Master Swordwick's opinion was biased in many ways, but even so, his argument held a great amount of truth.

'The the higher the level, the more difficult it is to climb.' This is a known fact that is accepted by all magical fighters of this mystical world.

But so what if it's difficult? I'm not going to get a second chance if I waste my time becoming a weak servant.

I may have a low quantity of Mana, but that doesn't mean I won't be able to improve the quality of my techniques with time. If others grow stronger, I'll just surpass them, plain and simple!

"I never really thought about what I'd become in future." As the Duke heard my words, he smile, as if he was pleased by the fact I was thinking about my future prospects more thoroughly.

"I wanted to become strong enough to defend myself and my family. At first I thought that being able to defeat Jack was enough to prove my potential, but I was wrong, it seems that beating him really had no meaning to everyone.

All those uncles and aunties were probably shocked by my weird magical abilities, but it seems no one had the confidence to say that I will reach the third level of Aura Manifestation." As the Duke heard my words, his eyes narrowed, the light in his eyes sharpen.

"Knowing that nobody besides your father expects anything from you, will you still continue down this path?" As I heard the Duke's calm voice, my eyes couldn't help but glance at the expression of my parents, only to see that their eyes were actually similar.

"House Master, I believe in my son as well." My mother declares straightforwardly, causing the Duke to look at her strangely, his expression changed to one of confusion.

"Martha, I didn't expect that you too would support your husband in his foolishness." The Duke's face changed as he realised what her words meant.

"Calling my parents foolish is going too far." I say calmly with a sharp glare.

"You think an F Rank like you will be able to become a Combatant?" The Duke didn't mind my rudeness and asks. His eyes seemed to look down on me like an I was ignorant child who doesn't know what I'm talking about.

"I do, and I'll prove it by upgrading my Aura Manifestation to Level 3." I reply.

"And how long do you think that will take?" The Duke ask in an unconvinced manner. There was a massive gap between each level of Aura Manifestation, and it was not something that mere hard word could cross, the Duke didn't believe one bit that I would be able pull it off.

"A week." I answer unhesitatingly. It was a short time period, but pressure is something that helps awaken human potential, I'll be sure to train like madman as I search for a solution.

My parents were both shocked by my answer, since they knew that I wouldn't lie in such a situation, I couldn't understand the emotions in their eyes as they started to exchange glances.

All true Combatants were able to use Level 3 Aura Manifestation, even Jack had the potential of being able to use it in future, this is one of the vital requirements to become a Combatant.

"Let's make a bet then." The Duke points out his index finger and suggests. I couldn't help but frown at his suggestion due to its suddenness.

"The bet is simple. If you're unable to create a Skill Root in a weeks time. You will stop training and become just a regular servant." A chill ran down my spine as I heard such blatantly unfair conditions. He was probably taking revenge for my rudeness in interrupting him earlier.

"And if I'm able to create one?" I couldn't help but ask in response.

"I will reward you with something priceless." The Duke sincerely answers.

I didn't believe that the Duke would let go of his pride in order to lie to me.

If the Duke was to say that the reward was 'priceless', then it must be something that even other bloodlines of nobles would fight for, just thinking about obtaining such a reward excites me. I wonder what the reward truly is?

"You're really excited right? It seems that a persons Ether Affinity really does affect one consciousness. I don't completely have no hope for your success. As a Double Affinity user usually has more options for growth than a Single Affinity user." The Duke informed. His knowledge about my growth has been too thorough recently.

A strange look appeared in my eyes as I glanced at my father who was playing innocent at the side. Even my mother couldn't help but sigh as she now understood why the Duke was so well-informed about my abilities.

It's not that I wanted to keep my affinities a secret, it's just uncomfortable when someone else knows so much about me, this kind of information is not supposed to be shown to people I've never met before.

"You don't have to be so reserved. Even if you created an ability that was stronger than the Sword God's Aura Manifestation Art, no one will even try to interrogate it off you, since that would cause the the King to spare no effort in erasing that individual."

"Hmm? Why is that?" At the Duke's nonchalant words, I couldn't help but ask in surprise, I actually forgot how valuable my techniques are to others.

"The King hates those that try to obstruct the road of talents. As for why he becomes hysterical when people try to steal the techniques of others, you will definitely find out in future, so just focus on improving your techniques."

After the Duke was finished advising me out of his good will, I walked out with my parents who seemed troubled over something, my curiosity was picked as I tried to find out what it was.

"What is this priceless reward that the Duke will give me if I succeed?" As I ask, they stopped in their tracks, I also stopped walking as I turned to look at them. They have never hid anything from me before, so there shouldn't be a reason for them to hide what it is, but their expressions are a bit suspicious.

"Simon, do you know why we agreed to serve the Swordwick Household?" My mother had completely changed the subject but her eyes seemed serious as she awaited my answer patiently.

"Wasn't it because of money." Although this answer sounded crude and insensitive, it cut straight to the point.

"Well considered." My father praises but my mother just glared at him to stay silent. Father wasn't dumb and understood that mother wanted to speak to me in private, so he left. He waved his hand towards us before putting on the cold facade he usually has on when facing other servants.

"I can't remember anymore if it was due to gratitude or greed, but I remember that one of the reasons we chose to become servants was to settle down somewhere that was safe.

You don't understand right now because seeing what the world is like like is better than hearing it. There are plenty of Humans on Sphera, but remember that outside this kingdoms borders, the true rulers of the world are the Goblins. A race of Outsiders that is supported by the Mist God." Her eyes seemed to suppress a bitter emotions as she spoke that last sentence.

I was shocked as I looked at my mother's face that was twisted with malice, not understanding what could have caused her to bare deep rooted hatred, but my heart was also affected by her wrath. I don't know what happened to my mother in the past but anyone who's her enemy is my own.

"After you grow up and become a splendid Combatant. Make sure you go to the Hunter Society to register yourself as a Goblin Hunter. This is the only thing I want you to do after you leave. Simon, promise me that after you becoming a true Human Combatant. you'll become a Goblin Hunter in future." My mother requests.

"I promise." After hearing my answer, a tear fell on my clothes as my mother hugged me, a feeling of helplessness invaded my heart I thought back to her words. Why did mother hate Goblins so badly? I don't know what it was, but accepting her request like this felt uncomfortable, I just didn't like it.

"I will be leaving then." I say before leaving. My mind spun as I separated from her to go back to my room.