Chapter 76

Delphine, eager to continue the training despite the earlier hiccup, guided Aether through a new technique. "Now, close your eyes and focus on your chest," she instructed, placing her five fingers gently on his sternum.

Aether complied, determined to master this aspect of energy manipulation. Both of them chose to overlook the recent embarrassing incident, prioritizing progress in their training.

There are two ways to feel the Arcane Energy one from the hands while the other from the chest. However, Drawing energy from the chest was rare, reserved for those who had earned the love from Arcane. Delphine, recognizing Aether's potential, opted to test his abilities in this regard.

'Ssshhh'

Aether's eyebrows twitched as he felt the energy flow into his body, "I can feel it," he confirmed, a sense of accomplishment colouring his tone.

Delphine's surprise was evident, her thoughts swirling with acknowledgement, 'I guess, He truly has earned the love of the Arcane,' she mused silently, nodding in affirmation. "Now, try to circulate the energy throughout your body, akin to the flow of blood," she instructed, her voice steady and encouraging.

Aether nodded, his focus unwavering as he began to guide the energy through his veins and nerves, feeling its subtle pulsations as it spread.

Sensing the subtle absorption of energy from Aether, Delphine nodded approvingly. "I'm going to withdraw my hand slowly. Remember this sensation and try to draw it from the surroundings," she explained, preparing to relinquish her physical connection.

"Hmmm"

As Delphine lifted her hand, Aether felt the flow of energy ceases momentarily. Taking a deep breath, he focused on replicating the sensation he had just experienced, and soon, he felt the familiar energy entering his body once more.

"Good," Delphine acknowledged, observing the visible flow of Arcane energy into Aether's being.

"Now, circulate it slowly throughout your body, ensuring it reaches every part, and then... focus on your fingertip or wherever you intend to cast the magic," Delphine instructed further.

Aether followed her guidance diligently, circulating the energy methodically through his body until he felt ready to channel it outward. With a determined expression, he opened his eyes and raised his hand, focusing his intent on his fingertip.

'Sssshhh'

a small yellow flame flickered to life at his fingertip.

"Hmm... Now, release your focus on the fingertip," Delphine directed.

The yellow flames dissipated without a trace.

Delphine nodded and then, "Do it again, but this time, only release the amount of energy you intend," she said.

Aether nodded and then,

'ssshhh'

a controlled, small yellow flame appeared.

Aether smiled with satisfaction at the successful manifestation, receiving an approving nod from Delphine. With determination, he aimed his magical flame towards the dummy target.

"PUFFF!!"

The flame burst forth, hitting the wall rather than the intended target, though with less disastrous results than before.

Aether awkwardly smiled upon seeing this.

"You'll need to work on your aim," Delphine remarked with a playful smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she offered her guidance.

After hours of relentless practice with his flames, Aether finally collapsed onto the ground, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath.

"-Huff-Huff-Huff- Fuck, I am drained!" Aether exclaimed between gasps, his body protesting from the intense exertion.

Despite his fatigue, Aether's eyes sparkled with a sense of accomplishment and joy, evident in the satisfied grin that tugged at his lips.

"You're certainly a fast learner..." Delphine remarked, her gaze shifting from Aether to the dummy target that bore multiple tiny holes from his precise attacks.

"-Ha- Thank you," Aether replied, his voice still laced with exhaustion but filled with genuine appreciation.

The silence was broken by a soft sound,

"~Ssssh~"

A small white snake, hidden until now in Aether's pocket, slithered out and affectionately licked his hand, acknowledging his hard work and progress.

+1000 Affection

Aether's smile widened at the gesture, his bond with the creature growing stronger.

"Since you have reached Level 1 proficiency..." Delphine's voice interrupted, drawing Aether's attention as he lay on the ground, still catching his breath.

"Hmm?" Aether responded with curiosity, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Now, summon the Arcane Card," Delphine instructed, her tone serious yet expectant.

Aether's surprise was palpable, though not entirely unexpected, as he had been preparing for this moment. Following Empress's teachings, he placed his hand over his chest and uttered the command,

"Arcane Card"

A faint glow emanated from his chest, indicating the activation of the arcane card. Inwardly, Aether muttered 'I'll fucking tear you apart if you come out bitch!!'

The light abruptly ceased, leaving both Aether and Delphine slightly puzzled. Delphine furrowed her brow, silently 'Maybe he needs a little more training'.

With time pressing against them, their departure preparations took precedence.

"Do you have a name for it?" Delphine inquired as she settled beside Aether.

"Well, I did try to name it, but it didn't seem to like it for some reason..." Aether replied, a hint of annoyance evident as he glanced at the white snake.

"HISSSS!!"

The sudden hiss from the snake indicated its displeasure, almost as if it were protesting Aether's choice of name.

"Oh? It seems to have taken offence... What name did you give it?" Delphine's curiosity was piqued.

"I named it Penelope," Aether shrugged, added inwardly, 'Ex's Name'

"HHIISSS!!!!"

The snake's agitation escalated, reacting vehemently to the name.

"Whoa! It really despises that name..." Delphine remarked, surprised by the snake got even angrier.

"I wonder why..." Aether pondered aloud.

"Perhaps it's a male?" Delphine suggested, glancing at the snake.

"Oh, damn, I hadn't checked..." Aether facepalmed in realization before attempting to inspect the snake's gender by holding its tail and was about---

"HISSS!!!"

'Chucckk!!'

"OUCH!!"

The snake's sudden aggression caught Aether off guard, its bite drawing blood as it wriggled free from his grasp.

"YOU!!" Aether's voice carried a mix of frustration and pain as rubbed he the wound.

"HISS!" The snake responded with equal fervour, its anger palpable as it sought refuge behind Delphine, its defensive posture evident.

Delphine's expression soured, her disappointment evident as she glanced at Aether with a mixture of disbelief and disgust, "You are the worst!!" she muttered under her breath, her tone tinged with frustration.

"H-Huh? Wait! Why am I the worst?" Aether's frown deepened.

Delphine's expression remained stern, her voice carrying a hint of reprimand, "Though they are classified as monsters, they possess consciousness and intelligence, much like any other beings. This is especially true for those with Silver and higher aptitudes," she explained, her words measured and firm. "What you did was utterly... inappropriate, forcing it to reveal its private parts."

"...." Aether opened his mouth to say but.... looking at those two menacing eyes, he chose to close it, 'It's not like I am gone to finger it....' He thought but ultimately shut his mouth.