Chapter 31 : Training Progress
It had already been ten days since their training began. The members of the Shadow Clan guild continued their rigorous practice, aiming to master the fundamentals essential for survival.
Raven had already learned the basic Shadow Steps of the guild, something many others were still struggling to grasp even after days of effort. His natural talent and determination had put him ahead of the pack.
Ethan, Raven's friend who had also made impressive progress, approached him. "So, when do you plan to challenge the tutorial room? A lot of people are planning to attempt it soon."
"Yes, I've been thinking about it," Raven replied. "What about you? When do you plan to challenge it?"
"I'll take some more time," Ethan admitted with a sheepish grin. "I'm not very used to Shadow Steps yet. Still feels awkward."
Raven nodded. "It's better to be comfortable with it before you attempt the tutorial room. Rushing in would just be reckless."
Ethan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, you're right. Gotta make sure I'm prepared."
Raven's mind wandered as he glanced at the instructor, who was training on his own. The instructor moved with precision and grace, his techniques far more advanced than anything Raven had seen so far. Whatever he was using, it looked far more effective than the basic Shadow Steps.
Driven by curiosity and ambition, Raven approached the instructor. "I've already learned Shadow Steps, instructor. Teach me something new."
The instructor glanced at him with a mildly impressed expression. "You should practice it a bit more. Even though Shadow Steps is one of the basics, it's not something you should look down on. If you've truly learned it properly, you should be able to clear the tutorial room with ease."
"But if you want to learn more," the instructor continued, his tone growing firmer, "you first have to clear that tutorial room. After that, once you officially join our guild, we will teach you more advanced techniques."
Raven nodded, his expression calm but his thoughts already racing. "Understood."
He had no intention of joining the guild, at least not yet. But he needed to master everything he could while he was here.
---
Meanwhile, at the Frostguard Guild training grounds, Aurelia had already accomplished something most of the trainees could only dream of—she had successfully opened her first mana circle. While others were still struggling with the basics, her sharp intellect allowed her to grasp the theories and effectively apply them to her body.
The first mana circle was established within her abdomen, but Aurelia was not satisfied with just that. She was already working on connecting mana to her heart and brain, determined to push her abilities even further.
Her mastery over theory and practical application made her stand out among the others. But her talent wasn't the only thing setting her apart—her ambition and cunning were equally powerful.
During her time with the Frostguard Guild, Aurelia had already met her companions, those who worked under her at her management company. Whether it was through offering guidance or sharing her knowledge, she was quick to assist them in any way she could. But her help was never purely out of kindness.
Aurelia had always been good at assessing people, knowing who held potential and who could be useful to her. By helping everyone around her, she was skillfully maintaining her image as a capable and dependable leader—someone they could rely on. In doing so, she was subtly building a network of allies loyal to her.
To her, this was all part of a greater strategy. In this unfamiliar world, power and influence would be the keys to survival and dominance. And Aurelia Ashfall intended to claim them both.
---
In the Blood Blade guild, Lyra and Seraphine pushed themselves to their limits over the past ten days. Their motivation burned fiercely within them — they had someone to take revenge on, but to achieve that, they needed strength. Much greater strength.
The Blood Blade guild attracted many who fancied swordsmanship, and among the trainees, there were those who were already stronger and more skilled than them. But even so, Lyra and Seraphine managed to keep up, surpassing many others in sheer determination. Their bodies were soaked in sweat, their muscles aching but steadily strengthening. Their already beautiful physiques had improved even more, the rigorous training enhancing their strength and agility.
Their striking appearance — Lyra's white hair and Seraphine's crimson hair — coupled with their refined figures, drew many eyes. Some admired them, while others looked at them with lustful gazes. But neither of them paid any attention to the admiration or the envy. Their goal was singular and absolute: to learn everything they could and grow stronger.
During a break, Seraphine glanced at her stats.
STATS
SERAPHINE ASHFALL
LEVEL: 9
STRENGTH: 90
SPEED: 85
ENDURANCE: 80
IQ: 80
ABILITY: QUEEN'S EYES (SSS)
She had figured out the leveling system. To increase her level, she needed to max out her strength, speed, and endurance. Only then would her level rise, while her IQ remained the same. However, despite her rapid progress, there were still many ahead of her.
Curious, Seraphine activated her ability, Queen's Eyes, and looked at Lyra's stats.
STATS
LYRA CROSS
LEVEL: 10
STRENGTH: 20
SPEED: 40
ENDURANCE: 80
IQ: 79
ABILITY: NONE
Lyra was progressing well, her endurance especially impressive. But Seraphine knew they still had a long way to go. They trained until exhaustion, refusing to slow down even when their bodies screamed for rest.
After finishing another grueling day of training, the two headed straight back to their room. Many approached them along the way, trying to speak with them or gain their attention. But they ignored everyone.
