They entered the private training room, and Marcus closed the door behind them. "Okay, Dante, go stand in the middle of the room for me."
Dante moved to the middle of the room, waiting for further instructions. Marcus stares at Dante for a few seconds.
"Okay, we're going to try this again. Dante, focus all of your spirit energy just like we did before."
Dante concentrated on his spirit energy, just as he had done previously.
He felt the tingling sensation of energy flowing from his core, up to his shoulders, down his arms, and finally through his hands to the tips of his fingers.
"I can really feel it this time, unlike last time," Dante said.
"That's definitely a better result, but stay focused," Marcus replied, observing him concentrate even harder.
Marcus thought to himself, 'Dante definitely has serious potential, but I don't want to tire him out completely. There isn't much time until he is sent on his first mission.'
He watched as Dante circulated his Spirit Energy, the concept becoming easier for him as he continued to focus.
"Okay, stop, Dante," Marcus says, approaching Dante, who has now opened his eyes and is no longer circulating his spirit energy.
Marcus smiled again and said, "Well, my dear Dante, you are quite adaptable. You've grasped the concept of spirit energy quickly, and now you're circulating it with ease. I'm excited to see how far you'll go."
As Marcus spoke, his smile transformed into a seductive smirk. Dante smiled in return, feeling a sense of pride in his achievement.
"Now, try to circulate your spirit energy as naturally as you breathe," Marcus explains to Dante.
Dante begins to circulate his spirit energy. "Shall we go for a walk?" Marcus suggests, leading Dante outside.
The scene shifts to Dante and Marcus, now outside the café, with Marcus looking up at the clear sky.
"Okay, Dante, we're going to walk around town and help anyone in need, but you mustn't stop circulating your spirit energy," Marcus warns, a misleading smile on his face. Dante nods nervously, afraid of the consequences.
As they walk through the town, Dante focuses on his spirit energy while trying to assist Marcus.
'Maybe this is a good time to ask Marcus some questions to get to know him better,' Dante thinks to himself.
He looks up at the clear sky as they pass a bakery, the fresh aroma of toasted bread mingling with the scents of other nearby restaurants.
"So, Marcus?" Dante calls out. Marcus turns to him and nods. "You mentioned your last name is Daines, right? Are you related to Edward Daines?"
Dante asks, hoping for an interesting answer. Marcus looks ahead again and replies with an amused smirk, "Yes, I am related to the infamous assassin Edward Daines. He was the brother of my grandfather."
Edward Daines was a well-known assassin, mysterious and highly skilled with both blades and guns. He was never identified until after his death. His features were strikingly similar to Marcus's: silver hair and deep blue eyes.
I see it's interesting. Didn't he reside in Denten? How come you live here in Sylvidivine?" Dante questions.
"Well, my mother and father lived here, away from the rest of my family," Marcus replies.
"I don't know the reason why they separated themselves from the Daines family, but it's not like I can change it," Marcus says, his smile fading slightly before brightening again.
As they continue walking, they stop at a small bridge overlooking the river. Both are lost in thought. "I just realized something," Dante says, still looking down at the water.
"When we first met, you were wearing a police uniform, and shortly after, I was in a police station. How come I haven't seen either of those again?"
Marcus glances at Dante and chuckles lightly. "That's because the police work with the Cult. We're allies; they help us stay hidden and give us missions whenever a suspicious report comes in."
Dante continues gazing at the water, piecing things together. "I see now. So you were never a real officer, just an impersonator?"
Marcus clutches his chest playfully, feigning hurt at Dante's accusation. "Dante, do you think so little of me?
Dante rolls his eyes and looks back at the river. "Anyway, congrats! You've been circulating your spiritual energy this whole time without faltering once."
Dante's eyes widen as he realizes he was subconsciously circulating his energy. "See what I mean? You are very adaptable, almost as if you were born for sorcery," Marcus says playfully.
Dante turns his back and walks away from Marcus, who starts following him, calling his name.
"Anyway let's keep going and see how long you can circulate spiritual energy until you run out."
Dante sighs and continues walking with Marcus. They walk around the town for several more hours helping the neighbors carry boxes fix structures or escorting them.
Eventually, they return to the café tired and Dante no longer being able to circulate his Spiritual energy. They both sit down at a table.
"Well, today was definitely a calm one, wouldn't you say, Dante?" Dante nods. "Are most days like this?" he asks.
"No, most of the time it's chaotic. We'll say it's just been quiet recently, which has allowed us to have a day like this one."
Dante looks at the floor, deep in thought. "I think I'm going to head home. I have to take care of my sister," Dante says as he stands up.
"Okay, tomorrow we'll work on combat training, so get some good rest tonight. See you tomorrow, dear Dante."
Dante waves and leaves the café. After some time walking, he arrives home and hangs up his coat.
"I'm home!" Dante shouts. Olivia comes running out and hugs him tightly. "Dante, why were you out for so long?" she asks with a pout.
"I was working, but I'm home now," Dante replies, embracing Olivia.
Dante and Olivia head to the kitchen, where food is simmering on the stove. "What did you cook?" Dante asks. Olivia's face lights up, "I made beef soup with vegetables!"
"Oho, a talented little chef, huh?" Dante remarks, and Olivia nods excitedly, eager for him to try it. He takes a spoonful of the soup, finds it delicious, and smiles at her.
They both sit down to enjoy the meal, engaging in conversation and savoring the flavors. Afterward, they head off to sleep, content and satisfied.