[You have learned the first-tier lightning magic "Lightning Bolt".]

[You have learned the first-tier dark magic "Dark Blast".]

Derek noticed the prompt while flipping through his magic book and raised an eyebrow slightly.

Magic seemed pretty straightforward after all.

With the system’s help, he learned instantly—zero pressure.

Ah, learning brings joy~

Derek guessed this was how top students felt.

Proudly, he flipped through the book again.

[To learn the second-tier lightning magic "Arc", you must first raise your internal mana to second-tier level and master the first-tier "Lightning Bolt".]

Only then did Derek spot the experience notes behind his newly learned spells…

Skills:

Lightning Bolt: 0/10000 (Novice)

Dark Blast: 0/10000 (Novice)

…

Derek snapped the book shut. Learning wasn’t joyful at all.

School’s out. School’s out.

Yeah, Derek really wanted to leave—but he couldn’t.

He knew survival demanded strength.

The Duke’s mansion sprawled wide. A scenic courtyard lay ahead; behind stood various facilities, including a training arena.

Ordinary arenas were just empty fields. But Duke Wudewen’s? Never shabby.

A grand stone building stood there, shaped like a stadium from his past life. Inside, training gear filled every corner.

Derek picked a magic target, ready to practice.

First, one Lightning Bolt.

He took a deep breath, focused, channeled his mana, and chanted obscure syllables.

These chants—no book explained their origin. Derek had no clue.

Beginners needed them to build spell circuits and boost success rates.

Only veterans like Duke Wudewen cast without chanting.

But even he chanted for high-tier spells.

This reminded Derek of "Destiny"’s turn-based combat—mages often needed multiple turns to prep spells.

Blink. The chant ended. A bright flash. A baseball-sized lightning ball sparked to life in Derek’s palm.

He released it. The bolt shot forward, slammed into the target, and exploded into crackling sparks!

Sparks flew. Derek’s heart leaped.

Wow, pretty cool!

His passion for learning reignited.

He’d train hard tonight.

Three minutes later? Gone.

He wanted to keep firing—but his mana tanked after just a few bolts.

Made sense. In-game, first-tier characters barely had mana for basic spells.

Empty mana bar. Done.

Games were one thing. Reality?

Derek felt that familiar drain…

He was wiped. Weak.

He sat down to meditate immediately.

Cultivating magic might wreck his kidneys, he thought.

Derek didn’t know—beginners rarely succeeded on their first try. Casting flawlessly? That was genius-level rare.

…

Derek opened his eyes. Dusk had fallen. Magic cultivation wasn’t easy.

Moderation mattered too.

Feeling recovered, he headed back to his room.

Inside, Teresia was delivering dinner.

Skilled as ever, she closed the door the moment she entered.

Derek expected her to serve food—but she stood quietly before him instead.

"Young Master Derek, Xinzel told me what happened today. Thank you for saving me from Duke Wudewen again."

Teresia’s voice held sincere gratitude.

She’d heard of the Duke’s cruelty—but never felt it.

Now she had.

Innocent, yet blamed for nothing. Duke Wudewen was brutal.

Compared to him, Young Master Derek—who saved others and secretly fought the Duke—was truly great!

Her bright eyes shone with pure admiration.

Derek felt that burning gaze. Xinzel must’ve talked. Teresia’s dull nature wouldn’t catch on alone.

"Enough."

Derek replied coldly.

He wanted to warn her to stay careful—but his cursed mouth might twist his words. Better keep it brief.

His coldness only deepened Teresia’s admiration.

So selfless! Saving her, then brushing it off.

And he shared delicious food daily. She’d never share like that!

Young Master Derek was too kind!

She had to repay him properly.

"Young Master Derek, do you have worries? Can I help you with anything?"

Teresia’s gaze grew fervent.

Derek sensed her eagerness. Strange—but he thought carefully.

His mouth was uncontrollable. Teresia caused trouble easily. Caution was key.

Worries? He had plenty. She couldn’t help most.

Then he recalled his bold words in Duke Wudewen’s room—he’d "handle" Teresia someday.

Was tonight that chance?

He wouldn’t actually do anything. The curse forbade it.

But Duke Wudewen was dangerous. He had to pretend.

Teresia was in a good mood. Perfect timing.

"Tonight, come to my room. Stay overnight."

Derek’s face stayed blank.

Honestly? He was nervous. Those words sounded way too suggestive!

Teresia agreed instantly. "Okay!"

Her readiness stunned him.

Why did she look… excited?!

Derek felt cheated.

Teresia didn’t overthink it.

Young Master Derek had reasons—like always.

He was a good person. No harm would come. Why worry?

She got to help him! What a chance to repay him.

After agreeing, dinner time came.

Teresia knew his tastes and portions. She split the food fast and started eating.

Derek stared, disbelieving.

This Holy Lady—invited to a boy’s room overnight—showed zero nerves.

Agreed, then dug in. Was her heart truly pure as blank paper?

Sensing his gaze, Teresia turned, chewing meat. "Mm… Young Master Derek, eat. Why stare?"

Derek sighed inwardly. He cut a beef slice and popped it in his mouth.

"Yeah. Eat well. Tonight in your room, we’ll both have energy to… work."

Hearing the Holy Lady’s bold words, Derek nearly spat out his food…