Yuto looked at the system, surprised that it randomly popped up with a new quest, as he had done nothing to trigger a quest so late at night.

"Jeez, a quest this late at night, all I did was eat?"

"Does the system have a quest for you?" Mizuki, who just took a shower, was in nothing but a bathrobe

"G-get dressed," Yuto's face was flushed with embarrassment as he quickly looked away.

Is this what Cynthia feels with Mizuki's teasing?

Mizuki laughs softly at his reaction, a teasing smirk spreading across her face. She let the bathrobe slip a bit lower on her shoulders, deliberately giving Yuto an enticing view of her exposed skin.

"Hehe, why so shy all of a sudden? It's just a piece of clothing, no need to hide. Besides, you seemed to enjoy the view earlier, didn't you? There's no need to look away and pretend you're not tempted"

"C-come on don't tease me Mizuki, especially when a quest just appeared"

She let out another soft chuckle, her smirk growing wider at his response. She takes a step closer to him, the silken material of the bathrobe brushing against his arm as she reaches for him.

"Hmph, why not? Teasing you is so much fun, you know. Your reactions are always adorable. Besides, can you blame me for wanting to mess with you a little? It's just too easy"

Yuto cleared his throat, trying to regain control of the odd situation he found himself in, "Just wait until my training is done"

She chuckled softly again, enjoying the sight of his flushed face. She leaned in slightly closer, her voice dropping to a seductive whisper.

"Aww, you're so cute when you're all flustered. But fine, I can wait for now. But don't expect me to wait forever, you know. I tend to get impatient"

"Anyways, this quest says to meet my father outside in the back. The rewards seem good it's just that it feels rather ominous"

Mizuki listens intently as Yuto mentions the quest and its requirements, a flicker of concern crossing her face at the mention of it feeling ominous.

"Meet your father outside in the back... and the rewards seem good, you say? Hmm, it could be a tricky one. But what do you mean by it feeling ominous? Something about it is making you uneasy, isn't it?"

"Don't you find it strange that this whole week, my family hasn't seen any type of monster?"

She pauses for a moment, considering his words and letting the weight of his comment sink in before responding.

"Hmm, you're right. It is rather unusual. No monsters around at all this entire week"

"That's suspicious. It's like the monsters are intentionally avoiding us, waiting for the right moment to strike…"

"Strike. . ." Yuto can't help but feel uneasy with the whole thing.

"They wouldn't be stupid to attack a beginner town, not when they have the guild here"

Mizuki listens intently, hearing the unease and uncertainty in his voice. She nodded in agreement with his statement.

"No, it doesn't make sense for monsters to attack a beginner town like this. It's too risky. They would probably steer clear of an area like this"

"Which makes it even stranger that there have been no reports of monsters all week. Something's fishy here…"

They both start to grow uneasy. Why does the system want him to meet his father in the backyard?

Why haven't the monsters shown themselves?

The more they thought, the more questions were asked. In the end, Yuto decided to meet his father, he got up, put on a pair of boots and a coat, and Mizuki returned to the ring.

Mizuki watches in silence as Yuto prepares himself, mentally noting the items he's equipping as he dresses himself, once he's ready, she slips back into the ring.

Her presence was quiet and unassuming as she waited patiently to be unleashed when needed.

<- Quest ->

Meet Your Father in the Backyard

"System, what happens if I decline this quest?"

<- System ->

The host will lose possible Rewards and any special interactions.

Yuto sighed and scratched his head, "Fine, I accept"

<- System ->

The host has accepted, Now teleporting to the destination.

- Backyard Of The Mansion -

In the blink of an eye, Yuto was in the backyard. Both he and Mizuki were surprised that the system could teleport him but did not question it as there were more important matters.

"Man, it sure is cold out here," Yuto rubbed his arms to produce some heat.

~Hmm, I'm in a ring wrapped around your finger, I say I'm quite comfortable

Mizuki says in her usual playful tone, Yuto chuckles as he rubs the ring, "Lucky"

He felt a presence behind him as well as a small lamp turning on. He looked back to see his father sitting down and drinking some tea.

~It seems that your father loves his tea. He practically didn't even notice us teleporting here.

Yuto let out a chuckle as he made his way over to his father, "Why are you here, Dad?"

Yuto remembers that it was the system that brought him outside. Now, it's a question to see if it was true what it said.

