Recalling last night's gathering and the events that had ensued, Emery felt restless about his lack of strength. After thinking about the matter for a while, he still couldn't find a solution, so he took a quick nap.

There were three more days remaining until the second game began. Gathering his thoughts, Emery quickly left his room and headed towards the training grounds, as planned. There, he immediately went to the wooden puppets and swiftly began the training of the day.

Clank! Clank! Clank!

Sounds of metal clashing metal resounded through the place, as Emery was fighting the level 7 puppet. It has only been a little while, since he had started fighting this puppet, and Emery wasn't able to defeat it yet. Every slash from the sword and dagger in Emery's hands sent sweat to the floor.

Emery tried and gave his best to beat the level 7 puppet, as his thoughts were concentrated on the preparation for the second game.

URGH!

A loud sound was heard, as Emery's stomach was hit by the blunt side of the sword used by the puppet. Emery fell to the ground, holding his stomach.

[You failed to defeat the level 7 wooden puppet]

Lying on the floor of the training ground, even though sweats covered his entire body and Emery still felt pain on his stomach, he felt some kind of joy sprouting in his heart.

If the reason Emery had previously trained so hard, like a crazy person, was to get stronger in his endeavor of taking revenge, this time, he felt a different kind of feeling. Of course, he still wished to get stronger to defeat his opponent, it was just his motivation had changed along the way.

It was indeed true the marauders were no longer his match, the current Emery could easily annihilate them in the blink of an eye. However, there were still others like granny and the Knights of the Divine Order he needed to face when he returned.

However this time, after winning the first stage of the game and learning about the objective of the second stage, Emery knew the reason he was excited was, not only because of the massive rewards. It was becoming increasingly clear to him that he really wanted to best these acolytes.

This morning, Emery realized he had found a new meaning in his life, besides his desire of vengeance. It was his competitive passion to grow stronger.

Emery quickly rose up from the ground, determined to face the puppet until he managed to defeat it. Alas, before he could do that, Emery was startled by a notification that suddenly appeared on his palm.

[You have received a new message!]

[Emery. It's me, Magus Xion. I have just returned from a mission, when I heard you were looking for me. Is it about the second game? If so, come and find me. I also have something for you.]

"Finally!" Emery exclaimed loudly when he saw the message. He then quickly took a shower and wore a new uniform, before he rushed to the Institute of Darkness.

On his way, Emery realized the symbol could also be used for sending messages to others. That could be very useful in so many situations, but still, it must have been a very complex magic spell to learn. Therefore, instead of that, Emery reminded himself to find a spell that would help him send a message to others, just like the one Klea had. That would really come in handy

Not long after, Emery arrived at the Institute of Darkness. He swiftly went to Magus Xion's residence. When he reached the residence, Emery spotted Magus Xion practicing his swordplay in the courtyard.

Magus Xion, who noticed Emery entering the courtyard, beckoned him to come over.

"Come, Emery. Draw your sword and join me in the practice. Let me see if you have made any improvement, or you have been lazing around when I was not here."

Emery, being a teenager, would surely love to show off his progress during his training at Lord Izta's palace. Emery quickly took out the sword the magus had given to him and began to cast the [Dark Infusion] spell. Darkish substance materialized and enveloped the sword as Emery started fighting against the magus.

Clank! Clank! Clank!

"I see that your sword skills have improved, Emery. As well as your physique. Not bad..." Magus Xion said, while still swinging his sword.

Receiving the magus's sword, Emery smiled and replied, "I want to show you something new, Master."

After saying that, Emery swiftly focused his attention to his spirit core. If one could look through Emery's body, they would notice the spirit core inside him churned and channeled vigorous spirit energy to several pulse points.

BOOM!

[Immortal Gate - stage 2]

[Battle power increased by 4]

A blast of wind suddenly emerged from Emery, startling and pushing Magus Xion a step back. This time, thanks to the battle art technique, Emery's battle power significantly increased, breaking through the 40 mark.

[Battle power 41]

Stabilizing his body, the sudden burst of power was enough to surprise Magus Xion. Taking advantage of the situation, Emery immediately zoomed towards the magus and used [Heroic Slash]. The sword in Emery's hand glowed briefly, before Emery swung it downwards, creating a crescent-shaped slash that ferociously flew towards the magus.

