continued to study the课题 left by the academy and do his summer homework.
Each professor assigned different summer homework to each student; Dak’s was minimal but challenging, thus taking more time.
…
Thus, Dak felt like he was back in the academy, his daily routine returning to normal.
A week passed.
On the Sunday morning of that week, at six o’clock, he suddenly felt enlightened. His heart felt warm, and his heartbeat became stronger.
He immediately closed his eyes again and continued practicing the breathing technique for three more cycles.
The second chakra near his heart—the Heart Chakra—suddenly opened!
After opening two chakras, Dak’s basic constitution improved further, giving him stronger control over his body’s various parts.
This manifested in steadier fingers, more flexible wrist joints, and greater arm strength.
He now had the foundation for swordsmanship!
Dak had practiced with wooden swords before, but using metal swords would be difficult.
That night, Alvaraite, after finishing her work, heard the good news and couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
Olivia personally cooked, preparing Dak’s favorite lamb…
The atmosphere in the Duke’s Mansion was filled with joy.
No one expected the young master, who used to avoid even touching a sword, to withstand such intense training.
And in just a week, he completed preliminary training and opened two chakras!
This was already considered a significant achievement among warriors.
If he mastered corresponding martial skills, he would be welcomed by various guilds if he applied as an adventurer.
…
The next Monday.
Alvaraite took leave again to teach Dak basic sword techniques.
Aurora, who had been a logistics assistant for a week, finally had something to learn.
She began practicing sword swings with Dak.
Once they reached the same level, the difference in talent became evident.
Even though Dak’s current talent wasn’t weak, he still couldn’t compare.
In the following days, he genuinely experienced the gap between an outstanding student and an average one.
This rare feeling of falling behind fueled him with more motivation.
By Wednesday,
“Silver Wolf Knight” Camilla brought her study group to join in.
Wrestler Eagle, Lion Beast, Solo Sword Sheath, Deoxys, and Meow, under the envious gazes of the other golems, set out with Dak at five in the morning to the training ground.
Camilla, with Alvaraite’s permission, arrived early at the Duke’s Mansion to substitute for Alvaraite, who was busy with official duties, and took on the roles of sword instructor for Dak and Aurora.
As the training ground grew livelier, the learning atmosphere intensified.
Dak gradually realized that even with the golems joining, he was still the weakest.
Is it embarrassing to lose to his own golems?
Of course, it was embarrassing!
So Dak worked even harder.
At the end of June, he transformed his frustration into strength, achieving a breakthrough within less than a week!
Opening the third chakra—the Root Chakra—made his energy more abundant and his appearance more resolute.
His originally softer appearance due to age gained more masculinity.
Meanwhile, his swordsmanship finally progressed, and he wielded the sword properly.
…
But his comfort period ended here.
From the fourth chakra onwards, the difficulty increased exponentially.
According to Camilla, even with his talent, successfully opening the fourth chakra during the summer would be quite good.
Dak asked Alvaraite during dinner, and she confirmed it similarly.
He temporarily set aside the idea of reaching the peak.
Alvaraite leaned her chin on her hand after dinner and said, “Originally, I planned to teach you the complete method of the Tri-Armor Spell Formation after you opened the first chakra. But seeing how quickly you opened the first chakra, I couldn’t help but look forward to the second and third chakras, which delayed everything until now…”
“So that’s how it is.” Dak laughed dryly, “When will we start learning the Tri-Armor Spell Formation?”
Although he showed great interest during training, compared to golem conjuration, he still found breathing and swordsmanship tiresome.
Seeing her treasure so proactive, Alvaraite smiled and said, “It’s Saturday today, so let’s start the day after tomorrow. Sunday is perfect for summarizing three weeks of training.”
Dak was taken aback, “How do we summarize?”
Alvaraite explained slowly, “Of course, with a duel.”
…
“Duel…”
Dak lay on his bed, flipping through “World Tour,” feeling a little hesitant about dueling for the first time.