His father stared at him before chuckling, "And here I was about to drag your ass outside"

Both Yuto and Mizuki shudder as they remember the title Yuto earned during their last 'Spar', One-sided Slaughter Victim, a title that temporarily boosts all of his stats by 50 for 5 minutes when below 50 hp.

"So then you wanted to meet here?"

He looked up from his teacup, his expression softening slightly, "Yes, I wanted to talk to you. Come, sit down"

He gestures for him to take a seat next to him, pours a new cup of tea, and passes it to Yuto.

Yuto takes his seat next to his father and gratefully accepts the tea, "Is this about what Mom and Auntie were talking about during dinner, my awakening?"

He nods, taking a thoughtful sip from his tea, "Yes, in part. We've noticed your progress in the sparing you took part in and that determination"

"However, there's a significant aspect of your training that needs to be addressed"

Yuto took a sip from his cup, "And that would be what?"

He sets down the teacup and looks at him intently.

"My son, your emotional control and mental fortitude must be built up. You possess physical strength and skill, but your emotional state can easily dictate your actions and decisions"

"In the heat of battle, unbridled anger or excessive emotions can lead to careless mistakes and costly slip-ups"

Yuto gets a quick flash of what his father said in the dream world, Mizuki calms him down as she feels his heart start to speed up.

~Are you okay?

["Y-yeah, it just reminded me of what was said in the dream"]

"Never lose your emotions. . ."

He raises an eyebrow, a bit surprised by Yuto's sudden response.

"That's correct. Emotion itself isn't a weakness. However, uncontrolled emotions can cloud your judgment and lead to irrational actions"

"In battle, you must remain calm under pressure, assessing situations objectively and making swift yet rational decisions"

~Heh, your father spoke like a true Sword Master, truly worthy of respect if he can control his emotions even in the heart of battle

Yuto lets out a chuckle as he sips more tea, "So you wanna beat me till I learn how to control my emotions?"

His father looks at him dead in the eye, his expression serious.

"No, that's not my intention. Beating you senseless won't solve the issue, and it would contradict my training principles"

"Instead, we'll focus on techniques that teach you to channel and control your anger, rather than suppress it"

<- Error / New Mission ->

[ Learn Your Father's Technique of Suppression ]

Yuto looks at the system, confused but astonished.

["Mizuki I might need to have a duel with my father after all"]

Mizuki sees through Yuto's eyes and looks at the quest given.

~Just be careful, I don't like that an error is showing up on the system

"Then Dad, how long will that take?"

He considers Yuto's question, taking another sip of tea.

"It's going to take time and dedication. Learning to control your anger won't happen in a day or even a month. It's a continuous process"

"The more you train and the more you face challenging situations, the better you'll understand yourself, your emotions, and how to handle them in battle"

Yuto and Mizuki both smirk and the system will make sure that Yuto masters this technique in a week.

Yuto finished his tea, got up, and walked over to the yard, "Then do you wanna have a quick match? This time, Mom and Cynthia won't interrupt"

Mizuki smiles as Yuto calls her to his side, a very beautiful sword with two red ribbons attached.

His father's eyes flicker with interest as he gazes at Yuto's sword. He sets his teacup down and stands up, walking into the yard with a graceful stride.

"Very well. I accept your challenge. "

He unsheathed his katana, the steel blade gleaming in the sunlight.

Yuto smiles as Mizuki switches forms to a katana, her true weapon form, sharp, swift, and the 2 red ribbons still attached.

He appraises Yuto's sword, recognizing its balance and elegance.

"Your blade has an elegance to it. But beauty alone doesn't win battles. "

He took a fighting stance, poised and ready to move at any moment.

~While I am rather thankful that your father complimented me, you feel it too don't you, the feeling of death looming, he's serious this time

Yuto grips his katana with both hands rather tightly.

["We just can't back out this time. We need to show him that we can do it, that he can trust us with his secrets"]

Mizuki smiles at him, her spiritual form appearing next to him, helping him grip the blade in a better position.

As his father notices Mizuki's presence, a flicker of surprise crosses his face.

"I see you've received some help,"

He remains focused, his eyes locked on his son's stance and movements.

"I'll tell you more about her if you can knock me out within 10 minutes"

His father raises an eyebrow at the challenge, intrigued by Yuto's bold proposal.

