In a basement, a group of people seemed to be in high spirits, inside a room that looked like a research laboratory. At first glance, they looked like lab technicians or scientists.
"Finally, we did it. I always believed this project was feasible, my lady."
It was the voice of Julie, a young woman, short in stature, with blue bob-cut hair and large glasses. Despite her childish appearance, Julie was the coordinator of this project, endowed with extraordinary intelligence.
"Pff, weren't you the one who doubted at the beginning? Hahahaha, unbelievable, young people these days…"
An old man intervened, who, despite his advanced age, was more energetic than any man in the room.
Soon, the whole room laughed in unison. Comments following the old man's remark echoed across the room.
"Calm down, the lady wants to speak," Julie said loudly. Soon, a deathly silence filled the room.
A few seconds later, a beautiful woman with black hair, who effortlessly captivated everyone's attention and stood out thanks to her majestic presence, thanked Julie for her attention. It was Tilda, Nox's wife.
Noticing that she now had everyone's attention, she spoke.
"I thank all of you for your support. Without the help of each person here, we might not have succeeded in creating this elixir. This is just the beginning; we are going to rise again."
Ding!
[You have accomplished a legendary feat.]
[You have earned a new title.]
[Your …]
Tilda ignored the system messages.
"Madam, you don't need to thank us after everything you've done for us—"
"Don't call me madam anymore. No need for formalities between us. It makes me sound like an old woman."
"U-understood."
Tilda was wearing a white lab coat and chatting happily with her colleagues who wore the same attire. Their peculiarity?
They all had professions closely or remotely related to medicine. On a table, one could see a colorless potion inside a vial that looked somewhat special at first glance. That was the object of their excitement.
It was nothing other than the ultimate healing potion. It was a healing elixir. There were different types of elixirs, but among them, the rarest and most sought-after was the healing one. They called it the miracle cure.
Healing elixirs could heal any ailment. As long as the user was not dead, they could return to their original state in record time.
"This is not enough. We need to prepare even more. Who knows what monstrosities those old trash are still plotting in the shadows."
---
At the top of a tall tower, two people who seemed to be mages, judging by their clothes, were in deep discussion.
"Have you started the project?"
"Yes, sir, but we might run out of time. The deadline they gave us is too short. But don't you think it's a bit excessive to do this? The people will never forgive—"
"Hey! Just stick to executing the orders and forget about the people's questions. You're not a politician. Just understand that for every advancement in this world, sacrifices have been made. Don't get distracted by such trivial things. We must fulfill His Majesty's wish at all costs."
---
It had been almost a week since Déon started his training. Unlike at the beginning, he could now block 5 out of 10 of Alexia's attacks, which was huge progress. Unlike him, Alexia didn't seem to be improving much, which discouraged her.
"It seems this training isn't helping me much."
Déon smiled upon hearing Alexia's words.
"Because you can't hit me? You probably won't believe me, but you've improved a lot. And I know why you don't feel your progress."
"And what's the reason?" Alexia asked, a little confused.
"Hahaha, that's a secret. I have an idea to confirm our progress. How about a portal? We could try closing E- or F-rank portals. What do you think?"
"Portals? That's a bit reckless, but…"
"In fact, I also need to increase my rank since that damn ceremony is coming up," Déon said, clarifying the main reason for his idea.
After a few minutes of thought, Alexia finally agreed to Déon's proposal but under certain conditions.
"I agree to go into a portal, but there's a little problem. Are you sure about this? My tutor scolded me for putting you in danger last time. So, to avoid this problem, how about inviting other people to the party?"
Déon wasn't too comfortable with the idea, but what could he do? Anyway, it was risky to go into a dungeon that could change rank at any moment with just the two of them. Might as well go in as a group.
"Who are you planning to invite?" Déon asked, curious about who would make up the team.
"Theo. He's the only person I know well enough."
"Wait, are you two close?"
"No, but…" Alexia left her sentence hanging. "Does that bother you?" she continued, a little uneasy about the situation.
"No, don't worry. Theo, huh? This is going to be fun," Déon said before taking his leave.
---
That evening, once home, Nox found his son sitting in the yard, looking worried. He had gotten used to the proactive Déon who did nothing but train. So seeing him so pensive felt strange, but he didn't want to ask too many questions.
Nox already knew. Déon was old and smart enough to handle his own problems. And if he really needed help from his parents, he would just tell them.
"It's probably nothing big," he thought as he walked toward him.
As usual, Nox made no noise when he walked. He thought he would surprise his son, but the attempt failed.
Déon quickly turned around, fully ready for any attack, before realizing it was his father.
"Oh! Father, it was you?" he asked, looking stunned.
"Who else did you think it would be, you little rascal," Nox replied with a smile.
Earlier, Déon had been sitting in the yard, deep in introspection, when suddenly his senses flared up and his sixth sense screamed danger. He turned, ready to fight, only to see his father.
Déon was impressed. He had no doubt his father was strong, but now that his senses were sharper, he could feel his power.
Déon knew that if he didn't ask for his help now, he might miss the chance of a lifetime.
"Father, could you give me a hand with my training? The coming-of-age ceremony is in a week, so I'd like to strengthen myself a bit…"
"Huh? That's surprising. What kind of father would I be if I refused that? I won't go easy on you. When do we start?"