Volume 03, Chapter 97

  Training Before The Duel [2]

  Dominic exhales sharply as he takes his first step down the staircase, his body tense, his entire focus locked on keeping his Mana in check.

  Even now, it shifts restlessly swelling and retracting like the ebb and flow of a tide beneath his skin.

  Célestin follows closely behind, arms crossed, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Relax, Clark. You look like you’re balancing on a tightrope over lava.”

  Dominic huffs at the remark, only for his grip on his Mana to falter for a fraction of a second. A pulse of energy flickers outward, sending a faint ripple through the air.

  “Tch—” Dominic clenches his jaw, immediately dragging it back toward himself.

  The further he descends, the more his Mana trembles under the stress of movement. It pushes against his control, testing its boundaries like a caged beast eager to break free.

  Another step.

  Another fluctuation.

  Dominic clenches his fists, drawing his Mana inward before it can leak out again.

  -Fwoom!

  For a brief moment, the surrounding air grows thick with pressure. The wooden steps beneath his feet groan in response, reacting to the faint force pressing against them.

  Dominic grits his teeth, his grip tightening, and the pressure eases, stabilizing once more.

  “Not bad,” Célestin praises from behind. “Your control is slipping, but you’re adjusting fast.”

  Dominic does not reply—he is too focused on the delicate balance between movement and restraint.

  Step by step, his Mana pulses and wavers. But with each careful breath, he pulls it back in, keeping it contained.

  By the time he reaches the bottom of the staircase, his muscles are stiff with exertion, and beads of sweat dot his forehead.

  But his Mana, though still unsteady, remains within his grasp.

  Célestin grins. “Not bad for your first real test.”

  Dominic exhales deeply, shaking out the tension in his arms. “Yeah… but it still fluctuates too much.”

  Célestin smirks. “Of course it does. You don’t master control in a day. But trust me, you’re improving.”

  Before Dominic can respond, a familiar voice calls out from the dining area.

  “Big brother!”

  The next thing he knows, Clark hops down from his chair and bolts toward him, his small feet pattering against the floor.

  Dominic’s eyes widen. “Wait, Clark—!”

  Too late.

  Clark flings his arms around Dominic in a tight hug.

  -Fwoom!

  Dominic’s Mana surges wildly for a split second, reacting to the sudden contact, but he forces it back, clamping down on it like a steel trap. His body tenses as he wrestles for control.

  Clark, completely oblivious to the fluctuations in Dominic’s Mana, simply looks up at him with bright, expectant eyes.

  “Big brother, where were you? I didn’t see you when I woke up!” he asks, tilting his head.

  Dominic exhales slowly, regaining his composure. “I… I went on a jog,” he replies carefully, still focused on restraining his aura.

  Clark squints at him, his little face scrunching up in suspicion. “Eh? Really?”

  “Yes… really.”

  Clark pouts, puffing up his cheeks. “You’re lying! I can tell!”

  Dominic feels a bead of sweat roll down the side of his face, not just from Mana control, but because of how damn sharp Clark is. Of course, he would be. He was, after all, the younger version of Dominic from his previous life.

  “…You got me,” Dominic admits, sighing in defeat. “You see—”

  “Your big brother now has Mana!” Célestin cuts in, suddenly wrapping an arm around Dominic’s shoulder. His voice is brimming with mischief. “He can use magic now! C’mon, Dominic, show him!”

  Clark’s eyes widen in wonder, practically glowing with excitement. “Magic?! Can I see?!”

  Dominic’s smile twitches as he glances at Célestin, who grins smugly.

  ‘Don’t tell me… he’s doing this on purpose as part of my Mana control training?’ Dominic thinks.

  It is a clever move, forcing Dominic to maintain control under pressure, even when an eager little Clark stares up at him with wide, hopeful eyes.

  Dominic sighs, exhaling through his nose before looking at Clark. “Sorry, Clark. I don’t know how to cast spells yet.”

  Clark’s excitement dims slightly, his shoulders sagging. “Aww… okie…” he mumbles, clearly disappointed.

  Dominic ruffles his hair gently. “I’ll show you when I learn, alright?”

  Clark immediately brightens. “Really?!”

