Peak Stage

There was one thing that Dahlia wished for; to be able to save Regis.

There had not been a second in which Regis left her mind since they separated in that forest on that day.

He was the reason why she trained as hard.

'Please, I must form a star…'

Dahlia pleaded in her heart.

All these months of training enabled her to gather the right quantity of aura in order to form a star in her heart.

However, her lacking talent proved to be much of a hindrance.

Even the fact that she was able to gather the required amount of aura was because of Doron's guidance.

If not for that, along with the various by-products of powerful wild beasts that he gave her, she would have never been able to reach this point.

"Stay calm, don't let your doubts hinder you."

Doron's heavy voice sounded, calming Dahlia's fluctuating mind.

'She's too desperate for her own good…'

Doron could sense the emotions that were preventing Dahlia from being calm.

'Her desperation has its benefits, but…'

Doron was fascinated by Dahlia's progress over the past few months.

Although she couldn't hold a candle to the really talented people in terms of aura, she was making up for it with her hard work.

If it were other people with her talent of aura, then they would only reach this point in a few years even with the same resources as her.

This was all due to her desperation.

The desperation that drives her to be as hardworking as she was right now.

Though it has its benefits…

'It would be bad if it became too much…'

Doron had a worried expression on his face as he looked at Dahlia.

'I hope that killing some demonic humans would suffice…'

Doron had no qualms when it comes to letting Dahlia kill demonic humans because in his eyes, they were merely pests.

He had received the news that the Executor sent from Ligera would be arriving in about a month.

'The sooner she's able to get rid of the shadows in her heart, the better…'

***

Day 165 of 183

'Finally..!'

Regis breathed with a satisfied expression as he felt the demonic power coursing through his body.

He had now reached the Peak Stage of the One Star Realm in the path of Demonic Power.

'I wonder just how strong I am when compared to other demons…'

Those in the path of mana were classified as Low Ranked Mages, Mid Ranked Mages, High Ranked Mages and such…

Those in the path of aura were classified as Beginner Warrior, Intermediate Warrior, Advanced Warrior and such…

'So what are the classifications when it comes to demonic power?'

Regis thought curiously.

Even the fairy tales he had read in the past hadn't really delved into the power system of demons.

'I hope Greg and Lea are fine…'

He had told them that he wouldn't be able to extract their corruption aura as he had other plans.

Regis looked at the watch in his arm, "Hmmm, it seems like I still have a few minutes before our combat training…"

This watch was something that he had retrieved from a person he killed before.

At first, he didn't really know how to read watches.

After all, someone from the slums couldn't possibly know what those two hands and twelve lines stood for.

Nevertheless, as someone who learned to read and write on his own, it was a piece of cake for him.

Regis had learned how to read and write by observing how others did so, and he now learnt how to read time by observing how the hands behaved in correlation to what time of the day it was.

"Let's see… if my assumptions were correct, then I would dive into that space again by the time I form my second star…"

The thought of obtaining a new evil craft excited him.

'However, they're quite hard to master…'

Regis thought as he remembered how he spent tens of days just to have some proficiency in Corruption Manipulation.

As he was thinking, he unknowingly glanced at his watch.

'Oof! It's almost time!'

Regis's eyes widened as he immediately hurried to where the rest of the camp was.

There was one thing that he realized through his watch; just how quickly the time passes by.

***

Tukutuk~ Tukutuk~

A white carriage adorned with golden engravings was cruising through a valley.

It was being pulled by four, large white horses.

An aura of regality and holiness surrounded the courage.

Knock~ Knock~

A knight fully clad in metallic armor knocked lightly on the window of the carriage.

"Your Eminence, we'll be resting in the forest ahead for the night. Would you happen to have any requests that I could fulfill?"

The knight patiently waited for a response.

Despite waiting for a few minutes, the knight didn't show even an ounce of impatience.

Then finally, a melodious voice sounded from within the carriage.

"Mister, how long would it take for us to arrive at our destination?"

"If nothing happens, then we will be arriving at the Corelli Fortress in less than a month, Your Eminence."

"Thank you."

"N-No, it's my pleasure."

The knight stuttered, obviously unable to keep his calm.

'Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Her eminence thanked me!'

The knight flushed from excitement as the other knights looked at him with envious expressions.

Though their expressions couldn't be seen through their helmets, they still could sense each other.

Meanwhile, inside the carriage, a woman calmly sat as she stared by the window.

Her golden irises emitted an aura of solemnity.

The soft features of her face would lead anyone to believe that she was but an innocent young lady.

"Sigh…"

"Just why would the demonic humans target Corelli Fortress? It doesn't make any sense…"

A bird flying in the distance caught her attention, "...unless they are hiding something that attracted them."

The kind expression on her face never left as she thought of countless things.

"Well, I won't get anything out of just thinking… It's better to just ask them in person."

Her eyes began to subtly shine with golden light.

"After all, my job is not to interrogate, but to bring them to justice."