“Sss—”
A sudden sharp pain in his shoulder made him involuntarily emit a sound.
The force applied from behind slightly decreased.
“Master, are you still in pain?” Olivia asked with concern.
“Don’t mind me, continue,” Dak replied.
Olivia continued to apply the “Thousand Refinements Ointment” on his shoulders, back, waist, and legs, then channeled her energy through her hands, massaging him gently.
This scene had been going on for three weeks.
Every night before bed, Olivia would arrive promptly.
His rapid progress was partly due to the “Thousand Refinements Ointment” of the Gretebail Family.
Olivia slowly massaged from his shoulders to his back and then smiled, “What’s wrong, Master? Are you afraid of tomorrow’s duel?”
“I’m not afraid,” Dak narrowed his eyes involuntarily.
Olivia curiously asked, “Then why do you sigh?”
Dak slowly said, “I’m thinking about how I can avoid looking so miserable after losing.”
“Haha.” Olivia couldn’t help but laugh.
“Pain, pain, pain!” Dak cried out in pain instantly.
It turned out that Olivia had accidentally applied too much force.
Dak had always wondered why such slender fingers could exert such powerful strength. Now he finally knew.
Every maid in the Duke’s Mansion was proficient in both magic and martial arts, although the “magic” in “magi-weapon” referred to “magus”.
They all received personal training from Alvaraite in the use of “Armed Cards” and were at the peak of their seventh chakra, reaching the pinnacle of martial arts.
After lightening her touch, Olivia said, “Master, before battle, the most important thing is not to fear the enemy. Rest well tonight, and you might perform exceptionally well tomorrow.”
Dak rolled his eyes, “Exceptional? Exceeding the lower limit of normal?”
Olivia’s lips twitched, barely suppressing a laugh.
But she finally held herself back, “Actually, Master has opened three chakras. In the army, you are considered an elite soldier, a backbone force. So, there’s no need to belittle yourself.”
Dak responded, “An elite soldier is still just a soldier.”
Olivia countered, “But an elite soldier is stronger than a regular soldier.”
Dak said, “But my opponent is a monster beast.”
“Who would describe Miss Aurora like that?” Olivia continued pressing, “And your other opponents are also your golems, right?”
Seeing that she didn’t understand, Dak sighed, “If it were only Aurora and the Lion Beast, it would be fine, but there will be a special guest tomorrow.”
Olivia asked curiously, “Who?”
Dak looked listless, “Diana.”
…
“Eh? Can I go play with Dak tomorrow?”
In the bedroom of Lady Camilla, the Silver Wolf Knight of the Gretebail Family.
Diana lay beside her mother, kicking her little feet, pouting.
Although Camilla had successfully infiltrated the Duke’s Mansion, she hadn’t taken her to play yet.
The Viscount Gretebail was even more excessive, pulling her every day to practice this and that, never tiring of it.
She was a magus, not a warrior. It was truly unclear what good those practices were.
Duels couldn’t involve physical combat!
Moreover, it ruined her summer homework!
Forget it…
Summer homework could wait a couple more days.
Tomorrow, she could finally go play with Dak. Hehe!
…
Camilla watched her daughter happily playing alone, feeling proud despite the sadness of a girl being extroverted. Her daughter’s magical talent was strong, but her martial talent was even stronger.
If the limits of martial arts weren’t so far below those of magic, she would prefer her daughter to aim for the peak of martial arts.
For now, she could only focus on magic while trying to balance martial arts.
If possible, she hoped her daughter could become a Valkyrie like Alvaraite!
But to become a Valkyrie, one must craft a sufficiently powerful “Armed Card.”
She lacked expertise in this area, and few in the Gretebail Family possessed such high magical talent. Diana was already an extremely rare example.
“If only she could be apprenticed to Alvaraite…”
Camilla muttered.
She had specifically inquired about this matter a couple of days ago, but Alvaraite had no intention of taking an apprentice.
