THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

"[You have received 10 million DC.]"

A rush of energy surged through David\'s veins, his body humming with newfound power. But the system wasn\'t finished.

"[You have broken through and are now a Master-ranked Swordsman,]" it announced, and David\'s breath caught in his throat. The weight of those words settled over him like a crown. He had ascended—one step closer to mastering his path. His mind reeled as the system continued.

"[You have received 100 million DC. \'Celestial Wheel\' has gained a new subskill.]"

David\'s heart pounded in his chest, anticipation building with each word. The system\'s voice, ever calm and precise, spoke again.

"[Subskill: Eyes of the Infinite.]"

The title alone sent a chill down his spine, and before he could fully comprehend its significance, the system laid out the details.

[Description: This skill allows the user to observe, analyze, and perfectly replicate any skill or ability they witness, no matter how complex. The user\'s mind expands momentarily to perceive every intricate detail—from magical energy flows to precise muscle movements—allowing them to reproduce the opponent\'s abilities seamlessly. Additionally, repeated exposure to a skill lets the user enhance or adapt it beyond its original form.]

David felt the rush of potential flood his mind. His thoughts raced. The possibilities were endless with such a skill at his disposal. But as quickly as his excitement built, the system struck him with a sobering warning.

[Warning: Cognitive Overload: Each use of the ability puts immense strain on the user\'s mind. If they attempt to analyze too many skills in rapid succession, they experience debilitating migraines or mental fatigue, reducing their cognitive functions. This may slow their reactions, making them vulnerable.

Memory Fragmentation: The user cannot retain every skill indefinitely. Skills they analyze are stored temporarily, and the longer they hold onto them, the more disoriented or mentally fragmented they become. This forces the user to forget certain abilities to maintain sanity and coherence.]

David\'s excitement waned slightly. For the first time, the system had given him a clear handicap—a price to pay for wielding such immense power. Still, the skill was an extraordinary boon, even with its risks but eternal Gluttony still took top place.

Before David could reflect further, he called out into the shadows, "Luna." His voice was calm but carried an undertone of command.

From the darkness, Luna, his ever-loyal companion, emerged from his shadow, her form materializing gracefully. She leapt toward him, her arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace. "Are you okay, Master?" Luna asked, her voice tinged with concern. The weight of his recent confrontation with Nyxalia hadn\'t escaped her, even though she had remained hidden, as per his instructions.

David smiled softly, patting her head reassuringly. "I\'m fine," he replied, his voice calm despite the whirlwind of emotions brewing inside him. Confronting a goddess had been no simple feat, and Luna, always attuned to his well-being, had sensed the magnitude of what had transpired. Her respect for him now seemed to reach beyond mortal bounds.

Luna looked up at him, her golden eyes gleaming with admiration, but David\'s focus shifted back to the present. The courtyard, the looming threat of his enemies—there was no time for rest.

"We need to move," David cautioned, his voice dropping to a low murmur. His eyes swept across the De Gor Le Rosa compound, a place thick with history, danger, and unsettled business. "There are things I need to take care of before we return home."

Luna nodded in understanding. She knew when her master\'s mind was set on something, no force in the world could deter him. Together, they vanished into the darkness, blending with the night as though they were one with the shadows themselves.

In silence, they moved with purpose. David, now equipped with newfound power and knowledge, felt an even greater weight on his shoulders. But with Luna by his side and the power of the system guiding him, he knew the path ahead, while dangerous, was one he could face head-on.

David\'s mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. His enemies were numerous, but with the subskill [Eyes of the Infinite], he now had an edge—a way to stand toe-to-toe with those far stronger than him. But he also knew the dangers. The cognitive overload and memory fragmentation weren\'t to be taken lightly. He would have to master the skill carefully, lest he lose himself in the chaos of stolen abilities.

For now, though, his focus remained on the tasks at hand. The night was far from over, and David knew that before dawn broke, there would be battles to fight, secrets to uncover, and enemies to outmanoeuvre.

Together, David and Luna disappeared into the endless night, their figures swallowed by the very shadows they commanded.

****

The moonlight filtered gently through the massive arched windows of the train hall, casting silvery beams across the polished stone floor. The night outside was still, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze, but within the hall, a subtle tension hung in the air. The pale glow illuminated the empty space, casting long, eerie shadows that danced along the walls, while the vast hall itself was silent but for the whisper of the night wind.

Amidst the tranquillity, a lone figure moved with swift precision. Angelica, her form wrapped in a loose blouse and tight leather shorts, stood poised with her sabre at the ready. Her eyes, sharp as a hawk\'s, snapped open as she began her fluid movements, slicing the air with practised grace.

Each step was a calculated strike, each motion a perfect blend of power and elegance. The sound of her weapon cut through the silence, its blade humming as it carved through the stillness of the moonlit hall. She danced like a panther, gliding effortlessly across the floor, her silhouette bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon.

The moonlight only heightened her beauty, catching on the curves of her figure and the sharp angles of her blade, when suddenly, she felt something off. An unfamiliar shift in the atmosphere made her muscles tense. Without warning, a shadowed figure lunged at her from the darkness with speed and force. Angelica spun on her heels, her sabre flashing as she deflected the incoming strike with graceful precision.

Sparks flew from the impact, illuminating her determined face for just a moment. Her opponent\'s strength was overwhelming, and Angelica felt the intensity of the duel rising as she prepared to draw her attacker into the light.

Just as she took her stance, ready to face the threat head-on, a voice cut through the charged air.

"Enough, Luna," came David\'s commanding tone, his voice smooth yet firm, immediately dispelling the tension.

Luna, her form still hidden within the shadows, pouted playfully as she stepped back. Her golden eyes gleamed with amusement. "I was just having a little fun," she teased, but her playful demeanor faded as she obediently retreated.

David and Luna emerged from the shadows, their figures silhouetted against the faint moonlight. Angelica blinked, taken by surprise to see her master and lover standing before her. Immediately, she dropped to one knee, bowing her head in reverence.

"My lord," Angelica began, her voice soft but steady, "if I had known you were coming, I—"

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Before she could finish, David reached down and gently lifted her from the ground, his touch firm yet tender. "There is no need for formalities, Angelica," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "Let that not concern you. I have business that requires your assistance."

A rush of excitement coursed through Angelica\'s veins, her heart swelling with pride. To be chosen by David meant the opportunity to prove her worth once more. She stood tall, her grip on her sabre tightening in anticipation. "Where to, my Lord?" she asked eagerly, ready to serve in whatever capacity was needed.

A dark grin spread across David\'s lips, his eyes glinting with a predatory edge. "Demon hunting," he replied, his voice carrying the weight of unspoken danger and power.

Angelica\'s heart raced as she felt the shift in David\'s energy. His strength was palpable, more potent than before. It surged from him like an unseen force, wrapping around her like a cloak of protection and challenge all at once. She could feel it—David had grown stronger, more formidable, and she was eager to match that strength beside him.

The hall, once quiet and serene, now buzzed with the anticipation of the hunt. The moonlight, still pouring in through the tall windows, seemed to reflect the charged atmosphere.

"Lead the way, my Lord," Angelica said, her voice steady and filled with determination. The night was theirs, and with David at the helm, there was no telling what danger—or victory—awaited them.