My SSS-Rank Innate skill: Infinite Adaptation core

Theodore started walking toward the training grounds. ”Let’s go.”

...

A few minutes later, Nova and Theodore stood facing each other on the training grounds.

The traning ground was quite large, built inside the Duke’s estate, and equipped with all necessary training weapons and facilities even with a Mana barrier.

Asia and Rodrick stood at the side, watching the two men intently.

Asia’s mind was in turmoil. She still didn’t understand what Nova was planning. Why had he agreed to spar with her father? Was he really not joking when he claimed to be stronger than him?

Nova summoned Rouve in its black sword form. Theodore had changed into practical training gear instead of his usual luxurious outfit and now held a sword in his hand.

Nova had already made Rouve consume the two swords he took from the Blood Moon Cult Grandmasters. According to Liya, those swords were Low-Tier Grandmaster rank.

After devouring them, Rouve had evolved into a High-Tier Grandmaster rank weapon.

This made Nova realize just how priceless his new weapon truly was. It didn’t even need the Fusion skill — it could naturally absorb and upgrade itself by consuming other weapons.

Nova looked at Theodore and spoke with a confident smile, ”Lord Frost, why don’t we make this spar more interesting by placing a bet?”

”Oh? A bet?” Theodore’s eyes sparkled with amusement. ”I like the sound of that.

He was genuinely impressed by the young man’s audacity and courage — betting against a Duke needed some balls.

”Tell me then,” Theodore said, his tone playful yet intrigued. ”What do you want to bet on?”

Asia tensed up immediately. Rodrick, who was usually calm, raised an eyebrow. He couldn’t understand why his lord wanted to spar with a boy who hadn’t even reached his first evolution.

Still, he had to admit the young man had courage — betting against a Duke was no small thing.

Nova smiled, though he felt a slight nervousness. This plan could backfire if he had misjudged Theodore. But if his read was correct, it would be a huge success. He spoke clearly.

”Before that... I want to ask you a few questions, if that’s alright with you,” Nova said confidently. ”And if I’ve judged your character correctly, you won’t have any objection to my words — although you might get angry when you hear the bet.”

Theodore raised an eyebrow, curious about what kind of questions and bet could possibly anger him. Still, he replied calmly,

”Ask away.”

Nova nodded and began, ”Do you love your daughter? And would you do anything for her?”

Theodore was confused but answered without hesitation, ”Of course I love her. I would do anything for her happiness. There’s no question about that.”

Nova smiled and asked his next question, ”Then, if your daughter has agreed to something and want it, would you be willing to grant her that request?”

Theodore was growing more puzzled by these obvious questions, but he still answered honestly, ”Yes, I would grant it... unless the request would bring her harm in any way.”

Nova’s smile widened in satisfaction. Now came the main part — the part that still made him slightly nervous.

He could be ruthless and cunning with his enemies, but in matters like this, he preferred a peaceful resolution.

Rodrick, standing on the sidelines, asked curiously, ”Lady Asia... if I may ask, do you have some sort of relationship with Sir Nova?”

Asia’s heart beat faster, but she replied calmly, ”You will know soon, Grandpa Rodrick.”

Nova took a breath and spoke clearly, ”I love Asia with all my heart, and she loves me back. You can confirm that with your daughter.

And if I defeat you in this spar, I would like you to give me your daughter’s hand in marriage. If I lose...then I’m not worthy of her.”

”This spar will also prove my strength to you — that I can protect your daughter. I know you’re not the type of person who cares much about social status, so I hope you’ll agree to this bet.”

The entire training ground fell into pin-drop silence.

Asia felt like her heart would would leap out of her mouth. She never expected Nova to ask her father for her hand in marriage so boldly, taking full advantage of the situation. Now she was even more nervous about her father’s answer.

Of course, this didn’t mean Nova and Asia would get married right away if the Duke agreed. It was simply an agreement for them to be together for the rest of their lives with the Duke’s blessing. The wedding itself could take place later, when the time was right.

