Damon continued deeper into the Beast Forest, his expression filled with anticipation.
Behind him, Captain Roderick and the three guards maintained a reasonable distance, observing his movements.
Roderick couldn't help but feel impressed.
When the young master first began his recovery, nobody expected him to develop this quickly. His physical condition had improved tremendously, and his performance against the magical beasts demonstrated that he possessed considerable combat instincts.
Although he still lacked experience, his reactions and adaptability were better than Roderick had anticipated.
"Not bad at all," the captain remarked.
Damon turned towards him.
"Was that praise, Captain?"
Roderick chuckled.
"Don't let it get to your head, Young Master. You still have plenty to learn."
"Then I'll make sure to give you more reasons to praise me."
The three guards exchanged amused glances.
They had initially approached this assignment as another ordinary duty. However, watching the young heir fight had gradually changed their impressions of him.
What surprised them most wasn't simply his strength, but his willingness to face danger without relying entirely on his family name.
Unknown to Damon, this expedition was also part of Marcel's carefully considered arrangement.
His father understood that a future clan leader needed more than strength and authority. He needed people willing to stand behind him.
By allowing Damon to train alongside experienced family guards, Marcel was giving his son an opportunity to earn their respect and loyalty through his own actions.
He wanted the guards to see the young master not merely as the heir they were obligated to protect, but as someone worth following.
For now, Damon remained unaware of his father's intentions.
His attention was elsewhere.
"Captain, how much farther until we encounter stronger beasts?"
Roderick studied him.
"You're already thinking about stronger opponents?"
"Of course. I didn't come here to spend the entire day fighting ordinary creatures."
The captain shook his head.
"There's a reason the forest is divided into different regions. The deeper you venture, the more dangerous the beasts become."
"That's precisely what interests me."
Damon glanced at his hands.
He had barely experimented with his newly accessible mana. Furthermore, he wanted to understand how his Knight cultivation and swordsmanship would perform against stronger opponents.
"There's something else I want to test," he added.
"Your mana?"
Damon nodded.
"And my techniques."
Roderick smiled.
"Then I suppose we'll continue."
***
After travelling for another twenty minutes, the group entered a region where the vegetation became noticeably denser.
The atmosphere felt heavier, and the magical energy in the surroundings was considerably stronger.
"Stay alert," Roderick instructed.
Damon nodded.
He retrieved his sword and concentrated.
He recalled the lessons from his training sessions and the two techniques he had been studying.
The first was the Ironbound All-Body Tempering Technique, which strengthened his physical foundation.
The second was the Crosswind Sword Art, which focused on efficient attacks, precise thrusts and smooth transitions between offence and defence.
He had practised their fundamentals repeatedly, but this was his opportunity to test them under genuine combat conditions.
A rustling sound suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
Something emerged from behind the trees.
It was a massive feline creature with dark crimson fur, powerful limbs and a pair of curved horns protruding from its forehead.
Its golden eyes fixed on Damon.
"Young Master, that's a Crimson Horned Panther," Roderick warned. "It's considerably stronger than the beasts you've encountered so far."
Damon tightened his grip.
"Perfect."
The creature released a threatening growl before launching itself forward.
Damon immediately moved sideways.
Its claws swept through the space where he had been standing, tearing apart a section of the ground.
He counterattacked with a horizontal slash.
Clang!
His sword struck the creature's tough hide but failed to penetrate deeply.
Before he could recover, its tail whipped towards him.
Damon raised his sword defensively.
The impact sent him several metres backwards.
He landed on his feet, his expression becoming serious.
"So that's the difference in strength."
The panther didn't give him time to think.
It charged again.
This time, Damon activated the Ironbound All-Body Tempering Technique, directing his strengthened physical foundation into his movements.
He narrowly avoided the creature's claws before executing a quick thrust using the Crosswind Sword Art.
His blade penetrated the creature's shoulder.
A roar echoed through the forest.
However, the beast retaliated almost immediately, forcing Damon to retreat.
His opponent was faster and physically stronger than the previous creatures.
Damon realised that relying entirely on his swordsmanship wouldn't be enough.
He needed something else.
Mana.
He concentrated, attempting to draw the magical energy within his body towards his sword arm.
A faint blue glow appeared around his hand.
[Mana Circulation Initiated.]
Damon felt the familiar instability.
His mana control was still poor, and maintaining the energy required considerable concentration.
Nevertheless, he pressed forward.
The Crimson Horned Panther lunged.
Damon stepped aside and swung his sword.
This time, a thin layer of blue energy surrounded the blade.
BOOM!
The impact was considerably stronger.
A deep wound appeared across the creature's chest, forcing it backwards.
Damon's eyes brightened.
"So this is what happens when I combine mana with swordsmanship!"
But his excitement was short-lived.
The mana surrounding his sword flickered before disappearing.
A sharp wave of fatigue spread through his body.
[Warning!]
[Mana stability deteriorating.]
[Current mana control insufficient to maintain prolonged circulation.]
The panther recovered and charged again.
Damon barely managed to block its attack.
His sword trembled from the impact, and his feet sank slightly into the soil.
He gritted his teeth.
He couldn't afford to waste his remaining mana.
Remembering Roderick's lessons, he adjusted his stance and waited for the creature to commit to another attack.
When it lunged, Damon shifted his weight, allowing its claws to pass beside him.
He stepped forward and delivered a precise thrust beneath its injured shoulder.
The blade pierced deeper this time.
With a final roar, the Crimson Horned Panther collapsed.
[Congratulations! You have slain a Crimson Horned Panther.]
[Combat Experience Acquired.]
Damon withdrew his sword and took several deep breaths.
His body was exhausted, but his expression carried unmistakable satisfaction.
He had successfully combined his Knight techniques with mana, even if only briefly.
Roderick approached him.
"Well done, Young Master."
Damon looked towards him.
"Was that good enough?"
The captain laughed.
"Good enough? You faced an opponent considerably stronger than your previous enemies and adapted your fighting style during the battle. You still made several mistakes, but your progress is impressive."
The three guards also expressed their admiration.
Damon smiled.
"Then I suppose there's still more to learn."
"Much more," Roderick replied.
He glanced towards the deeper section of the forest.
"However, I believe we've gathered enough information about your current abilities for today. Pushing further while you're exhausted would be foolish."
Damon reluctantly nodded.
He wanted to continue, but he understood the importance of recognising his limits.
As the group prepared to move, a notification appeared before him.
[Training Assessment Updated.]
[Swordsmanship Development: Improving.]
[Mana Application: Initial Success.]
[Knight Foundation: Strengthened.]
Damon dismissed the notification with a satisfied smile.
His journey toward s becoming a true powerhouse had only just begun.
And somewhere within the Jubo Clan Mansion, his father would undoubtedly be pleased to learn that his son was making progress—not only in strength, but also in earning the respect of those who served the family.