CHAPTER 208: LUCAN’S STOMACH ACHE

[Precisely, Master!] Lumi excitedly agreed. [Perfect for surprise attacks or running away!]

Orion chuckled, satisfied with the skill’s immediate integration into his arsenal. Next, he gently withdrew the Sword-Aura Resonance Stone from his inventory, its surface smooth and cool against his palm.

The stone emitted a faint but tangible hum, resonating subtly with his mana channels. Carefully, Orion closed his eyes, gently probing the stone’s aura with his senses, examining its intricate resonance.

’Hmm...,’ Orion thoughtfully murmured, his eyes reopening after a moment of contemplation. ’This resonance... it’s meant to guide and sharpen comprehension of Sword Aura, but I’ll wait until Edgar formally begins my training before fully utilizing it.’

Lumi cheerfully concurred, clearly excited about future progress.

[Very wise, Master! You should definitely combine it with Edgar’s lessons for the best results!]

Orion carefully returned the stone to his inventory, his expression turning thoughtful as he reviewed the remaining treasures once more.

He mentally discussed potential uses and timing for each item with Lumi, ensuring maximum benefit for his growth and the overall prosperity of Limitless Heaven.

Feeling refreshed and ready, Orion finally rose from his bed, heading toward the training grounds behind the mansion. Peak afternoon sunlight cast warm, golden hues over the meticulously maintained gardens and expansive training field.

The pleasant scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers filled the air, gently calming his mind further.

Without delay, Orion began rigorously practicing the newly learned Wood Element spells. His mana flowed effortlessly through his channels, the newly formed Wood Affinity Rune boosting his spellcasting efficiency significantly.

First, Orion summoned the Verdant Shield, vibrant vines and leaves quickly emerging to form a resilient, protective barrier. He tested its strength and flexibility, satisfied by its defensive potential.

Next, he swiftly transitioned into practicing Entangling Roots, controlling sturdy, flexible roots to erupt from the earth and entangle imaginary opponents. The roots moved precisely at his mental direction, firmly demonstrating their immobilizing power.

Lastly, Orion extensively practiced Nature’s Grasp, smoothly manipulating nearby vegetation, lifting and maneuvering various training objects across the field. His control grew steadily more precise, each repetition enhancing his mana efficiency and spellcasting speed.

He then focused on the second-tier and third-tier spells, testing his limits as he cast the Tier 3 spell multiple times with minimal drain on his mana.

He also tried the Nine-Step Quake, taking a single step, then accelerating until he finished the ninth step. His body paused as he felt 10% of his mana drain at once. However, the boost in speed he gained was enough to compete with someone at the Fifth Tier of Awakening level.

Hours passed unnoticed as Orion immersed himself deeply in spell training, thoroughly enjoying the quiet, steady progress.

Finally, as the sun began descending from the sky, bathing everything in late afternoon sunlight, he ceased training, satisfied with the day’s productivity.

Returning indoors, Orion headed straight for the baths to cleanse away the sweat and dirt accumulated during his intense practice.

Entering the spacious bathing chamber, he immediately saw Rina and Fiora patiently awaiting his arrival, their gentle smiles welcoming and comforting.

Rina immediately approached, her eyes bright and cheerful. "Welcome back, Master! Shall we help you freshen up?"

Orion chuckled softly, "You guys entered the bathroom directly? But very well, thank you both."

The warm bathwater relaxed Orion deeply, washing away the lingering fatigue. As they assisted him, Orion casually asked with genuine curiosity, "So, what did you two do during the day?"

Rina’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she replied happily, "We trained a lot today, Master! Afterward, Fiora and I spent some time reading books in the mansion’s library and also headed out of the mansion to the market in the Fourth Ring to buy some stuff. It was quite fun—we learned a lot!"

Fiora gently nodded beside her, softly adding, "Yes, M-Master. There are so many interesting books to read. And there was a l-lot of good food in the market. It was a g-good day." At the mention of food, her face took a shade of pink due to the large amount she had eaten during the day.

She glanced at Rina with a pleading gaze to not tell Orion about it, as it was embarrassing. Rina giggled and nodded her head.

Orion’s expression softened further, his heart warmed by their enthusiastic progress. "I’m truly glad to hear it. Continue working hard—you both make me proud."

The girls exchanged pleased smiles, clearly delighted by Orion’s praise and encouragement. After finishing the relaxing bath, Orion dressed comfortably and stepped out, heading toward the mansion’s gardens to look for Edgar.

As expected, Edgar was easy to find, calmly enjoying the lingering warmth of the early evening sunlight.

Hearing Orion’s approach, Edgar opened his eyes, a warm smile immediately forming. "Young Master, done with your training already?"

Orion nodded with a satisfied expression, settling comfortably beside Edgar. "Yes, Uncle Edgar. Today was quite productive—I managed to master a few new spells. Now I’m quite proficient in Wood Spells."

Edgar smiled appreciatively, a subtle glint of pride evident in his calm eyes. He shifted slightly in his relaxed posture, clearly interested. "The Wood Element, hmm? That’s excellent, Young Master. It will greatly complement your existing abilities, particularly with your fighting style."

Orion smiled in return, glancing toward the softly glowing horizon, painted in gentle hues of orange and violet. The evening breeze whispered gently through the neatly trimmed bushes and vibrant flowerbeds surrounding them.

Orion’s voice softened with genuine curiosity as he asked, "What about tomorrow, Uncle Edgar? You mentioned earlier about progressing beyond the basics of swordsmanship. How exactly will we be training? Any special methods in mind?"

Edgar’s smile deepened enigmatically as he calmly shook his head. His eyes sparkled slightly with quiet amusement as he replied mysteriously, "Ah, Young Master, tomorrow’s training is a surprise. Trust me, it will be far more effective if you experience it directly without prior knowledge."

Orion raised an eyebrow, mildly amused by Edgar’s unusual secrecy. "Now you have me intrigued. Alright then, I trust you, Uncle Edgar. I’ll look forward to whatever you have planned."

Edgar chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the brief air of mystery he’d created. A comfortable silence settled around them once more, filled only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of distant birds returning to their nests.

After a peaceful moment, Orion suddenly remembered Lucan’s earlier presence, glancing curiously around the garden. "Speaking of which, Uncle Edgar, where did Brother Lucan disappear to? Wasn’t he here with you in the morning?"

Edgar’s lips curled lightly into a knowing smile as he nodded toward the front gate of the mansion grounds. "That brat Lucan mentioned he was feeling hungry and stepped out briefly. He should be returning any moment now."

Orion’s expression turned into mild amusement, shaking his head gently as he rose from his comfortable seat. "Always about food with him, isn’t it?"

As if summoned by their conversation, Lucan suddenly appeared, walking leisurely toward them with a freshly grilled meat skewer in his hand, casually savoring every bite.

His relaxed and satisfied expression clearly reflected his enjoyment of the food, seemingly oblivious to their mildly amused gazes.

Orion and Edgar exchanged knowing looks, simultaneously shaking their heads in mild disbelief at Lucan’s contrasting behaviors—lazy during everything but exceptionally active when it came to food.