Evans was jumping through the trees at high speed, currently able to use just over two percent of his energy; The elixirs had been of great help to continue strengthening his physique.
Dodge, dodge. Evans raises his left hand and launches two blades of fire that explode upon impact with his rival. Evans leaps towards the warrior with a fire spear in his hand.
Cut! Stab! Blood!
Evans' head flies through the air. Evans opens his eyes after being decapitated in his mind.
"I escaped for a minute, and I was also able to wound a fourth rank warrior; when I create my second mana circle, I will be able to defeat him."
Evans stopped his training, leaned against a tree to rest and closed his eyes, preventing himself from falling asleep. I just wanted to rest.
While keeping his eyes closed, Evans felt someone approaching, opening his eyes he saw the young warrior Stan.
-Young sir, have you called me?
-Yes, apparently you know how to keep secrets hidden. But, never allow the seed of betrayal to arise in you, or your death will be horrible.
Stan gulped; He was the only person alive who had seen Evans' power with his own eyes.
-In almost two and a half years, I must attend the academy; You will inform me of everything that happens in the mansion regarding Aria, your job will be to protect her, with your life at stake; I am entrusting you with the only valuable thing I have. Can you imagine what I am capable of if something happens to him?
-I will protect her, don't hesitate, young sir!
Evans gets up and says to Stan:
-Sit as if you were going to meditate and drink this.
Evans gave him five vials containing a mana elixir with a strange mist inside.
-Don't worry; it will only help you reach the fourth rank; the rest is up to you.
Stan nodded and drank the elixirs and then began to absorb it.
Stan felt like it hurt like hell but he didn't complain, his body was getting stronger and his old injuries were healing.
So the night came, Ana arrived with a basket with juice and sandwiches.
-Thank you very much Ana.
-It is my duty young Lord. -Ana responded respectfully.
-Duty? Even so, I thank you; because few can say what you have said. -Evans said while taking a sandwich from the basket.
Ana already suspected that Evans had changed, she didn't know how or why, but what she did know was that she had to continue serving him until the end, since she had sworn it to her friend who was Evans and Aria's mother.
Evans carefully observed Stans' progress to act if anything unforeseen arose. At dawn Stans opened his eyes, he felt that he had become stronger.
-Young sir, I reached the fourth rank; my body feels stronger and I can absorb more mana and convert it into aura.
Evans hands him three vials with a black elixir that Stan immediately recognized.
-You already know what they are for; use them in case of emergency; Don't let anyone see them. Although magicians and warriors enjoy a longer youth and a longer life. Never set your eyes on Aria; It's forbidden, you understand?
-Yes, young sir.
-Keep training with dedication, you can retire.
-As you wish, young sir. - Stan said, bowing and then leaving.
When Stan is gone, Evans leans against a tree, feeling sleepy, but tries not to fall asleep. Since Harold attacked him in his room, he knew that the duke was not interested in protecting anyone.
Despite not having fallen asleep, Evans heard the crackling sound of a campfire in his ears; Evans exhaled, stood up, he knew it was better to go rest than train tired.
"I should barely feel sleepy; this body is still weak, or maybe..."
Evans looked at his right hand, still covered by a white glove, as he walked toward the mansion.
In his study the duke was reading a letter that had the imperial seal.
-How demanding the emperor is; He says that if my son wants his daughter, he must at least win second place in next year's hunting tournament, or he will betroth his daughter to the first-born of the Marquisate Feriac.
-I hope that the young Lord is able to meet the emperor's demand. -Said the butler Fred.
-Yes, he has advanced consistently, perhaps he will be able to achieve it. -Said the duke, putting the letter in a desk drawer, to immediately review the rest of the reports.
In the dome of the garden, Evans was reading a letter that Princess Amelia wrote in irregular handwriting.
"Second place in the hunting tournament, what should I do?"
Evans kept the letter at the end of a book titled "The Magical Art of Puppetry," and continued reading while with his left hand he put into practice what he had learned by making a wooden puppet move using magical strings. The puppet made irregular movements, but little by little it began to move fluidly.