I have conditions

As Ajax concentrated, the blood scattered across the ground began to rise, forming small balls the size of tennis balls. Under his command, they shot toward Jared at incredible speed, intending to bombard him. However, the blood attacks didn't even faze Jared. It was as if they were nothing more than a gentle breeze. Jared didn't even flinch.

Ignoring the attacks completely, Jared delivered another brutal punch to Ajax, not bothering to use any of his divine abilities. The sheer force alone was devastating. Ajax found it humiliating—he had never imagined being in such a hopeless situation, where the opponent only used brute strength to overpower him. It had been an entire year of this torment, all in the name of "training."

At first, Ajax had believed his special ability, Learner, would allow him to analyze Jared's moves and eventually counter-attack. But after a week of futile attempts, he realized he couldn't even defend himself, let alone strike back.

As time passed, Ajax changed his approach. Instead of using his Learner ability to predict Jared's movements, he shifted his focus to honing his vampiric regenerative powers. He pushed his regeneration ability to the limit, allowing it to reach every part of his body. He trained his body to store memories in every cell, ensuring that even if someone destroyed him completely, as long as a single cell remained, he would regenerate. However, Ajax knew there was no guarantee he would survive if divine abilities were combined with brute force.

One year into this torment, Ajax was sure of one thing—this was either a version of heaven or a version of hell. He had never been tortured like this in his life, not even in the name of training. With each punch from Jared, Ajax began to suspect that Jared wasn't merely training him—he was venting some personal grudge. Jared's attacks were relentless, and he didn't speak a single word throughout the entire year. Whenever Ajax tried to confront him, the only response he received was a punch that shattered his organs or rendered him immobile.

When Ajax had attempted to use his blood to distract Jared and buy himself a moment of rest, the result was disastrous. Not only did it fail to slow Jared down, but it also seemed to provoke even heavier blows from him. Jared showed no signs of emotion, no mercy, from the start of the year to now. It was as if Ajax were nothing more than a low-quality punching bag, easily torn apart, leaking blood with every strike.

Frustrated but determined, Ajax shifted his focus once again. He combined his vampiric regeneration ability with his Learner ability. This fusion allowed him to improve much more quickly than before, even though he was still being pummeled by Jared's relentless force. Every punch, every injury, was now teaching him something new.

In the grand hall, Liam sat on his throne, directing his servants to prepare for the event. The entire room was adorned with flowers, intricate decorations, and elegant chairs, all meticulously arranged for what appeared to be a wedding.

Liam called out, "Where is Jared? Summon him immediately."

A servant stepped forward, bowing slightly before saying, "My lord, Jared has taken Lord Ajax to the training room. He said they would return in three days and asked me to convey his apologies." With that, the servant backed away quietly.

Just then, Willow, a stunning woman with long white hair and porcelain skin, entered the hall. Her gaze was fixed on her father, making it clear she sought answers. She wasn't in the mood for any games.

"I want answers," she demanded, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. She stared directly at Liam, ensuring he wouldn't dodge her question.

Liam, avoiding her eyes, feigned ignorance. "What answers?" he asked as if oblivious to the situation unfolding in his own home.

Willow narrowed her eyes at her father and asked firmly, "Why did you suddenly decide to marry me off to that person?"

Scratching his head, Liam replied casually, "Oh, you mean your husband? Well, you've been so absorbed in your own quests that if I hadn't intervened, you wouldn't have married anyone. But if I left it up to you, you might marry some old man pretending to be young. I couldn't risk that, so I chose for you." His words carried a mix of authority and teasing, knowing his daughter well enough to anticipate her rebellion.

Willow, shocked by her father's bluntness, was momentarily speechless. She had considered the possibility of her father forcing her into marriage, but the idea of being wed to an old man disguised as a young one made her laugh. Her father's reasoning was absurd, yet somewhat endearing.

"Why, father, do you think I'd actually marry the man you arranged for me?" she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She wasn't truly angry about the marriage but wanted to understand his motives.

Liam, leaning back in his chair, chuckled. "I know you, Willow. If you don't want to marry him, then that's that. But I made the decision because I didn't trust anyone else to pick someone suitable for you."

Willow smiled, knowing her father too well. Even if she acted disinterested, she understood that marrying Ajax was crucial to her plans. She didn't want a powerful man from a similar background as her husband, someone who could challenge her ambitions or stand in her way. Ajax, however, was someone she could manage.

"Alright, father. I'll marry him," she said, her voice turning serious. "But I have conditions, and you'll need to agree to them first."

Liam sighed, sensing his daughter's determination. "Fine," he replied, though somewhat reluctantly, bracing himself for whatever conditions she was about to lay out.