Rodrick was surprised, but he had somewhat expected something like this. A small smile appeared on his face. It wasn’t like he disliked Nova — if anything, he felt the young man matched Asia far better than any noble he had met in his long life.

Nova was incredibly handsome, courageous, had a great physique, and a strong personality. As for his strength... they would find out soon enough if his lord agreed to the bet.

Theodore remained silent for a moment, clearly processing Nova’s bold request. At first, he was surprised by the sudden confession. But he could feel the sincerity in every word Nova spoke.

It reminded him of his own youth when he had asked for his wife’s hand in a similarly direct way, though the circumstances were different.

He didn’t know what to say. He had just gotten rid of one forced engagement and felt a heavy weight lift from his heart. Now he was being asked for his daughter’s hand again.

But this time, he didn’t feel angry or upset. If anything, he was confused and a little scared. Asia was the only family he had left.

Her happiness was the most important thing to him. Even if Nova wasn’t strong, he would spare no expense or effort to make him worthy for his daughter.

He didn’t care about social status or nobility. Nova had courage, and he seemed strong. If he truly was, they would find out soon.

Theodore looked at his daughter and asked in a calm voice, ”My dear daughter... do you love this young man?”

Asia clutched the fabric of her clothes nervously but answered clearly, without hesitation, ”Yes, Father. I love him.”

Theodore then turned to Nova. ”Do you have any other women in your life?”

Nova answered honestly, ”Yes. You already know about Rieka. She is my lover as well, and Asia knows about it.”

Theodore asked his daughter once more, ”You still love him... even knowing he already has one woman and may have more in the future?”

Asia answered earnestly, ”Yes, Father. I still love him, and I’m very happy with him.”

”Sigh..” Theodore let out a heavy sigh. A small, genuine smile appeared on his lips as he continued, ”Since my daughter loves you and is happy with you... I’ll agree to the bet.

You must prove your worth by defeating me. If you lose, you can forget about having her in your life.”

Of course, Theodore was lying. Even if Nova lost, he would still grant his daughter’s wish. He would do anything for her happiness.

Theodore glanced at the black sword in Nova’s hand and nodded approvingly. ”A fine sword you have there... So you use the sword as well. Though it might put you at a disadvantage.”

He took a proper stance and continued, ”I am known as a Swordmaster in this region. Although I’m mostly busy with politics and have little time to raise my level, I am still a Swordmaster. So be careful.”

Nova adjusted his stance as well, carefully holding back his strength so he wouldn’t accidentally harm Theodore. He was still getting used to his recent power boost and had to manage his leaking demonic energy.

”Oof... that was nerve-racking,” Nova muttered as he readied himself. ”That felt harder than killing the dungeon boss for the first time.”

{ Heh... You really took advantage of the situation. Consider yourself lucky that Theodore is such a good person. You won’t meet many nobles like him. }

”You’re absolutely right,” Nova replied mentally as he observed Theodore activating some kind of technique. A powerful aura began leaking from the Duke.

”That’s why I’ve decided — I’ll add him to the list of people I need to make stronger during these three years before we leave the city.”

Theodore moved in a blur, launching forward with impressive speed. Nova matched him effortlessly, his natural speed already vastly superior. He didn’t even need to use Lightning Steps.

Clang!

Their swords collided in the center of the training ground, sending sparks flying. Nova felt a strong, icy energy radiate from Theodore’s blade, brushing against his body like freezing wind.

Seeing that Nova was matching his strength, Theodore’s eyes narrowed. He had only been using around 20% of his power to avoid accidentally injuring the young man. Now, he decided to increase it.

The same thought crossed Nova’s mind. He was also holding back significantly. It was a rather bizarre situation — both of them trying not to hurt the other while testing their limits.

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[A/N]

I’ve updated the weapon ranking system to better match the world’s power system.

For example, a Grandmaster Realm weapon is divided into three tiers: Low, Medium, and High.

Higher ranks will be revealed as the story progresses. I hope this makes the power system easier to understand.

Thanks for reading....