"Very well. I'll take it. "

He crouches slightly, ready to begin the countdown.

"You have 10 minutes starting... now"

In a flash, Yuto sees his father bring down his sword, breaking the ground. Yuto just barely as his shirt was ripped off.

[ Skill: Phantom step ]

["Shit, if it wasn't for phantom step, my ass would be down right now"]

Mizuki chuckles as she looks at the giant hole in the ground.

~Come on, we can win if we can read some of his movements like last time, don't go giving up on me, Yuto

["We'll win!"]

[ Skill: Quick x phantom step ]

His father is taken off guard by Yuto's sudden burst of speed and dodging skill, his attack missing him by a narrow margin. He quickly recovers his composure, adapting to Yuto's altered speed.

"Ah, so you're faster now. Impressive"

["He caught up!"]

[ Skill: Quick Step ]

Yuto's speed increases, almost like teleportation, appearing right behind his father

[ Martial Art: New Moon Strike ]

Yuto aimed to catch his father off guard by attacking his flanks.

His father senses Yuto's fast approach and pivots to dodge the New Moon Strike. His blade swerves up to deflect the attack, but the quick step skill still manages to catch him off guard, making him sidestep slightly.

"You're indeed faster. And you have a knack for surprises"

Yuto stopped in his tracks, his blood ran cold as he felt his father's killing intent.

His father takes note of his reaction, a flicker of surprise passing over his face.

"Ah, so you can sense my killing intent as well, most impressive."

He took a step forward, his katana lowered but still poised to strike, "You're more attuned to your surroundings than I thought"

[ Skill: Shadow Step ]

It looked as if Yuto began to merge with the shadows in an attempt to hide in the darkness.

He notices Yuto's attempt to hide in the shadows, but his keen senses and experience allow him to anticipate Yuto's movement.

"Don't think the shadows will save you. I can still sense you"

Yuto and Mizuki know that he's telling the truth. This is a man who has seen his fair share of war, "Is that so?"

He nods, his eyes scanning the surroundings for Yuto's exact position.

"Yes, I can still track your movements, even in the shadows. You'll have to try harder if you want to evade me"

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Yuto looked up and saw his father bringing down his Katana, the ground shocked hard, causing Yuto to be forced out of the shadows.

The fight between Yuto and his father unfolds in a whirlwind of clash and counter, as both their katanas whirl through the air, each blow landing with a ringing sound, filling the air with a metallic symphony.

Yuto, thanks to Mizuki's instructions, began to move with a grace and elegance unlike anything his father had ever seen, his quickstep technique adding a touch of fluidity to his otherwise brutal strikes.

Every move is calculated, and each attack is aimed to bring his father down.

"My dear boy, it seems as if you have been training in secret, even if I am holding back 99 percent, the fact that you can even land some hits on me is impressive on its own"

His father, now starting to take this fight seriously, starts to fight with stoic determination and precision, his swordsmanship honed by years of training and experience.

The clash of their swords echoes, a constant reminder of the intense dance of steel.

Yuto's attacks grow fiercer, his determination driving him to push further.

His father, however, remains calm and focused, his experience enabling him to predict Yuto's moves and counter them with ease.

~Jeez, now he feels like playing with us, I'm guessing he'll start using just a tad bit more strength and skill

["Mizuki please guide me once more"]

[ Skill and Martial Art: Shadow Step X New Moon Strike ]

It was a swift and powerful strike that normal people wouldn't be able to dodge as Yuto increased his speed as well.

Despite this, Yuto is unable to land that single hit on his father. Every attack is blocked, parried, or dodged effortlessly, his father's defense unyielding.

"Haha, you let me get a few hits in?"

His father responds to Yuto's question with a small, barely perceptible smirk, his face still a mask of stoicism, "Don't flatter yourself. Those hits were allowed to humble your overconfidence"

In a quick flash, his father disappears, Yuto looks down and sees his father, his blade pressed against Yuto's stomach gently so as not to cut him.

"Try to endure this," he sent Yuto, flying to the wall.

The force behind the blow is immense, sending Yuto hurtling backward against the wall with a loud thump.

Pain spreads through his back as he hits the surface, the impact knocking the wind from his lungs.

<- System Warning ->

[ Host now has a broken arm and is bleeding ]

His left arm is broken, but he bites his lip to hold in the scream.

