Chapter 36: Moonlight Meditation Technique

In the library.

"Your Highness, there are seven types of meditation techniques: the Sun, Storm, Thunder, Bright Moon, Dream, Earth, and Ocean meditations."

"The meditation technique I practice is the Moonlight Meditation. It is the easiest to learn among all of them, taught to me by a mage hired at a great cost by my father, Viscount Hughes. I can teach it to you, Your Highness," Elise said softly.

Hearing this, Xia Mingyu couldn't wait; he sat cross-legged on the floor and urged her with his eyes to hurry.

"Your Highness, not now. For beginners, all meditation techniques except for the Dream Meditation require observing the actual object in person. At midnight tonight, please accompany me to the bell tower to contemplate the bright moon," Elise explained with a wry smile.

*Cough, cough...* Xia Mingyu cleared his throat twice and stood up to hide his embarrassment.

He couldn't be blamed; after all, as someone from the Blue Star, how could he not be excited at the chance to become a noble mage?

"Anlia, accompany me to read for a while."

"It would be my honor, Your Highness."

...

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

On the castle's training ground.

The scorching sun poured down onto the white stone tiles, bathing the entire field in a golden-red hue. Under the blazing sun, the crisp sound of blades clashing still echoed.

*Clang! Clang! Clang!*

Berg, wearing leather armor and wielding an iron longsword, launched continuous attacks against Sir Solin, who was dressed in simple cloth.

Though his swordsmanship lacked formal technique, it was exceptionally fierce. The common iron sword in his hands was like a venomous snake, thrusting at Sir Solin’s eyes, heart, and groin from various devious angles.

Because Sir Solin was only wearing linen clothing with no protection, any successful strike from Berg’s blade would undoubtedly result in a severe injury or death.

However, that was impossible.

Even as Berg’s offensive grew fiercer with each strike, Sir Solin parried his longsword with the ease of a leisurely stroll.

*Bang!*

Finding an opening, Sir Solin raised his hand and used his sword to flick Berg’s weapon away.

"Did I... lose again?"

Berg looked at his empty hands, and, completely exhausted, he collapsed to the ground, unable to hold himself up any longer.

A vast amount of sweat erupted from his body like a fountain, soaking his leather armor.

*My weapon was knocked away again, just like when I failed to protect my lord before...*

Berg’s hands clenched into tight fists; he felt nothing even as his fingernails dug into his palms. Shame, self-reproach, and inferiority—these negative emotions were enough to mask his physical pain.

"Kid, is this really your first time using a sword?"

Sir Solin tossed him a wool towel and forcibly pulled him up from the ground.

"The training ground floor under the scorching sun is like a furnace. If you lie there any longer, you’ll be roasted."

A smile appeared on his weathered face, seemingly an expression of goodwill.

"Yes. I used bows and small knives before," Berg replied, wiping his sweat.

In just a few swipes, the snow-white wool towel became stained and dirty. The boy’s face turned awkward; coming from a village, he had never used such a fine towel before.

Seeing this, Sir Solin laughed heartily, snatched the towel back, and tossed it to an attendant nearby.

"To be honest, I previously thought you were just a lucky kid who would be abandoned by that noble Highness before long."

"But looking at it now, it seems that Highness has a keen eye, and we rough men were the ones who were short-sighted," Sir Solin remarked with a sigh.

During the fight just now, although Berg’s swordplay was unrefined, he always aimed accurately at the weaknesses in his defense. While Sir Solin won easily, it was primarily due to his overwhelming physical superiority. If their physical fitness had been equal, he might have been thrown into a panic, or even killed.

This wasn't talent in swordsmanship; it was more like an instinct for slaughter.

Glancing at the "Hunter" title above the boy’s head, a hint of regret flashed in Sir Solin’s eyes.

"Kid, have you considered changing your profession?"

Berg, who was in the middle of trying to remove his leather armor to cool off, froze.

"With your talent, if you learn to be a knight under me, you could advance to a knight within a year, provided there are sufficient resources," Sir Solin said gravely.

"Can I not continue to advance to the higher-tier profession of a Hunter?" Berg asked in return.

"Ha... listening to you, it seems you don't even know what the higher-tier profession of a Hunter is," Sir Solin shook his head, somewhat speechless.

"The profession after Hunter is Predator. It is said to be a profession passed down from the great Storm and Hunting Mystery."

"But it is not a good path for ordinary people. If you continue down that road, I fear you might not even remain human..." Sir Solin said meaningfully.

"Sir Solin, can you explain in more detail?" Hearing information about professional advancement, Berg quickly bowed to ask for guidance.

"A knight focuses on cultivating one's own body, but on the path of the Predator, to become stronger, you need not only consume potions refined from the organs of various magical beasts, but eventually, you must even replace your own organs with those of beasts, becoming neither human nor ghost..."

"Among almost all professions, the Predator has one of the worst reputations. The stronger you become, the more you are feared and discriminated against, and there is also the risk of losing your sanity."

"Therefore, for the sake of your talent, I suggest you switch to the path of a knight as soon as possible. With your lord, you will never lack resources," Sir Solin said indifferently.

Berg fell into a long silence.

He finally understood why he hadn't advanced for three full years, despite training and hunting almost day and night without rest.

*So, advancing to a Predator requires consuming potions... and further advancement requires replacing body parts with those of beasts. Is this path my father left me really suitable for me?*

His heart began to waver.

"Rather than being indecisive, you should ask your lord. After all, as attendants, we should treat our lord's commands as absolute."

Seeing the furrowed brows of the boy before him, Sir Solin offered his advice.

"Let’s continue practicing."

"Okay."

A moment later, the sound of swords clashing rang out across the training ground once more.

...

In the evening, the yellowish setting sun finally dipped below the horizon, replaced by a starry night sky.

The massive castle looked exceptionally grand under the moonlight, like a silent, black giant.

The time for the evening banquet had arrived.

In his room, Xia Mingyu accepted the white formal wear from his valet and declined the man's help in dressing. He had no interest in changing clothes in front of another man; this wasn't a bathhouse in the North.

"Hmm, not bad." Looking at the tall, handsome young man in the mirror, Xia Mingyu nodded with satisfaction.

"I wonder what Elise will look like in a formal gown..." Xia Mingyu thought to himself for no particular reason.

He had spent the afternoon reading in the library, and only returned to his room to rest his eyes after feeling dizzy. He had to attend Viscount Hughes' banquet, and later, he had to meet Elise at midnight to learn meditation.

"Take me to the main hall."

"Yes, Your Highness," the valet bowed respectfully.