"I want you to train me in swordsmanship, Father." Hector smiled.
"Swordsmanship? Are you sure?" Norris frowned.
"Yes, Father. I want you to train me."
It was the best choice he could think of at the moment. He had a blessing that allowed him to adapt to and evolve every sword technique. If he could adapt his father's swordsmanship—who was supposed to be the strongest in the world—then it meant he might surpass every swordsman in his generation.
That gift was far more valuable than any artifact, because it boosted his strength permanently, not through some temporary method.
More than that, he understood that no matter how strong his swordsmanship might be to others in the same generation, against true veterans—he stood no chance.
This world was harsh. His enemies wouldn't wait for him to grow, nor would they hold back in a fight.
It was unfair, and he needed a ridiculous cheat to boost his strength and crush every student in the academy before leaving the safe zone.
"Tch, what a waste of my time… but fine." Norris nodded coldly, then added,
"Don't forget—you're expelled. So you only have seven days with me."
Hector scratched his head for a moment before nodding. As expected. His father would definitely say that.
No surprise.
"Yes, Father. I'll make full use of the precious time you give me."
***
"You've changed a lot, Hector." Brad said as he walked down the castle hallway with him.
Hector just nodded, bored. He'd heard that line from his uncle way too many times.
Brad sighed, thinking of his little sister.
"Still… it was too late…"
Silence followed.
Then, as if he suddenly remembered something, Brad turned to Hector and said,
"From now until you leave the Clan, you'll take care of Princess Luna."
Hector grumbled.
"Why me? Just toss her into a cage. I'm not a babysitter."
Brad smirked.
"That girl's taken an interest in you. She even recommended herself to us—specifically because she wants to stay by your side."
"Even as a prisoner, she's still a princess. Don't hurt her… treat her like a kid. Play with her."
Hector scowled, but then rubbed his chin for a moment. He clearly had other intentions.
Her blessing. And teasing her.
It might be a memorable time. Once she grew smarter and mastered her skills, he wouldn't get another chance like this.
"I agree."
Brad frowned at the sudden change, especially after seeing Hector's sly expression, and muttered,
"Just hope you don't get her pregnant."
***
''Hello, brat. From now on, you're my subordinate.''
''You understand?'' Hector asked.
Luna nodded.
Hector continued.
''You gotta do anything I say.''
Luna nodded again.
Hector scratched his head in confusion. He had hoped she'd show some discomfort, or at least some familiar resistance.
Luna spoke softly.
''Sure. I'll do anything. Either way, I'm a prisoner. But if you do me dirty, I'll kill you when I grow up.''
Hector smirked.
''Good. Now take my first command.''
He pointed at the doormat by the door.
''That's your bed.''
Luna scowled for a moment before forcing herself to nod. Then she shot Hector an angry glare and walked over.
Hector chuckled and climbed into his warm bed. He was waiting for one thing from Luna.
Her blessing—the blessing of the Monster God.
An immortal monster would be summoned if she triggered it. But unfortunately, at this moment, she couldn't summon it for some reason.
He didn't know why. But if he wanted to copy that blessing, he had to force her to summon it.
The best way was to anger her to the point where she couldn't hold it in anymore.
If he possessed that immortal monster, he'd be invincible.
An immortal monster could clear a red dungeon alone.
Sadly, even in the novel, he only knew bits and pieces. Luna rarely summoned it.
Maybe she only did it when she truly hated someone. Or maybe it was tied to the tragic ending she was destined to face.
Suicide. A pointless death. Such a dull ending that made him want to tear the book apart while reading it.
Damn it anyway. He'd make her summon it—and then copy it.
4 A:M
And Hector had woken up a few minutes already. He had to get up soon anyway, or he'd miss the first training with his father.
Hector clicked his tongue when he saw Luna's sleeping face. He hadn't expected to see such a face from a girl who would be beautiful in the future.
It looked quite stupid.
On top of that, she was sleeping on the long bench and had wrapped herself in his clothes. She had clearly disobeyed him—she was supposed to sleep on the doormat.
So, he had to punish her.
''Wake up, brat. Follow me.''
''We've got a long day ahead.''
***
''Remember to work hard. If my farmer reports that you show even a hint of laziness, you'll be planting trees and digging soil all day the next days.''
Luna glanced at her dirty outfit, something meant for farmers, not a princess like her. She grumbled, clearly showing hostility and anger toward Hector for the first time—not like before, when she only showed it a little.
That damned bastard had forced her to wake up at 4:00 AM. And now she had to plant trees and dig soil on a mountain like this?
A lady was supposed to learn tea pouring and proper noble etiquette.
But she was smart enough to know that the bastard would torment her even more if she fought back.
''FINE!''
She began to feel a hint of regret for offering herself up as a prisoner. Still, she was interested in Hector and hoped she could learn something from him.
Anyway, Hector had humiliated all the members of the royal family. He was smarter than her, and stronger than her brother and grandfather.
She admitted that.
''Damn it! I hate him.'' She pouted instinctively as she struggled to lift the hoe
Just withstanding, once she learned everything from him, she would crush him.