Yesterday Derek was still sore all over. But as morning light spilled in, he bounced back full of energy.

It wasn’t his recovery that was amazing—this world had alchemical potions to erase fatigue.

The potion cost a bit, but no matter…

He had money!

Derek sighed inwardly: having cash was truly great, and rich patrons mattered~

After breakfast, he fired a few shots at the magical targets in the courtyard, then slipped into meditation.

When he opened his eyes again, a familiar face greeted him—Xinzel.

A chill ran down Derek’s spine. Sure enough…

“Young Master Derek, let’s continue physical combat training.”

Hiss—he sucked in a sharp breath.

Memories of yesterday’s agony flooded back. To endure it again today?

Truth was, as a mage prodigy, Derek could’ve dominated the world with spells alone. Why had he ever craved physical training?

Regret was pointless now. Derek vowed: the moment Xinzel said “class dismissed,” he’d nod instantly.

But that chance vanished forever—impressed by Derek’s grit, Xinzel stopped interrupting him, silently cheering him on instead.

As Derek collapsed, utterly spent, the crowd witnessed another awe-inspiring moment of his sheer willpower.

Xinzel carried him back and gently laid him on the bed.

Sophia longed to handle this “corpse retrieval,” but with so many watching, she dared not act openly.

Still, she fantasized about every possible move she could make in this situation.

The girl offered another fulfilling, beautiful prayer today~

…

Derek hadn’t woken yet. The three gathered in the hall after finishing work.

Xinzel poured black tea for the two adorable juniors.

Teresia gulped hers down, barely tasting it.

Sophia sipped lightly. Comfortable here while Derek lay exhausted from training, she worried and asked, “Uncle Xinzel, why push Young Master Derek so hard?”

To her, his daily persistence was already outstanding—no need to overdo it.

Xinzel took a sip, his gaze deeply respectful. “Young Master Derek has a firm goal. And… he has a powerful rival in his heart.”

“A rival?” Teresia frowned, confused.

“Duke Wudewen. Young Master Derek has been hiding his true self, secretly opposing the Duke all along.”

Xinzel sighed, recalling past events.

“But his brilliant mind alone can’t defeat the cruel, mighty Duke Wudewen. So he desperately seeks strength.”

“Duke Wudewen? Disgusting!” Sophia muttered coldly.

Not that she hated the Duke much—without him, Young Master Derek would have more time to play happily with her.

Thinking of joyful playtime with him, she sipped her tea again, cooling her restless heart.

“Huh? I thought it was that Witch Cult?” Teresia asked, puzzled.

“What’s the Witch Cult?” Sophia leaned in curiously.

Xinzel stiffened. “Teresia, how do you know that?!”

“Young Master Derek told me. He said an evil group called the Witch Cult exists—they’re truly wicked.”

“Young Master Derek?! So that’s it…” Xinzel exhaled slowly, a flicker of understanding dawning.

As a former Gold Rank Assassin of the Assassins Guild, he knew of the Witch Cult.

If that was Derek’s target, this brutal training made sense.

Seeing the Duke’s methods before, he’d suspected ties to the Witch Cult.

Now Derek’s words confirmed it.

He’d thought Derek aimed to topple the Duke—but no… The Witch Cult’s terror was real.

Just imagining those fanatics chilled him.

Derek targeting them? That resolve was truly admirable!

“Uncle Xinzel, what exactly is the Witch Cult?” Sophia pressed, more confused by their exchange.

“The Witch Cult? I don’t know details—only rumors that this organization…”

…

After Xinzel’s account, both maids turned pale.

But remembering Derek’s resolve against such foes, Sophia rallied her courage.

She’d help her god!

“Uncle Xinzel, train me too! I want to aid Young Master Derek!”

“Me too!” Teresia raised her hand.

Derek’s words echoed—she was special!

Fire burned in their hearts!

But their passion faded fast…

Sophia couldn’t grasp the profound Nightchant Combat Technique.

Teresia hadn’t awakened magic yet, but could start physical drills.

After a moment, she quit.

Not from tiredness—just…

Hunger.

An empty stomach hurt so much!

Young Master Derek must’ve felt this too during training!

Though Teresia misunderstood the real hell, she’d tasted a slice of Derek’s suffering.

Both girls abandoned physical training quickly.

Derek wouldn’t be surprised.

Sophia’s potential was only R-rank. Teresia, an SSR-rank talent, wasn’t built for combat—forcing it wasted effort. Better to focus elsewhere.

Perhaps realizing this, the next day, while Derek trained, Sophia practiced her waterball spells nearby.

Derek barely noticed her. Something felt off…

His teacher Xinzel had doubled down!

Couldn’t he see how exhausted Derek was?

How cruel!

Sensing Derek’s “determined” glare again, Xinzel understood perfectly.

Young Master Derek demanded discipline—he’d match that rigor!

Derek’s training grew even more agonizing…

Xinzel taught. Derek drilled. Sophia practiced. Teresia felt empty—everyone was busy without her!

She decided to act.

Glancing at Derek practicing thrusts:

Physical training?

No no no—her stomach would revolt!

Teresia rubbed her belly nervously, then looked at Sophia.

A waterball burst on the magic target, sparkling beautifully.

Her eyes lit up. New passion ignited!

She’d awaken her magic too!