"As always—you performed fascinatingly weird," Xavier replied
Damien rolled his eyes before picking up a few dishes being served at the bar and going to sit at a table. He waited for Dom and Sam to join him, but the one who joined him was not them but Serena.
"Don't wait for those two," she told him as she sat down. "They were caught by one of the guild members and taken to another mission. It was a quick and simple mission to earn money, so they agreed."
"So they ditched me?" Damien shook his head as he began eating.
"Quite true." Serena nodded as she placed a book and started reading while she too began eating.
"What do you have there?" Damien asked when he saw her reading with such a focused expression. Xavier glanced at the book while standing behind Damien.
"Hmm, this? It's a book on mana waves. It's one of the important skills for owl-class beastmen; we can use and control our mana to create an invisible force that could be used to attack our opponent at the same time this skill helps us control our mana pool such that we do not over-exert ourselves."
"It's something that all owl beast men have to learn, as we are more skilled in controlling mana rather than fighting the battle with our agility and strength. It's better to rely on our mental force than our physique but for that, we need to train our mind until we can control our mana in the way we like it."
So she was an owl beast woman, thought Damien as he nodded.
"It sounds like a lot of work." Damien took a bite of his mashed potatoes.
"Indeed, it is," Serena nodded. "But if we want to get stronger and survive all kinds of hurdles thrown at us, then intense study and practice is the only way to survive." She paused and added, "You should also think of a way to get your hands on some books or scrolls that will help you in your training, Lord Damien."
Damien sighed and commented, "I would like to do it too. But there are no books that will help me in my training. I can only practice my fighting skills and hone my abilities as much as possible. No one knows how to help me train, so we are just going through the trial-and-error method. So unless I finally get a way to achieve the desired results, I will just have to play by the wind."
"That's tough," Serena gave him a sympathetic look. "If you would like, I can share some of my notes. Maybe they might help you a little."
"The thing is ready," she told him while glancing at Serena with alarm bells ringing in her head. "Do you want to come with me and check up on it?"
"Alright," Damien replied before turning to look at Serena and saying to her, "I will see you tomorrow then?" He didn't know whether she was willing or not but Damien found the study on Mana and Mind too explosive and interesting.
And as someone who was dependent on all kinds of theories and skills, he felt that there was nothing wrong with learning something.
"Okay," Serena nodded as she too liked discussing the theories with Damien. He was a smart man who didn't rely on a boorish show of his strength but he listened to what she was saying and gave his input when needed.
All in all, he was quite good company.
Damien nodded as he took his leave.
Serena watched him leave before hugging the book in her hands.
There were a lot of notes that she had made and written; maybe she would bring them tomorrow and discuss them with Damien.
"How is your father?" Damien asked Thalia as he got in the carriage. "Are his injuries recovering well?"
"He is doing alright," Thalia replied with a smile, looking quite grateful and happy with Damien's attention. "However, there is only a small problem. My father drinks the alcohol that I buy to clean his wound, and because of this pus has started to form on his injuries."
"Is that so?" Damien had expected such something to happen. He thought about it for a second before smiling as he said to Thalia, "Then will you ask a question to your dad for me?"
"Of course, what do I need to ask him?"
"Tell him what colour coffin would he like?"