Receiving Emery's attack head on, Magus Xion felt the attack this time was stronger than before. It was made apparent by the step backs the magus took. But of course, it still couldn't break the magus' defense yet.

When Emery saw that his [Heroic Slash] could only push Magus Xion a few steps away, he immediately pursued the magus and launched a flurry of attacks. Thanks to the enhancement brought by the battle art technique, Emery managed to give Magus Xion a few problems.

After some time passed sparring, the magus suddenly stopped for a moment. Emery, who already swung his sword was startled by the sudden stop, he then swiftly somersaulted in the air to alter the sword's trajectory.

Landing on the grass, Emery asked, "What's wrong, master?"

Flashing a smile at this disciple of his, Magus Xion replied, "Emery, watch this."

The magus held his sword in both hands and raised it high in the air. The black layer from the [Dark Infusion] spell, that previously enveloped the sword, now swiftly engulfed his entire body.

The instant Magus Xion's body was completely shrouded by it, Emery immediately felt a change of pressure in the air. The sudden shift stifled him, as he looked at Magus Xion closely. The magus then swiftly did a heavy downwards slash toward his side.

A pitch black energy slash appeared and cut straight to the distance, leaving a deep mark on the ground up to a hundred meters away. The slash was so extraordinary it left Emery completely dumbfounded.

After the magus showed the skill, Magus Xion turned towards Emery. "This is my own self-created skill, a sword battle art that imbues the attack with darkness magic, [Shadow Edge]. You are calling me your master, but I never actually taught you any skill. Do you want to learn this?" Magus Xion asked with a smile.

Emery immediately nodded quickly with pitiful eyes.

"Hahaha! Of course you want it. Unfortunately, with your current power, you cannot learn this. Not yet" Magus Xion replied, while laughing. "But, we can maybe try it when you reach rank 7 or 8 acolyte."

"You shouldn't have shown it to me then." Emery said, his expression sullen.

Seeing his disciple's expression, Magus Xion laughed even more loud, "Hahaha! Let's talk inside." Magus Xion said, while walking towards the house. He then suddenly turned around and asked, "Do you have tea in your world?"

"Tea?" Emery asked, confused.

Waving his hand, Magus Xion said, "Just come in. Let's talk about your preparation for the second game."

Emery nodded and followed the magus. The two of them then sat in the living room. Magus Xion immediately brought a set of instruments and began to brew green leaves. After a while, Magus Xion gave Emery a cup filled with the brewed water.

Looking at the cup with interest, he seemed to have read about this in some book at the palace library, but never knew what it was like. Emery drank the tea and felt a refreshing sensation coursing through his body. He then shifted his gaze toward the green leaves placed in the jar.

[Analyze]

[Camellia Leaf - Tier 1]

[A leaf collected from a plant found mostly in tropical environment]

List of benefits of the plant came out thanks to his [Universal Flora Knowledge]. Skimming through the list, Emery found the plant was quite useful, but it was not strong enough to create any strong potions. He then returned his attention to the room and enjoyed this moment of drinking tea in serenity.

Moments later, Magus Xion suddenly asked him a question, breaking the calm. "Who taught you that battle art technique, Emery?"

Emery thought of the answer for a second. Initially, Lord Izta was being so secretive about them, judging from the way he invited Emery and the others to his palace. The whole attitude showed as if Lord Izta didn't want to let someone know about their connection.

However, it shouldn't be a problem now that Lord Izta had let them use his place freely, as if it was their own. Despite that, Emery still hesitated if he should or should not tell Magus Xion about this.

Moments later, Emery made his decision and told Magus Xion the truth. After all, the man itself was his master and could be trusted.

"The one who taught me is one of the Combat Institute's combat magus champions, Lord Izta."

"Ahh?! That Mad Man?!!" Magus Xion exclaimed. "Emery, you are very fortunate. Magus Izta is a renowned fighter in the academy. Well, if only he didn't have his weird imaginary friend. Anyway, it's quite surprising to know about this. Lord Izta has never really shown any interest in any acolyte before, let alone personally."

"Actually… It wasn't only me, master. My friends, who are from my same world, are also under his tutelage." Emery replied, while scratching his head.

After saying that, Emery noticed Magus Xion's expression had slightly change.

"What is it, master? Anything wrong?"

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