The Herb King

As soon as they arrived in the mansion, Aethelwolf told Hyacinth to make some herbal tea for him. The tea leaves they had were something left by the former owner of the mansion and they were of high quality. They might be of some use for his recuperation.

Olivia stared at Aethelwolf's broad back with a hint of worry.

Aethelwolf went to his room and meditated. He tried to absorb some world essence and he found out that his absorption power has decreased significantly. He stood up and sighed. "I have underestimated the consequences of using [Skill Impartation]. I should not use it lightly in the future." He muttered to himself as he grabbed a chair and sat down with a weary look.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Sir Aethelwolf, your herbal tea is ready." Hyacinth's voice could be heard outside the room.

"Come inside." Aethelwolf said as he leaned on his chair. The feeling of weakness was terrible, but it should be fine since Leone Empire was at peace. However, he didn't want to risk his safety so he decided to do some preparations.

Hyacinth stepped inside his room, holding a tray with a teapot and a teacup. She gently placed the tray on his table. She then lifted the teapot and filled his cup with tea. "Sir Aethelwolf, do you want me to massage your head?" She asked when she saw Aethelwolf rubbing his temples.

"Sure. That would be great." Aethelwolf answered as he closed his eyes. Making skills didn't require world essence. It only needs his imagination and creativity. However, there were some limitations to this ability. He couldn't create skills that exceed the balance of the world. For instance, he tried making a revival skill, but the Status Screen didn't acknowledge it. He also tried to create a skill that would make him immune to damage, but it failed.

Hyacinth gently massaged his head. She carefully controlled her strength to just be enough to make him feel good.

Aethelwolf was now seated on his chair with his eyes shut tight and she was in front of him, massaging his temples. She was finally able to take a clearer look at his face. He looked stunning with his short black hair and thick sword-like eyebrows.

Hyacinth quickly withdraw her gaze from his face and focused her attention on massaging his head.

Skill [Intuition] Max Level

- You are more perceptive of your surroundings without the need for conscious reasoning.

- Your ability to sense danger is increased.

Skill [Indestructible Heart] Max Level

- Your heart is protected by a layer of armor.

- Armor's defense will depend on the total world essence stored.

Skill [Indestructible Hegel] Max Level

Skill [Soul Protection] Max Level

Aethelwolf opened his eyes and he noticed that Hyacinth had already fallen asleep on his bed. Her face looked peacefully calm so he didn't disturb her this time. She must have been so tired that she fell asleep in his room.

He stood up from his seat and noticed that the tea was still hot. He smiled at the sleeping Hyacinth. The girl must have reheated it earlier. He grabbed the teapot and his cup and went to the balcony. He realized that it was almost nighttime. He could hear the sounds of swords clashing so he turned his head to the direction of the noise and he saw three people in the open field.

Janrose was already practicing what she had learned from Aethelwolf. She was currently sparring with Rendell, while Albert was providing her with instructions.

Her sword movements were swift and precise. Rendell could barely block her strikes and if not for Janrose holding back some strength, Rendell might have already been injured.

Albert noticed the unique sword technique used by Janrose and he was surprised as he watched the spar. He was also a swordsman, but his sword technique was rubbish compared to what Janrose was executing.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Rendell was sweating profusely as the spar reached its final moments. He could already feel his arms going numb and his legs were shaking intensely. The force behind Janrose's sword strikes was heavy and it felt like a sledgehammer was hitting his sword. Initially, he thought that he would win against her, but the girl's sword technique was proving to be troublesome.

He couldn't accurately predict her attacks and during the whole spar, he was forced into a defensive position.

"Stop! Stop! I admit defeat!" Rendell hurriedly shouted. He then panted heavily as he propped himself up with his sword. His perception of Janrose drastically changed after that spar. It wasn't just him, Albert was also looking at her in a new light.

Janrose sheathed her sword and bowed lightly. She used the sword technique she learned from Aethelwolf and she realized that it was even stronger during combat!

"Miss Janrose, your sword technique is impeccable! Where did you learn that from?" Rendell asked while looking at her. He wanted to know where she got the sword technique, but a hand suddenly smacked the back of his head. It was Albert.

"How can you casually ask a personal matter like that?" Albert glared at him.

Rendell laughed foolishly while rubbing the smacked part of his head.

Janrose smiled and shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't disclose it for the time being." She answered. Aethelwolf told her not to tell anyone about it. The sword technique in itself was very strong, but the ability to share one's experience with another person was more mind-blowing. She believed that only Aethelwolf was capable of doing that in the entire continent! Her thoughts about him being a Level 5 Esper increased after that moment.

When Aethelwolf saw the ending of the spar, he grinned. He then took out a cigar and lit it up. Tomorrow was the final day of the battle event and the champion would finally be decided. If nothing goes wrong, he was confident that Janrose would claim the top spot.

"I'll watch the competition tomorrow..." He muttered before sucking on his cigar.

Phew.