THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

The last two months passed in a whirlwind, days and nights blending into one relentless march of training, breakthroughs, and preparation. David had devoted himself to the study of mana and aura, going back to the fundamentals and pushing beyond them.

He spent countless hours poring over ancient tomes, delving into theories that tested his intellect and determination. From dawn until the stars reappeared in the velvet sky, he practiced tirelessly in the training fields, perfecting his battle techniques and forging new ways to merge his understanding of the arcane and the martial.

Sweat soaked his tunic each day, and bruises mapped his body like a constellation of progress, each mark a testament to his relentless pursuit of power only for his physique to kick in.

Seraphina and Katrina, too, had undergone their own transformative journeys. With David's skill,

Sacred Essence Cultivation

, they surged past their previous limitations, shattering through to the next cultivation stage. The energy that coursed through their veins became more refined, their strength almost palpable, glowing beneath their skin like molten gold.

Seraphina's dark eyes, once filled with quiet mystery, now glimmered with newfound power and confidence. Katrina, on the other hand, balanced her fierceness with an aura of calm resilience, her gentle demeanour hiding the tempest of her growth.

Vivian and Shay, steadfast and determined, had chosen to support David in their own way. They took up the blade, training side by side until their movements were as synchronized as twin flames.

The two had become duelists, advancing quickly to the rank of first-level swordsmen. Their bond with David deepened, not just through camaraderie but through their shared purpose on the battlefield. The sight of their blades cutting through the air, leaving arcs of silver light, became a daily spectacle that inspired admiration and awe.

Amid the fervent preparations, David had called in the first of the three requests promised by his father. His voice, steady and resolute, had conveyed a request that carried significant weight: the family's country mansion in Valemir County. To his surprise, the Earl agreed without hesitation, an enigmatic smile crossing his face as if he were silently commending David's foresight.

The mansion, nestled within the heart of Valemir County, the capital of the Solarian Empire, was now his. It was a place that spoke of legacy, steeped in the history of the De Gor bloodline. Its stone walls held secrets as old as the family itself.

With the mansion secured, plans were set in motion. Katrina, Shay, and Vivian gave their resignations from their posts, the news met with whispered curiosity and murmurs throughout the castle. They were ready to leave for Valemir, where the mansion awaited them, standing tall amidst lush, sprawling gardens that promised both seclusion and grandeur. It would be the seat of David's future endeavors—a haven, a fortress, and a testament to the path he was carving with every drop of sweat and blood.

Present day arrived with the sun casting a warm golden glow over the De Gor Le Rosa estate. David stood at the entrance of the grand mansion, its towering facade etched with intricate carvings that caught the morning light. The air was cool, tinged with the scent of dew-kissed roses and ancient stone.

He had only one day left before his departure to Lysora County, but today was not meant for idle farewells. No, today held a far more important purpose: a conversation long overdue with Elder La Muerte.

The elder was shrouded in an air of enigma, her presence at the manor both a comfort and a warning. She was the keeper of secrets, some of which had haunted the old David and now loomed over him like a shadow. As he stepped into the mansion, the memories of the old David stirred within him, the remnants of a past life flickering like the last embers of a dying fire.

His expression was stoic, but beneath it was a storm of determination. He would confront her, not just for himself, but to fulfill a promise made to the boy who once feared the truth.

David's boots echoed in the hall as he approached the chamber where Elder La Muerte resided, its doors carved with symbols older than memory. A chill ran down his spine as he reached out and pushed them open, the air inside heavy with the scent of parchment and old magic.

Elder La Muerte sat at a large, ornately carved desk, her dark robes pooling around her like the wings of a raven. Her gaze lifted, sharp and penetrating, as David entered.

"David," she greeted, her voice smooth and deep, carrying the weight of centuries. "To what do I owe this visit?" Discover exclusive content at mvl

He stepped forward, his jaw set. "There are truths you've hidden from me—truths that I feared but never uncovered. I'm here to learn them, and to claim what was taken from me."

Her eyes narrowed, a spark of interest lighting their depths. "And you believe yourself ready to bear the burden of such knowledge?"

"I do," he replied, the air crackling with his resolve. "And more than that, I intend to take Angelica from the House of Executioners. She will serve under me, and, in time, her heart will belong to me."

A silence hung between them, heavy with unspoken words. Elder La Muerte's expression shifted, the faintest hint of a smile playing on her lips as if she had been waiting for this moment.

David's eyes locked onto Elder La Muerte with an intensity that sent a ripple through the room. The elder's expression tightened, her curiosity piqued by the fire in his gaze.

What changed in this boy?

she pondered, watching for any flicker of hesitation.

Suddenly, an oppressive aura seeped from her, pressing down on David like the weight of a mountain. He felt it coil around him, testing his resolve, a subtle warning of the power she wielded.

"What truth do you seek, boy?" her voice dripped with challenge. "And why should I hand over Angelica, even with your status?"

David's jaw tightened, his heartbeat steady as he met the challenge without faltering.