Their return to Willow Creek sparked jubilation. Worried faces transformed into beaming smiles as news of Gorn’s recovery spread like wildfire.

“Gorn is back! He’s been saved!”

“I knew he would pull through!”

Villagers swarmed Gorn, offering congratulations and heartfelt embraces. He basked in their warmth, his laughter echoing through the streets. William, content to observe, allowed Gorn his moment of triumph.

That night, a joyous festival erupted. Music filled the air, villagers danced with abandon, and the aroma of roasted meats and sweet treats mingled with the crackling of a bonfire. It was a celebration of Gorn’s return and a way to honor those lost to the corrupted beasts.

Elara and Maya, their faces etched with relief, joined the festivities. The worry that had plagued them for days melted away, replaced by a shared sense of joy and gratitude.

Later, William and Maya found themselves sitting beneath a tree, sharing stories and laughter.

“I’m so glad everything worked out,” Maya said, her eyes sparkling in the firelight. “And how is your magic practice going?”

“Pretty well, I think,” William replied, taking a sip of his drink. “I’ve mastered that spell I showed you, and I’m planning to try for the magic school entrance exams in six months.”

Maya’s eyes widened. “That’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, then her expression turned wistful. “But that means you’ll be leaving…”

William turned to her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Don’t tell anyone,” he whispered, “but your father is going to start your magic training soon. He believes you can enter a magic school in a year.”

“He did?” Maya gasped, her face lighting up. “I’ll try for the same school as you… But even if I don’t get in, we’ll still see each other, right?”

“Of course,” William assured her.

He truly valued Maya’s kindness and unwavering support, both for him and her family.

The revelry continued late into the night. William, though eager to resume his training, recognized the value of such communal celebrations. He knew a balance of exertion and rest was essential, both for his physical development and mental well-being.

As the festivities wound down, William, pleasantly full of food and drink, retired to his room. It remained unchanged, save for the addition of the demonic sword tucked away in a corner.

‘I’m not ready to use that thing yet’, William thought, eyeing the wrapped blade with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. I need to learn more about it first.

The boost to his attributes from absorbing the demonic energy had been thrilling, but the lingering presence of that energy within him was unsettling.

Could he become like the possessed hunter, losing control to the demonic influence? His ignorance about demons and their artifacts made him cautious.

He would stick to his SSS-ranked skill for now; at least he knew it wouldn’t have any adverse side effects, as long as he didn’t meet an untimely end in the past.

William sank into his pillow, falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The following morning, a peaceful quiet settled over Willow Creek. The revelry of the previous night had taken its toll, and the village slumbered, recovering from the festivities. Even William felt a bit sluggish, but the lingering warmth of the celebration made it worthwhile.

When he finally emerged from his room, he found Gorn and Elara already awake, enjoying a quiet cup of tea at the table.

“I made some tea for you,” Elara said, her smile as radiant as the morning sun. “It will help you feel better after all that celebrating.”

William joined them, accepting the steaming cup with gratitude. “Thank you,” he said, taking a sip. “And Gorn, how are you feeling?”

“Never better,” Gorn declared, his voice booming with renewed vigor. “In fact, this is the best I’ve felt in ages!”

William beamed. It seemed absorbing the demonic energy had indeed cured Gorn completely.

“That’s fantastic,” William said, savoring the soothing warmth of the tea. “And this tea is delicious.”

Gorn chuckled. “Enjoy it while you can,” he said. “Soon, your training will begin. You’ll be sparring with me every morning.”

While William was eager to begin training immediately, Gorn, wise in the ways of both combat and hangovers, decreed they would start the following day. The festivities had taken their toll, and even the strongest warrior needed time to recover.

William, too, welcomed a day of respite. Though his Chrono Shift ability had refreshed, he opted for a true day off, a chance to clear his mind and recharge.

After a hearty breakfast with Gorn and his family, he set out with a fishing rod and bucket in hand. “Don’t wander too far,” Gorn had cautioned, “the forest is still dangerous.”

The river near the village wasn’t ideal for fishing. The commotion and activity kept most fish at bay.

However, a short walk upstream led him to a tranquil spot, perfect for his purpose. He gathered some worms for bait and settled on the grassy riverbank, savoring the peace and quiet.

The soft grass cushioned him, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the symphony of nature filled his ears.

“Ah,” William sighed contentedly, “how wonderful it is to have a carefree day with nothing to do. Better enjoy it while it lasts, because tomorrow things get serious…”

Time flowed by like the river itself, carrying William along in its current. After the first catch, more fish filled his bucket. The simplicity of the task, the repetitive motion, and the quietude allowed his mind to wander.

‘First, I’ll train with Gorn and Jinra,’ he thought, ‘master as many spells as I can, and then it’s off to magic school! There, I’ll learn everything I can about demons and these new abilities…’ A solid plan was forming in his mind.

As dusk approached, William returned to the village, his bucket overflowing with his catch. He expertly cleaned the fish, and Elara worked her culinary magic, transforming them into a mouthwatering feast. Famished from his day by the river, William devoured his share with gusto.

“Goodnight, Gorn, Elara, Maya,” he said, already feeling the pull of sleep.

He knew Gorn would be eager to start their training, but he hadn’t anticipated being roused from slumber at the ungodly hour of five in the morning.

“Wake up, William!” Gorn’s booming voice shattered the predawn stillness. “Didn’t I say we were training?” He ripped the covers off William’s bed with a flourish.

“B-but what?” William sputtered, his mind still foggy with sleep. “Isn’t it too early?”

Though tempted to grumble about the early hour, William knew better than to question Gorn’s training methods. He rose like a zombie, stumbling out of bed and into the crisp morning air, a wooden sword clutched in his hand.

“Today, we advance your skills,” Gorn declared, his voice ringing with energy. “Stay sharp, lad!”

Before William could even blink the sleep from his eyes, Gorn charged, his wooden sword whistling through the air. The blow connected squarely with William’s head, jolting him awake with a resounding thwack.

“Ow, my head!” William groaned, clutching his throbbing skull.

Gorn roared with laughter. “That’s one way to wake you up!” he boomed. “Now get up and prepare yourself!”

Their training session was intense, far exceeding their previous sparring matches.

In addition to swordplay, Gorn had William running, performing push-ups, squats, and sit-ups, with barely any time to rest between exercises.

William silently thanked the heavens when he spotted Elara approaching.

“Lunch is ready!” she announced, a welcome respite from Gorn’s relentless drills.

William’s stomach rumbled in response. ‘Finally, a break from this madman…’ he thought gratefully.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep