Despite being exhausted, I continued to rest and recover my Mana. Even though my recovery rate had already doubled, my new Mana capacity was simply unprecedented. It felt as if it had more than doubled, maybe even more than that. But I couldn't help but worry—if I continued like this without proper guidance, my growth might actually start to slow down.
Although I hadn't fully recovered, I refrained from using the Exorcist Spell just yet. Still, my understanding of it had improved considerably. I estimated my grasp of the spell to be around 15 to 20 percent, which was decent for someone who had only recently started studying it.
Hours passed, and finally, all of my Mana had recovered. Smiling in satisfaction, I decided to try what the notes had instructed.
On my first attempt, I nearly succeeded—but fell short. The second try ended the same way. So did the third. Despite the repeated failures, my heart didn't falter. If anything, my determination only grew stronger.
After fifteen tries, I finally succeeded.
A faint horn began to creep out from my forehead—small, about the size of a pinky finger, but much thicker. Even though it looked small, the transformation had an incredible effect on me. My body felt ethereal, almost divine. I could sense my charm increasing while the spell was active, and I felt like my entire being had been elevated.
Everything inside me seemed to double in strength. I cast a simple Fireball, a low-level spell, and immediately noticed its power had more than doubled. It felt heavier, faster, and hotter. The spell burst out with an intensity I hadn't expected.
With the recent breakthroughs I'd made—rising from the mid-layer to the peak layer—my abilities were already enhanced by 1.5 times. Now, combined with the Exorcist Form, which seemed to double all my abilities, the results were staggering.
With all these stacked enhancements, I had a strong feeling that I could defeat an early 2-star stage opponent and maybe even trade blows with a mid-stage 2-star for a short time.
Satisfied, I stopped using the Exorcist Spell. It consumed far too much Mana, and right now… I was in a bit of a dilemma.
She was definitely going to get curious about how I had managed to reach the 1-star peak layer overnight.
I scratched my head helplessly. Since she was Lucy's older sister, I figured I could trust her—probably. Her help had been invaluable. But if I showed her that I could already use the Exorcist Spell, there was no doubt I'd be thoroughly investigated.
Shaking my head, I returned to my usual training routine: exhausting my Mana, then recovering it again. But the progress now was minimal—like a single drop of water trying to fill a vast pond.
I sighed and reminded myself of her offer to help. She clearly knew much more than I did. Time passed, and before long, morning crept in.
While I was still training, I saw her approaching. I smiled and greeted her.
Her expression shifted into subtle surprise.
"Y-You?! How did you manage to break through to the peak layer in just one night?!" she exclaimed, clearly stunned.
Her voice was full of disbelief and curiosity. Normally, even talented individuals with Orange Talent would need at least three to four days to reach the 1-star peak layer. She rubbed her temples as if logic itself had stopped working.
Then she looked directly at me.
My appearance had changed slightly overnight. My face had become leaner, more defined—almost otherworldly. My charm seemed to have grown even more pronounced.
I looked away and said nothing, bowing my head slightly.
Evelyn was clearly tempted to pinch my cheeks, but when she saw I wasn't going to explain, she sighed.
"Fine," she said, rubbing her temples again. "I won't ask. I'll just guide you properly through the Exorcist Spell."
She was deeply suspicious now. If my talent truly was Bright Yellow, and I was still just a slave... every kingdom would be shaken. But she held back. She didn't want things to get out of hand.
Before she began teaching, I spoke up. "So, how do I break through to 2-star? I feel like I've only barely laid the foundation for it."
She smiled—a captivating and beautiful smile. "Ah, so you've realized it?"
Her voice became serious. "You can't reach the 2-star stage through training alone. You need a trigger—an intense fight, a life-or-death struggle. That's why most nobles are sent to hunt monsters. Only through dangerous experiences can you push yourself to the next level."
I nodded, fully understanding her meaning. She looked pleased with my quick comprehension.
For the next while, Evelyn guided me through the Exorcist Spell. Her explanations were much more efficient than learning from the notes alone. I could ask questions on the spot and clarify anything I didn't fully understand.
Still, I couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable—mostly because she had me sit on her lap while she taught me, gently nuzzling my hair.
Evelyn, who had lived a long life, found herself charmed by my innocent eyes. It was rare—perhaps even the first time—she had met a boy or man who still possessed such innocence.
She gently patted my head while explaining the spell in detail. As she continued, she noticed something peculiar—my questions weren't those of a beginner.
They were advanced. Too advanced.
Most of my inquiries focused on how to strengthen or optimize the spell rather than how to cast it. Evelyn narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
If this boy can already cast the spell… I'll make him my student, she muttered internally.
Time passed, and my understanding of the Exorcist Spell reached about 35%. I had a growing sense that if I cast the spell now, my power would be enhanced by at least 2.5 times. That was already a frightening level of strength for a 1-star cultivator.
I smiled in satisfaction.
Eventually, she set me down on a nearby bench and waved goodbye.
Yawning, I realized it was already lunchtime. I looked down at myself—I was sweaty, disheveled, and tired. A bath was long overdue.
I headed to the spring and soaked in the warm water. It was the first truly relaxing bath I'd had in a long time. Once I was done, I changed into a fresh suit and finally felt human again.
Despite training day and night, my eyes were tired. But before anything else… I needed food.
I hadn't eaten in what felt like forever. Maybe it was a benefit of being a 1-star mage at Peak layer that I didn't feel hunger as quickly.
Still, I smiled to myself with pride. "Tsk tsk… I really am a genius," I said, shaking my head.
But my expression soon darkened. "Once I'm strong enough… I'll go back for those demons."
The thought of my past still haunted me.
As I walked through the hallways, several maids spotted me and smiled, clearly recognizing me. Used to this by now, I politely asked, "Excuse me, where can I eat?"
One of the maids beamed and gestured for me to follow. Starving, I eagerly did so.
To my surprise, the dining table was filled with all sorts of delicacies that looked almost too good to be real.
Unable to hold back, I dug in.
While I ate, some of the maids playfully tried to pat my head and pinch my cheeks. I didn't resist. It was a small price to pay for getting to eat like this.
Honestly… I was lucky.
Sighing i go take a first bath first i go to the spring which ddee