  Dominic nods, chuckling. “Yeah. Promise.”

  Clark beams up at him, completely satisfied.

  Meanwhile, Célestin crosses his arms, still smirking. “Nice save, Domy.”

  Dominic shoots him a deadpan look. Yeah, he did that on purpose, he thinks.

  “Impressive Mana control, Dominic,” André remarks, crossing his arms. “It’s still erratic, and there are plenty of fluctuations, but for someone who just became a Manaficial, it’s solid progress.”

  Dominic exhales, still slightly drained from the effort. “Thanks… Dad.”

  André nods before shifting his gaze to Célestin. “And I owe you my thanks, Célestin, for helping Dominic with his Mana control. As his father, it should have been me guiding him, but I’ve been preoccupied.”

  Célestin waves him off with a grin. “No worries, Uncle. You’ve been exhausted from the raid. Besides, Domy’s my friend. I don’t mind helping him.”

  Dominic glances between them before turning his focus to André. His expression grows contemplative.

  Come to think of it… Dominic thinks as he concentrates, trying to sense his father’s Mana.

  Nothing.

  Not a single wisp of energy.

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  ‘What…? Why can’t I feel his Mana?’ Dominic wonders.

  His father was [A+] Rank even without Baal, yet there should still be an overwhelming presence of Mana.

  Dominic frowns, sharpening his focus. He pushes harder, searching deeper.

  Then, faintly—very faintly—he senses a subdued, almost imperceptible flow of Mana coming from André. It is there, but it feels like the barest whisper of energy, as though it has been purposely hidden.

  Dominic’s eyes widen slightly.

  Has Dad mastered Mana control to the point where it’s almost nonexistent? He is impressed. No, beyond impressed. This level of restraint is abnormal.

  André’s gaze flickers toward him, sharp as ever. “Dominic, are you trying to sense my Mana?”

  “Yeah…” Dominic admits. “It’s so faint it’s like you barely have any. Why do you… do that, Dad?”

  From the web novel, Dominic knew that most Magicians and Manaficials took pride in their Mana output, using it to intimidate, suffocate, or outright crush the will of weaker opponents. What André is doing, completely suppressing his presence—is unheard of.

  André smirks, clearly pleased with the question. “Think about it. Why would I conceal my Mana like this?”

  Dominic strokes his chin, mulling it over. Most Magicians flaunt their Mana—proof of their strength and training. But… if someone is too focused on showing off, they might underestimate their opponent…

  His eyes widen in realization.

  André’s smirk deepens. “You’ve got it. People who rely too much on overwhelming presence tend to let their guard down. They assume that lower-ranked individuals are weaker. But power doesn’t always need to be announced, Dominic. Sometimes, it’s better to let people think you’re weak until it’s too late for them to react.”

  Dominic lets out a slow breath. “That’s… smart.”

  André chuckles. “You’d be surprised how many powerful people fall because of their arrogance.”

  Dominic nods to himself. This is a tactic worth remembering.

  But just as he is processing the lesson—

  –FWOOSH!

  The temperature in the room shifts. A strange, suffocating presence crawls along Dominic’s skin, setting off every alarm in his instincts.

  And then, a grotesque, gnarled mouth splits open on André’s right cheek.

  “Hah… how interesting… this brat has Umbran magic.”

  Dominic’s entire body tenses at the sudden intrusion. His Mana wavers, almost slipping from his control before he forces it back.

  He does not even need to ask.

  ‘So, this is Baal,’ Dominic thinks.

  “Wh-Who’s that?!” Clark squeaks, gripping Dominic’s leg tightly, his small hands trembling.

  Dominic instinctively places a reassuring hand on Clark’s head, gently ruffling his hair. He does not blame the kid for being scared—he is from Earth. Seeing something this unnatural, a mouth growing on someone’s face, is horrifying.

  André frowns, his expression darkening as he swiftly raises a hand to cover the grotesque mouth. “Shut up, Baal.”

  But the demon is undeterred.

  With a sickening squelch, another mouth tears itself open. This time on the back of André’s hand.

  “Tsk, tsk, André. You cover one mouth, and another just pops up. Surely, you knew that by now.” Baal’s voice slithers into the air, smooth yet grating, like venom laced with honey. His jagged, needle-like teeth curl into what could only be described as a smile.

  Dominic narrows his eyes. He’s not just a demon… He’s one with André’s body.

  The implications are disturbing.

  Clark whimpers but does not cry—though he is unsettled.

  André sighs heavily, his voice carrying both irritation and exhaustion. “Don’t listen to him, Dominic. He’s nothing but a parasite.” His grip on his arm tightens.

  But Baal laughs.

  It is a hideous sound that does not belong in the human world.

  “Now, now… is that any way to treat an old friend?” Baal croons. Then, his sharp, twisted teeth grin wider. “Say, boy, how about forming a contract with me?”

  Dominic stiffens.

  André’s entire body tenses like a coiled spring.

  “Dominic,” André’s voice drops into a firm, warning tone. “Do not listen to him. Never make a deal with a demon.”

  Baal chuckles lowly. “Oh, but my contracts are fair.” The mouth vanishes from André’s hand—only to reappear, grotesquely stretched across his forehead. “Especially for someone with Umbra magic… You and I could do great things together.”

  André grits his teeth. “Shut up, Baal.”

  But Baal is not done.

  “Imagine it, boy. Unmatched power. The ability to manipulate shadows to their purest form. You’re already drawing attention from my kin, whether you like it or not. Why struggle when you could embrace it?” His voice slithers through the air, lingering like a poisonous mist.

  Dominic’s fingers twitch. His grip on Clark’s shoulder tightens just slightly.

  He’s testing me, Dominic thinks, his pulse steady but his mind racing.

  Even though Baal’s words are enticing, Dominic knows better. Every demon's contract comes with a price—a price that is always too high.

  André, clearly fed up, slams his left hand against his forehead, smothering Baal’s mouth. “You don’t get to make offers. Not to my son.”

  Baal clicks his tongue, the sound unnervingly human.

  “Tch. No need to be so rude, André.” The mouth finally vanishes, sinking back into his skin as though it had never been there.

  André exhales slowly, his eyes sharp as he looks at Dominic. “Demons aren’t allies. They don’t offer power for free. They’ll trick you, twist your words, and leave you with nothing but regret.”

  Dominic nods. “I know.”

  And he does.

  Baal might be strong, but no amount of power is worth selling his soul for.

  Clark peeks up at him, still a little scared. “Big brother… is he gone?” he whispers.

  Dominic ruffles his hair again, offering a reassuring smile. “Yeah. He’s gone for now.”

  Clark nods hesitantly but does not let go of Dominic’s leg just yet.

  Célestin, who has been quiet until now, smirks. “Well, that was creepy.” He looks at Dominic, his expression more serious than usual. “Looks like you’ll have to be extra careful, Domy. You’re a walking demon magnet now.”

  Dominic exhales through his nose, casting one last glance at André’s now-normal face.

  Unbeknownst to them, Celine is approaching André from behind, a broom firmly in hand, her steps silent.

  Dominic, Célestin, and Clark all notice her just a second too late.

  —SMACK!

  “Ugh!” André flinches as the broom connects with the back of his head. He whips around, rubbing the sore spot, only to come face-to-face with Celine.

  “There,” she says matter-of-factly, resting the broom on her shoulder. “That should keep him quiet.”

  Célestin smirks, barely holding back a chuckle. He has seen this scene play out countless times before. No matter how many regressions he goes through, it never gets old.

  “Celine,” André groans, still massaging the back of his head. “Baal disappeared before you hit me.”

  Celine blinks, covering her mouth with a mock gasp. “Oh, oops. My bad.”

  Dominic snorts under his breath, shaking his head. Despite everything, moments like these make him feel... lighter.

  His gaze shifts to Celine. Out of curiosity, he attempts to sense her Mana.

  Nothing.

  Unlike André, who conceals his overwhelming power, Celine has none at all.

  A thought creeps into Dominic’s mind. ‘Could she be the reason why the original Dominic was Manaless?’

  He exhales quietly, pushing the thought aside. Now is not the time for that.