His body is starting to bleed as he gains some cuts from falling off the wall, along with some concrete falling on him.

His father's eyebrows furrow upon seeing Yuto's injuries, concern briefly flashing across his face, but she quickly masks his emotions, staying focused on the fight.

"You're injured. Can you continue?"

Yuto raises his bleeding right arm. It was shaking, but Yuto held firm, "I'm still standing"

He studies Yuto's determined expression, his gaze taking in his bloodied arm and shaking hand.

"Indeed, you're still standing. But you won't remain that way for long. You are severely injured and in no condition to continue fighting"

~Yuto, are you sure you can continue, we can stop here. It seems even your father doesn't want to continue.

["Mizuki, do you trust me?"]

Mizuki, without hesitation, reassures him that she has his back.

["I still have one card up my sleeve he hasn't seen, so trust me"]

TITLE: ONE-SIDED SLAUGHTER VICTIM IS NOW ACTIVATED

[ ALL STATS INCREASE BY 50 FOR 5 MINUTES ]

Yuto sees that one of his titles is now active, "Shit, that means I'm below 50 percent of my health, I don't have much time left, Mizuki, help me win!"

Mizuki stays quiet as she feels 50 percent of the pain Yuto feels while in her sword form, she can feel Yuto's body screaming to stop.

'As you wish, I will support you 100 percent'

Yuto's blood stops spilling for a second as Mizuki supports him with buffs.

+10 Attack

+10 Speed

+10 Defense

Yuto smiles as he holds firmly, "COME AT ME!"

His father sighed, shaking his head, his voice firm but tinged with a hint of concern.

"Your determination is admirable, but you're being foolish. You're injured, and continuing to fight will only make matters worse. It's time to stop"

[ Skill x Martial Art: Swift Crescent Kick ]

The kick catches him off guard, the power and elegance of the technique forcing him to sidestep to avoid it. "Impressive technique. But it won't be enough to bring me down"

With his non-broken right arm, he brings the blade upwards, intending to at least cut off a bit of his father's hair.

He quickly raises his sword to parry the incoming strike, the blades colliding with a resounding clash.

Yuto coughs a bit of blood out as he looks down, his father's foot connected with Yuto's stomach, knocking the wind out of him and sending him flying back to the wall.

The force of the impact shatters the wall, sending debris flying in all directions.

Yuto is slammed against the broken wall, his body hitting the remnants hard.

Yuto broke his right leg and his right arm, no longer being able to hold Mizuki, as she fell to the side.

He stares at Yuto, his body battered and severely injured, blood covering his clothes and streaming from various wounds.

"That was foolish of you. Look at the state you're in. Your body will only break further if you continue this. You need to stop now"

[ Passive: Grace Healing ]

All of Yutos wounds, broken bones, and even some of the teeth that fell out are healed, his body glowing green as Yuto stands up completely healed.

His father's eyes widen in surprise as he watches Yuto heal right before him. The speed and efficiency of his recovery are unnatural, almost defying the limits of the human body.

"Yuto, what is this? How did you heal so quickly?"

Yuto places Mizuki back into his ring, "14 minutes have passed, it seems as if I won the bet"

His father sheathes his katana and dusts off his clothes, "Hah, it seems as if you did improve. Just a few days ago, you couldn't even stand from wounds"

"Although I was holding back, the truth of the matter is that you got some hits in as well as going past the initial 10 minutes, I'm proud of you"

Both Yuto and Mizuki were stunned, his father had such a warm smile, and he was genuine with what he said.

"T-thank you, Father," Yuto can't help but feel extremely happy, Mizuki notices and chimes in

'I mean he is right. We couldn't even land a proper hit on him, so be proud, Yuto. I'd say we earned that right'

<- System ->

Will the host accept now?

["Can I accept the rewards at a later time?"]

<- System ->

[ Of course, rewards will appear again when you are ready to accept ]

"Father, I seem to be exhausted, may I be excused back to my room?"

Yuto's father had many questions: What was the healing, how could he improve so much in just a week, and who or what was the silhouette of a woman standing behind and supporting his son?

"Alright, just make sure not to speak to anyone about our fight, hell if your mother knew I sent you flying to the wall, I shudder to even think how she'll react, I'll clean up here so goodnight"

Yuto bowed and returned to the mansion. As he entered, the system appeared before him.

