Eternal Temptation: Awakening Sinful Desires

"As for Asher, he understands this fact. That is why he's willing to dedicate all his efforts to improving himself. And unlike you, he doesn't complain or make excuses. He just keeps on working, even when the both of you are resting. Such a good boy, isn't he? Why can't the two of you follow his example?

Come on! Get back to it! Now!"

Scarlet grumbled under her breath, complaining about Rias' harsh training methods and criticism, but she dragged herself off the ground and picked up her sword anyway.

Meanwhile, Cecil let out a sigh and stood up with less reluctance than Scarlet. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again. The look in her green orbs was calm and focused as she began practicing her sword art again.

A smile flashed across Asher's face when he saw the two young women resume their exercises.

He admired Rias for being such an excellent teacher. She always knew exactly how to push people beyond their limits. She was also very patient with them when they struggled with certain techniques and helped them overcome their difficulties.

In addition, she always made sure to praise them whenever they succeeded in doing something difficult or mastered a new skill.

But despite Rias' kind nature, she wasn't afraid to scold those who didn't listen to her. It didn't matter who they were; if they disobeyed her commands or didn't put in 100%, she would punish them without hesitation.

Such discipline was essential for cultivators, especially those who aimed for the peak. Those who couldn't endure the hardships of cultivation could never hope to reach the pinnacle.

However, while Asher thought that Rias was doing a great job teaching the two young women, he remembered how she reacted when Scarlet told him about the way he saved her and Cecil a month ago.

Rias got mad at him because she felt as if Asher bound Scarlet and Cecil in some kind of slave contract by marking them with the soul mark of the Astral Nexus Core Orb.

But when Scarlet explained the whole story and showed Rias the soul marks, she calmed down a little but remained skeptical. She was suspicious that the mark would influence the free will of Cecil and Scarlet, thus leading them to obey Asher's orders.

At that moment, Asher brought her into the Mystic Starry Realm and proved that the Astral Nexus Core Orb could share knowledge and memories and even resurrect a person. Moreover, it did not affect the freedom of the two young women and allowed them to act as they pleased.

Only then did the beautiful, mature woman stop blaming the handsome youth, and her mood became relaxed and positive.

After reassuring Rias, Asher also gave her a soul mark before also using the Mystic Body Refinement Array on her.

Which made her body undergo a profound transformation, along with her Spirit, Emberstorm Tigraen, becoming more powerful.

At that time, Rias's skin radiated with a healthy glow, and her red hair shone like fiery flames dancing around her body.

Moreover, the heart tattoo on her chest gave off a mysterious aura that enhanced her charm even further.

All this resulted in Rias getting closer to Asher, treating him almost like a son rather than just a student. It made Asher feel comfortable around her. After all, having someone look after you was always nice.

Returning to the present, Asher concentrated on his training. Even though he had improved in recent weeks, he was still far from satisfied with himself. He wanted to be better, faster, and stronger than ever before. And he wasn't going to stop until he achieved perfection in The Sword Art of The Boundless Night.

"Enough practicing with your sword. Now, I want three of you to attack me at once. Let's see if anyone can break through my defense, even though you attack in unison with my cultivation suppressed." Rias ordered with an arrogant smirk on her pretty face.

Looking at the beautiful, mature woman, the three youths exchanged glances, and without saying a word, each of them rushed forward from different directions and attacked Rias.

Their movements were swift and graceful; each one was unique in its own way. However, the strikes they unleashed had a certain elegance and fluidity to them that could not be described by mere words alone.

With every step, every slash, and every stab, they seemed to flow as naturally as water flowing down a stream. There was no wasted motion; only pure power and speed combined into an unstoppable force.

And yet, even though these three young people moved in perfect harmony, they were unable to even touch a hair on Rias' body.

Her red eyes watched the trio with interest, and her beautiful red lips curled into an amused grin as she evaded every single attack directed at her with ease. Her figure was like a leaf drifting across the wind, always changing its position to avoid contact while remaining unaffected by whatever forces acted upon it.

Even though she hadn't taken a single step from the spot where she stood earlier, she managed to stay just out of reach of any of the three people in front of her. It was almost as though time itself had slowed down around her and allowed her to anticipate their moves before they even made them.

"Not bad. You three are starting to improve, and that's good. However, you are still too stiff and predictable. Try not to show your movements so much. If you are going to attack someone, make sure to throw in a feint once in a while. Otherwise, your opponent might notice that you are setting up your real attack and counter you before you can strike.

Remember what I taught you: Keep your balance at all times, stay alert, and don't lose sight of your goal." Rias advised while she parried Asher's sword with her wooden sword.