Their dedication was absolute. They only left their room for training. Even their meals were often delivered to their door, sometimes by Raven or one of Grim's subordinates.
Now, their training for the day was over, and they locked themselves inside their room once more, their minds focused solely on growing stronger.
---
Lyra and Seraphine were already inside their room, exhausted from the grueling training. Their bodies glowed with a refined beauty that had only grown more striking over the past ten days. Their skin appeared smoother and whiter than before, gleaming with a subtle radiance that spoke of newfound strength. The training had sculpted their physiques into something beautiful yet powerful, their presence now radiating an aura of strength.
Lyra's white hair cascaded down her shoulders like silk, framing her delicate yet determined features. Her black eyes held a fierce glint, sharp and focused, yet gentle when she allowed herself to relax. She wore casual, comfortable clothes, a refreshing change from her usual training attire, yet even in simplicity, her beauty was captivating.
Seraphine's crimson hair shimmered like flames under the room's light, the deep red strands flowing elegantly over her shoulders. Her golden eyes held a fiery determination that matched her beauty, the intensity within them undimmed by fatigue. She, too, had changed into casual clothes, her slender yet toned body exuding elegance and strength.
Aurelia soon entered the room, her presence immediately filling the space with warmth. Her own crimson hair glowed like royalty, and her golden eyes sparkled with affection and concern. Her graceful beauty was undeniable, radiating an aura of authority and charm that made her seem almost ethereal.
"Are you both okay?" Aurelia asked softly, her voice gentle as she gazed at them with genuine concern.
"Yes, we're fine, just tired," Lyra replied, her voice soft but firm. A tired smile formed on her lips, and her eyes softened as she looked at Aurelia.
"We're pushing ourselves hard, but we're improving," Seraphine added, her golden eyes glinting with determination even as her shoulders relaxed.
Aurelia smiled, her lips curving into a gentle expression of pride. "You're both doing well. Keep pushing forward, but don't exhaust yourselves to the point of breaking. We have a long road ahead of us."
The three of them chatted casually, sharing their experiences and growth over the past ten days. To Lyra and Seraphine, Aurelia already felt like family—a sister and mother figure they could rely on. In their minds, Grim and Aurelia had already taken the roles of the father and mother figures they lacked in this new world.
A few moments later, Raven entered the room. His white hair, slightly disheveled from training, only added to his rugged handsomeness. His black eyes gleamed with determination and curiosity as he greeted them.
"Hey, everyone," Raven said, flashing a charming smile. "I think I'm strong enough to challenge the tutorial room now."
Seraphine's golden eyes immediately narrowed with interest. She activated her ability to see his stats.
STATS:
Raven Cross
LEVEL: 24
STRENGTH: 80
SPEED: 49
ENDURANCE: 100
IQ: 89
ABILITY: ??
Satisfied with his progress, Seraphine nodded with approval. "You've grown stronger, Raven. I think you can clear the tutorial room without a problem."
Aurelia spoke with calm confidence, her golden eyes glinting with wisdom. "If you believe you're ready, then go for it. But remember, there are many challenges ahead, and this is only the beginning."
Raven nodded with determination. "Yeah, I'll challenge it in a day or two. But... Sister-in-law, do you think there's a way I can learn more techniques? The ones they're teaching us now, I've already mastered them, but they won't teach me anything more until I join their guild or clear the tutorial room."
Aurelia's lips curved into a slight smile, her beauty even more captivating when she looked pleased. "Alright, I'll find something for you. I'll visit the library tomorrow and see what I can bring back. For now, focus on building your physical strength. Once you clear the tutorial room, I'll teach you something new."
Raven's black eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Sister-in-law. I appreciate it."
Meanwhile, Seraphine glanced at Aurelia and used her ability to see her stats.
STATS:
Aurelia Ashfall
LEVEL: 12
STRENGTH: 50
SPEED: 20
ENDURANCE: 100
MANA: 70
IQ: 100
ABILITY: NONE
Seraphine's eyes flickered with curiosity and admiration. "Sister, you're growing stronger fast. How are you maintaining your endurance level so well?"
Aurelia stiffened slightly at the question, her cheeks reddening just a little, but she managed to keep her expression calm. She knew what Seraphine was asking about, and the truth was... rather private. Her time with Grim was definitely a factor, but she couldn't just say that.
Aurelia gave a soft laugh. "That's... a secret. I'll tell you later."
Seraphine chuckled and shook her head, trusting Aurelia completely. "Alright, you can tell me when you're ready."
Aurelia's expression softened as she glanced at them all. "You three should rest for now. I have some things to take care of, and I'll also check on Grim. Just relax here and save your energy."
"Got it," Raven replied, his tone relaxed.
"Take care, Sister-in-law," Lyra added with a gentle smile.
Aurelia nodded and gracefully left the room, her crimson hair swaying behind her.