It didn't take long for Derek, his mother, and Daisy to return home.
The rest of the day passed uneventfully. So did the one after that.
But a single thought kept echoing in Derek's mind like a distant thundercloud refusing to fade. 'If I can somehow unseal my power again… and learn how to use it without being detected by the demons… then maybe… just maybe, I can stop what's about to come this time.'
He knew it wouldn't be easy.
But he also knew he couldn't rely on the so-called systems and cultivation paths laid out for the average person only.
His mother and his sister Daisy shared the same silent wish. Though speakdidn't spoke it the aloud after last visit to Florence Elowen, they both hoped that Derek would somehow find a way to reclaim his sealed strength.
In this world, cultivators were always at a disadvantage.
No matter how hard they worked or how much talent they had, there was an invisible ceiling above them.
Once someone reached A-class, that was it. A dead end.
Because advancing beyond that point didn't just require talent, it required vast amounts of rare resources. And in a world dominated mostly by mages and somewhat by aurans, nobody was willing to waste those precious resources on someone whose path was inherently limited.
Investors, guilds, hunter academy, no one was willing to invest resources for cultivation on, cultivatorsthe where with same resources, in inves,ted on mages would bringresultsetter result.
And so, even the most passionate warriors faded into mediocrity. Not because they lacked will. But because the world didn't believe in them.
Derek knew that too.
And that's why… he couldn't afford to fail.
On the third day, Derek woke up early and started his training. Daisy didn't go for her training under Florence today. After morning session, all had breakfast together and after that Derek again started his training.
As time continued to pass, the golden sun slid lazily across the sky.
Inside the house, Daisy and Martha were waiting for Arthur to return.
They didn't have to wait long.
While Derek was training in the courtyard, seated in a calm lotus position, his eyes suddenly snapped open. He turned his gaze toward the distant horizon, toward the city.
A faint silhouette appeared in the distance, just barely visible.
A wagon.
Derek's eyes lit up. "It's him," he whispered.
He stood up and called out without turning back, "Mother, Daisy… Arthur's coming!"
He had barely finished his words when both Martha and Daisy came rushing out of the house in a flurry of motion.
All three of them gathered at the gate, eyes fixed on the slowly approaching wagon.
Seconds passed… then minutes. But none of them moved. None felt restless or tired.
And then, after nearly fifteen minutes, the wagon finally pulled into view.
But before it could even come to a stop, one figure leapt out and landed right in front of the gate.
"I'm back!" came the cheerful shout.
It was Arthur.
Martha facepalmed with a sigh. "Look at you, Arthur. You've become a hunter, and yet you're still as childish as ever."
Derek couldn't help but chuckle.
'That's just how he was in my past life. And probably how he'll always be even in this one.'
But before Arthur could flash his signature grin, Daisy marched up and grabbed his ear with a sharp twist.
"How many times do I have to tell you to be careful, huh?"
"Ouch! Ouch! Sorry, sis! I promise I'll be careful next time!" Arthur cried out, flailing dramatically.
"Yeah, yeah. That's what you always say."
Daisy, still holding his ear, began dragging him toward the house.
"W-Wait! At least let me pay the coachman!" Arthur protested, trying to pull out his coin pouch.
But Daisy snatched the pouch from his hand and tossed it toward Derek. "Pay him, little one!" she called out.
With that, she pulled Arthur inside while Martha followed, laughing softly at the scene.
Derek paid the coachman quickly, then turned and walked inside as well. He don't want to miss this moment.
The house, which had felt a little too quiet lately, now brimmed with warmth and laughter. It wasn't full, but it was alive again.
Arthur was doing his best to escape Daisy's grasp, still rubbing his poor ear. Martha shook her head and muttered, "All of you… so mischievous."
Once the teasing died down, Arthur finally sat down and began sharing his recent adventures.
His voice was full of excitement and energy as he recounted near-death experiences, wild beasts, and strange lands.
Daisy listened with bated breath, sometimes clutching the edge of her clothes in worry. Martha, too, looked tense from time to time.
And Derek? He had joined the banter with a smile, occasionally asking questions, enjoying every second of the reunion.
Later that night, during dinner, the family was seated around the table, still talking.
Then Arthur suddenly leaned forward, his tone turning slightly serious. "Derek… are you ready for the test? It's in five days."
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Derek.
He met their gaze, then smiled confidently. "Yeah. I'm ready."
"Good. But just being prepared through training isn't enough, Derek," Arthur said seriously.
"Even though the academy is known for its fair principles and strong nurturing system… when it comes to cultivators, some bias still lingers. They won't say it outright, but it's there."
He paused before adding, "So even if you don't get selected this time, don't let it break your spirit. Got it?"
Arthur, who was usually so cheerful and energetic, couldn't hide the worry in his voice. Deep down, he knew how harsh the real world could be for someone like Derek.
"I understand," Derek replied with a calm nod.
"Good."
Then Arthur turned toward Martha. "Mother, let's head out early tomorrow morning. Once we're there, Derek can take a day to rest and then peacefully continue his final stretch of training before the test. I'll also make all the arrangements for your stay in the city."
"Alright," Martha nodded in agreement.
That night, once dinner was over, the family wrapped up their conversations and headed to bed one by one.
Arthur and Derek shared a room, just like old times.
Exhausted from his journey, Arthur had already fallen into a deep sleep.
But Derek lay on his side, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling in silence.
'So… it's finally beginning. The test that will determine my path.'