  André refocuses on him. “Dominic, like Célestin said, you’re now a walking magnet for demons.” His tone is firm, fatherly. “If a demon appears in front of you—run. They naturally have higher Mana output than humans. No matter how strong you get, their sheer presence alone gives them an advantage.”

  Dominic nods. “Got it, Dad.”

  André studies him for a second longer before relaxing. “So, what’s next for you? More Mana control training?” He glances between Dominic and Célestin.

  “Yeah.” Dominic stretches his fingers, still maintaining his control. “When I was walking home earlier, I noticed that the townspeople were afraid of me. I want to get better at controlling it. After that, I hope I can learn some basic spells.”

  “I see…” André hums, tapping his fingers against his arm. “Wait here.”

  Without another word, he turns and walks toward the large bookshelf by the fireplace.

  Clark runs after him. “André, what are you looking for?”

  André scans the shelves, his fingers gliding over the spines of several books before stopping on a worn-out black notebook. “A spellbook,” he replies, pulling it free.

  He stands up and walks back to Dominic, handing him the notebook. “Here. It’s a collection of dark magic spells I wrote down back in the day.”

  Dominic takes the notebook, flipping through the pages with cautious curiosity. The handwriting is neat, with detailed notes alongside each spell.

  “A personal spellbook…” Dominic mutters.

  André smirks. “If you find any folded papers in there, those are ripped straight from the Réel family’s spellbook.”

  Dominic’s eyes widen. “Wait. Professor Maurice’s spellbook?”

  “Yep,” André says with a grin. “The Réel family’s spellbook has been passed down for generations. The pages I… borrowed are from his great-great-great-great—ah, whatever—some ancient grandpa of his who was a dark magic specialist.”

  Dominic frowns. “Dad… isn’t that illegal?”

  André waves him off. “Nah.” He shrugs. “Maurice has like hundreds of pages in that book. He won’t even notice a few missing.”

  “…Right.” Dominic is not entirely convinced.

  Célestin, who has been silently enjoying the exchange, finally lets out a laugh. “Man, I love your dad. He’s got no shame.”

  André smirks. “It’s not stealing if it’s for educational purposes.”

  Dominic sighs, shaking his head. This family…

  —SMACK!

  “Ow!” André flinches, rubbing the spot where the broom has struck him. He turns to Celine with a bewildered look. “What was that for?!”

  “For being a terrible influence on the kids,” Celine replies sweetly, her eyes closed in that eerily calm way that somehow makes her even more terrifying.

  Despite having zero Mana, the sheer presence she exudes is enough to make the room tense.

  Everyone—except Clark—feels it.

  Dominic, despite his focus on keeping his Mana in check, cannot help but feel a bead of sweat trail down his temple. ‘How does she do that without magic…?’

  Little does he know, it is simply the natural aura that mothers possess.

  André swallows hard, raising his hands slightly in surrender. “Ehh… okay, okay, I get it.” He chuckles nervously, sweat dotting his forehead. “No need to go all scary on me, Celine…”

  She says nothing. Just smiles.

  André averts his gaze, coughing into his fist. “A-Anyway! Célestin, Dominic—how about you two go outside and continue your training? Mana control is hard to master, and fresh air might help.”

  Dominic, still focused on restraining his Mana, nods. “Alright.”

  “Can I come too?” Clark pipes up, looking up at Dominic with wide, hopeful eyes.

  Dominic hesitates for a moment, glancing down at him.

  Clark, being from Earth, probably wants to explore more of Sylvestria. Now that he thinks about it… has Clark ever actually left the house since he brought him here?

  …Probably not.

  A small smile tugs at Dominic’s lips. “Sure.”

  Clark’s face lights up. “Yay!”

  Before Dominic can say another word, Célestin suddenly grabs both his and Clark’s hands.

  “Alright, no time to waste—let’s go!”

  Without warning, Célestin drags the both of them toward the door.

  “Wha—Célestin, slow down!” Dominic yelps, stumbling slightly as he tries to keep his Mana in check.

  Clark just giggles, enjoying the ride.

  Celine, watching the chaotic scene unfold, simply sighs and waves them off. “Be careful, okay? And don’t do anything crazy!”

  Célestin grins over his shoulder. “No promises~!”

  And with that, the three of them are gone.