Once inside the mansion, Nicolas realized a problem he hadn't considered, how was he supposed to find his father in an unfamiliar place like this?
As he wandered through the halls, he suddenly spotted the massively obese figure of his father walking side by side with the butler. His father held a phone to his ear, clearly in the middle of an important conversation, as shown by his intense expression.
The butler noticed Nicolas and signaled the patriarch. His father cast a glance in his direction, acknowledging his presence before refocusing on the call. He spoke in a voice filled with anger:
"Very well, I'll grant you this delay. However, it will be the last time, I won't tolerate another mistake like this."
Without waiting for a reply, he hung up and handed the phone to the butler. Finally turning his gaze to Nicolas, he gave him a broad smile, as if the earlier rage had been nothing but an act.
"My son, have you set aside your studies today? What are you doing wandering around like this?"
"Indeed. I've decided to temporarily put aside my studies to focus on preparing for the Hunter Exam. For that, Father, I would like to ask for your help."
Not wanting to waste time beating around the bush, Nicolas got straight to the point. He truly disliked this man, someone who valued life so little and seemed so unstable.
His father, François, a name Nicolas had only discovered that morning through the files on the computer, looked at him with a questioning expression.
"What could you possibly need from me?"
Nicolas explained his request for equipment and the need for a combat instructor. Upon hearing this, François frowned deeply, his face clearly disapproving.
"You are my son. Our family has no need for training or gimmicks to succeed. However, if it is your wish, I can consider it…"
Nicolas held back the urge to scoff aloud. How much did this man believe in the superiority of his bloodline to claim they didn't even need to train? Still, he chose to respond in a way that aligned with his father's worldview.
"I know that, Father. Consider it a mere distraction, I've grown tired of my studies lately."
François nodded and turned to the butler beside him.
"You're a former soldier, aren't you? I'm entrusting his training to you, at least until he grows bored of it."
The butler nodded and looked at Nicolas.
"When would you like to begin training, sir?"
He was a soldier? He must be elite-level. My current body is strong enough to qualify for the Hunter Exam. Even if my father acts like it's easy, in reality I'm already among the top 1% of this world. But I can't compare myself to the butler, he clearly isn't as simple as he appears.
"I'm ready whenever. The sooner, the better," he replied.
The butler nodded.
"Very well. Then let's begin right now. Let's head to the garden, we already have training weights. I'll give them to you after this session."
They went to the same yard where Nicolas had run earlier. The butler, hands behind his back, spoke in a deep voice:
"Very well, now attack me with everything you've got."
Nicolas blinked.
"You want me to attack you, just like that?"
The butler replied plainly, "Yes. Don't worry, I won't hurt you."
I'm more worried I'll hurt you...
Recalling the fear the butler had instilled in him earlier that day, Nicolas brushed the thought aside. He took an awkward boxing stance he'd seen on TV.
He charged at full speed, preparing a right hook, but the butler dodged effortlessly. The exchange continued for five minutes. No matter what tactics he used, the butler evaded or blocked every blow with ease.
Finally, the butler spoke, ending the exercise.
"Very well, sir, that's enough. I see what you're capable of. Your physical abilities are exceptional. With proper training, you might be a real diamond in the rough."
Nicolas didn't know if he was just being polite, but he himself had the feeling that this body had incredible physical potential. If the original Nicolas had really spent all his time in his room studying, as his body and father's remarks suggested, then he'd been wasting an enormous gift.
Breathing heavily, he asked, "What do we do now?"
The butler answered with a smile that didn't quite seem genuine.
"The most important thing for now will be improving your physical condition. We'll worry about combat later. For the rest of the day, just get used to the weights you asked for. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin proper physical training, mostly running and strength work with the weights, followed by combat simulations like the one we just did."
Nicolas nodded. The training sounded basic and straightforward, but he couldn't expect much more. He was already grateful to have a guide who seemed so capable.
The physical training part is settled. Now I just need to awaken Nen.
For now, Nicolas couldn't tell the difference between killing intent and Nen-based intimidation. He couldn't determine whether the butler was a Nen master or just an extremely strong soldier.
And even if he was a master, there was no guarantee he'd be willing to teach. Nicolas didn't know what his abilities were, and it was possible that anything he could teach would be less useful than the information Nicolas already had from the manga.
Plus, I don't know if I can trust him enough to reveal that I know what Nen is. It might be safer to keep that to myself for now...
I'm getting ahead of myself. I haven't even unlocked Nen yet. No point worrying about this now.
Nicolas followed the butler back into the mansion. The butler handed him four weights, one for each limb, each weighing 10 kilograms, for a total of 40 kg.
"We'll gradually increase the weight once you've adapted. For now, just live normally. I recommend removing them only when showering. Of course, you're free to take them off anytime if you wish."
Nicolas nodded. He intended to keep them on and raise the weight quickly. He knew better than anyone how dangerous this world was. Here, only strength could guarantee even the slightest bit of safety.
Returning to his room, Nicolas sat cross-legged on the floor beside his bed, placing himself in a meditative position.