<- System ->

Will the Host Teleport Back to his Room?

["Oh you can do that?"]

<- System ->

[ Host Can Teleport to Small Distances he has been to ]

["Well in that case, please teleport me back into my room"]

<- System ->

[ As You Wish, Teleporting Host Back Into His Room ]

Yuto found himself on his bed. He got up and looked around. He was impressed at the potential the system had

"Wow I can get used to this, I wonder if I can learn teleportation magic soon, system please give me my rewards"

<- System ->

[ The Host has accepted, please check your status window ]

"Hmm, Status Window", Yuto looked up to see his blue screen, Mizuki got out of the ring and went into her physical form to check on Yuto's progress.

Yuto Akimitsu

Title: Youngest Demon Prince

One-Sided Slaughter Victim

Class: Prince of Darkness

Level: 40

Stats: Strength 173 / Speed 73 / Agility 73 / Defense 123 / Health 1013 / Mana 123 / Mentality 1010 / Stamina 1010

Passive: Grace Healing - Heals twice a day when below 30 Hp

Black Smith's Blessing - Increases the attack of any weapon by 20

Skills: Dash - Sudden Movements in battle/ Click to see more

Martial Art collection: Click to see more

"Huh, isn't Dash a bit like my improvised quick step? Heh, I guess the system got tired of me using a skill that wasn't even registered haha"

"Yuto it seems that you went up 5 levels up," Mizuki said in an excited tone.

"Yes, at this rate, we might be able to leave a lot sooner than I originally thought," Yuto clenched his fist in excitement before Mizuki tackled him.

"Mizuki?" Yuto's face went beat red, surprised at her sudden action that caused the both of them to collapse on his bed.

Mizuki let out a soft laugh, amused by his stunned and blushing reaction. As they collapse onto the bed, she rolls on top of him, pinning him down with a mischievous grin.

"Hehe, what's wrong? Can't handle a little surprise from me?"

Yuto covers his mouth with his right hand as his left covers his eyes, "I thought you promised not to tease me"

She chuckles softly at his attempt to cover his face, her grin widening as she notices the effect her actions are having on him.

"Hehe, I did, didn't I? But it's so much fun to see you like this. All flustered and embarrassed. I just can't help myself sometimes, you know"

"Mizuki?", his tone was still that of embarrassment, his eyes now looking at hers.

She leans closer, her face now only inches from his, their eyes locking as she notices the hint of embarrassment still present in his tone.

"Mhmm, yes? What is it, you flustered little thing?"

"When are you going to get off?"

She chuckled softly, his question only fueling her playful tendencies.

"Hehe, and what if I don't want to get off just yet? What's the hurry, anyway? I'm quite comfortable like this, you know."

Yuto, although embarrassed, wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. After dealing with the stress and work of today, a little reward was okay, right?

"O-oh, now we're getting daring, aren't we? Wrapping your arms around me like that... What's this about, hmm?"

"A little reward now and then isn't so bad right?"

She raises an eyebrow at his words, a sly smile spreading across her face as she considers his suggestion.

"A little reward now and then, eh? And what kind of "little reward" do you have in mind, hm? Just want me to stay like this for a while longer, holding you down on the bed? Or something more…"

They both look at each other and share a laugh, the tension in the atmosphere giving way to a lighthearted moment as they find humor in the situation.

Mizuki smiles warmly as they laugh together, the unexpected turn of events amusing them both

"Hehe, who would've guessed we'd end up like this, huh? Maybe I should tease you more often if it leads to moments like this."

"Maybe," Yuto hid his face with a pillow, embarrassed to even face her but it only seemed to lighten Mizuki's mood.

"Hehe, I'll keep that in mind, then. Teasing you more often does sound quite enjoyable. Seeing your adorable reactions is always such a treat, after all."

As they finally settle down together, their bodies exhausted from the day's events, Mizuki shifts into a more comfortable position, nestling in the warmth of his embrace.

She let out a soft sigh of contentment, feeling a sense of belonging as she rested in his arms.

"Mmmm... this is nice. Just the two of us, comfortable and tired, in each other's arms. It's been a long day, hasn't it?"

"Yeah... too long..."

Their night finally wrapped up, and Yuto smiled, patting her head as he fell asleep, after a week of traveling this was just what they needed.