To receive a Valkyrie’s instruction, one must become their partner.
“Let things take their natural course,”
Camilla shook her head and sent her daughter away.
Diana hummed a song and ran back to her own bedroom.
She was very happy.
…
July 1st.
The scorching heat of summer intensified.
Today was also Sunday. After completing their weekend homework, the golems had free time.
A group of cute creatures held hands and arrived at today’s dueling venue—the indoor training ground!
Apart from them, the bored maids of the Duke’s Mansion, with permission from their respective maids-in-charge, sat on chairs outside.
Since it was a rare opportunity to see the master in a duel, they wouldn’t miss it.
When Dak and Aurora entered side by side, they found the training ground already packed.
This duel, which should have been private, seemed to spread uncontrollably throughout the Duke’s Mansion.
Even more frustrating was that as soon as he entered, the maids immediately put down their things and bowed in unison, “Good evening, Master!”
Quite impressive.
But this grandeur did nothing to change the fact that he was unlikely to win.
The golems gathered excitedly, the Vampire Noble raising her toes and waving at him, mimicking the maids, “Master, here, here.”
Dak felt awkward, recalling the days when the little cuties couldn’t pronounce words properly, calling him “Papa.”
Since she learned standard speech under Mrs. Cook’s guidance, she hadn’t called him “Daddy” anymore.
“Ah.”
Dak sighed deeply, feeling a father’s sense of loss watching his daughter grow distant.
But he kept moving forward and quickly reached the golems.
“Where are Deoxys and the others?” Dak scanned the crowd and asked.
The Vampire Noble squeezed between him and Aurora, grabbing his arm, “Deoxys and the others are with Teacher Camilla.”
“Are they here already?” Dak sat down stiffly on the bench and popped a candy into his mouth.
The participants besides him and Aurora included special guest Diana, the Golem Wrestler Eagle, Lion Beast, Deoxys, Meow, and Solo Sword Sheath.
In short, all of Camilla’s students were participating.
Under professional guidance, the golems trained diligently for three weeks, their growth speed not lagging behind Dak’s.
Upon learning the list of participants, Dak set himself a small goal: “Win if I’m not last!”
He carefully analyzed the situation.
Among all the opponents, the easiest to deal with were the three-star Wrestler Eagle and Meow.
Between these two, Wrestler Eagle was slightly weaker.
Most importantly, Wrestler Eagle’s hand was connected to its wings, reducing its punching speed due to air resistance from feathers.
Plus, it didn’t use a sword, giving Dak an advantage with weapons.
Of course, the real reason was that Meow was too strong!
With the ultimate skill “Technical Expert,” Meow mastered small techniques almost supernaturally.
Among Dak’s golems, even Solo Sword Sheath, who was a sword itself, improved slower than Meow in swordsmanship.
Even Alvaraite praised it highly, considering it a genius with a sword.
In comparison, “Hero” Deoxys and “Hero” Lion Beast fell short.
This made Deoxys very unsatisfied.
Dak saw it practicing sword every night.
Overall, except for Wrestler Eagle, he saw no hope of winning against the other contestants.
Thus, he wasn’t avoiding battle, but making a rational judgment.
In this situation, he wouldn’t force victory.
So besides his small goal, he was considering whether the golems could win in this duel.
Both Aurora and Diana were six-chakra masters, and once they went berserk, their basic power could surpass five-star Lion Beast.
Therefore, the outcome of this duel was uncertain.
…
As he pondered, the surrounding sounds paused momentarily.
Dak looked up and saw the strongest opponent—Diana—entering the training ground!
After three weeks apart, Diana seemed to have grown taller, and her face had lost some of its baby fat.
She rushed ahead of Camilla, entering the training ground without hesitation, looking around confidently.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she darted over like a cute deer, hopping and skipping.
Reaching Dak, she suddenly stopped, landing lightly on one foot, spinning around, and sitting cheerfully next to him.
“Diana is here!”
…
