CHAPTER 321: TRAINING TOGETHER

Inside the house where Kali and Yunk lived, there were others—two young people, to be exact.

They worked for Kali, helping with chores and maintaining the place.

As for other members of Kali’s family? There were none left.

Time was short, so Geneva and Kali went off to practice the spells contained in the necromancy book that had once belonged to Geneva.

Meanwhile, William, Rebo, and Yunk stayed outside the house. They decided to train.

Yunk brought out wooden training swords. Though he didn’t spar with his grandson, he observed closely. He was still recovering from the injuries William had given him.

He watched every movement carefully, clearly trying to learn more about William’s strength—how he fought, what fueled his power.

Rebo, however, was feeling frustrated.

"What about our new magic books?" he asked. "How are we supposed to practice without them?"

Fair point. William had planned to stop by one of the larger cities to grab some spellbooks, but with everything else going on, it had slipped his mind.

Fortunately, Yunk had plenty of technique manuals—family heirlooms stored inside his magical pouch.

"These books have been in our family for generations," Yunk said. "You can use them to learn."

He pulled out a book from the pouch labeled Volume 1—perfect for beginners.

William flipped it open and began to read. Rebo stood beside him, reading along.

"Seems really interesting," William said. "Lots of body-strengthening techniques and magical strike forms. Definitely geared toward combat mages."

Yunk nodded. "Exactly. Our whole family’s built around combat magic. Kali’s the first to branch out into something else."

Kali was learning a different kind of magic—not by choice, but out of necessity.

Rebo didn’t have to go down that path. He could follow the family tradition and learn the ancestral combat spells.

Not to mention, he actually preferred that style: direct combat, close to the opponent. William was the same way, which made him the perfect teacher.

"Alright, let’s start with this initial breathing technique," William said. "Read the whole section carefully and try it on your own. If you run into anything, come talk to me."

Rebo nodded, took the book from William’s hand, and began to read.

Breathing was the foundation.

It used precise patterns to guide mana through the body in specific ways—triggering various effects.

It was the very first thing to be learned... and also the most important. It formed the base for all the advanced techniques within Rebo’s bloodline.

As he progressed, the breathing method would evolve too, enhancing its effects and unlocking deeper layers of mastery.

The way magic worked in this world was similar to what William was used to. The difference lay in the types of spells—many he’d never seen before.

That breathing technique wasn’t useful to him. Sure, he could learn it—his mana reserves were still substantial.

But it wouldn’t sync properly. His body held far more demonic energy than mana. What he truly needed was a demonic breathing method.

The problem? He hadn’t found any complete books.

The one he got from Kier seemed unfinished.

No breathing technique—despite being labeled Volume One. That kind of technique should’ve been the first thing inside.

Why was it missing?

William noticed something else: none of the demons he’d met—not even those from the royal family—knew a breathing technique either.

It was like it had been erased from history.

"Maybe the mages who exiled and slandered the demon race destroyed it," William thought. "Or maybe... they buried it."

Someday, he’d uncover the truth.

For now, he sat beside Yunk, quietly watching as Rebo read and practiced the breathing technique.

"What do you think of the boy?" Yunk asked.

"Honestly?" William replied. "He’s more talented than I expected. I think he has a future—especially if we support him."

"I feel the same," Yunk said. "It broke my heart when I had to leave... He was still far too young to begin learning anything, and I carried this guilt, thinking I’d never get the chance to help him again..."

"You’ll get your chance now," William said. "You’re still the most qualified to teach these techniques. Mine are... pretty different."

"About that," Yunk replied. "I’ve never seen anything like your magic before. Are you from another realm or something? Your techniques are strange."

He was referring to the black fireball William had used—and the armor he summoned with his demonic energy.

They were unlike anything Yunk had encountered. The demon race had been isolated on a remote island... most of which was wiped out after its destruction.

"Let’s just say they’re unique to me," William said. "Unfortunately, I can’t share much. You know—family secrets. I’d get into serious trouble if I revealed any of it."

"I understand. Don’t worry. Some things are better kept under wraps," Yunk replied.

He wasn’t upset in the slightest. William liked him now. Earlier, when they’d been locked in a survival fight, Yunk didn’t seem like a pleasant guy—but now? He was actually a pretty chill old man.

After some time reading and practicing, Rebo came over with a question. He was struggling to get his mana to flow properly through his body.

Totally normal. No one learns a technique in a single day—especially a beginner.

"I’ll leave it to you," William said. "Can you help him? I want to check on the other two."

"Of course, go ahead."

Rebo was a little disappointed—he’d hoped for advice from his master, William. But he didn’t complain. Learning from his grandfather sounded promising too.

William knew he wouldn’t be much help with mana-based breathing techniques anyway. What he was curious about were the necromancy spells Kali and Geneva were studying.

Whether he liked it or not, there was some link between necromancy and his own demonic magic. And beyond that... something inside him was calling to the book. It felt like it was drawing him in.

Eventually, William found them in the mansion’s backyard, practicing the opening spells from the book. Both were clearly struggling.

William moved closer, and the strange feeling grew on him. There was something about the spells they were trying to use...

"Am I sensing... demonic energy in the air?" William thought, shocked.